Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager Candice Norton first decided she wanted to be a pharmacy manager while studying pharmacy at Dalhousie University. The leadership role appealed to her because it would give her the chance to implement ideas she had developed for providing extended pharmacy services to her community. A year and a half ago, she was able to achieve her goal by becoming the pharmacy manager at Sobeys Baker Drive, Dartmouth.

Shortly after graduation, Candice worked at a pharmacy located next to a seniors facility in Halifax.  While there, she was able to experience the positive impact pharmacists have when stepping out of the pharmacy and going to where patients live, work, and socialize.  Reaching out to community groups and seniors facilities was one of the first things Candice did when she started working at Sobeys' Baker Drive location.

Candice frequently gives presentations or holds small information sessions for local community groups, seniors centers, apartment buildings, assisted living facilities, and in store.

"It's a great opportunity to meet people and promote health," says Candice. Having been ill a lot as a child, she knew she wanted to be a healthcare professional and contribute to the health and wellbeing of those in her community.

Diabetes and the issues around the disease is one of the most in demand topics she covers when doing talks, along with other chronic health conditions.

Another one of Candice's passions is immunizations.  An immunized population is a healthier population, and she has found ways to make it easier for people in her community to become immunized. She has set up flu clinics in locations such as the Nova Scotia Community College (Waterfront Campus), local businesses, apartment buildings, and assisted living facilities. She also provides information on other immunizations, such as the shingles vaccine. Every senior over 60 should have this vaccine and Candice makes sure she includes important information about the disease and the vaccination when she meets with seniors.

"Talking to people and providing education is the part of the job I enjoy doing most," says Candice. She says her job gives her the opportunity to have meaningful conversations with people about their health and people often say, "I don't know what I would do without her. No one else gives us this information."

Candice tries to pass along her passion for promoting health in the community to pharmacy students from Dalhousie University. When she has a pharmacy student completing a clinical rotation for school with her, Candice supports them in offering these services to the community.