I was tentative, at first, when someone suggested I work along side a pharmacy.
Do they hold the same values as me? Is this going to work?
The reality of working with people, is that some of them are already on drugs when coming to see me. Even though I prefer using other methods than pharmaceuticals, I understand that if someone doesn’t have a thyroid, they will be on thyroid medication. Though I have been trained to know the interactions between herbs and pharmaceuticals, I appreciate having someone at hand who are experts with the pharmaceutical side.
What really got me to thinking about working with the pharmacy is that they are more than just drugs.
They have a plethora of other healthcare related products. Such as: vitamins, sports nutrition, walkers, canes, crutches, blister packs, herbs, and body care. Just to name a few. Not only do they have modern medicines, but also traditional medicines along side. They are a bridge between the two.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, the health of the community is just as important as the health of the patient. The two go and hand in hand, and one supports the other. By donating time and/or money into Cochrane, Grand Avenue is helping provide people with more than just products. They are helping with the quality of life of Cochranites. Which falls in line with one of our Naturopathic Oaths. “Treat the whole person” (Tolle totum).
Another one of our oaths is “Teach the principles of healthy living and preventative medicine” (Prevenio et evito aegresco). Wednesday nights are dedicated to exercise at spray lakes sports arena. Where you can join the pharmacy team train for their entry into Footstock or just join for promoting your own healthy living.
Not only do they support the community, but they also support me to help my patients. We each have our strengths and our limitations. By working together we can overcome more obstacles by understanding each other and how to support one another in our limitations and how to build on our strengths. This ultimately helps us to help you. Which is why I think this is a great fit.
