ESTEVAN, Sask. — Estevan's Kaleb Bechtold has been recognized as the Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan's (PAS) inaugural Student of the Year.
The award was presented Sept. 11 at the PAS annual convention in Regina. Bechtold, who is a fourth-year PharmD student at the University of Saskatchewan, told SaskToday there were some really strong finalists for the honour. He said it's a "gratifying" feeling to win.
The award recognizes one pharmacy student and one pharmacy technician student in Saskatchewan who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the profession through professionalism, collaboration, patient-centred care and advocacy for the pharmacy profession.
Bechtold said he always knew he wanted to work in the health-care profession, but wasn't sure where. The scope and care expansions for pharmacists in Saskatchewan make it an exciting time for the profession.
"That really caught my eye, and I figured that was a good direction for me to head," said Bechtold.
The Souris Family Pharmacy nominated Bechtold for the award. He said he had his first one-month pharmacy rotation at the business following his first year of pharmacy school, and then worked there the past two summers.
He is currently on his final rotations and is looking forward to finishing his studies. He has already signed a contract to return to the Souris Family Pharmacy once he's finished.
"I couldn't ask for a better group of people to practise with, and I've learned so much from all of the different employees there already about what it means to practise in a pharmacy setting. Just top-notch people there all around," he said.
Bechtold said the award is a result of the effort, guidance and leadership of so many individuals around him. He expressed thanks to the ownership, management and the rest of the team at Souris Family Pharmacy, who have all contributed to his development as a pharmacist.
"I cannot wait to return there following my last year of schooling," he said.
Souris Family Pharmacy's Matthew Walliser, who was Bechtold's preceptor, wrote in his nomination that Bechtold has an excellent understanding of the community pharmacist’s role in health care.
"He promptly proved capable of completing all technical and appropriate clinical tasks and spent his time on site, asking thoughtful questions about pharmacy practice while familiarizing himself with the processes and procedures of providing patient care," Walliser wrote in his nomination.
He described Bechtold as a willing learner and highlighted Bechtold's effort to create a list of patients who Bechtold thought would benefit from a medication review. Bechtold took the initiative to approach these patients when they came to pick up their regular medications to schedule the review, and helped complete the reviews and follow up as he could.
As part of the medication review process, Walliser said Bechtold communicated drug therapy problems and proposed solutions to his patients’ primary care providers while developing a strong, collaborative relationship with the doctors and nurse practitioners in town.
"Our clients are so grateful for the opportunity to spend time and talk to a pharmacy professional about their medications," Walliser said. "Clients frequently express their appreciation for Kaleb’s professionalism and knowledge, emphasizing how approachable he is."
Walliser described Bechtold as a smart, dedicated professional who has demonstrated a passion for advancing pharmacy while exemplifying leadership and initiative to do his part to achieve this. He works hard and gives back to his community, and Souris Family Pharmacy is lucky to have him as part of its team.
