Community & Culture

We are IH: Pharmacy tech enjoys problem solving for patients

Angela and her daughters at a skating competition.

Name: Angela Biddlecombe (she/her/hers) 
Job Title: Sterile Compounding Coordinator 
Length of Service: 20 years 
Worksite: East Kootenay Regional Hospital Pharmacy (sterile compounding satellite)  
Community: Cranbrook 
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa 
Favourite Quote / Advice to Live By: “I'm proud of my daughters' hard work and I enjoy seeing them develop into who they are. I love watching them skate—there's grace, strength and the ability to overcome pressure.” 
 
Inspired by her aunt’s career as a pharmacist, Angela Biddlecombe joined the health-care sector more than two decades ago as a pharmacy technician, focusing on compounding, the preparation of custom medications. 

Angela says pharmacy offers her a collaborative environment in which she thrives, a direct link to patient care, and the opportunity to mentor and support colleagues. 

“I really enjoy the hands-on aspect of being a pharmacy technician and compounding products that are beneficial to patient care. I enjoy the problem solving to create new products, and the mentorship.” 

Learn more about Angela’s journey with IH

Angela has been with Interior Health (IH) for an impressive 20 years, which she describes as “a great journey” with too many highlights and proud moments to list. 

Her biggest milestone was mid-career going through the regulation process, when the practice of pharmacy transitioned to the Health Professions Act in 2009 from the former Pharmacists, Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act. 

“Going through the regulation process inspired growth and responsibilities,” she says. 

A typical day for Angela is spent navigating workflow for efficiencies, collaborating with her co-workers, compounding, helping anywhere that's needed and ensuring that patient care needs are met. 

A family of four standing outside with their dog in winter under a bridge.
Angela and her family enjoying the wintry outdoors.

She credits her career success to her personal and professional networks. “I wouldn't be where I am in my career without the support of my co-workers and family.” 

Beyond the pharmacy, Angela prioritizes family time, which includes camping, fishing, hunting and skiing. She also travels with her two daughters, both avid figure skaters, to as many skating competitions as possible while also somehow finding time to create and sew their skating dresses. 

For Angela, reconciliation means moving towards a better relationship that is focused on recognition of rights, respect and cooperation of all for transformative change. A little-known fact about her is that she recently received her registration of status. 

“I belong to the First Nations community, Kawacatoose, and I am proud to be able to pass it on to my daughters. 

“Inclusion and belonging go hand in hand—it's acceptance of all and a safe environment to be who we are. To me, accessibility means it’s important that all patients have access to the same level of care within their communities.” 

-- Angela Biddlecombe

What does the future look like for Angela? “Inside of work, I look forward to helping grow pharmacy technicians, and outside of work, I look forward to being with my family and playing with our two dogs.” 

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