Making a Difference: Lila's Journey from Single Mom to Pharmacy Owner in the Maritimes

Becoming a pharmacist lets you make a significant impact on patient care and offers you the chance to own your own business. Lila Sukkar, a Pharmacy Manager and Shoppers Drug Mart owner, exemplifies resilience, passion, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Discovering a Passion for Pharmacy

Lila’s journey began when she volunteered at a local pharmacy. This experience opened her eyes to the significant role pharmacists play in the well-being of their patients.

“When I volunteered at a pharmacy, I really saw the impact that a pharmacist has on the life and well-being of a person. I just fell in love with it,” says Lila.

Pursuing a Dream—“It Takes a Village”

From the start, Lila had a clear goal: to own a Shoppers Drug Mart. 

“They are so supportive, and it's a brand that I'm proud of.”

As a single mother, Lila says that support was crucial in building her confidence and helping her succeed.

“It takes a village. I didn't have that much confidence in myself—it was my parents and associates that I worked for who were the people around me that had confidence in me and that pushed me to become the pharmacist that I am today.”

The Role of Pharmacists in Health Care

Lila believes deeply in the essential role that pharmacists play in health care. 

She sees pharmacists as a solution to many of the challenges facing the health care system and is committed to providing the best care for her patients.

“We as pharmacists are the solution, we can provide so much. 

We are here to help with the transition from a really difficult time in health care to a better time in health care.”

Personal Fulfillment and Impact

For Lila, the most rewarding aspect of her job is the impact she has on her patients’ lives. She views her role as a pharmacist as not just a job but a way to ensure that patients receive the best quality of life.

“It's the patients, that's what we're here for. I just want to make sure that they're getting the best quality of life and that's how I view my job. It's nice to be able to say that you can have a huge impact on people's lives. It's the impression and how you made people feel. That's what stays. That's what this job is about. It's so rewarding.”

Start Your Journey

Inspired by Lila’s journey? Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in pharmacy with Dalhousie University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Our comprehensive curriculum and hands-on experience prepare you for the complex challenges of healthcare, allowing you to make a real difference in patients' lives.

• Explore the Program: Learn more about the PharmD program at Dalhousie University and how it prepares you for a successful career in pharmacy.
• Take the Quiz: Find out what kind of pharmacist you could be with our quick quiz.
• Get Personalized Guidance: Connect with Padam, our dedicated admissions advisor, for personalized guidance on your journey to becoming a pharmacist.
• Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates, insights, and reminders about application deadlines and info sessions.

Keep watching the video series to learn more about the impact of pharmacists and the opportunities available through Dalhousie’s PharmD program.