A Master Class in Care

Darren Tardif, ’13 BSc(Pharm), (right) consults with a patient at the ARTARx pharmacy in Edmonton

What if pharmacy practice could evolve alongside today’s precision health models — with bespoke services designed to anticipate and answer the specific needs of the communities they serve?

Since its launch in 2023, ARTARx, the community pharmacy owned by the Alberta Retired Teachers Association (ARTA), has been doing its best to answer that call, providing an alternative to the traditional corporate pharmacy model. 

Learning to listen

While ARTARx is open to anyone, most of its 3,700-plus clients are retired teachers, says Yatin Patel, ’00 BSc(Spec), ’04 BSc(Pharm), ARTA’s director of pharmacy services. The organization — in response to a 2019 survey of its members that indicated a desire for more accessible, personalized pharmacy services — created a model that could be proactive in co-ordinating care for retirees, he says, who often have concurrent chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. ARTA also wanted its pharmacy services geared to improve cost stability for patients and assist them in collaborating with physicians and navigating complex coverage. 

A made-to-order model

“A big part of what makes ARTARx work so well is that most patients come in with expectations to engage in more in-depth discussions about their health and wellness,” says manager Darren Tardif, ’13 BSc(Pharm). And ARTARx’s model was built to meet those expectations. 

Beyond its four pharmacists, three technicians and two assistants — a model that some may consider “top-heavy,” according to Patel — the care team also includes four dedicated pharmacy assistants work to support patients in navigating various levels of public and private drug coverage, like ARTA member insurance, Alberta Coverage for Seniors, coverage from spouse's plans and more.

The design of the space lends itself to better engagement too, Tardif adds, with inviting counselling rooms and quiet waiting areas. Plus, the store can be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, and still serve its retired clientele well — while also creating a healthy work-life balance for its staff. 

Happy staff, happy patients

The lack of shift work means a better quality of life for staff, says Patel. And the higher number of qualified pharmacists leads to better career satisfaction. At any given time, one can be dedicated to the typical clinical appointment, such as immunizations or travel consultations, while the other is focused on the dispensary and a third supports where needed. 

Staff are also given the freedom to innovate procedures, something that is less likely to happen in a corporate setting, says Patel, and leads to greater career fulfilment. Tardif’s team recently worked out a routine immunization eligibility screening system that increased vaccination rates among patients. “It gives me great satisfaction,” he says. “I feel like we are truly capable of making a difference in the health and wellness of our patients.” 

Patel agrees. “If you take care of the care worker, you'll take care of the client,” he says. With more senior staff working better hours, they have the time and energy to provide optimal care. Patients have greater access to regular personalized consultations and the patient education that gives them “a deeper understanding of what they're doing and why they're doing it,” adds Patel, which increases the likelihood of adherence.

Tardif sees the benefits firsthand. A common refrain among their patients, he says, is “I’ve never had someone do that for me before.” It’s a testament to ARTARx’s ability to go above and beyond, taking the time to provide new information, new services or answers to lingering questions.  

Planning for the future

With a pharmacy model that works this well for both employees and patients, Patel would love to see more new graduates seek out this kind of career opportunity. He challenges early-career pharmacists to not just look for a job, but consider the ideal state in which they would like to practise. “Students should be prepared to drive pharmacy in a direction that prioritizes health outcomes for patients,” he says, and everyone will win. 

So what’s next? ARTA is taking its success in Edmonton and replicating it. ARTARx Calgary is set to open in 2026, with another U of A grad, Mike Song, ’14 BSc, ’19 BSc(Pharm), at the helm as its pharmacy manager.

Looking ahead, “ARTARx’s message is simple,” says Tardif. “‘Your health, our priority.”