KERRISDALE PHARMACY

Kerrisdale Pharmacy is a business people have turned to since the early 1970s. While there were a couple of changes in ownership in the first decade, the Holyk family took over in 1981 and has remained at its helm ever since. Today, Colin Holyk co-owns the business alongside fellow pharmacists Eugene Mar and Joanne Price.

Colin's roots in the pharmacy business trace back to his childhood in Westlock, Alberta, where his father, Michael, owned Holyk Super Drug Mart. Colin began assisting his father with various tasks at a young age, which evolved into a regular after-school job. The family's yearly visits to Kerrisdale fueled Michael's interest in Kerrisdale Pharmacy, leading to its acquisition in 1981 and their relocation to Vancouver the following year.

Colin earned his pharmacy degree from UBC in 1990 and subsequently joined his father in managing the pharmacy, eventually assuming the role of pharmacy manager in 2000.

Eugene's journey at Kerrisdale Pharmacy began in 1997 as a pharmacy student, and he later transitioned to a pharmacist role in 1999. Over time, he became a minority shareholder; he now shares equal ownership with Colin and has taken on the role of pharmacy manager.

Similarly, Joanne, a UBC Faculty of Pharmacy graduate, started her career at Kerrisdale Pharmacy during her university years. After gaining experience elsewhere, she returned to Kerrisdale Pharmacy as a part-owner and pharmacist.

In addition to the three owners, the pharmacist team includes Tracy Parkinson, Grace Wong, and Gabe Mason. Though Michael Holyk passed away in 2012, his legacy continues to resonate throughout Kerrisdale Pharmacy.

Recently, the business underwent a significant year-long renovation, integrating the upperfloor compounding lab and offices with the main-floor pharmacy space following the vacancy of the neighbouring retail area.

The business has transcended its traditional pharmacy and prescription services to offer custom medication compounding, weightloss counselling, and a range of homeopathic, organic, and natural alternatives, among other innovative solutions.

The newly constructed compounding lab stands as a testament to excellence. It was meticulously designed to meet the rigorous new regulations while catering to the diverse needs of families and their beloved pets. This state-of-the-art facility provides custom medications tailored to address a wide spectrum of ailments. Whether it's hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for adults, custom dosing formulations for children, or specialized delivery methods for pets, the lab offers comprehensive solutions to meet every unique requirement.

Above and Beyond Pharmacy

There has been a significant shift in the traditional role of pharmacists over the past year. New regulatory standards in British Columbia now empower pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe medications for minor ailments and contraception to clients within the province.

This expanded scope of practice includes 21 conditions for which pharmacists can now prescribe medication, such as pink eye, dermatitis, allergies, fungal infections, cold sores, shingles, smoking cessation, and uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Additionally, pharmacists can manage refills and extend certain prescriptions until patients can consult their doctors.

Another big change in the pharmacist’s role since the pandemic has been an increase in vaccinations above and beyond COVID-19 immunizations.

“During the pandemic, nurses weren’t able to visit schools, resulting in children missing out on some of their routine vaccinations,” Colin explains. “Now, they visit the pharmacy with scheduled appointments for vaccination catch-up.”

Colin is a prescription compounding specialist, an Ideal Protein weight management coach, and a certified compression stocking fitter. In addition to Eugene’s pharmacist duties, he is the primary care clinical pharmacist for two nursing home residents in Vancouver and two hospice facilities.

Along with the team of six pharmacists, five specialists actively serve the pharmacy’s clients. Sanil, a custom compounding technician, has been with Kerrisdale Pharmacy since 2006 and is dedicated to preparing medications in the compounding lab.

Pauline and Pearl are home healthcare and compression stocking specialists who help patients with their non-prescription needs. Nutritional and supplement specialist Roxsy assists clients with their health, wellness and weight loss journeys. She is also a certified Ideal Protein Coach. In-house nutritionist Christina helps patients address root-cause wellness concerns and is available for consultation and coaching.

Kerrisdale Pharmacy offers delivery service throughout Vancouver

Young families and seniors are among many customers who appreciate the convenience of having their pharmacy orders delivered to their door. The pharmacy also offers online prescription refills.

Outside of work, Colin is a member of the Kerrisdale Business Association board of directors. He is also a member of the indie pop band Hotel Rumors, which he formed in 2019 with James Faulkner. The two friends spent ten years playing with their cover band, Line49, before the pandemic, then changed direction and started to pen songs during the lockdown. They are excited to be writing, recording, and performing their own music. If you would like to see Hotel Rumors perform, their next gig is June 20 at the Fox Cabaret on Main Street.

Kerrisdale Pharmacy is known for its diligent focus on comprehensive health care, wide scope of services, including compounding, and good, honest empathy for each person who walks through its door.

Colin says, “We want to be part of your health, not just your illness. We focus on 360 degrees of wellness for our patients, offering more than just a prescription filling service.”

Kerrisdale Pharmacy

5591 West Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6M 3W6

Phone 604-261-0333

www.kerrisdalepharmacy.com

Story by Sarah Gordon (April 2024)

Photos @sandrasteierphotography