
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
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