The journey of a pill

The journey of a pill

From CFP Podcast by Canadian Family Physician (CFP), Dr. Nicholas Pimlott and Dr. David Ponka

July 24, 2025 · 35 min · Episode 78

About this episode

This episode explores the journey of commonly prescribed medications from manufacturing to distribution, including their environmental impacts.

Have you ever wondered how commonly prescribed medications are manufactured and distributed, eventually making their way to your friendly neighborhood pharmacist and ready for you to prescribe? Have you ever wondered what the environmental and climate impacts are? Find out in this episode of the  CFP  Podcast as Editor Dr. Nick Pimlott and Associate Editor Dr. David Ponka talk to family physician Dr. Myles Sergeant and engineer Harjas Kaur. Along with their colleagues Fiona Parascandalo, Gail Krantzberg, Emma Ko, Neha Mathur, Amandot Singh Gill and Falisha Razack they are the co-authors of a unique and innovative research study published in the April edition of CFP entitled  “Journey of a Pill”. Dr. Myles Sergeant is a family physician in the Hamilton Family Health Team and a Clinical Assistant Professor at McMaster University in Hamilton. He is also the McMaster University PGME Sustainable Healthcare Lead, the President of Trees for Hamilton ( www.treesforhamilton.ca ), the Partnership Lead for PEACH ( www.peachhealthontario.com  ) and the Executive Director of Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care ( www.greenhealthcare.ca )…

People in this episode

Hosts: Nick Pimlott, David Ponka

Guests: Harjas Kaur, Dr Myles Sergeant

Topics covered

  • medication manufacturing
  • environmental impact
  • healthcare
  • sustainability

Keywords

  • pharmacist
  • research study
  • sustainable healthcare

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Journey of a Pill

Places: Hamilton, Halifax, Nova Scotia

More episodes of CFP Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the CFP Podcast podcast page.