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Chauntal deRocquigny
Pharmacist
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"In the hospital, you are part of a team—you’re collaborating directly with doctors, nurses, and other specialists, monitoring complex treatments, and applying in-depth clinical knowledge every day.
You can see the impact of your work immediately on patient care, and that’s incredibly fulfilling."
Chauntal and her colleagues, Jackie (left) and Jessica (right)
More than Medication
with Chauntal deRocquigny
When the bell rings in the play area at CancerCare Manitoba, applause fills its Pediatric Clinic, marking a significant end-of-treatment milestone for the patients and families of the clinic. For pharmacist Chauntal de Rocquigny, it’s one of the most meaningful moments of her work.
“For newly diagnosed families, hearing that bell gives hope,” Chauntal shared. “It provides an inspiring moment of celebration that they are working towards. I remember a mom telling me she heard the bell ring when they first started treatment. She thought they would never reach that day. And then suddenly, they were the ones ringing it.”
For the past 15 years, Chauntal has helped children and their families navigate complex chemotherapy regimens, side effects and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. Chauntal’s role extends far beyond dispensing medications. She builds individualized treatment calendars, monitors safety and use, collaborates closely with oncologists and nurses, and meets regularly with families.
The meaningful relationships that Chauntel builds with her patients and their families is a key part of what drives her passion for her role, and her reason for choosing a position embedded in the health system.
“I love working with kids and their families. I’m honoured to be part of their children’s care. I usually work closely with them for about three years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the kids grow stronger once they are in remission and become healthy. It means so much to me to be able to witness their changes over the years, knowing I’ve made a positive contribution to their care.”
As a Francophone Manitoban, Chauntal increasingly uses her French-language skills to support families, particularly newcomers whose primary language is French. She helps families navigate Manitoba’s Pharmacare program and explains complex treatment information in their language.
“When families realize I can explain everything in their language, their faces light up,” shared Chauntal. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine both parts of who I am, my profession and my Francophone identity, into what I do.”
While Pediatric oncology can be emotionally challenging, Chauntal describes her work as profoundly fulfilling.
“The kids are incredibly resilient,” she said. “Even when their blood counts are low, and they should be really tired, they’re bouncing around, playing. They just want to be kids.”
Across Manitoba hospitals, pharmacists apply their specialized expertise to directly influence care decisions, and build strong relationships within multidisciplinary teams. With opportunities to work with diverse populations and complex cases, each day is challenging, educational, and deeply meaningful.
Reflecting on her own journey from community to hospital pharmacy, Chauntal shared, “Community pharmacy was a great place to start. You get to know your patients, help them with medications, and build those relationships. But in the hospital, you are part of a team—you’re collaborating directly with doctors, nurses, and other specialists, monitoring complex treatments, and applying in-depth clinical knowledge every day. You can see the impact of your work immediately on patient care, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”
For students considering a career in hospital pharmacy, Chauntal, who also teaches at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Pharmacy, offers this advice: “Be open to new challenges and opportunities that may come your way. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. There’s a lot of on-the-job learning and training, you learn as you go.”
Chauntal added, “When I first began at CancerCare Manitoba, I wasn’t sure I was ready to work pediatric oncology – and now I can’t imagine doing anything else! I go home every day knowing I’ve made a positive contribution to someone’s care.”
Over time, Chauntal’s work has shaped how she approaches life beyond the clinic.
“The work I do has really taught me to appreciate the little everyday moments—like walking your dog or seeing your kids healthy. Those are the things that truly matter.”
For Chauntal, pharmacy is more than medications and dosing schedules. It is about connection, reassurance and walking alongside families, from the uncertainty of diagnosis to the joy of hearing that bell ring.
Thinking About a Career in Pharmacy?
Across Manitoba, pharmacists play a vital role in supporting patients at every stage of life and in every care setting. They are educators, advocates and trusted partners in healthcare. If you’re inspired by the impact pharmacists make and are interested in exploring a career in pharmacy in Manitoba, connect with a recruiter to learn more about the opportunities available to you