_{This article is sponsored by Rutland Pharmacy.}

In the debut episode of Beyond the Counter, Alexa from KelownaNow sits down with Steven Hopp, owner of Rutland Medical Pharmacy, to break the long-standing myths around what pharmacists actually do. It turns out, they’re not just handing out prescriptions and slapping on labels. From assessing minor ailments to managing chronic conditions, Steven and his team are proving that pharmacists are an essential — and often underutilized — part of your healthcare support system.

Many are surprised to learn that pharmacists in B.C. can now prescribe for 21 common conditions, including UTIs, pink eye, acne, and even shingles. As Steven explains, it's not a free-for-all — pharmacists do a full assessment, just like a doctor would, to determine if they can help. “It’s like going to a walk-in clinic, just often quicker,” he says. For busy parents, professionals, or anyone struggling to get a doctor’s appointment, that access can be a game changer.

The following is the list of what BC pharmacists are now authorized to prescribe for:

• Acne
• Allergic Rhinitis
• Conjunctivitis (allergic, bacterial, viral)
• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)
• Dyspepsia (acid reflux)
• Fungal infections (skin, nails, athlete’s foot)
• Headaches
• Hemorrhoids
• Herpes Labialis (cold sores)
• Impetigo
• Musculoskeletal pain
• Nicotine dependence
• Oral ulcers (canker sores)
• Oral thrush
• Shingles
• Threadworms or pinworms
• Urinary Tract Infections (uncomplicated)
• Urticaria (itching)
• Vaginal yeast infections
• Plus: contraception and emergency contraception

But it doesn’t stop there. From managing diabetes and blood pressure to helping with vitamins, lab work, and medication reviews, Steven emphasizes the growing role of pharmacists as healthcare allies. They even assist with medication continuity in mental health treatment — providing emergency refills and monitoring, especially when doctor access is limited. “We’re here to improve your health outcomes, not just fill a prescription,” he adds.

The goal, Steven says, isn’t just to medicate — it’s to care. With services like private consultations and a personalized, community-first approach, Rutland Medical Pharmacy is reshaping how people think about healthcare. So next time you’re feeling unwell, think twice before sitting in a crowded clinic. Your pharmacist might be the health partner you didn’t know you had.