November 6, 2021

PCCA Names Cathy Puffer the 2021 Canadian Compounding Pharmacist of the Year

London, Ontario (November 6, 2021) – PCCA has named Cathy Puffer, RPh, of Remedy’s Rx on Kent in Lindsay, ON, as its 2021 Canadian Compounding Pharmacist of the Year. This award is presented annually to an independent pharmacist who has demonstrated service excellence to patients, health care providers and pharmacy colleagues. Compounding is the pharmacy method of preparing customized medications to meet each prescriber’s and patient’s unique needs. PCCA Canada General Manager Amanda Cassel presented the award to Puffer on November 6, 2021, during the pharmacy’s annual holiday party in Lindsay, Ontario.

Puffer is deeply rooted in her community and shares her passion for patient case openly. Countless examples of her community impact demonstrate how deserving Puffer is of receiving this award.

The PCCA Canadian Compounding Pharmacist of the Year Award is presented to a PCCA member pharmacist who exemplifies the very best of independent compounding pharmacies. Specific criteria for this award include: safety/product quality practices and standards; high ethical standards; continuing education and participation in PCCA events; innovations in the field; positive physician relationships; community relationships; and a willingness to network with PCCA member colleagues. Cassel welcomed Puffer to an influential group of previous award winners, saying, “At PCCA, we believe in recognizing the people who inspire us. This award is our way of tipping our hat at someone who goes above and beyond – not only in compounding, but also in patient care. And, Cathy, this could be your mantra.”

Puffer graduated from the University of Toronto Pharmacy School in 1987 and opened her pharmacy, Remedy’s RX on Kent, in 2009. She jumped in with both feet as an original member of the national Remedy’s RX Advisory Committee (RAC) and served four years. She has always been active member of her community, serving on the Cambridge Street United Church board several times throughout the years. She is a member (and supporter) of the Dragon Flies Breast Cancer Survivor Group of the City of Kawartha Lakes. Puffer sits on the City of Kawartha Lakes Palliative Care Community Team, along with representatives from local organizations and health agencies, local doctors and practitioners. She supports several local organizations on an ongoing basis, including the Diabetes Association, Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, Kawartha Lakes Food Source and A Place Called Home shelter for the homeless.

At the event, the award was presented virtually by Cassel and PCCA Territory Manager Corinn Ponton. Puffer was overwhelmed with surprises that evening, as the event also celebrated her birthday. She was joined by her husband, Mike, her children and her dedicated pharmacy team to celebrate the honour.

Several friends and colleagues shared how important she has been to them personally and professionally, including PCCA National Sales Director Mike De Lisio; PCCA Clinical Compounding Pharmacist Sebastian Denison, RPh; PCCA President Jim Smith; and PCCA CEO David Sparks. Multiple staff members, patients and health care professionals from her community also shared stories of how Puffer has directly touched their lives.

Puffer, humbled by the award, thanked her friends, colleagues and the PCCA team for the honour. She said, “I know many of the pharmacists who have won this in the past, and I don’t feel that I am in their league.” Recognizing her staff for contributing to this achievement, she accepted the award with gratitude on behalf of the entire team at Remedy’s RX on Kent.

ABOUT PCCA

PCCA is a complete resource for independent compounding pharmacies. The company’s members include more than 3,000 independent community pharmacists in the United States, Canada, Australia and other countries around the world. Incorporated in 1981 by a network of pharmacists who recognized the need to help patients requiring customized medications, PCCA has supported pharmacy compounding for 40 years.

MEDIA CONTACT

Kim Speairs, APR, MBA, Director of Communications, PCCA, 817.729.5064, kspeairs@pccarx.com