I had the privilege of attending the PTSA Conference over two days in September, and it was truly an inspiring experience. From start to finish, the event was filled with learning, laughter, and meaningful connections. The MCs kept the energy high with their humor, while each speaker brought unique wisdom that reminded me why I love being part of this profession.
The session Navigating Troubled Waters was a powerful reminder that success often comes with adversity, especially for women in leadership. Compounding and Repackaging gave us a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes expertise that shapes the recipes and references we rely on daily. I was especially impressed by the calm and confident presentation on hazardous compounding—the speaker embodied professionalism and passion for safety.
Learning about special access program medications and HPT therapy gave me knowledge I know will be valuable not just in pharmacy practice, but also in life. You never know when a family member or friend may need specialized treatment.
One session that struck a personal chord with me was From Burnout to Balance. It was a timely reminder that even in a profession dedicated to caring for others, we must also care for ourselves. Recognizing the early signs of stress and taking intentional steps to address them is essential. The grounding technique introduced during the session is a simple but powerful tool—something I can use myself and also share with colleagues, friends, or patients who may be experiencing stress or anxiety. It reinforced that resilience isn’t just about pushing through, but about pausing, centering ourselves, and moving forward with balance.
Another memorable session came from the RxA speaker, who shed light on the unjust cuts impacting pharmacists in our province. This message resonated deeply with me because, as pharmacy professionals, we see the reality every day: pharmacists are often the first line of defense for patients, especially in communities where many do not have access to a family doctor. These cuts don’t just affect pharmacists—they affect patients, families, and the health of our communities. The speaker reminded us of the importance of advocacy, of standing up for the essential role pharmacy plays in primary care, and of ensuring our voices are heard in shaping the future of healthcare.
Two other presentations resonated deeply with me: Inspiring a Growth Mindset and Breaking Barriers for Pharmacy Technicians. Both reminded me that growth is continuous, and failure is often a stepping stone to success. In my role, I face new challenges every day, and these talks reignited my commitment to lifelong learning and resilience.
One of my personal goals at conferences is to meet new people. This year, I sat with different groups and was reminded how rich our community is. I met a humble attendee who shared how her employer supported her journey through her pharmacy technician program. This employe has empowered her to train staff and she has unwavering dedication to patients. I also admired the courage of two women who attended the conference alone for the first time—stepping outside their comfort zones to embrace the opportunity.
My co-director and I had the chance to connect with others interested in volunteering with PTSA, sharing our own experiences and encouraging future leaders to step forward.
A particularly eye-opening session was Robberies and Burglaries in Pharmacy. Hearing one attendee describe living through four robbery incidents—and yet continuing to serve patients with resilience and even joining a safety committee—left me deeply moved. That kind of dedication is what inspires me to keep striving for excellence, no matter the challenges.
As one colleague told me while we grabbed coffee, “I always feel inspired after attending this conference.” I couldn’t agree more. PTSA 2025 reminded me that our profession is built not only on knowledge and skill, but also on resilience, compassion, balance, advocacy, and the power of community.
About the author: Carla Dumka is a pharmacy technician and former PTSA Education Director.
