On November 6, 2024, the world lost an individual who left an indelible mark on the pharmacy profession with the passing of Doris Thompson.  

Remembered fondly to those who worked with her as “Mrs. T”, Doris was, in every sense of the word, a trailblazer of pharmacy practice, known for her unwavering commitment to patient care.  

In her 40-plus year career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Hamilton, ON, Doris served as Director of Pharmacy, pioneering patient safety advancements, including Hamilton’s first unit-dose system—one of the earliest in Ontario and Canada. Her hard work there also earned her a Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. 

Her leadership extended beyond St. Joe’s through her pivotal role in the Hamilton-Wentworth District Health Council Pharmacy Committee. A dedicated mentor, she guided many healthcare-system leaders and helped shape the pharmacy technician profession by developing the Pharmacy Assistant curriculum at Mohawk College. Doris’ legacy also endures through an award at her alma mater, the University of Toronto. Started upon her retirement 34 years ago, the Doris Thompson Award continues to be presented to the fourth-year pharmacy student who achieves the highest grade in Institutional Pharmacy Practice Management and secures acceptance into a hospital pharmacy residency program. 

Doris was also a steadfast supporter of CSHP, passionately encouraging others not only to join but to actively contribute and make a difference within the Society. Her exceptional dedication and involvement were recognized with numerous honors, including the Ontario Branch Award, the prestigious Isabel E. Stauffer Meritorious Service Award (1990), and the distinction of being named a CSHP Fellow (1993). 

Doris was more than a pharmacist. She was a leader, an innovator, and someone whose commitment to patients and professional excellence, without a doubt, has helped to shape healthcare-systems pharmacy in Canada. For those in the field, her legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched and the enduring impact of her work. 

Thank you, Mrs. T. You will be deeply missed and forever appreciated.