VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 15, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VANC Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSXV:VANC)
(OTCQB:NUVPF) (“VANC” or the “Company”), a pharmaceutical company focused on the Canadian generic
drug and over-the-counter (the “OTC”) markets and point-of-care technologies is pleased to announce the
appointment of Mr. Sherif Guorgui to VANC’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Guorgui is a third-generation pharmacist with extensive experience in various pharmacy sectors; such as
retail, specialty, regulatory, industry, government and professional affairs. Sherif is recognized as an individual who has
played a significant role in promoting the value of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in healthcare, and advocating for the
pharmacy profession at community, provincial and international levels.
Mr. Guorgui earned his pharmacy degree from the University of Cairo in 1998. After completing the
University of Toronto’s International Pharmacy Graduates program, Sherif has worked as a community pharmacist, managed and operated
his own independent pharmacy, and been a franchise/Associate owner with Shoppers Drug Mart. Mr. Guorgui moved into corporate
roles at Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall/PharmaPlus before joining the Ontario Pharmacists Association (“OPA”) as Vice President of
Pharmacy. In 2016, Mr. Guorgui joined United Pharma Group as CEO. United Pharma Group is the fastest growing network of
independent pharmacy owners in Canada now numbering over 90 members.
Mr. Guorgui has also served as President of the Ontario College of Pharmacists in 2011-2012. In this role,
he focused on promoting the adoption of the expanded scope of practice among pharmacists and initiated accordingly various outreach
programs aimed at fostering and encouraging ongoing communication with members of the College. Mr. Guorgui has developed a
dedicated following of patients and practitioners on his various social media accounts. Sherif has published numerous
articles in pharmacy magazines, is a sought-after speaker for community and professional events, and is a guest lecturer at the
University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.
On an international level, Mr. Guorgui was part of the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s (FIP) I am
a Pharmacist project which focused on creating pride in, and awareness of pharmacy on a global level. He was also
featured in the Canadian Foundation for Economic Education’s Potential to Prosperity project promoting pharmacy practice
in Canada to international pharmacy graduates. In 2015, Mr. Guorgui was chosen as one of Canada’s Top Immigrants, promoting
the value of international pharmacy graduates to the Canadian society. In 2017, Sherif was recognized with the Ontario Pharmacists
Association’s Voice Of Pharmacy Award for his tireless advocacy work for the profession.
Mr. Guorgui is a board member of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy, the Ontario Pharmacists Association and
the Neighbourhood Pharmacy Association of Canada. He is an advisory board member of the Humber College Pharmacy Technician Program,
and is a mentor at the University of Toronto Career Centre Information Interview program.
“On behalf of the VANC board of directors, management and shareholders, I am very pleased to welcome Mr. Guorgui
to VANC,” stated David Hall, Chairman of the Board. “Mr. Guorgui brings a vision of the Canadian pharmacy practice that is
aligned with VANC’s focus on bringing value added technology, drugs and OTC products to Canadians,” added Mr. Hall.
“I am excited to be joining VANC and to support its mission to enable the evolution of pharmacy practice through
innovative technology, programs and products,” commented Mr. Guorgui. “I share VANC’s belief that pharmacists have a vital and
continuously expanding role in the health care system and I look forward to helping VANC empower pharmacists to further innovate
their practice and grow their business.”
“I am delighted to have Mr. Guorgui joining VANC in support of our mission to elevate the practice of pharmacy
in Canada,” said Bob Rai, CEO. “Sherif is a seasoned strategic leader in pharmacy and his addition to our board is a key
milestone in the growth of VANC,” concluded Mr. Rai.
On behalf of:
VANC Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bob Rai
Director and CEO
Phone: 604-687-2038
Fax: 604-687-3141
Email: info@vancpharm.com
www.vancpharm.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves VANC’s
expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a
number of risks and uncertainties. VANC generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to
be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” “future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,”
“project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming,” and similar expressions to help identify forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to VANC as of the date of this
release, and VANC assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be
true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of VANC and are
subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ
materially from current expectations.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that terms is defined in the
policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
