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Background:
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to increased stress among healthcare professionals. Among these healthcare providers are Ontario pharmacists, who are facing new and pre-existing challenges and new stressors since the pandemic.

Objectives:
This study aimed to understand the stressors and lessons learned by Ontario pharmacists during the pandemic through their lived experiences.

Methods:
In this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured one-on-one interviews with Ontario pharmacists virtually to learn about their stressors and lessons learned during the pandemic. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, then analyzed using thematic analysis

Findings:
We reached data saturation after 15 interviews and identified 5 main themes: (1) Communication/miscommunication with the public and other care providers; (2) high workload due to staff shortage and low appreciation/acknowledgement; (3) mismatch in market demand and supply; (4) informational gaps pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic along with rapid protocol changes; and (5) lessons learned to improve the future of pharmacy practice in Ontario.

Discussion:
Our study helped us gain a better understanding of the stressors pharmacists faced, their contributions, and the opportunities that arose due to the pandemic.

Conclusion:
Drawing on these experiences, this study provides recommendations to improve pharmacy practice and increase preparedness for future emergencies.

Keywords: COVID-19, stressors, pharmacists, lessons learned, qualitative, Ontario, Canada