History of CAPhO

Oncology pharmacists in Canada started to get organized as a profession in 1986, when Rosemary Bacovsky and Mary Gannon invited 20 of their colleagues to a meeting in Toronto. Two years later, in 1988, Rosemary and Larry Broadfield organized the first National Oncology Pharmacy Symposium (NOPS).

NOPS’ success generated interest in the formation of an association that would support the conference and also represent oncology pharmacists across the country.

The CAPhO Founding meeting was part of NOPS in 1995 and over that year the work of bringing CAPhO to life was completed. The first Annual General Meeting was held at NOPS in 1996.

CAPhO’s main objective for several years was the organization of NOPS, which was originally scheduled to coincide with the Annual General Meeting of the National Cancer Institute of Canada’s (NCIC) Clinical Trials Group. One highlight was in 1993 when NOPS partnered with the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) to host ISOPP III in Toronto. This same opportunity occurred in 2002 and 2014 when NOPS (now known as the CAPhO Conference) again partnered with ISOPP to host ISOPP VIII in Vancouver and ISOPP XIV in Montreal.

As the association grew, so did its membership and its mandate. CAPhO members work as oncology pharmacists, technicians, pharmacy assistants and other health care professionals interested in the practice of oncology pharmacy. They benefit from membership in a myriad of ways, including educational initiatives, online resources, networking forums, standards of practice, and a grants and awards program.

From a local meeting with colleagues in the 1980s to a national association that is well respected in the international arena, CAPhO’s history reflects the dedication of its members to the practice of oncology pharmacy.

CAPhO's 20th Anniversary Celebration

NOPS / CAPhO Conference

From NOPS' first Annual General Meeting in 1996 in Toronto, the conference has been held in various locations all over Canada. CAPhO members can access presentations and programs of past conferences (you will need to log in). 

CAPhO Logos

The original logo was in red and white, until 2006. The coloring was updated in 2006 to the blue and yellow.

The logo was redesigned in 2011.