Leudia Barros: Celebrating Pharmacy Appreciation Month
March 13, 2025
At Stevenson Memorial Hospital, we are proud to recognize the dedication and expertise of our pharmacy team during Pharmacy Appreciation Month. This year, we shine a spotlight on Leudia Barros, a pharmacist who has been a vital part of our hospital for 11 years. Her journey, passion and commitment to patient care make her an invaluable member of our team.
Leudia Barros’ path to pharmacy is one of perseverance and dedication. "I am originally an International Graduated Pharmacist from Brazil. In 2008, I immigrated to Canada with my husband and 4 children, and by the beginning of 2013, I had fulfilled all the requirements to get my license as a Canadian Pharmacist."
Although her background in Brazil was in hospital pharmacy, finding a similar role in Canada as an International Pharmacy Graduate was challenging. "Being an IPG, it is very difficult to get a job opportunity in hospitals. So I initially worked as a community pharmacist, until in the summer of 2014, when the Pharmacy department at Stevenson Memorial Hospital gave me the opportunity to start working here."
Leudia’s interest in healthcare started in nursing, but she found the direct patient care aspect challenging. Pharmacy became the perfect balance for her, allowing her to contribute to patient care in a way that was still impactful but different. "I always liked health science. I first started nursing school, but it was very challenging for me to work directly with the patient. I then moved to pharmacy, where I would still able to work with patients, but in a more indirect manner."
A Day in the Life of a Hospital Pharmacist
Leudia’s role at Stevenson is dynamic and ever-changing. "Our day is normally not ‘typical.’ Every day is full of possibilities because human beings are full of possibilities. With that being said, I start every shift the same. I look to our census and review all the new admissions, making sure all home medications are accurate and that they are the proper dose regarding renal and liver function, and so on. Once I’ve reviewed them, I would make recommendations to the prescribers or even make adjustments myself based on the hospital policies, which have allowed pharmacists to make such adjustments. I participate in clinical rounds alongside all other health care professionals."
Leudia also takes an active role in antibiotic therapy, ensuring patients receive the correct treatment. "It is the pharmacist’s responsibility to assist prescribers in antibiotic therapy to ensure the patient is getting the right antibiotic, the right dose, right indication and right duration. I also review each patient for DVT prophylaxis. And last, but not least, I also assist on the discharge prescriptions and ensure all medications are reconciled with home medications and that the patient has been counselled on new, modified and discontinued medications."
The Rewards and Challenges of Pharmacy
One of the most rewarding aspects of pharmacy for Leudia is "the endless possibilities the profession gives me to make a positive impact in the patients’ lives." She also appreciates the challenge and variety of her profession. "What I enjoy the most about pharmacy is that it is a very challenging profession, constantly changing, incredible variety, provides me the chance to interact with many different healthcare professionals, and it is always pushing me to new limits."
However, keeping up with the constant evolution of treatment guidelines, new medications, and indications is an ongoing challenge. "The best way to overcome it is through continuous education—a pharmacist can never stop learning."
Breaking Misconceptions and Enhancing Patient Care
"I believe the most common misconception is that we just count tablets and fill prescriptions bottles," Leudia says. Over the years, the field of pharmacy has evolved significantly, with pharmacists now being recognized as an essential part of the healthcare team. "Healthcare, in general, has evolved a lot. We are not seen as the 'drug keepers', but as an important and reliable source for advice and expertise for a better patients’ outcome."
A Memorable Patient Interaction
One of Leudia’s most meaningful experiences at Stevenson involved a patient admitted for an overdose. "Usually, patients do not know pharmacists in a hospital setting because we are always working behind the scenes. When I was counselling a patient regarding her discharge, I noticed she really wanted a change in the course of her life. I took the opportunity to encourage her and gave her some suggestions beyond medications. So, a year later, she came back to thank all of us who made an impact on her recovery, and I was one of them."
Advice for Aspiring Pharmacists
For those considering a career in pharmacy, Leudia offers words of wisdom: "It is a very exciting and dynamic career, with a lot of challenges. Someone must be ok working independently, under a lot of pressure, not having the answer for every single question, but being very curious to look for it. Moreover, the person needs to like math, biology and a lot of chemistry."
Despite the challenges that come with working in healthcare, Leudia expresses her love for Stevenson Memorial Hospital. "I just want to say that, despite all the challenges we encounter at Stevenson every day, I love to work here. The staff here from all departments are the best."
Leudia Barros exemplifies the dedication, knowledge, and compassion that make pharmacists an integral part of the healthcare system. We are grateful for her years of service and the impact she continues to make on our patients and team. Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month, and thank you, Leudia, for all that you do!