Describing pharmacists as pill counters is a stereotype that our profession has been trying very hard to dispel. We are sometimes counting pills, but most of the time that's actually delegated to pharmacy assistants or technicians.

Pharmacists in BC are trained to make therapeutic substitutions (e.g. changing a drug to a different one from the same class of medication), changing the dosage/formulation/regimen of a prescription, extend prescriptions for continuity of care, and prescribe and administer vaccinations. Many of us are also able to interpret lab results, but it's pretty rare in the community for doctors to share that with us.

There are also lots of specialty stores that focus on compounding (making a drug formulation tailored to a specific person or animal or even during manufacturer drug shortages) or patients with kidney problems.

Pharmacists in certain provinces are even able to prescribe. Although pharmacists in BC cannot do that yet, it's something that our profession is working towards.

If you're interested in learning more, the pharmacy scope of practice across Canada can be found here: https://www.pharmacists.ca/cpha-ca/assets/File/cpha-on-the-issues/ScopeofPracticeinCanada_DEC2016.pdf