Success Stories: Don Ridley
It is often so easy to fall into the monotony and familiarity of our roles. To accept the status quo and breathe easy in the comforts of our routines. But for over four decades, pharmacy technician Don Ridley has stood fast against these pressures of the familiar and has helped pave innovative new paths for the profession of Pharmacy Technicians. His career is marked by a willingness to take on all challenges, leading with integrity and dedication to the profession.
In 1984, Don began his career at the Charles Camsell Hospital as a pharmacy technician. His career has taken many pathways, including serving as the Pharmacy Manager at the Misericordia Hospital, where he was one of the first technicians to manage not only assistants and pharmacy technicians, but pharmacists as well. His responsibility in the overall success of this department was seen and acknowledged by many. Much of his career was then spent at the Royal Alexandra and Glenrose Hospitals; his most recent position was the Pharmacy Operations Manager there.
A true pioneer, Don has been a passionate advocate for expanding the scope of pharmacy technicians. He consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional roles, paving the way for others to follow. In his early days at RAH, Don played a key role in transformative changes that saw technicians take on responsibilities such as checking and sterile compounding, freeing pharmacists to focus more on direct patient care. An accomplishment that he personally holds near to his heart.
Don has been a tireless advocate for the pharmacy technician profession, contributing in countless ways through professional organizations, initiatives and advocacy efforts. Don’s leadership extended beyond the hospital walls. He served as both President and Vice President of the Pharmacy Technician Society of Alberta (PTSA) and was a council member with the Alberta College of Pharmacy. He contributed to the planning of annual conferences for both PTSA and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacy Banff Conference, and volunteered with the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada to help shape national standards for pharmacy technicians. As chair of the operational committee for HealthPRO, he helped connect hospitals across Canada with the medications they need to provide essential care. His vast experience solely in the realm of volunteerism is inspirational to our profession and has no doubt encouraged many to stand up, sign up, and make a difference and in 2019 was the recipient of PTSA’s Professionalism Award.
When asked what advice he would offer to someone entering our profession, Don advises that new graduates should work hard within their guidelines and understand that upholding a high level of personal professionalism is key to reaching their goals and maintaining excellence in their career paths. As he reflects on the last 4 decades of his career, he acknowledges the vast changes to our practice. The expansion of the scope of practice, the introduction and updates to technology and tools used in our day-to-day and company climates are ever changing, and the ability to recognize and adapt to these is imperative to success at work. Maintaining competencies and fostering lifelong learning through attendance at professional development conferences was important to Don in the ever-changing practice of pharmacy.
As far as retirement plans, Don plans to maintain casual employment and involvement in the pharmacy community. He aspires to travel more and make time for the people and things closest to him, and have more time for projects at home. He hopes that he is remembered by colleagues, friends, and peers as someone who truly cared. Someone who valued connection, the conversations and genuine engagement with others.
Don leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shape our profession for years to come. His contributions have left an indelible mark, and it is undeniable that many of us stand where we are today because of his trailblazing leadership.
Please join us in honouring Don Ridley on his remarkable career and dedication to the profession as he steps into retirement. Shared below are just a few of the sentiments shared with me as I conversed with some of Don’s past and present co-workers while researching for this article.
Congratulations on your retirement, Don! You have certainly left your mark on this profession!
“On a personal level, I’ve been fortunate to benefit from Don’s mentorship. He has consistently taken the time to support my professional growth, offering guidance with a rare blend of approachability, deep knowledge, and pragmatic insight. I know I’m not alone—many pharmacy professionals have been shaped by his mentorship and inspired by his example. I vividly remember the first time I learned about Don’s career journey. It was a moment that opened my eyes to the possibilities within our profession and solidified my belief that pharmacy technicians can lead and influence practice at every level.” ~ Laura Miskimins
“Above all, Don’s greatest passion has been supporting his team. As a manager to assistants, technicians and pharmacists, Don has been both hands-on and empowering, always ready to step in when needed, while also nurturing future leaders and fostering a culture of growth and support. It has been a true privilege to work alongside Don over the past decade. His dedication, generosity, and leadership have left a lasting impact. We wish him a well-deserved retirement filled with rest, joy, and new adventures.” ~ Chaela Barry
“Trailblazer is defined by Merriam-Webster as a pioneer; an innovator,” and there are few individuals who embody that definition more fully than Don Ridley. With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Don has left an indelible mark on the pharmacy profession. His unwavering dedication to excellence and his passion for mentorship have shaped the careers of countless Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Pharmacy Assistants. His legacy is not only in what he has accomplished, but in the thriving community of professionals he has helped to build and empower.” ~ Jenn Bean
Blog post written by Sari Jory, Engagement Director for PTSA.