A passionate advocate of increasing the role of hospital-based clinical pharmacists, Dr. Nilu Partovi, clinical coordinator, Pharmacy, has championed several patient-centred initiatives at VGH. Twenty-five years of advancing pharmacy practice for better patient outcomes has earned her the respect of her colleagues — and the 2015 Distinguished Service Award from the B.C. chapter of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists.

“Nilu is constantly looking at ways in which pharmacy practice can be advanced,” says Linda Morris, director, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services. “More recently, this has resulted in a significant role for pharmacists in the Emergency Department, which is contributing to reduced admissions and decreased length of stay.”

Evolving program for better patient care

“Nilu ensures that the clinical pharmacy program is constantly evolving to meet the needs of our patients,” says Dr. Tim Lau, clinical supervisor and pharmacotherapeutic specialist, Infectious Diseases & Antimicrobial Stewardship.

As a result, clinical pharmacy services have expanded beyond inpatient units. VGH clinical pharmacists now support many of our outpatient clinics, including the Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney Disease, Solid Organ Transplant and Geriatric Rapid Access Clinics.

Elderly patients, in particular, tend to have drug-related issues, as they’re often taking eight to 10 different medications. Clinical pharmacists can resolve many of these issues, and their increased participation with patients through outpatient clinics has resulted in fewer hospital admissions and shorter stays.

Committed to patient safety, Dr. Partovi has also played a key role in propelling the rate of completed MedRecs (Medication Reconciliations) on admission from 18 to 82 per cent across Vancouver Acute — in one year. Three years on and compliance rates remain high, surpassing 85 per cent.

“Clinical pharmacists can make a difference throughout a patient’s journey,” says Dr. Partovi. “They’re integral members of our multidisciplinary care teams on the units and in outpatient clinics.”

 “A transformative leader”

A clinical professor at UBC and a well-published researcher on the transplant patient population, Dr. Partovi is a sought-after speaker locally, nationally and abroad. She’s also proud to maintain a clinical practice in transplant medicine.

“Keeping hands-on is so important to me,” she says. “I want to make sure that I don’t lose touch with the reality of day-to-day work, and I see this work as an opportunity to encourage and mentor others to reach their potential.”

Colleagues cite her knowledge and expertise, her dedication and passion for the profession, her ease at creating collaborative team environments, and her mentorship of staff as shining examples of what it’s like to work with her.

It’s clear that Nilu’s influence goes far beyond pharmacy services and her clinical area of transplantation. “She’s a transformative leader,” says Lorraine Blackburn, regional director, Professional Practice Standardization and Informatics.

And she isn’t about to rest on her laurels. “I don’t like the status quo,” says Dr. Partovi, “I’m always looking for the next challenge.”