Providing the best in patient care has always been my focus. Since 2000, I’ve been proud to be a part of the Central Drugs family where I’ve developed long standing personal relationships both with our staff and patients. When I’m not engaging with patients you can find me working on my swing or in search of my next travel adventure.

Informally known as “Dr. Russ” to many, I began my career after graduating from UBC with a specialization in Diabetic training. I then moved to Palliative Care with a focus on pain and symptom management. After 32 years, you could say Central Drugs is in my blood. Nanaimo is a great community because it’s close to the ocean and mountains. I care about my clients and build long-lasting relationships over time.

For over 30 years, I’ve had the pleasure of providing thousands of patients throughout Nanaimo with healthcare solutions. I enjoy working at Central Drugs because it’s a full-service pharmacy where we can thoroughly take care of our patients. By building a rapport with each person, I can better help with medications and take the time to answer all their questions.

I love getting to know new people, which is why I love being a pharmacist. After graduating from UBC, I’ve been practicing since 2012. It’s all about connecting with others and learning about my patients, so I can help them achieve their healthcare goals. My focus is always on the patient. Communication between you, your pharmacist, your doctor, and others involved in your healthcare is essential to your quality of life. Everyone has a story and the more I learn about you, the more I can tailor your care. I address your concerns without any bias, so you can feel comfortable asking any questions.

I’ve always wanted to make a difference in my community and, at Central Drugs I’ve been able to do this — for the past 14 years. My specialty is custom compounding, which is the art and science of preparing personalized medications for patients. This is especially helpful for women’s health, pediatrics and even veterinary clients. The best part of my job is helping patients with hormonal issues. It’s a great feeling when someone goes from 10 hot flashes a day to none! It’s often life changing for them and I’m happy to be part of their journey.

After graduating from UBC in 2010, I started my pharmacy career in my hometown of Nanaimo — where my family has been for four generations. My specialties include women’s health, seniors’ health, mental health and addictions. Central Drugs offers me the freedom to help patients improve their quality of life. It’s great to see my patients take an active role — by asking questions and gaining knowledge about their conditions and medications, they can make the most informed decisions.

Being a pharmacist allows me to interact with and care for a variety of people. I graduated from the University of Alberta and enjoy working in Nanaimo because it’s a small, friendly community. I love our nature—and of course—the people! Central Drugs is progressive and community oriented, so we work well as a team. Dufferin is a smaller pharmacy, so we can take the extra time to get to know our customers and provide personalized care.