Introducing our newest Director of Pharmacy at West Haldimand General Hospital

Meet Roger Ma. He is West Haldimand General Hospital’s (WHGH) and Norfolk General Hospital’s (NGH) newest Director of Pharmacy. Roger officially began his new role at WHGH on Monday, July 31, 2023.

In his capacity as the Director of Pharmacy, Roger assumes the vital responsibility of overseeing the entire pharmacy department’s operations at both organizations. His mandate involves supervising the daily workflow within the Pharmacy, ensuring round-the-clock pharmacist coverage, and facilitating the safe, efficient, and prompt distribution of medications to the clinical teams.

Roger’s academic journey comprises a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Waterloo and the successful attainment of his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the esteemed University of Toronto, achieved in 2016.

We sat down with Roger to learn more about his role and the profound influence he imparts on the well-being of our patients and their families.

How does your role help the patient?

“I lead a team that ensures medications are distributed to the clinical teams in a safe, effective, and timely manner. Our team also acts as drug therapy experts of the hospital, providing guidance for high quality medication use to staff and patients.”

What originally led you to Pharmacy?

“What originally led me into pharmacy was my deep curiosity of how medications affect the human body. I was intrigued by how tiny pills could have such big effects on someone.”

What do you look forward to the most when you come into work?

“I look forward to spending time with the team. This team is comprised of high performing, passionate, and humble professionals. Their positive energy rubs off on me!”

What do you love most about your job?

“I love that this job is part of a team that touches so many aspects of the hospital’s operations. We get to interact with nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, the IT team, the facilities team, and many others. Being so integrated helps keep the job exciting and full of surprises.”

Tell us about your first day at WHGH and NGH?

“My first day has been one of the best first days I’ve ever had. I was given a comprehensive tour of the hospital and met upwards of 30 staff members. The pharmacy team, HR team, occupational health team, and IT team were particularly involved to make sure I had all I needed to be effective in my role.”

What is the best part about working at Norfolk General Hospital and West Haldimand General Hospital?

“The best part of working for NGH and WHGH is the people. Someone once told me, “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” I feel that everyone in NGH and WHGH is committed to working together.

What does patient care mean to you?

“To me, patient care is supporting patients to live their best lives in a dignified, personalized, and holistic manner.”