SUMMER 2020
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
THE
FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
EDUCATION ABROAD
WORKING TOGETHER, SIX FEET APART
ONE FACULTY’S FOOTPRINT
2021 HOCKEY GAME 2020
Pharmacy VS. Dentistry brought to you by APSA and DSA
1 2 0 2 l i t n u d Postpone e details! Family Skate & Lawn Games
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
The Game
5:15 PM – 7:30PM
The PAA After-Party
7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Room at the Top, Student Union Building
Sponsored by the Pharmacy Alumni Association
C
r th Stay tuned fo
heer rink-side while pharmacy students battle it out with their dentistry rivals! Start the night skating with your family or grab a beer post-game at the PAA’s after-party. You won’t want to miss it. Tickets: $10/person // Kids attend for free Buy your tickets today at ualberta.ca/pharmacy All proceeds go to Diabetes Canada. Food and beverages available for purchase all night.
Thank you to our generous sponsor for supporting this event.
Contents
Dean: Dr. Neal M. Davies Assistant Dean, Advancement: Kieran Andrew MacIsaac Development and Alumni Engagement Officer:
5
NEWS & NOTES 6
Ellen Doty Editor: Kalyna Hennig Contributors: Michael Brown Julia Brown Photography Kalyna Hennig Helen Metella Dr. Kevin Morin Dean Rhyngwladol April Wilcocks Design & Illustration: Curio Studio The Mortar & Pestle is published twice per year to keep our community of alumni, students, and faculty connected and informed. As always, we welcome your comments, suggestions, and story pitches to guide future issues. phcomms@ualberta.ca ualberta.ca/pharmacy @ualbertapharmacy @ualberta_pharmacy @UAlberta_Pharm linkedin.com/school/ualberta-pharmacy
FEATURES
Dean’s Distillate
24 One Faculty’s Footprint The impact of the Faculty of Pharmacy
Advancing the Health of Canadians
and Pharmaceutical Sciences’
Recent graduate, Dr. Dillon Lee, receives a national honour.
9
A Note from the PAA
9
Healthcare on Wheels
community is made up of students, alumni, faculty, and research that reaches across the globe.
29 The Caribbean Connections
Edmonton’s first Mobile Medical Clinic launches with the help of pharmacy alumni.
30 Building the Japan-Alberta Alliance 33 Working Together, Six Feet Apart Edmonton-based research collaborations, volunteer support at the
11 Mourning Flight PS752
COVID Emergency Shelter, and hope for
SPOTLIGHT
a cure are all prevalent in the Faculty’s fight against COVID-19.
13 Something More Calgary’s oldest independent pharmacy, Lukes Drug Mart, is an on-trend community hub and destination for all.
LOOKING BACK 36 The Moshier Moments Dr. Heber Moshier was the first Director
17 Q&A with Colter Young Pharmacy alumnus launches the first pharmacist-led hepatitis C clinic.
of Pharmacy, Professor, and Chair of the Department of Physiology at the University of Alberta.
19 Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu named a Trudeau Foundation Fellow
39 All in the Family The Szumlas’ are the first family at Bashaw Drugs to have generational
IN THE MORTAR
ownership of the historic pharmacy and the fourth generation of University of
20 Education Abroad Dr. Michael Doschak, Assistant Dean
Alberta alumni to run it.
International, talks about the Faculty’s world-wide educational connections.
22 Pharmacy in Tripoli, Lebanon 23 Pharmacy in Kobe and Tokyo, Japan
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
3
DEAN'S DISTILLATE
Dean’s Distillate
PHARMACY IN A PANDEMIC
T
HE BEGINNING OF A NEW DECADE makes me reflect
changed modern life forever. No one could have fathomed only six
on important things. It’s an opportunity to adjust and to
months ago, that the world would be where it is today, but pharmacists,
contemplate different paths. For us at the Faculty of Pharmacy
pharmaceutical scientists, and all health professionals and frontline
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2020 has been a year of consolidation.
workers of the world have collectively forged on to make the planet
We are committed to maintaining balance between social progress,
a safer place.
economic development, equity, diversity, inclusion, globalization,
As we adapt and fight this battle, we maintain our commitment
and changes in healthcare. Over the past few years, we have sought
to be excellent, because working with you, and for you, to meet your
to increase the relative visibility of the Faculty, and we continue to
expectations is our main priority. Our vision for our Faculty remains
remain a committed, innovative, world-class pharmacy Faculty with an
the same. Together, I know that we will achieve it.
international presence and footprint. We are proud of the part we have played in healthcare around the world.
In similar ways, we will keep advancing in the implementation of remodeled facilities in our Faculty, updating the curriculum, creating
However, the year 2020 rapidly took on new meaning with the
more connectivity and improving technology so that your experience
COVID-19 pandemic. It has been a year of change and adaptability,
with us is optimized. Rejuvenating websites and magazines have been
of fear and of hope. Now, more than ever, our connectivity across the
great initiatives, but at the end of the day, cannot truly replace direct
globe gains value, as we join to fight off a global pandemic that has
human contact between all of us — even when it must be done virtually, six feet apart, or through a magazine.
4
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
DEAN'S DISTILLATE
To the FoPPS Community: RECENTLY, racist events in the United States, Canada, and beyond have come into public focus, and pushed I’m convinced that this year, and this decade, we will still achieve all our goals, as behind our objectives is a motivated and talented team, comprised of professionals committed to delivering the best experience to our students and alumni. We will make you as proud of our Faculty as we are of you. This new year and new decade, we hope to accompany you in your achievements and aspirations, in our profession, so that together, we can all go further. At this time, the University of Alberta is considering restructuring and amalgamating faculties. I believe unequivocally that everything we do here in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences matters. We continue to make a difference in many lives, locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally because of our sustained efforts. Although the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences strongly endorses equal collaboration from all the professions involved
society to acknowledge its own toxic and systemic racism. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences denounces anti-Black racism and stands in solidarity with the Black community. We acknowledge that we need to learn more, listen better, and take actionable steps towards justice and equity for racialized members of our community. Truthful dialogue is necessary to create meaningful action. We’ve been taking time to listen and facilitate discussion to inform a more meaningful and concrete action plan. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Strategic Plan includes processes dedicated to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), and we will look to our faculty members that sit on the University-wide EDI committee for
in health sciences — and empowering collaboration is always our goal
continual guidance. Here are our plans moving forward:
— avoiding dominance of one discipline over another in professional
• We will review all faculty procedures, curriculum,
or academic contexts has always been our position. I count on all
admissions, teaching practices, and hiring, as well
of you, our alumni, as important advocates moving forward. Now,
as consult with students, staff, alumni, and greater
more than ever, you are all deeply appreciated. I thank you and all the
university counterparts to facilitate additional plans
essential pharmacy workers of our professional ranks for your support.
of action. Such actions will be publicly shared,
Even in these difficult times, I am looking forward to our shared future.
disseminated, and implemented over the coming
I hope that as you read each issue of The Mortar & Pestle, you will begin to feel our unbridled dedication and the difference that it makes.
days and months ahead. • Members of our leadership team have participated
I encourage you to read this issue with hope at its core, as you learn
in unconscious bias training, but we will work to make
about the steps taken by our world-wide community to make society
this training available to all faculty and staff on an
a better place, even amidst such uncertainty.
ongoing basis.
Health and safety have always been our highest value at the Faculty, and during this pandemic it’s taken on a new and different significance. This virus transmits, it infects, and it kills. I ask each of you to be your brother’s keeper, be your sister’s keeper, and to continue to look out for one another’s health and safety. Thank you for your commitment to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the profession. Thank you for being a part of our community. Thank you for having me as your Dean. Sincerely,
• Our Faculty will work on further tangible steps alongside our stakeholders and constituents to create positive change for the Black community and other racialized groups. • We have compiled a list of resources that has been shared with our students, and will be made available to faculty, staff, and our community so that we can continue to learn and grow together. The list will continually be updated and can be found at: www.ualberta.ca/pharmacy/about-us/edi On behalf of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, we acknowledge that we have a lot of work to do to actively dismantle systemic racism, and we commit to
NEAL M. DAVIES BSc(Pharm), Ph.D., R.Ph.
working together to accomplish purposeful actions as a
Dean and Professor
dedicated part of the solution. We can do better, and we will.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
5
NEWS & NOTES
NEWS & NOTES
AWARDWINNING STUDENTS
Scott Dyer (PharmD 2021) received the ACP Past President Award this spring for his work as President of the Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association (APSA), which will be presented to him at ACP’s upcoming Celebration of Leadership event.
CANADIAN PHARMACIST OF THE YEAR Congratulations to University of Alberta alumna Dr. Kelly Grindrod (BSc Pharm 2003) for receiving the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s Canadian Pharmacist of the Year award! Read more about her accomplishments as a pharmacist, researcher, teacher, and mentor at pharmacists.ca.
For attaining the highest Grade Point Average in the Class of 2020, Dr. Trina Gartke (PharmD 2020) received the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) Gold Medal, presented at this year’s virtual Pharmacy Convocation Celebration with ACP on June 12th. Additionally, Gartke also received the Alberta Premier’s Silver Medal upon graduation, one
Daniela Amaral Silva (PhD 2021), supervised
of the University’s highest student honours,
by Dr. Raimar Loebenberg and Dr. Neal
which is awarded to the undergraduate student
Davies, received the Alberta Innovates
who achieves the highest academic standing
Graduate Student Scholarship (AIGSS) for
throughout their entire degree in the Faculty
her work on developing an inhalable treatment
of Law, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry,
to prevent the spread of breast cancer to
or Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
the lungs using nanotechnology for better
Sciences.
outcomes.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
NEWS & NOTES
Advancing the Health of Canadians
PHARMACY GRADUATE, DR. DILLON LEE, RECEIVES NATIONAL CSHP HOSPITAL PHARMACY STUDENT AWARD
Throughout her time at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, Dr. Dillon Lee (PharmD 2020) has excelled academically, led the Health Sciences Students’ Association, worked in hospitals and community pharmacies, and pursued over 10
Dr. Dillon Lee
bench-top, translational research, and Quality Improvement projects as a pharmacy student. This spring, Dr. Lee was chosen from pharmacy students across the country to receive the 2020 Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists’ Hospital Pharmacy Student Award, presented to her at Professional Development Week 2020 in Montreal as well as at CSHP’s Professional Practice Conference in Toronto. The award — given to a pharmacy student who exhibits eagerness and a positive attitude toward academic learning, pharmacy practice, and the profession of hospital pharmacy — recognizes her dedication to direct patient care, research, and education. “Winning the national award encouraged my professional identity to become an excellent clinician who also takes proactive steps to improve the delivery of health care,” says Dr. Lee. “Pharmacists are strategically placed in the healthcare system and have great potential to advance the health of Canadians.” And this is something Dr. Lee is already working on. As a pharmacy student she worked on various projects to improve healthcare through pharmacy practice, like creating a healthcare guide for new Canadians, identifying alternative strategies to follow-up with patients in an emergency department, leading a study to define the role of pharmacists as emergency responders during a pandemic, and planning and hosting the first Canadian Quality Improvement workshop for pharmacy students. “My goal as a pharmacist is to become an agent of change for our profession and support my colleagues to pursue leadership projects,” says Lee. “Being a pharmacist means serving the public as an essential worker who has the expertise and skills to fill unique service gaps in healthcare. I hope to become an excellent clinician who inspires pharmacy colleagues to innovate health solutions to current and future practice challenges.”
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
7
NEWS & NOTES
SAVE the
DATE!
Calling all alumni! LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK.
Weigh in on the University of Alberta’s discussion regarding the potential amalgamation of Faculties. Learn more and give direct feedback at ualberta.ca/uofa-tomorrow
VIRTUAL
ALUMNI WEEKEND 2020 Due to health and safety protocols during COVID-19, the University
2020 Alumni Awards
of Alberta has made the decision
Congratulations to alumna Margaret Wing (BSc Pharm 1985) for receiving a 2020
to transform this year’s Alumni
Alumni Honour Award. The award recognizes her significant achievements and
Weekend into a virtual celebration.
contributions over the years to the pharmacy profession and community as CEO of
This September, we look forward
the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) and advocate on behalf of pharmacists
to celebrating with you even
in Alberta. Wing, along with the other alumni recipients in the University of
though you can’t come to campus!
Alberta community, will be celebrated at an event early next year.
Details coming soon at ualberta.ca/alumni/events/ alumni-weekend
Tap into your potential and give back. With your generosity, we can ensure our students get the assistance and resources they need in this uncertain time. Make a gift today at uab.ca/givetopharm
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
Margaret Wing
NEWS & NOTES
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S Class of 2020 A NOTE FROM THE PAA
DEAR CLASS OF 2020
On behalf of the Pharmacy Alumni
But, please know that the entire alumni
Association, we would like to extend our
community is celebrating your successes and
warmest congratulations to the Pharmacy
rooting for you in this next stage of life.
Class of 2020 on your graduation! Your hard
We also want to welcome you into the
work and determination over the last four years
alumni community! You are joining a vast
has finally paid off, and we are confident in
network of professionals, and we will be
your abilities to succeed in whatever path
keeping in touch with you regarding future
you choose.
volunteer opportunities and social events.
We empathize with you as you were unable
We know these last few months have been
to celebrate in the traditional sense, with an
challenging in a lot of ways, but we will
in-person cap-and-gown commencement
continue to unite as a community of current,
ceremony, due to these unusual circumstances.
new, and future alumni!
Mint Health and Drugs — launched in January 2020 to better serve Edmonton’s most vulnerable populations. The clinic, housed in a large cube van, allows those experiencing homelessness, or barriers such as having no permanent address or government issued healthcare documentation, to more easily access the patient and healthcare services they need. The van parks outside different shelters and centres in Edmonton, and its multidisciplinary team includes a nurse practitioner, community advocate, and pharmacist, among others. Together, the team offers services such as immunizations, flu shots, wound care, and general check-ups to patients.
Healthcare on Wheels
PHARMACY ALUMNI ON-BOARD WITH EDMONTON’S FIRST MOBILE MEDICAL CLINIC
Among the parties involved in launching this revolutionary form of healthcare in Edmonton is Mint Health and Drugs, operated by Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences alumnus Kit Poon (BSc Pharm 2004). Also part of the project are alumni Cole Mondor (BSc Pharm 2015), pharmacy licensee of Church Street, the mobile clinic’s associated pharmacy; Andrew Noh (BSc Pharm 2014), Project Manager; Ron Wai (BSc Pharm 2004), Program Development and Stakeholder Engagement; and Dr. Brandon Brost (PharmD 2019), frontline pharmacist for the mobile clinic. At its launch, Edmonton joined nine other cities, including Calgary,
Edmonton’s mobile medical clinic — funded by Telus and in partnership
Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, that also have Telus mobile clinics via
with The Mustard Seed, The Boyle McCauley Health Clinic, and
its Health For Good campaign across Canada. THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
9
NEWS & NOTES
FACULTY NOTES The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is now ranked 13th in the world for citations per paper according to the 2020 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Marlene Gukert, Clinical Associate Professor, retired on June
Congratulations to Dr. John Ussher, Associate Professor, and his
30th after working at the Faculty for 19 years. Thank you, Marlene,
wife, Nancy, on their baby boy, Leviathan Xander Bryant Ussher,
for all your work and dedication to the Faculty of Pharmacy and
born in February this year.
Pharmaceutical Sciences, and to student pharmacists all these years. Congratulations and best wishes.
Dr. Nese Yuksel, Associate Professor, has been awarded the Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Gender and
Congratulations to Dr. Lockhart Jamieson for successfully
Health Women’s Health Clinical Mentorship Grant. The aim of
defending her PhD during the COVID-19 pandemic and receiving a
the grant is to advance clinical research in women’s health and
fellowship to undertake her post-doctoral studies at the University
build capacity in the next generation of women’s health clinician-
of Calgary with Dr. Robert Rose.
researchers. Dr. Yuskel will be investigating cannabis use in menopause, which has traditionally been under-researched.
Dr. Cheryl Sadowski, Professor, received a grant for a pharmacy
She will be training and mentoring Katherine Babyn, a master’s
practice study on urology this spring. Recruitment for the project
student at the Faculty, throughout the duration of the one-year
will hopefully start this fall. Interested pharmacists can contact
research project.
her at cherylas@ualberta.ca.
The Shevchenko Medal: A Ukrainian-Canadian Honour ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN NEW TRAIL In November 2019, alumnus Borys Sydoruk (BSc Pharm 1981) was honoured with the Shevchenko Medal at the XXVI Triennial Ukrainian Canadian Congress Awards Banquet in Ottawa. The Shevchenko Medal is the highest recognition granted by the Congress and recognizes people, institutions, and organizations for exceptional contributions to the Ukrainian-Canadian community. Sydoruk was recognized for his work raising awareness of the Holodomor — the genocidal famine in Soviet-governed Ukraine — and Canada’s first national internment operations of 1914-20. Congratulations, Borys, and thank you for your contributions to the UkrainianCanadian community. 10
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
NEWS & NOTES
IN MEMORIAM
We honour those who have passed.
CHARLES WAYNE MCDOUGALL BSc Pharm 1951 October 2019
IRENE RUTH LEINAN BSc Pharm 1968 December 2019
ROBIN ROBERT ISON PhD 1970 December 2019
DOREEN HAGEN BSc Pharm 1952 March 2020
JOHN WARCHOLA BSc Pharm 1957 November 2019
RONALD ALAN HUBER BSc Pharm 1960 January 2020
DR. GERALD “JERRY” ARTHUR NIVEN BSc Pharm 1968, DDS Med 1972 March 2020
MARIO MICHAEL MAYCHER BSc Pharm 1957 December 2019
SANDRA KRYN (NEE CARRUTHERS) BSc Pharm 1971 February 2020
Mourning Flight PS752 Ten members of the University of Alberta community and three members of their families were among the 176 people killed when Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 crashed on January 1st a few minutes after takeoff from Tehran International Airport. They were professors and students, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers. Some were accomplished researchers; some were just embarking on promising careers. All will be mourned and missed. (First published by folio.ca) The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences mourns the victims of this tragic accident and thinks of all those affected, including our faculty members and students who are part of the Iranian community. The members of our campus and the other passengers on the flight were integral parts of our University of Alberta family and beyond, as well as beloved family members and friends. We remember them now and always.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
11
SPOTLIGHT
Gareth Lukes in the vinyl aisle at Lukes Drug Mart in Bridgeland.
12
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
SPOTLIGHT
N I G H M T E O M RE O S Vinyl, coffee, and patient care at Lukes Drug Mart BY
K AL YNA H
IL W I ENNIG | P H OTO G R A P H Y BY A P R
C LC O
KS
In 1951, Lukes Drug Mart was opened in
Edmonton, where he finished his Bachelor
Calgary’s Bridgeland neighbourhood by Jim
of Science in Pharmacy degree in 1975. After
Lukes. Today, it still operates in the original
working at the family business with his dad
building. Born in Radville, Saskatchewan,
for a few more years, Robert went back to
Jim became familiar with pharmacy in his
school and received a commerce degree and his
early years working as a delivery boy for the
Chartered Accountant license, and worked in
town’s pharmacist. Three generations later, the
the field until 1985. That year, Jim retired, and
ever-evolving Lukes Drug Mart has become so
Robert took over the store.
much more than a prescription pick-up stop, as
Today, Robert’s son, Gareth Lukes, is also
Jim’s son, Robert Lukes (BSc Pharm 1975), an
in the family business. He followed a similar
alumnus of the University of Alberta’s Faculty
path to his father, and started his educational
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and
journey in commerce and has now been
his grandson Gareth Lukes — have continued
working at the store full-time for 17 years.
to transform the family business. Now, it’s
Gareth says he knew he would have to take
an on-trend community hub and destination
over the store one day, and he liked the rigor
for all, and Calgary’s oldest independent
of it. When he joined the family business, it
pharmacy.
was at a time of transition for the pharmacy
Robert Lukes grew up in and around the pharmacy with his dad, so it only made sense
profession as a whole. “Independent pharmacies in the province
to follow the family trade when the time came.
hadn’t really died, but they had largely
Though his first few years of post-secondary
been bought out by larger companies,” says
education involved some transitions — from
Gareth. “I saw that we needed to drastically
the University of Calgary to the University of
differentiate [our business], or we couldn’t
Alberta, taking a year off, and returning
survive as what a retail pharmacy used to be.”
to Calgary to take economics and computer sciences — he pivoted back to pharmacy in
But Lukes Drug Mart was not new to setting itself apart. In the 1960’s, part of the store
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
13
SPOTLIGHT
Robert Lukes (BSc Pharm 1975) (left) and Bridgeland manager and alumnus, David Brewerton (BSc Pharm 1981) (right).
functioned as a beauty salon, and in the late
back end support that big chains are getting
own area of the store. Then, the vinyl section
‘90s, Lukes Drug Mart expanded the chain
to their pharmacies. We have to offset that
success was noticed by Stumptown Coffee,
into three Tuck shops across the city. By 2010,
by creating interesting things. So, we thought
and Lukes Drug Mart also became a spot for
it opened a second store in Calgary’s Killarney
‘what would this sort of neighbourhood want?’”
sustainable, fairly traded, artisan coffee.
neighbourhood, and for most of Robert Lukes’
Gareth says they thought about
“We just kept bringing in new brands,
career, they also ran a home care business
neighbourhoods in larger cities, like Vancouver,
and people were excited to deal with us,”
and a location at a nursing home. However,
Portland, and Seattle, in terms of what
says Gareth. “Everyone was excited to sell
success wasn’t only about franchising new
types of businesses would be available to the
to us during that economic boom time when
locations, but creating unique experiences
community as staples.
downtown was growing so much. So, we were
and atmosphere. “It’s about how to stay relevant,” says Gareth. “We had to reinvent.” The evolution to something more than a
“If we were Vancouver, this neighbourhood would have a record store, this neighbourhood
really lucky at the time we came up.” Championing local brands and unique
would have a bunch of really good coffee
experiences, Lukes also offers a one of a kind
shops, this neighbourhood would have a
atmosphere. Sporting its original hardwood
pharmacy was spurred by the desire to serve
bunch of boutiques. That was the start of us
floors (that were first covered with carpeting),
the patients in the same way that they always
carrying records,” says Gareth. They started
the store is draped with houseplants in locally
had, but at the same time remain economically
selling vinyl records in the aisles, then at the
made pots and old style hand-lettering adorns
viable, says Gareth. “We aren’t getting all the
post office, and then it expanded into its very
the windows. It might just remind you of
“It’s about how to stay relevant, We had to reinvent.” 14
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
SPOTLIGHT
“The store now is a fantastical version of what it never looked like in the past.” a vintage ice cream parlour. The Killarney
carpet, and linoleum underneath the carpet.
location, which actually has soft-serve
But the store now is a fantastical version of
the bid. It’s because we had been around for 70
ice cream today, offers the same level of
what it never looked like in the past.”
years,” says Gareth. “And if they were looking
diversification and charm. “Back in the ‘50s, we were like a malt shop,”
“I think that was one of the reasons we won
Of their most recent endeavours, Lukes
for someone who would be there for a very
has expanded its brand into the food service
long time, for the long haul, that shows that
says Gareth. “I remember talking to a couple
industry at the new Calgary Public Library.
we can do that. I also think it was because we
of customers about their parents that used to
In 2019, along with the library, they opened
were really focused on doing democratic food
come down here because there were a bunch of
Lukes East Village, in partnership with famed
and healthy stuff in that space. That was one of
cool kids that hung out at the pharmacy. There
local chef Eric Hendry, offering simple and
the concerns they had, they didn’t want a chain
weren’t that many drugs or products at the
local foods in a beautiful sun-soaked, 32-seat
that was going to do heavily processed foods.”
pharmacy in the ‘50s, so you had to have other
space, complete with a living wall and quirky
stuff available. Sunday was usually busy back
window decals.
then, people would come by after church for
Overall, the core values of Lukes Drug Mart have seamlessly flowed in the success of Lukes
“Because the store has been around for
East Village. “It’s been a really good project
sandwiches and milkshakes. That was where all
so long, we offered a little more stability,”
for us, because we can take the things we’ve
the business was.”
says Robert. “The restaurant business is a
learned here, like the customer service, the
tough business. And so even though it looks
standards that made this pharmacy successful,
tremendous, you have to work at it.”
and take it there,” says Gareth.
“It’s surreal,” says Robert. “That wooden flooring we have now was never exposed. It had
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
15
SPOTLIGHT
So, what’s next for the Lukes legacy?
And it’s that patient interaction, and all
“You can make a difference in people’s
Right now, they are working on a cosmetics
the unique offerings Lukes has created for its
lives providing this service and looking out for
component of all-natural Canadian brands at
patients, that really speaks to its success.
them,” says Robert. “There are thousands of
the Killarney location, dinner service coming
“To be successful, you have to pick what
stories of our patients that have told us that
to Lukes East Village, and three dozen new
your store is going to be. You have to do that
we’ve made such a huge difference in their
brands to be made available in the stores. As
incredibly well. Don’t try to be everything
lives. There’s a lot of situations where their
for the pharmacy component, it’s “never been
to everybody. Lukes works because of the
family is not there, and they don’t have the
more exciting,” says Robert. Lukes is ensuring
neighbourhood and the history,” says Gareth.
support anywhere else. We’re there when no
all of their pharmacists have prescribing rights,
“Just find something you’re passionate about
one else is, and that’s how we make that kind
and are bringing in travel medication and other
and use that to create your business. Do
of impact. And as always, we want to provide
evolved services as they become available.
those one or two things very well, better than
the services that people in the neighbourhood
“You have so many more opportunities from
anyone else in the city, and you will have a
want and need.”
the standpoint of injections, patient care. It
good business. I think that’s a key for anyone
makes that patient interaction so much better
graduating or wanting to open a pharmacy —
than it used to be,” says Robert.
you have to have a niche.”
“You can make a difference in people’s lives providing this service and looking out for them,” 16
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
SPOTLIGHT
Colter Young
with Colter Young PHARMACY ALUMNUS LAUNCHES THE FIRST PHARMACIST-LED HEPATITIS C CLINIC Alberta is in the midst of an opioid crisis and has recently worked to increase access to addiction medicine services within the province. However, many of those engaging in care for substance use disorders represent vulnerable and marginalized populations, often disenfranchised from traditional healthcare, experiencing additional gaps in care. This includes the often overlooked diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C. That’s where alumnus Colter Young (BSc Pharm 2016) comes in. Working for Shoppers Drug Mart within an addiction medicine clinic in downtown Edmonton, he developed the SDM-CHOICE (Coordinated Hepatitis C and Opioid Dependency Intervention in a Community Environment) Program. Young’s work focuses on treating patients with hepatitis C, “a curable disease with potentially severe individual and public health consequences that is frequently overlooked in people who use drugs,” says Young. THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
17
SPOTLIGHT
“With a fresh approach and by meeting people where they are, we could help support access to the cure our patients deserve” What is a pharmacist-led hepatitis C clinic? What unique
hepatitis C care. Our advocacy within the field contributed to Alberta
services does it offer patients?
expanding their treater pool to include not only pharmacists, but also
The landscape of hepatitis C treatment has changed drastically over
family physicians, nurse practitioners and other “non-specialists”.
the last five years. New treatments have been developed with cure rates
Since this expansion, I have facilitated a number of training sessions to
approaching 100% and very few side effects. Drug coverage for these
support the education of non-specialist treaters across Canada.
treatments has also been expanded, meaning more people can be cured than ever before. Despite these advancements, almost half of those with hepatitis C
Knowledge dissemination and exchange have also been a focus of our work. Last fall, I presented at the International Network on Hepatitis in Substance Users’ (INHSU) annual conference in Montreal. There,
are unaware of their infection. For those who are, less than 10% are
I summarized the Program’s observations that, in appropriate settings
started on treatment. To address this shortfall, experts around the world
with a defined linkage to care pathway, pharmacist-led hepatitis C
recognize that the management of hepatitis C must expand to include
intervention can improve the successful completion of the cascade
care provided by non-specialists such as pharmacists, family physicians
of care, which means more people get cured. I was met with a lot of
and nurse practitioners.
interest in our novel treatment model.
My clinic leverages the therapeutic relationship developed with those
I was then invited to participate as a Canadian delegate in the
engaged in addiction medicine therapy to streamline access to treatment
Hepatitis C Screening and Linkage to Care Summit in Valencia, Spain.
under the care of a specially trained prescribing pharmacist.
It was an incredible platform for knowledge exchange with practitioners
What are the roles of a pharmacist at the hepatitis C clinic? As designated non-specialist treaters, my team and I manage all steps in the cascade of hepatitis C care out of the pharmacy. This includes screening patients on site with point-of-care testing, completing their pre-treatment assessment by ordering and interpreting lab work, prescribing the appropriate treatment and scheduling follow-up. We also have a direct referral process to a specialist if needed. Of course, an important part of what we do is health promotion
from around the world, and I was honoured to share our model of care learnings and to review novel techniques that have been used elsewhere to successfully engage patients. Finally, as an advocate of academic credibility, I am leading the SDMCHOICE study that looks to formally document the positive impact of pharmacist-led hepatitis C intervention.
Why did you choose to become a pharmacist?
and patient education, and these activities occur on an ongoing basis.
With the expansive scope earned by pharmacists in Alberta, I saw
This includes improving awareness about hepatitis C but also other
the opportunity to build an innovative practice while providing low
communicable diseases, promotion of vaccinations and harm reduction
barrier access to vital healthcare services. I was also drawn to the team
practices. We strive to maintain a non-judgmental environment and
environment and the opportunity to help people manage not only their
provide access to safe drug use supplies and naloxone on site.
medications, but to navigate their healthcare journey.
Why is this initiative important to you?
What led you to your current practice?
There is an enormous gap in care for a curable condition. The
I first developed a passion for inner-city health and wellness during
prevalence of hepatitis C is high in people who inject drugs, but
my practicum experiences in the Faculty. Since graduating four years
these individuals are not being screened or successfully connected to
ago, I have been building my practice within this field, with a focus on
care under the traditional treatment model. Plus, the World Health
addiction medicine and its associated comorbidities. Throughout my
Organization has set a goal of eliminating hepatitis C as a public health
time as a student, and now as a pharmacist, I have worked for Shoppers
threat by 2030, and Canada is not on track.
Drug Mart, where I’ve been given a tremendous amount of support.
We thought that, with a fresh approach and by meeting people where they are, we could help support access to the cure our patients deserve. And we were right.
What does it mean to you to be a pharmacist? As pharmacists, we have the opportunity to make meaningful differences in our patients’ lives. We have the obligation to use our pharmaceutical
How are you advocating for pharmacists’ involvement in
knowledge to support the safe and effective use of medications and are
the treatment of hepatitis C?
a vital component of the healthcare team. But our influence extends
The SDM-CHOICE Program was one of the first pharmacist run
so much further than that. To me, being a pharmacist is also being an
programs in the world and early on, we realized the incredible
accessible support and navigator to those in need, helping to ensure
opportunity that we had to advance the role of the pharmacist in
people don’t fall through the cracks in a complicated system.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
SPOTLIGHT
Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu
Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu named a Trudeau Foundation Fellow ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CHOSEN FOR HIS EXPERTISE IN ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
BY HELEN METELLA, originally published by the Faculty of Law
Associate Professor, Dr. Ubaka Ogbogu,
through its scholarship, fellowship and
ethical issues associated with stem cell
a health law scholar in both the Faculty
mentorship programs.
research, gene and engineered gene therapies,
of Law and the Faculty of Pharmacy and
Dr. Ogbogu believes his selection speaks
biobanks, germline gene editing and assisted
Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been named a
to the strength of the University of Alberta’s
fellow of the prestigious Pierre Elliott Trudeau
Health Law program. He is only the second
Foundation for 2020 to 2023.
professor from the Faculty of Law to be chosen
Law and Science Policy at UAlberta, and chair
by the Foundation; the first, in 2015, was fellow
of the university’s Research Ethics Board No. 2.
Dr. Ogbogu, who is an authority on the ethical, legal and societal implications of novel
Health Law scholar Timothy Caulfield, director
and emerging biotechnologies, was one of four
of the university’s Health Law Institute.
reproductive technologies. He is the Katz Research Fellow in Health
He is also a member of the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Somatic
scholars, and the only one from the University
“Timothy Caulfield was my mentor and
of Alberta, chosen to focus on the foundation’s
taught me most of what I know about the link
member of the Canadian Institutes of Health
new scientific theme for the next three years —
between research and engaged leadership.”
Research (CIHR) Stem Cell Oversight
technology and ethics.
Excited to be called upon for his skills, Dr.
Gene and Engineered Cell Therapies; a
Committee; and a member of the International
Ogbogu also finds the foundation’s mission
Society for Stem Cell Research Task Force on
and genetic technology and the ethical issues
— to empower scholars to have a meaningful
Guidelines for Stem Cell Research and Clinical
surrounding them,” said Dr. Ogbogu. “The
impact on the world — highly appealing.
Translation.
“I’ll be leading training on gene therapy
focus includes technical issues pertaining
“I think the work we do as academics
Previously, he served on the Council of
to biotechnology and the incorporation of
should not live in the ivory towers but should
Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Medical
artificial intelligence in the area of healthcare,
transcend them to touch communities we don’t
Assistance in Dying, and as a member of the
and that’s my area of expertise.”
deal with directly,” he said. “My mission is to
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Gov-
have my voice heard outside these four walls.”
erning Council’s Standing Committee on Ethics.
In its announcement, the Foundation said, “With the ongoing, ever-changing
Dr. Ogbogu has researched ethics and
Dr. Ogbogu begins his Trudeau Foundation
circumstances stemming from the proliferation
biotechnologies since 2005, but as a
of COVID-19, this area of research will be
multidisciplinary scholar his work cuts
more relevant than ever to our community,
across numerous fields, including health
by it,” said Dr. Ogbogu. “The fellows are a list
domestically and internationally.”
law, bioethics, science policy, science and
of who’s who in Canadian academics, brilliant
technology, public health, legal history and
names. To be among them is very exciting.
legal philosophy.
It really shows I’ve come a long way in
Since 2001, the Trudeau Foundation has trained foremost researchers, from Canada and abroad, to develop into influential leaders
fellowship this summer. “It’s quite significant and I feel very humbled
His publications have explored legal and
one field.”
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
19
IN THE MORTAR
EDUCATION ABROAD WITH DR. MICHAEL DOSCHA
K
In 2005, Dr. Michael Doschak was recruited to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
To cap it off, our pharmacy students are the
Sciences by then Dean, Dr. Franco Pasutto. Doschak had just completed his Industrial Fellowship with the
brightest minds in Canada, and the finest
Canadian biotech company, Millenium Biologix Corporation, working with its biologic drug division in Mississauga,
colleagues to share this experience with,
Ontario on artificial implantable bone scaffolds. It was his research in bone health after drug intervention with the rapidly developing preclinical micro-Computed Tomography technology that caught Dean Pasutto’s attention – an
as they support and help each other so that no one feels alone on this journey towards becoming a professional pharmacist
area of research that was not yet present at the University of Alberta. Fifteen years later, Doschak is a Professor
or researcher.
and Assistant Dean, International at the Faculty.
How many countries does the Faculty
What is your role as Assistant Dean,
CRS chapter in Canada. The position with
International?
our Faculty is important to me as it provides
My role, and that of our Faculty International
me with my first experience as a member of a
Committee, is to support the Dean by
faculty administrative unit, as leadership at the
providing suggestions and initiatives towards
university level is something that I have always
the development and implementation of the
aspired to meet.
Faculty’s international strategic direction.
Why is the Faculty of Pharmacy
Direct examples would include initiatives
and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the
aimed at strengthening international student and faculty engagement within research in pharmacy practice and the pharmaceutical sciences, collaboration and recruitment to our Faculty, or to develop opportunities for increasing global learning relating to the undergraduate programs and research with our Faculty.
What made you want to take on this
University of Alberta a great place for international students to receive an education? There are many compelling reasons, the first being the proven experience of our faculty professoriate and teaching staff, with their cumulative strength in pharmacy practice teaching and pharmaceutical sciences innovation. Secondly, our classroom and lab
currently have relationships with? Our faculty currently maintains academic relationships with pharmacy schools in 16 countries and on every continent, except Antarctica. Our strongest partnerships involve the exchange of professors and students from pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences faculties in Japan, Egypt, China, Italy, Qatar, Brazil and Taiwan.
What are you working on right now that you are excited about? We are currently developing a mechanism whereby our Faculty can deliver our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree to students in China, Hong Kong, and Australia. Many countries do not currently offer the PharmD degree coursework, and as such, this represents an opportunity for our faculty to increase
position? Why is it important to you?
facilities, and instructional delivery are state-
Over the course of my academic career,
of-the-art. Not only do we have dedicated
I have been involved both nationally and
lecture theatres, compounding and dispensing
internationally with many leadership
labs, there are also dozens of patient
committee initiatives, including my role as
counseling and problem-based learning rooms,
three years we have managed to develop
Secretary and then Chair of the International
each equipped with monitors, technology, and
consistent international exchanges of highly
Chapters Committee with the international
legacy photographs and memorabilia of past
qualified personnel between Edmonton and
Controlled Release Society (CRS), as well
pharmacy classes to remind us all that we are
Chiba, Japan. In October 2019, we hosted two
as Secretary and then President of the local
learning in a culture of academic excellence.
Japanese professors for one month in residence
20
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
global engagement and learning in advanced patient-centered pharmacy practice. In terms of bench research, over the past
IN THE MORTAR
CURRENT INTERNATIONAL PHARMACY PROGRAMS These relationships were built over decades by current and former Deans, faculty, and staff at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to advance pharmacy education in our faculty and around the world. ITALY COURSE: Every year, 15 to 20 students from our third-year undergraduate pharmacy program have the opportunity to attend a three week elective course Dr. Michael Doschak (left) with Dr. Hirotoshi Echizen (right) at Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Japan in December 2019.
at the University of Naples Federico II (founded in the year 1224). The students participate with instructors from both institutions on a program entitled “Intercultural Exploration of Pharmacy & Health”, including the beneficial impact of the Mediterranean diet.
with our pharmaceutical sciences researchers. That followed on from graduate student and
CHINA PHARMACEUTICAL UNIVERSITY (CPU): Following a Memorandum of
postdoctoral fellowship placements from Japan
Understanding (MoU) established with CPU, and financially supported by the
with our faculty the past 12 months, and soon
China Scholarship Council (CSC), the Faculty’s undergraduate pharmacy program
we will be sending our Canadian graduate
provides two reserved seats for the top CPU students to experience and confer
students to study and conduct lab bench
a pharmacy degree at the University of Alberta.
research in Japan! That activity has brought a fresh energy to our lab research and forged new research collaboration that will surely lead to new opportunities in pharmaceutical
TAJEN UNIVERSITY IN TAIWAN: Visitation of 15 to 20 Tajen U undergraduate students and faculty preceptors to Edmonton to introduce them to the pharmacy research environment and profession in Alberta.
sciences discovery.
AHRAM CANADIAN UNIVERSITY IN EGYPT: Following the first MoU in
What’s next for international
November 2008, this relationship facilitates student exchange in pharmacy and
programs at the Faculty?
pharmaceutical sciences education for the top Egyptian pharmacy undergrads
Clearly, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly
with our program.
arrested the momentum of our Faculty’s international activities. Many scheduled
BRAZIL DUAL DEGREE: This initiative, developed with the Universidade de
exchanges and initiatives were suspended
São Paulo, the largest Brazilian public university, enables students from Brazil
to ensure the safety of those involved.
to commence their pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences education in Brazil,
However, our international relationships
and subsequently continue and complete their graduate studies at the University
remain strong and compelling, and as
of Alberta in order to earn a dual-degree — one from Brazil and the second
such, we hope for a speedy resumption of
from Canada.
our intended activities. Those include the undergraduate Italy Course with the University
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE): This MoU has established up to five seats for
of Naples, the Chiba Engine program of
Emirati sponsored students to enter the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program
up to 10 visiting pharmaceutical sciences
at the University of Alberta.
students to Edmonton, the visitation of Meiji Pharmaceutical University and Josai University
TAIHO JAPAN FUND: The Taiho fund was established to promote research in
pharmacy students to Edmonton, and
the pharmaceutical sciences between the Faculty with a partner university in
hopefully a renewal of the China Scholarship
Japan. It has facilitated staff and student exchange with over five Japanese
Council (CSC)-funded China Pharmaceutical
universities, including Chiba U, Hokkaido U, Toho U, Meiji U, Josai U, and others.
University (CPU) undergraduate pharmacy
This endowment from the Taiho Pharmaceutical Corporation in Japan followed
student enrolment into our entry-to-practice
the success of our Faculty’s past professor Dr. Ron Micetich’s drug discovery
PharmD academic program.
and patenting of Tazobactam, subsequently licensed to Taiho Pharma. www.bioalberta.com/ron-micetich THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
21
IN THE MORTAR
PHARMACY IN TRIPOLI LEBANON EMELIE EL HAGE COMPLETES A PHARMACY ROTATION WHERE SHE GREW UP
to learn more about it and take on a clinical
hospital units, she says that all the charting
hospital pharmacist role, which is a fairly new
was still handwritten on paper, which put her
concept there. It required a number of hours
deciphering skills to the test.
to plan and coordinate; however, it all became
“As you can imagine, they use different
possible thanks to several faculty members,
brands of medications than we do here, and
as well as my preceptor Dr. Elie Nehme, who
physicians rarely wrote orders using generic
agreed to take me on as a student despite his
drug names,” says El Hage. “One of the biggest
extremely heavy workload.”
learning curves of my rotation became reading
Though she loves Canada and is grateful to
the orders and being able to check them for
be living here, El Hage says she still has a very
accuracy and safety when I could barely figure
deep and personal attachment to her country
out the drug that was written. This challenge
of birth, and it was “a dream come true” to
then turned into an interesting learning
practice pharmacy there.
experience by the end of my placement, as it
“The ability to study and practice pharmacy in my native language, as well as give back to the community I grew up in, was both
taught me several new drug names and brands used in other parts of the world.” The other change in practice that surprised
rewarding and challenging,” says El Hage.
her was the way medication was distributed at
“One of the greatest challenges I encountered
the hospital. “Five pharmacy technicians were
was having to speak Arabic and French,
the stars of the show!” says El Hage. “They
melie El Hage (BSc Pharm 2020) was
Lebanon’s two official languages. Studying in
did everything ranging from receiving orders
born and raised in Lebanon until she
Canada made me realize just how rusty my
to packaging them. They would manually
moved to Edmonton with her family at
Arabic had gotten. Although the therapeutics
package and send the medications up to the
the age of 10. In her fourth year of study, she
were generally the same, receiving prescriptions
units, as they did not have any fancy machinery
returned to Lebanon for the summer, but
in French and counselling patients in Arabic
to complete these tasks. It was fascinating
unlike her usual visits — when she travelled
were big challenges I had to overcome.
to watch and learn how the dispensary ran,
to spend time with extended family and
Fortunately, by the end of the rotation, I was
especially because it is starkly different than how
childhood friends — she was there to complete
able to strengthen my communication skills
things are done in hospitals within Canada.”
pharmacy course PHARM 455 abroad.
in both these languages again.” She says her
BY KALYNA HENNIG
E
The experience of working in clinical
rotation in Lebanon not only provided her an
hospital pharmacy where it was still new meant
students to build their own rotation, which
opportunity to improve her language skills, but
that other healthcare professionals and patients
consists of finding a site and a preceptor,
has broadened her ability to help patients from
were not yet used to having El Hage — or other
building a learning plan and completing
many different cultural backgrounds.
pharmacists — around. “We are incredibly
The specialty elective course encourages
assigned activities that are evaluated by the
El Hage attributes much of the value of
lucky to have such a vast scope of practice here
preceptor. Upon their return, the student
her rotation to her preceptor, Dr. Nehme.
in Alberta, and be welcomed and appreciated
puts together a presentation for the course
“He is an incredible mentor, pharmacist, and
on an interdisciplinary team,” says El Hage.
coordinator. El Hage, who convocated this
advocate in the pharmacy world. His strides
“This eye-opening experience gave me a
June with the Class of 2020, chose to complete
to advocate and develop a hospital pharmacy
strong desire to advocate for pharmacists
these requirements via a month-long hospital
practice in a country where hospital pharmacy
everywhere, especially in Lebanon. I want to
rotation in Lebanon. Her placement began
is not as far advanced as Canada’s made him
show just how much value and expertise we
in June of 2019 at the small private hospital,
a strong leader and an incredible teacher. His
can bring to the team in order to improve the
Nini Hospital, in Lebanon’s second largest city,
passion for hospital pharmacy and teaching
health of our patients! In the future, whether I
Tripoli. Since her first year in the pharmacy
pushed me to learn and helped me develop
practice in Canada or in Lebanon, my goal is
program, El Hage had her sights set on
skills essential to provide patients with the best
to educate the public and other professionals
completing a specialty rotation, though she
possible healthcare,” says El Hage.
on what we know and what we can do. I believe
didn’t realize it would be an international one.
In comparison to Canadian pharmacy
that we are often overlooked as pharmacists
practice, El Hage’s experiences at Nini
and many see us as ‘pill counters’ when there
than the one we know here in Canada,” says
Hospital led to some learning curves due to
is so much we do behind the scenes to help
El Hage. “I wanted an in-depth experience
differing resources and protocols. On the
our patients — because we too save lives!”
“Lebanon has a very different health system
22
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
IN THE MORTAR
PHARMACY IN KOBE AND TOKYO JA PA N
KURT WECKESSER PUTS HIS CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC SKILLS TO THE TEST WHILE PRACTICING PHARMACY ABROAD BY: KALYNA HENNIG
K
urt Weckesser
healthcare is still very centred on doctors,”
(PharmD 2021) is
says Weckesser. “We are extremely lucky that
eager to apply his
the stars aligned ever so precisely to allow us
knowledge of Japanese
to practice the way we do as pharmacists in
culture and language in
Alberta.” While there, he could clearly see
his life, so when the opportunity to practice
how pharmacists prescribing, adapting, and
pharmacy in Japan presented itself, he couldn’t
renewing medications provides a huge relief
pass it up. In the summer of 2019, Weckesser
on a medical system. Other challenges to tackle on the job
spent three months working as a student pharmacist in both Tokyo and Kobe. The
included seemingly smaller tasks, like finding
non-credit internship (planned by a contact
medication on the shelves. “It’s a lot harder
not affiliated with the University of Alberta)
when it is a different language governed by
was supported by the Faculty of Pharmacy
not one, but four different alphabets,” he says.
and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
However, his learning curve also had some
Weckesser’s opportunity to work outside
benefits. “Practicing as a young Caucasian
of Canadian pharmacy practice found him
adult in a largely monoethnic population
in three different settings: a traditional
such as Kobe, Japan gets you a free lunch or
Chinese Medicine pharmacy, Kobe General
two,” says Weckesser. “Plus, I was able to do
Hospital, and a major chain pharmacy called
something that not many people can say they
Kokokarafine in Tokyo. He also presented at
have, as well as make a lot more friends and
universities, hospitals, and companies about
valuable connections as a result.”
the role of a pharmacist in Alberta, Canadian
In the future, Weckesser says he wants to
healthcare, and his journey as a student
keep interprofessional collaboration in the
pharmacist. His participation ranged from
forefront of his practice. “We need to foster
shadowing pharmacists to counselling patients
healthy working relationships with physicians
on medication usage, depending upon his
and other healthcare professionals to best help
preceptor’s confidence and his own skill level,
our patients,” he says. When he graduates with
which steadily progressed over the course of
his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2021, he intends to
his internship.
continue to support change and collaboration
“I went to Japan with the purpose of trying
in pharmacy practice. “We have the scope that
to get as much experience as possible. And it
we have now because of great cooperation
was an amazing opportunity,” says Weckesser.
between pharmacists and the government,
“I was exposed to a very different way of
and this is something that we need to keep
operating which both affirmed and challenged
pursuing,” says Weckesser. “Pharmacists are
previously held notions, such as the use of
able to contribute so much to practice, and
technology in pharmacy and the importance of
not putting them in the game is like sidelining
a practitioner-patient relationship.”
one of your best players in a playoff game. My
He says the experience helped him to realize
experience in Japan helped reaffirm a sense
how lucky Alberta’s pharmacists are to have
of pride in what we can do in Alberta, and I
such an advanced scope of practice. “In
am excited to be able to graduate and practice
Japan, the scope is much more limited, and
within a scope that allows me to help change many patients’ lives.”
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
23
FEATURES
ONE FACULTY’S FOOTPRINT
24
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES AROUND THE WORLD
FEATURES
Our graduate students represent 13 countries.
was and is a prominent school of pharmacy that hired many professors who obtained their degrees from the USA and Canada. Reflecting back on those years, I realized that some of those professors provided
HEBA AREF
me with more than an academic experience — they provided me
is from Cairo, Egypt. She arrived in
with extracurricular activities that helped me realize my research and
Edmonton on January 11th, 2019.
communication skills. Specifically, they provided a psychology course,
What are you working on at the Faculty? I am a graduate research assistant working under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Guriguis on several projects. One of these projects is patient-oriented health and medication literacy research that involves seniors. That was an eye-opener for me, to know how community members could be
which was not common among pharmacy schools at that time. That course made me realize my passion for social and psychological theories that could play a role in healthcare settings. This is exactly what I am studying now! After that, I worked in a privately owned university that used to bring many American professors who reinforced my passion and desire to study in North America, as I saw in them rigorous academic traits weaved with amazing professional development skills.
active partners in health research to obtain improved health outcomes
What is your favourite part about Cairo? My favorite memory in
and an enhanced healthcare system. We are trying to engage patients
my country is walking in the early morning and late at night where
in research to improve the degree of relevance of research and to get a
many stores, restaurants, and cafes are opened for the public. In Cairo,
better level of knowledge translation to policy and practice. That would
the streets are alive 24/7! And my favorite place is the amazing North
consequently lead to a more effective healthcare system and a better
Coast and the Red Sea area in Egypt. Egypt is so unique in that, despite
quality of life for Canadians. Another project I am working on is related
not being as large in area as Canada, every region has its own culture,
to the quality of qualitative research in community pharmacy which
clothes, foods, music, and even a dialect! I have that dream that one
aims at advancing the meaningfulness and rigor of such research that
day we can have a Faculty tourist group travel to Egypt for two or three
gives a voice to patients, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
weeks. I would be happy to guide that group to amazing North Coast,
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? The University of Alberta was my dream for almost eight years before I joined it! I had many colleagues here, and I was amazed by its global rankings as an academic institution. However, my destiny drove me to get my second master’s degree in the USA. After that, I wanted to join a strong academic
historical South Egypt, and the fascinating desert in the West part of Egypt. As for my favourite tradition, I love large, loud family gatherings eating lots and lots of different foods on the same table. Especially ricestuffed grape leaves — Mahshi Waraa Enab — with Greek tzatziki dip.
institution that would provide me with a rigorous research training and a
What is your favourite thing about being in Edmonton? My favorite
good scholarly experience. Dr. Guirguis’ unique experience and training
thing about Canada is the diversity and inclusiveness of all nationalities
in using social theories in healthcare research was the main empowering
and religions. For some reason, I’m in love with the maple leaves and
force behind my application for the PhD program here.
all their sizes and different colors! My favourite thing about UAlberta
How has your background influenced your work? I was raised in a diverse inclusive community that includes many nationalities, such as Italian, Greek, English, and French citizens. They all came to Egypt
is the solid cohort of highly distinguishable professors, especially in our Faculty. I feel so proud when I read about the great scientific achievements of our faculty.
in early times, found something beautiful in Egypt, and resided there for generations. I, myself, was raised in an Armenian School that was one of many schools established primarily to serve their communities residing in Egypt. I was privileged to receive my Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences from Ain Shams University (ASU). That
Our alumni are currently living in 39 countries around the world. Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Dominica, Egypt, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, Qatar, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
25
FEATURES MAHMOUD ELGHATY
YASHITA SINGH
is from Tanta, Egypt. He arrived
is from Chandigarh, India. She arrived
in Edmonton in January 2019.
in Edmonton in the Fall of 2019.
What are you working on at the Faculty? I
What are you working on at the
am a second-year PhD student studying the
Faculty? I’m a master’s student here at
effects of heavy metals on drug metabolizing
Dr. Tony Kiang’s lab, which specializes
enzymes in Dr. Ayman El-Kadi’s laboratory.
in pharmacokinetics, translational
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? I strongly believe that the University of Alberta is an ideal institution for producing a full-fledged scientist through its high-end research and training facilities as well as its bright faculty members. Research here involves an extremely broad
pharmacotherapy and pharmacogenomics of xenobiotics. My project is based on the therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolic acid in renal transplant patients using newer and potentially more efficient methods of monitoring, so as to increase the quality of life for the patient.
approach, ranging from molecular basis to the rapidly evolving domain
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? Studying in Canada
of translational research. Such an interdisciplinary research environment
was always a dream for me, especially at the world renowned University
drives students not only to succeed but also to innovate. This is
of Alberta. So, when I saw that UAlberta was offering a master’s degree
effectively integrated in each faculty here, including ours.
in the field that I have always admired, pharmacy, I quickly arranged
How has your background influenced your work? My background is quite diverse. After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences from Tanta University, I worked for a while in a community pharmacy. Afterwards, I joined the pharmacy department
my documents, forwarded them here and had an interview with my supervisor. I still remember the night of April 12, 2019, which also coincides with my dad’s birthday, as the day I got my official offer letter from the FGSR.
at Tanta Ophthalmic Hospital. Years later, I moved to Tanta Cancer
How has your background influenced your work? I’m really grateful
Center to work as a clinical pharmacist for three years. Meanwhile, I
to my previous university, Panjab University, in India, which helped me
was pursuing my master’s degree in clinical pharmacy. Once granted
gain the knowledge that was required for my journey here at UAlberta. I
the degree, I made a shift to academia where I worked as an assistant
believe that we learn step-by-step and day-by-day, which always counts at
lecturer at Delta University for Science and Technology, and later at
the end. My bachelor’s and the culture from my country has taught me
Kafrelsheikh University.
the principles that a pharmacist should reflect upon, the skills that would
What is your favourite part about Tanta? My favourite part about my life back home, that I really miss, is the warmth of gatherings with family and friends. However, my solace is that, here in Canada, I always meet new people, and I have made a lot of new friends from around the globe. What is your favourite thing about being in Edmonton? My favourite thing in Edmonton, and I believe across Canada, is its fascinating natural beauty seen in the parks, mountains, river valley, and wildlife. I also like how friendly and diverse the people are here. This is also clearly reflected in the student community
help me take leadership roles on my project here and the humanity that, we, as people of the healthcare professions, should always have in our conscience. What is your favourite thing about Chandigarh? It’d definitely be my birthday and the famous Indian festival of lights, Diwali. Every year, we celebrate Diwali with new hopes and aspirations. My last Diwali in India was in 2018, and I remember how happy I was, bursting firecrackers, eating sweets, pranking my cousins, and just having a really good time. The thing that made me nostalgic this year was how people in Canada celebrate their Christmas. I saw the same positivity and excitement here as I saw in people of my country on Diwali. And I’d say that I loved celebrating my first Christmas in Canada, and that includes the fireworks at the Alberta Legislature building on New Year’s Eve too.
Pharmacy has 16 international undergraduate students that represent 10 countries. Spain, Egypt, Vietnam, India, Syrian Arab Republic, Nigeria, Kuwait, China, Republic of Korea
What is your favourite thing about being in Edmonton? I have a lot of things that I find amazing about Canada, but unfortunately, it’s not the weather. But I do like going to the Whyte Ave on a Friday night after work, watching snow as it silently falls to the ground, the UofA Green & Gold day, the HUB mall, walking on the High Level bridge, going to WEM on Black Friday, and my morning coffee from Tim’s.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
FEATURES JAVIERA NAVARRETE MARTINEZ
MOHAMMED ALQAHTANI
is from Santiago, Chile. She arrived
is from Saudi Arabia. He arrived in
in Edmonton in September 2018. She
Edmonton in 2018.
remembers being pleasantly surprised by the good weather, but being shocked that the worst was yet to come, with windchills below -35°C.
What are you working on at the Faculty? I am a master’s student, and I’m working in Dr. Ayman El-Kadi’s lab to investigate the potential interactions between heavy metals
What are you working on at the Faculty?
and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligands
I am a master’s student in the Pharmacy
that ubiquitously exist in the environment.
Practice department, currently working on an international comparison of community pharmacists’ roles in sexual and reproductive health between Canada, Alberta, Japan, and Thailand.
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? I was influenced by many professors during my undergraduate years to pursue graduate studies; luckily, I met with many UAlberta alumni who gave me plenty of
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? I wanted to study
recommendations to study here, but unfortunately, they did not have the
abroad to expand my vision about pharmacy practice and to gain tools
chance to mention that winter hits Edmonton almost all year around.
to do research in the future so I could contribute to my home country’s health development. When I started looking at different options, I found Dr. Christine Hughes’ research area, and she was not only a great match, but also working with someone I looked up to. How has your background influenced your work? I come from South America, where the cultural and social context is totally different from what you see here in Canada. After my rotations and working one year at a public hospital, I realized working and helping our communities is what I am passionate about. I feel there is a lot to contribute to this less
How has your background influenced your work? During high school I did well in chemistry and biology, so that led me to choose pharmacy school. What is your favourite part about Saudi Arabia? Soccer is as popular in Saudi Arabia as hockey is in Canada. In Riyadh — the hottest city in Saudi — my friends and I used to collect money to get a ball and play soccer down the street while the temperature was around 45°C. We had too much fun doing that.
explored field in Chile.
What is your favourite thing about being here?
What is your favourite thing about Santiago? My favourite thing
There is an excellent working environment in the
about Chile is when we celebrate the beginning of the Chilean independence process. It is for almost a week in September, when spring starts, so I remember sharing with my family and friends, playing
lab, and the faculty always enhances my productivity.
traditional games, and eating authentic Chilean food all week. What is your favourite thing being in Edmonton? I love how multicultural Canada is. I have met people from all over the world, and that is such an enriching experience. I love Edmonton’s nature; it looks different in all seasons. My favourite thing about UAlberta and the Faculty are the facilities we have to study and do our research, and the friendly environment I have felt anywhere I go.
There are at least 23 languages spoken by faculty, staff, and students at the Faculty today. Chinese, Arabic, Yoruba, Bengali, Russian, Farsi, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish, Portuguese, Somali, Welsh, English, German, French, Farsi, Armenian, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Turkish
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27
FEATURES SHAMIMA PARVIN is from Bagerhat, Bangladesh.
Our Faculty and Staff Members represent 7 countries
She arrived in Edmonton in 2010. What are you working on at the Faculty? I am a master’s student studying the effects of obesity on the pharmacokinetics of local anesthetics in rats and humans. I have been
DR. SHERIF HANAFY MAHMOUD, Clinical Associate Professor, is from Cairo, Egypt. He arrived in Edmonton 15 years ago, in 2005.
developing assays to allow the drugs to be
What do you do at the Faculty? I am a
measured in biological samples. This will
Clinical Associate Professor. In addition, I
be followed up with pharmacokinetic and drug metabolism studies in
am a neurocritical care clinical pharmacist.
obese and lean rats, and possibly humans. I am expected to graduate in the summer of 2021.
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? I initially came to Canada to pursue my PhD in
Why did you choose the University of Alberta? As soon as I moved
Pharmacokinetics under the supervision of Dr. Fakhreddin Jamali at the
to Canada from Bangladesh, I started taking initiative to become a
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. In the meantime, I
licensed Pharmacist. I worked in Loblaw Pharmacy for most of my
got my license to practice pharmacy in Canada, where I practiced at the
career. After having some experience in community pharmacy, I
University of Alberta Hospital. Then, I joined the Faculty to satisfy my
wanted to explore other career opportunities. I always believe in living
passion for teaching and research in such an amazing institution.
in full potential and being a better version of myself everyday. Research naturally attracts me. The University of Alberta is renowned for its
How has your background influenced your work? Similar to many
contribution to research. Therefore, it is the perfect fit.
parts the world, in Egypt, pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare
How has your background influenced your work? I completed my
fascinating. As a result, I always wanted to be a pharmacist. I was the
Bachelor of Pharmacy from Khulna University, Bangladesh. I had a
first member of my family to go to pharmacy school. I received my
Bachelor of Science thesis project from which I published research
pharmacy degree from Ain-Shams University, one of the top pharmacy
articles with the help of my supervisor, who at that time was Md.
schools in Egypt. I was ranked the top of my class among 2000
Amirul Islam, PhD. Research always motivates me. I was always
graduates.
inspired by my parents and my brothers to pursue my dreams. My current supervisor, Dr. Dion Brocks, guides me every step of the way. Last but not the least, my lab-mate and friend, Hamdah Al Nebaihi, is
practitioners helping patients manage their medications, which I found
What is your favourite thing about Egypt? I love Alexandria, a city in Egypt located by the Mediterranean Sea. Alexandria used to be home of
a perfect example of a good researcher.
the Light House, one of the old seven wonders of the world. My parents
What is your favourite part about Bagerhat? Within 75 kilometers
I love the sea, food, people, and everything there. I like how seafood is
of my home we have the world’s largest mangrove forest, Sundarbans.
prepared in Egypt which, in my opinion, has the most flavourful seafood
Sundarbans is also the only habitat of the Royal Bengal Tiger, a unique
dishes in the world.
and ferocious species. Sundarbans is a World Heritage site and an
are from Alexandria and we used to stay there for months every year.
important tourist attraction on earth.
What is your favourite thing about being in Edmonton? I enjoy living
What’s your favourite thing about being in Edmonton? Edmonton is
than large cities yet still has many
very green in the summer. The North Saskatchewan River reminds me
of the amenities of big cities.
of my childhood memory on the bank of the river Bhairab in Bagerhat. l like every bit of Edmonton. The diversity is also welcoming for any background, culture, and practice. It gives me the feel of being at home away from home.
28
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
in Edmonton. I call it the “small big city” — quieter
FEATURES
THE CARIBBEAN CONNECTIONS
Francis Burnett
DR. JOHN BACHYNSKY LAYS THE GROUNDWORK FOR CARIBBEAN COLLABORATION IN PHARMACY EDUCATION
Pamela Payne
EXCERPT FROM THE INDISPENSABLE HISTORY OF THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA 1914-2018 From 1976 to 1990, Dr. John Bachynsky, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from 1981 to 1989, and Professor Emeritus, was actively involved with the Americas Region of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association and made many trips to the Caribbean for meetings. He was a visiting professor at the Barbados Community College and taught pharmacy administration and business courses on several occasions. While on his trips, Dr. Bachynsky met pharmacists that were interested in coming to Canada to continue their education from diplomas in pharmacy to degrees. To accommodate these practitioners,
the Caribbean. Honourees enjoy the right to use and be addressed by the title Caribbean Pharmacist Primus (CPP).
PAMELA PAYNE Pamela Payne worked in Barbados as a pharmacist with the Drug Benefit program, receiving the Caribbean Student Award from Burroughs Welcome Inc. in 1988. She travelled to Edmonton and received her degree from the University of Alberta in 1989. Payne was promoted soon after her return home to the role of Deputy-inCommand of the program for drug and supplementary health benefit coverage.
ERROL THOMAS
they were granted course credits for their prior work, so they were
Errol Thomas was the Director of Pharmacy for the Commonwealth
able to graduate with one or two years of additional education at the
of Dominica, an island located between the two French Islands of
University of Alberta.
Martinique and Guadeloupe. The French Government had built a new
FRANCIS BURNETT The first Caribbean pharmacy student to come to Edmonton, Francis Burnett, arrived in 1987. He was a pharmacist from St. Lucia who successfully obtained his degree at the University of Alberta and returned to direct the Eastern Caribbean purchasing program. In 2006, Burnett was given an award to honour pharmacists who had a unique, transforming, and enduring influence on the profession of pharmacy in
hospital and, as the hospital was getting more patients and an influx of new drugs, Thomas wanted to better serve the patients with proficient pharmaceutical care. Therefore, he came to Canada to seek a degree and enrolled in the Pharmacy Class of 1991. Thomas is now the Chief Pharmacist of the Ministry of Health at the Government Headquarters in Roseau, Dominica.
ROCHELLE BASTIAN From the Bahamas, Rochelle Bastian was an excellent student whose diploma was based on the old apothecary system, which included a couple years in general education followed by apprenticeships at different pharmacies to learn medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology. She was sponsored by the University of Alberta and the Bahama Pharmacy Program to attend the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Edmonton. Upon returning to the Bahamas, she recommended that an agreement be entered into to ensure Bahamian and other Caribbean students could get their pharmacy degrees in
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29
FEATURES North America. Her recommendation was accepted, and most students now enroll at the Florida A&M College of Pharmacy. Bastian now manages a drug store in the Bahamas, and faculty member Jody Shkrobot (BSc Pharm 1996) was lucky enough to have rotation there as an undergraduate student. ï‚¢
Dean Bachynsky was a key player in the development of a common pharmacy curriculum and standardized testing in the Caribbean. He established professional and educational links with the pharmacy schools and represented the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association (CPhA) at regional meetings of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association. The Canadian Deans of Pharmacy, of which Dean Bachynsky was a part, worked with four Caribbean pharmacy schools to adopt a uniform diploma curriculum. This process was funded by the Pan American Health Conference. The Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada received $50,000 dollars in funds from the federal government (CIDA) to send Canadians to different Caribbean pharmacy schools to help them implement more advanced pharmacy courses. This was done for several years, and a number of pharmacy staff took part, including then faculty member Dr. David Biggs. As a result of the teaching initiative, the CPhA agreed to supply copies of all its Canadian pharmacy publications to the pharmacy schools to build up their libraries of pharmacy educational materials.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
BUILDING THE JAPAN-ALBERTA ALLIANCE
A HISTORY OF PHARMACY EDUCATION COLLABORATION WITH JAPAN EXCERPT FROM THE INDISPENSABLE HISTORY OF THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA 1914-2018
FEATURES
IN 1980, DR. BAN — a leader in Japanese
led to the Alberta-Toho University agreement,
Alberta to attend a study-tour program called
pharmaceutical research, the President of the
which promoted collaboration with respect to
the Pharmacy Service Symposium (PSS).
Japan Pharmaceutical Society, and Dean of
research and academic programs. President
Four different groups enrolled in the one-
Pharmacy at the University of Hokkaido —
Myer Horowitz and Mr. M. Funakoshi from
week venture. On later visits to Japan, it
sought to promote a collaborative Hokkaido-
the University of Alberta and Toho University,
was noted that some of the concepts the
Alberta agreement between the two
respectively, signed an agreement on
Japanese pharmacy owners had observed
universities, launching the Faculty of Pharmacy
June 30, 1987.
in Alberta had been incorporated into their
and Pharmaceutical Sciences on a fruitful
At the suggestions of Dean Koyama, an
pharmacy activities.
journey of alliance with Japan’s best pharmacy
English as a Second Language (ESL) program
and pharmaceutical science schools that still
was initiated for Toho students and has
University of Hokkaido and was appointed
thrives today.
continued for over 30 years. Toho University
President. He immediately started promoting
went on to successfully introduce an upgraded
an agreement with the University of Alberta
national university, and at the time, the
clinical pharmacy education into what was
like the one that was demonstrating success at
President of Hokkaido would not support an
predominantly a science-oriented education.
Toho University. Founded in 1974, the Health
The University of Hokkaido was a Japanese
international agreement with the provincially
Many pharmacy staff and senior
Dr. Ban eventually returned to the
Sciences University at Hokkaido was a new
funded University of Alberta. However,
administration members from the University
private university that, like at the University of
when Dr. Ban retired from the University
of Alberta have visited Toho University, and
Alberta, contained a Faculty of Pharmacy and
of Hokkaido, he began consulting at Toho
there have been a number of pharmacists from
Pharmaceutical Sciences as well as a Faculty
University, as its Faculty of Pharmaceutical
Toho University that have come to Edmonton
of Dentistry. The Chairman of the Board was
Sciences was developing a graduate program
for informal training or to enroll in classes
the former Governor of Hokkaido who had
and making investments by erecting
over the years. Dr. John Bachynsky, professor
signed the Alberta-Hokkaido Agreement.
new buildings.
and former Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy
When a delegation came to the University of
and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University
Alberta and stood in front of the Dentistry/
at Toho University to visit Edmonton and
of Alberta, was a visiting professor at Toho
Pharmacy building, they were struck by the
evaluate the potential for linkage. Dean
University from 1994 to 2008, and on August
juxtaposition of both faculties coexisting in
Koyama came with Dr. Takehiko Yajima,
27, 2001 received an Honorary Doctoral
harmony and became inspired to develop their
a staff member who had completed his
Degree from Toho University for his support of
own University back in Hokkaido. Within a
postdoctoral training in the United States and
the program.
short time, the Health Sciences University of
In 1986, Dr. Ban convinced Dean Koyama
was fluent in English, and later became the Dean of Pharmacy at Toho University. This
Through Dean Koyama, a group of
Hokkaido entered into its own collaborative
pharmacy owners were encouraged to visit
agreement with the University of Alberta.
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31
LOOKING BACK
Soon after, Chiba University, also a national
Up until then, a large proportion of
the Faculty, as he was previously on faculty
university, signed an agreement with the
pharmacy school graduates went into the
with Toho University. When he was at Toho,
University of Alberta, and had the Japanese
pharmaceutical industry or government jobs
Yamaura showed an interest in pharmacy
government provide a grant to send one staff
doing pharmaceutical analysis, and patient
practice and visited Edmonton several times.
member each year to Edmonton, a practice
care was only practiced by pharmacists who
He was also active with the International
that continued for the next few years.
were employed by hospital pharmacies. To
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the Japanese
Another university connection was made
implement these new requirements, pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Association, and an informal
with the Meiji Pharmaceutical University in
programs at private universities were expanded
network of pharmacy educators in Southeast
Tokyo. On their 80th anniversary, as part
from four to six years. There was a shortage of
Asia. Dean Bachynsky was involved in this
of President Sakamoto’s plan to reach out
pharmacists with clinical skills and suitable
network as well and served as a source of
to pharmacy schools outside of Japan, they
practice sites, so the private university
institutional information and a historian of the
awarded a number of honorary PharmD
pharmacy schools were very excited to form
many collaborative programs.
degrees, including to University of Alberta
alliances with the University of Alberta to
faculty members Dr. Bachynsky and Dr.
train staff in patient care. Several pharmacists
also chose to further their education at the
Wiebe, as a recognition for the fruitful
came to the University of Alberta for a span
University of Alberta. Dr. Tomoko Watanabe,
collaboration between universities. They also
of one to two years. Personal relationships
a pharmacist who successfully managed a
sent students to Edmonton to study English.
were fostered and continue to this day with
major dispensary in Tokyo, was one of these
In 1986, the Japanese government made it
Many practicing pharmacists from Japan
Dr. Shigeo Yamamura and Dr. Yajima,
people. Through Dr. Shigeo Yamamura, she
compulsory for physicians to give patients a
amongst others, who have all supported and
arranged to attend the Faculty for a two-year
written prescription that would be filled at a
contributed to this international exchange.
term to learn about patient care in pharmacy.
pharmacy of their choice. Until then, patients
Some staff currently on faculty, including Dr.
Upon returning to Japan, she was employed as
were required to obtain medications exclusively
Christine Hughes, Dr. Terri Schindel, and Dr.
a lecturer at Toho University and finished her
from physicians and hospital outpatient
Nese Yuksel, have been to Japan on several
PhD. Similarly, Mizuko Takahashi, a clinical
pharmacies, not from community pharmacies.
occasions to teach the usefulness of case
pharmacist from Toho, spent time in Canada
As a result of the change, there was a major
studies as an investigative educational tool.
and returned to Japan as a pharmacy practice
growth in community pharmacies, and
The Japanese pharmacy connections also
instructor at Toho, and Keiji Mizuno, a senior
pharmacy schools responded to the changes
generated communication and collaboration
hospital pharmacist, obtained funding to visit
by revising their curriculum to focus more on
with the University of Alberta and the Faculty
North America and selected Edmonton and a
patient care.
of Extension. Dr. Shigeo Yamaura from Josai
US pharmacy school to complete his studies. 
International University initiated links with 32
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
FEATURES
WORKING TOGETHER, SIX FEET APART THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES IN THE WORLD’S FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
U of A pharmaceutical institute leads effort to fill looming hospital drug shortage BY MICHAEL BROWN, originally published by folio.ca A University of Alberta-initiated institute is leading a provincewide effort to fill the looming shortage of drugs that are vital in the fight against COVID-19. Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API)—a not-for-profit institute housed within the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to help commercialize pharmaceuticals—is co-ordinating labs across the Edmonton region to manufacture the drugs needed to put people on a ventilator. “It’s an emerging issue that in the longer term will likely overtake the lack of ventilators and personal protective equipment as the primary barrier to caring for patients,” said Andrew MacIsaac, API CEO and Assistant Dean, Advancement in the Faculty. “The shortage of these drugs is expected to continue over the next two years as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on typical supply and demand, and will be further compounded with the resumption of backlogged surgeries and other procedures.” He said the two drugs API is focused on right now are propofol, an anesthetic, and cisatracurium, a muscle relaxant, that together are taken via IV by someone about to be put on a respirator. “The primary one of the two is propofol, since it is more critical and shortages of it will affect much more than just COVID-19 patients as it is the drug for sedating someone in hospital for surgery,” said MacIsaac. Photo by Julia Brown Photography
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33
FEATURES
M A R K E T O P P O RT U N I T Y
of the drugs, and aren’t something that they can move forward with.
He explained these drugs, which are largely manufactured overseas, have
Our network can produce at the level that is needed for clinical trials
become scarce thanks to exponential ventilator demand and a collapsing
and beyond.
supply chain. “This crisis really drove home the need for Canadian-based manufacturing, but we’ve been flagging this gap for a long time,” said MacIsaac.
“As a result, we will be able to bring the treatments to Albertans and Canadians much more quickly.” Besides the in-province drug production to support COVID-19 hospital patients, other COVID-19-related projects API is undertaking
He said much of the blueprint outlining the creation of API over
include developing a new antiviral drug based on past research on
a year ago was to take advantage of the province’s, and particularly
viruses of the same family, and launching a clinical trial for a new
Edmonton’s, petrochemical expertise to create a pharmaceutical
antiviral compound that targets more than just COVID-19 and is less
stronghold in Canada.
toxic, and therefore easier on the immune system.
The pharmaceutical industry is a natural fit for Alberta because a lot
it provides graduates from chemistry and chemical engineering with the
Edmonton-based pharmaceutical company partners up with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to find COVID-19 antiviral treatment
broad understanding of the processes and concepts that can be used in
BY DR. KEVIN MORIN
of the expertise the province has in the oil and gas sector easily translates to drug development, for a number of reasons, he said. One reason is that the initial ingredients in many pharmaceuticals are petrochemicals and, just as important, because Alberta has been an oil and gas region for so long and the U of A conducts research in the area,
any sort of chemical manufacturing. “What we’ve been working to do, especially as Alberta looks to diversify the economy, is show that drug development and manufacturing is something that the U of A and Edmonton have a lot of strength in already,” he said. MacIsaac said that, along with Alberta Health Services and Health Canada, API is identifying drug shortages that will come as a result of COVID-19 and proactively building manufacturing in Alberta based on facilities at the U of A and a number of small companies in the Edmonton region. “Alone we don’t have the capacity, but as a consortium, we’re able to pull together all the required components to manufacture drugs to meet shortages and likely provide enough of the ventilator drugs for the entire
This spring, Sunmor Research Inc., a pharmaceutical research and development company based in Edmonton, announced its intent to launch a clinical trial for a new antiviral product for COVID-19 with potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activity. The project has since gone forward in partnership with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FoPPS)-based institute, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API). The multidisciplinary team — including faculty members Dr. Kevin Morin, Research Director for Sunmor Research Inc. and FoPPS Psychiatrist; Dr. Raimar Loebenberg, Professor and Director of API’s Drug Development and Innovation Centre (DDIC) at FoPPS; and Dr. Neal M. Davies, flavonoid expert as well as FoPPS Dean and Professor — are working to create a compound
Canadian market,” he said.
that is flavonoid-based (plant pigment-based), and could help to create a
C R I T I CA L CA PA C I T Y
on the immune system.
As for technologies developed at the U of A, MacIsaac said the
treatment that targets more than just COVID-19, is less toxic, and easier “SRI-331 is a unique flavonoid-based product that targets more than
current trend for researchers is to relocate to jurisdictions south of the
one specific SARS-CoV-2 viral-encoded gene product or enzyme,” says
border capable of developing drugs for initial clinical trials and then
Morin. “We hope to achieve a synergistic antiviral effect against the virus
larger production.
by targeting four unique targets while minimizing any resistance.” Most
That is set to change thanks to API and its partners, according to
importantly, Morin says that their formulation is specifically designed
MacIsaac. He said the institute and its partners have built the critical
to control the immune response during the illness to a more appropriate
capacity to take a lot of innovators in the early stages of COVID-19
and less toxic response.
research, and accelerate their programs by skipping over the time-
The team is eager to start clinical trials as soon as possible, and are
consuming searches for capacity and investment to bring their research
looking towards recruiting front line healthcare workers and those at
to the next level.
highest risk. “The science supporting this approach is robust, convincing
“Many researchers across all different faculties do some of the initial
and by combining our efforts at the University of Alberta at this
synthesis of the drugs that they’re researching, but they’re just prototypes
challenging time, we should all have a lot of hope,” says Morin.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
FEATURES
Pharmacy students at the COVID Emergency Shelter as part of the Mint Health Drugs project at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
Meanwhile, the Faculty has met all student inquiries with a personal response. “Students that do not feel comfortable being in a placement at the current time have the option of requesting a temporary leave. Or if they are symptomatic, they will not be allowed to work,” says Dr. Ravina Sanghera-Grewal, Assistant Dean of Programs and Student Services and Associate Professor. “In so many cases, though, our students are eager and dedicated to be serving their patients as part of the healthcare force right now.”
Pharmacy students serve patients, volunteer amidst COVID-19 BY KALYNA HENNIG While students across the University of Alberta moved to remote online classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early March,
First year pharmacy student, Kennedy Brook (PharmD 2023), returned to her home in Manitoba in March, where she is completing her courses online and choosing to work in her hometown pharmacy to lend a hand. “I feel fortunate to be able to return to my hometown and assist my local pharmacy in this confusing time,” says Brook. “I’m also so appreciative that the Faculty is being flexible and allowing me to stay on top of my studies from there.” Other student pharmacists, like Dr. John Markowsky (PharmD
pharmacy students completing work placements from the Faculty
2020), were enthusiastic about staying at their preceptorship and
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences during winter semester
supporting patients. “As a fourth-year pharmacy student who is months
remained dedicated to working in the field. Between the Faculty’s three
away from licensure and entering practice, the current COVID-19
pharmacy programs, 73 pharmacy students remained serving patients
pandemic has provided me with a learning experience that cannot be
in Alberta Health Services and Covenant Health hospital pharmacy
simulated in any sort of academic environment,” says Dr. Markowsky.
settings and another 66 remained in community pharmacies across
“By continuing to attend my clinical placement, I have had the
the province. The students, most of whom were in the final year of
opportunity to work under the direct supervision of top-notch pharmacy
their pharmacy degrees, were providing their medicinal and patient-
professionals and experience what it means to be a true leader and
care expertise alongside their fellow healthcare professionals amidst
professional in these trying times. While pharmacists are well known
COVID-19.
as experts in drug therapy, this experience is allowing me to learn and
“Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from sea to sea are assisting Canadians in this pandemic. Our student pharmacists, if they are healthy and able, are dedicated to being part of that support,” says Dr.
practice first hand what it truly means to be a professional — stepping up and being there for the health of our patients no matter what.” As the COVID-19 climate and regulations continue to evolve, student
Neal M. Davies, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
work placements within hospitals have now been suspended, and are
Sciences. Work placements for pharmacy students are critical to the
shuffling to more community placements across the province. But even
transition of student pharmacist to licensed pharmacist. Pharmacists
as the realities of COVID-19 become harder to navigate, pharmacy
are some of Alberta’s most accessible and front-facing healthcare
students are still finding ways to serve their patients. Now, many
professionals, and they are facing much of the public’s fear, unease, and
students are providing behind the scenes medication care at the COVID
questions about the virus. For those students who are able to continue
Emergency Shelter as part of the Mint Health Drugs project at the
with their placements, they view this as a critical time to carry on with
Edmonton EXPO Centre.
patient-centred care to serve Albertans in their time of need.
The EXPO Centre — running 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
“While the current pandemic situation means infection precautions
— welcomes people who are experiencing homelessness, and has two
are of paramount importance, we also know pharmacists, including our
purposes: an isolation shelter for individuals who exhibit COVID-19
student pharmacists, can provide much-needed care to patients who
symptoms and a day drop-in for individuals who do not have COVID-19
have ongoing health and medication needs at this time while continuing
symptoms but need a space to practice safe social distancing. Medical
to practice their skills and knowledge to become pharmacists,” says Dr.
care, home care, public health, addiction and mental health, infection
Ann Thompson, Assistant Dean, Experiential Education and Clinical
control and environment public health supports are all available at
Associate Professor.
the shelter. THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
35
LOOKING BACK
Dr. Heber Havelock Moshier
The MOSHIER MOMENTS
THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY, 1914-1916
BY DEAN RHYNGWLADOL
BY 1912, the newly formed Alberta Pharmaceutical
In the fall of 1914, the first pharmacy class began
Association (APhA) was active in lobbying the University
instructions under Dr. Heber Havelock Moshier of the
of Alberta and its first President, Dr. Henry Marshall Tory,
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, in a small
for the development of an educational program to train
lecture theatre on the third floor of Pembina Hall. For this
pharmacists.
instruction, Dr. Moshier was paid a salary of $750 per year.
While not initially receiving the proposal of an independent Faculty led by a Dean like they had hoped,
Moshier’s Early Years
the APhA successfully reached an agreement with the University of Alberta. On April 2, 1914, the APhA wrote a letter to President Tory covering suggested terms of an agreement for a Pharmacy course. On April 3, 1914,
County, Ontario on January 11, 1889, to Mary Jane Coulter
a Department of Pharmacy, in connection with the
and David Dingham Moshier. When he was still young, the
Faculty of Medicine, was requested by the President and
family moved to a home on Bloor Street in Toronto, and
authorized by the Board of Governors for the purpose of
his father worked as the Chief Inspector of Schools.
teaching pharmacy at a tuition fee of $50 per year. At the
Moshier earned his post-secondary schooling certificate
University of Alberta Senate on April 14, 1914, it was moved
in Sarnia and graduated from the University of Toronto’s
and seconded that the University of Alberta undertake
Faculty of Medicine at the age of 20. He served on staff at
the professional examinations for the Pharmaceutical
the Toronto General Hospital from 1909 to 1911 and was
Association under the terms of the proposed agreement.
also an instructor and researcher of pathology.
It was also proposed and seconded that a course in Pharmacy leading to a degree be arranged. At this time, the APhA bylaws were amended to require
He subsequently moved West to Calgary where he practiced from 1912 to 1913 and served in the military reserves. Moshier married Ida Winifred Griffith on May 5,
that students had passed grade 10 and be the age of 14
1914 in York, Toronto, Ontario and accepted a position at
or older in order to apprentice in a pharmacy. A three-
the University of Alberta the same year.
year apprenticeship was required, followed by a one-year
36
Dr. Heber Havelock Moshier was born in the small Northern Canadian township of Sombra in Lambton
From 1914, until taking military leave from the University
diploma course at the University of Alberta, or if preferred,
of Alberta in 1916 at the age of 27, Moshier was Director
a two-year PharmB degree course. Examinations to practice
of Pharmacy, Professor, and Chair of the Department of
pharmacy were placed under the responsibility of the
Physiology at the University of Alberta. In the Faculty of
Senate at the University of Alberta, and the fee paid for
Medicine, he was one of only two doctors actually trained
examination by a Board of Examiners was $15.
in medicine.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
LOOKING BACK The initial enrollment in the School of Pharmacy in
on March 1, 1916. He began his wartime experience as
1914 was 12 students. With the help of a few part-time
second in command of his unit, specifically tasked with
practicing physicians called “demonstrators,” the new chair
overseeing the student volunteers from the University of
and one pharmacy professor, Mr. Hole (PharmB), taught
Alberta. Thirty-two medical and pre-medical students were
pharmacy and physiology, which at that time included the
recruited from the four Western Canadian universities,
disciplines known today as pharmacology and biochemistry.
including 16 students from the University of Alberta,
In his short time on campus, Moshier also recruited the
which consisted of nearly the entire medical class of 1914.
Department of Physiology’s most distinguished professor,
The pharmacy program at the University of Alberta
James B. Collip, who would be instrumental in the
was temporarily suspended from 1916 to 1917 as more
discovery and patenting of insulin.
students and teachers enlisted, and only two pharmacy
The War Years
students remained. Moshier’s contingent arrived in Winnipeg in March of 1916, and after a three-month training period, Moshier
On August 4, 1914, Britain declared war on Germany,
and the ambulance departed for England. There, they
and during the first year of World War I, Moshier became
trained and operated as a field ambulance consisting of
a first aid instructor to the military militia. In service at
three sections, each capable of simultaneously collecting
the University Hospital, he was Director of the Outpatient
the wounded from infantry battalion regimental aid posts,
Clinic and became Medical Superintendent as his portfolio
operating advanced dressing stations in the forward zone
expanded. He also provided medical care to students, est-
of operation, and then triaging the wounded or sick and
ablishing the free-of-charge Student Medical Service in 1915.
evacuating them to a casualty clearing station or to a main
University of Alberta President Tory nominated Moshier to establish and lead the University of Alberta contingent
dressing station. While serving, Moshier had his men keep journals and
of the 11th Canadian Field Ambulance, which was initially
write about their experiences. This resulted in The Diary of
called the Western Universities Overseas Field Ambulance.
the Eleventh: Being a Record of the 11th Canadian Field Ambulance
It included students and faculty from the University who
(Western Universities) February 1916 - May 1919. This diary is
slept on the floor of Assiniboia Hall, which acted as their
a detailed, first-hand account of the activities of the Field
headquarters. This unit was part of the Canadian Army
Ambulance during the war. It recounts the conditions
Medical Corps and was manned by students drawn from all
endured and duties undertaken by Moshier and the
four Western universities of the time.
students from the time the battalion was raised
Due to his efforts in the creation of the unit, and his esteemed reputation among his peers, Moshier received his
in Edmonton through the battles of Somme, Vimy Ridge, and Passchendaele.
officer’s commission as a Major in the army after enlisting
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
37
LOOKING BACK
Moshier and his unit were tasked with the removal of
On August 29, 1918, less than three months before the end
wounded and dead soldiers, medical care, and carrying
of the war, Moshier was killed while scouting a new location
supplies to forward trenches. As the war progressed and
for the headquarters of his field ambulance. While he was
the sheer number of casualties continued to overwhelm the
driving, a high explosive shell burst overhead, and he was
stationary medical stations, Moshier and his unit became
struck by a stray piece of shrapnel, killing him instantly.
more involved with mobile medical stations that placed
He was 28 years old.
an emphasis on quickly relocating the injured from areas
Moshier was buried at the Villers Station Cemetery,
deemed to be a risk from enemy artillery. The students that
Villers-au-Bois, plot XII. C. I. Pas de Calais, France. It is
formed the 11th Canadian Field Ambulance Battalion acted
located two kilometers North of the village of Villers-au-
mainly as stretcher-bearers for the dead and wounded.
Bois and 11 kilometers Northwest of Arras, where he died.
They were the vital link between the regimental aid posts
There is also a headstone located in Millgrove, Ontario.
in the trenches, the field ambulances, and the advanced
Remembering Moshier
dressing stations where Moshier worked. For this work, they ultimately received university course credit and military medals. During the battle of Vimy Ridge, Moshier’s B Section
In 1921, the University of Alberta established the Moshier Memorial Medal in Medicine in his honour, and it is
cleared the regimental aid posts located at Tottenham
awarded annually by the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
Tunnel and moved the wounded to dressing stations at
to the top graduating medical student who holds the
a forward area to protect them from incoming attacks.
highest grade point average across all courses. It is the most
Moshier continued his role as second in command, as well
prestigious award in the faculty.
as Principle Surgeon. He and the unit were often discussed
He is also commemorated on Parliament Hill in Ottawa
in military news dispatches for their services in the field
in the Book of Remembrance on page 474, and he received
— most notably during the Battle of Somme, Vimy Ridge,
the British War Medal, Victory Medal, and Canadian
Passchendaele, Amiens, and Arras. In May of 1917, Moshier
Memorial Cross for his service.
was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and given
The Moshier Room, located in the Faculty of Pharmacy
full command of the entire unit, a post that he would hold
and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ main foyer, was created in
until his death.
2017 as a permanent reminder of his legacy to pharmacy education and his contribution to the war effort.
38
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
LOOKING BACK
All in the Family ____ THE HISTORY OF BASHAW DRUGS ____
BY
Ted (BSc Chem 1981, BSc Pharm 1984) and Diane Szumlas
KALYNA
(BComm 1979, CA 1982) stumbled upon Bashaw Drugs
HENNIG
in the early ‘90s by a rare stroke of luck. Diane’s parents
In the early ‘80s, Ted Szumlas was nearly finished his
were enjoying a glass of wine on their front porch in St.
chemistry degree at the University of Lethbridge — working
Albert when their neighbour, Dave, told them about his
in a lab at Syncrude through the school’s co-op program —
own father, George Darichuk (BSc Pharm 1946), who was
when he realized the industry might not be for him. “The
looking to sell Bashaw Drugs after running it for 25 years.
people who work in the lab are doing great work, but the
Diane’s father said he knew just the person to buy Bashaw
problem is that they are the only people you see, and I am
Drugs, and contacted his son-in-law, Ted, who was living
so much more of a people person,” says Ted. So, after he
in Calgary at the time. Now 26 years later, Ted and Diane’s
finished his chemistry degree, he applied and was accepted
daughter and son-in-law, Georgina (BA 2009) and Eric
to pharmacy school at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of
Gaudet (BComm 2010; BSc Pharm 2016), bought the store
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The Szumlas Take Bashaw
from them, making them the first family at Bashaw Drugs
When Diane’s parents first gave her and Ted a call
to have generational ownership of the historic pharmacy
to tell them about Bashaw Drugs, it was six years after
and the fourth generation of University of Alberta alumni
Ted graduated from pharmacy school. He had just been
to run it.
promoted at Safeway in Calgary, and Diane was teaching THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
39
LOOKING BACK at Mount Royal College as a Chartered Accountant. They had two daughters, Georgina, age four, and Alexandra, age two. “Did we want to buy the pharmacy?,” says Ted. “No, not really. We said, ‘Why would we want to move?’ But we drove here to check it out anyways.” Sitting just an hour northeast of Red Deer, Bashaw is a laid-back town full of history and a population of about 850 people. (If you’re in town at noon, don’t let the siren at the fire hall startle you — it does that every day at lunch.) Along its historic main street, sits Bashaw Drugs, which has been there in its original building — first, as a hardware store — for over 110 years. “We drove into town and the streets were empty,” says Diane of their first impressions of Bashaw. It happened that everyone was at the annual Rodeo on the Agriculture grounds. “But George Darachuk showed us around the pharmacy, and then the town,” says Ted. “And we fell in love with Bashaw.” Upon purchasing Bashaw Drugs in 1992, Ted and Diane were the seventh owners of the store since it opened in 1911. Ted handled the store and the operations, concentrating on his duties as a pharmacist, while Diane did the books, usually after the kids were in bed. “We worked really well together in terms of strategic planning, developing policy and business plans, and how things would work through these transitions and funding models and physicians coming and going,” says Diane. “But in terms of front store operations, I think it was the first
“If you go through the history of the pharmacy, and the pharmacists that have worked here, it has always been the place that can be counted on for primary care,” week that we were putting stock out that we
kind of care, and the pharmacist needs the
knew we could not work together in the store.
ability to service patients,” says Ted. “In one
So those divisions of duties became important.
period, we were running the store, and we had
It was a learning experience to be with your
no physician services in town. So, for this area
spouse all those hours, to work with them, and
— though the town is only 850 people, it has
to raise a family as well. It provided lots of
a drawing area of 3000 — there were a very
challenges but was amazing in the end.”
high number of seniors left with nowhere to
Ted and Diane jumped into ownership at a
go. The physicians close by were not accepting
time that saw the profession at the beginning of
new patients, and it was crucial to be able to
rapidly progressive changes in both patient care
renew scripts or write them. In the early days,
and technology. They worked through and kept
pharmacists didn’t have those capabilities. If
up with the years of expanding practice in the
we did, it would have been a great help to the
province, and even made the transition from
community.”
typewriters to computers at Bashaw Drugs when they first purchased it. “If you go through the history of the
“There was, and is, a whole lot of good will and coordination with the physicians here,” says Diane. “They trust pharmacists to provide
pharmacy, and the pharmacists that have
the best possible continuity in patient care.
worked here, it has always been the place that
In some ways, as much as we’re a very old
can be counted on for primary care,” says
pharmacy, the pharmacists of Bashaw Drugs
Ted. “I remember a story about someone that
have been on the leading edge of proactive
came in with an injury when John G. Pearson
practice, simply because of patient need.”
(Dip Pharm 1928) was the store owner, and he applied a life-saving tourniquet because he was the only one around.” “Looking through the transitions that have
The Next Generation In 2018, after running the store for 26 years,
happened in pharmacy from when we took
Ted and Diane sold the pharmacy to their
it over until now, it is really encouraging to
daughter and son-in-law, Georgina and Eric
see that pharmacists finally have prescribing
Gaudet. Interdisciplinary collaboration
rights. Small communities really need that
and progressive transitions in the profession
HISTORICAL OWNERSHIP OF BASHAW DRUGS Bashaw Drugs opened in 1911 and has been owned by several University of Alberta Alumni in its 109 year history.
1911-1915: Horace Y. Rayner opened the pharmacy the same
1934-1967:
year Bashaw officially
1915-1925:
1925-1928:
1928-1934:
John G. Pearson, alumnus of the University of Alberta’s
became a village
Sydney L. Eversfield
George Smythe
W. E. Bill Hawker
School of Pharmacy diploma program (Pharm Dip 1928)
40
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
LOOKING BACK continued on with the next generation of Ted
environment or time, because then, you knew
working and travelling a ton. My peers were
and Diane’s family at the forefront.
how to help your patients, but you couldn’t,”
all significantly older, with kids, and we were
says Eric. “Everything had to go through a
just starting to talk about career trajectory and
a physician available four and a half days a
physician to get approved. Whereas now, they
where we were going, and if that was what we
week, an independent/assisted living lodge
come in, I can assess, I can help, they’re in
wanted for our future family. And it wasn’t.”
with 55 beds, and a home care office, which, in
and out within five or ten minutes, and we’ve
Ted and Diane’s time, was once a full-service
established a follow up timeline. The patients
idea that one of us was going to take over
hospital that did obstetrics, surgery, emergency
are very thankful and appreciative, and I feel
the pharmacy at that point,” says Georgina.
procedures, and more. Now, Bashaw Drugs
like I can make a bigger difference.”
“But Eric and I were talking, and we wanted
Today, Bashaw has a doctor’s clinic with
continues to work closely with the doctors and nurses in town. “We do rounds with the care team once a
But the generational hand-off of ownership
“I think my parents had given up on the
to make sure we kept the pharmacy. It’s been
from the Szumlas’ to the Gaudet’s wasn’t a
such a pillar in the community, that we wanted
given. Ted and Diane’s daughter Georgina had
to ensure someone that cared about the
week,” says Eric. “I’m on call for the lodge, so
chosen a career in communications, and her
community took it over.”
on nights and weekends we’re prescribing. It is
sister chose nursing. Even after Georgina met
a unique practice, as it straddles community
Eric, he was on a different educational path.
he took sciences and had almost all the
and long-term care practice.”
Similar to Ted, Eric switched over to pharmacy
prerequisites to apply for pharmacy at the
after he had finished an alternate degree.
University of Alberta. He went back to open
“It’s a really collaborative practice,” says Georgina. “The other week, the doctor had to
“Pharmacy was not the plan at all,” says
Luckily, before Eric did his business degree,
studies to do two courses, and then applied
leave because there was an emergency. But at
Eric. “When I met Georgie, I was working
and was accepted in 2012. Georgina was
rounds, they still had a full patient roster, so it
towards my business degree, and I was working
working as a Communications Advisor for
was Eric and the Registered Nurse who worked
for Telus. When I finished school, I was
Alberta Health Services at the time, and her
together to assess the patients and prescribe what was needed.” At the pharmacy, Eric is one of two full-time pharmacists, the other being Travis Barber (BSc Pharm 2016), who graduated with Eric at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Ted, though semi-retired since selling the pharmacy, still works one day a week. They all frequently use their full scope of practice administering immunizations, prescribing, and ordering and interpreting labs. “I tell my patients all the time, that I don’t think I could have practiced in a different
1992-2016:
2016-Present:
1967-1992:
Ted Szumlas, alumnus of the University of Alberta’s Faculty
Eric Gaudet, alumnus of the University of Alberta’s
George T. Darichuk, alumnus of the University of
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSc Pharm 1984),
Faculty of Business (2010) and Faculty of Pharmacy and
Alberta’s School of Pharmacy Bachelor of Science in
and Diane Szumlas, alumna of the University of Alberta’s
Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016), and Georgina Gaudet,
Pharmacy program (BSc Pharm 1946)
Faculty of Business (BComm 1979; CA 1982)
alumna of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts (2009)
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
41
LOOKING BACK experience and contacts there transitioned nicely into running the pharmacy too. “We had said, ‘if I could get into pharmacy, why don’t we follow this plan?’” says Eric. “Georgina was familiar with the pharmacy, I have a business degree, and it could all work out
This commitment to patients is generational, it’s really special. I don’t know if it comes from the instructors or the training, or both, but the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy has produced some really exceptional pharmacists.”
pretty well. All the pieces just fell into place.” with the physicians once a week. My preceptor
patients from the public side. There is a clinical
pharmacist, Eric and Georgina bought the
would send me to do my rounds without her,
assessment room for procedures like blood
pharmacy. The transition from new grad to
to work with the doctor and see the prescribing
pressure readings and injections, and a second
pharmacy owner wasn’t as hard as expected,
and lab ordering. She was a super collaborative
room for discussions and medication reviews.
says Eric, thanks to his preceptors and his
pharmacist. That rotation really built up my
The pharmacy ran at full capacity during
ability to work at the store as a student.
confidence and abilities. And then in my
the renovations, with the most interesting
community rotation, I would spend one day in
challenge they faced being the incredibly heavy
second year,” says Eric. “Just to get to know
the clinic seeing patients, and another in a level
100-year-old safe that required five men to
the patient population, build relationships,
four long term care facility, which was all super
move it from the pharmacy to the museum
and learn from Ted. The learning you do in
applicable to our future practice.”
down the street. In May 2019, they had a
Just one year after becoming a licensed
“I started working summers here in
a rural pharmacy is amazing. It’s a totally
“We don’t like to do things easily,” says
different environment. You don’t have the
Georgina. “We had our first baby a month
same resources and expertise as the big cities,
before his licensing exam, and our second baby
and new,” says Eric. “The building is over 100
so we have to have our fingers in everything.”
came a month before we bought the store.”
years old and has historical significance for the
In his fourth year of pharmacy school, Eric
But the Gaudet’s were up for these challenges.
town. We own the pharmacy, but we always say
completed his electives in the spring/summer
Their third daughter was born in early April
it’s the town’s pharmacy. It’s been here forever
session and his rotations in the fall, so he could
this year, during the beginnings of COVID-19
and there’s so much love for this place that you
work at Bashaw Drugs from January until his
pandemic in Canada.
don’t want to mess with it.”
final exams. “I was very fortunate in my rotations too.
After purchasing the pharmacy, Eric and Georgina made plans to modernize Bashaw
My hospital preceptor had her APA, and she
Drugs. They designed consultation rooms with
ordered labs,” says Eric. “They also had a long-
dual access that allow the pharmacy team
term care unit in Lacombe and did rounds
to come in from the dispensary side and the
Grand Re-Opening celebration. “The renos were a fine balance between old
All in the Family All in all, the pharmacy’s familial roots have shone through during both generation’s ownership periods. “It’s such a special thing with Eric and Georgie being the eighth owners when we were the seventh,” says Ted. “What has been the most fun to see, was the key factor of the negotiation to purchase the store all those years ago was the interview between George Darichuck and Ted,” says Diane. “George had such a passion for his community and wanted his patients to be cared for. So, it’s amazing to see that now, when we were selling the pharmacy to Eric and Georgina, that the interview was still the key thing between Eric and Ted too. This commitment to patients is generational, it’s really special. I don’t know if it comes from the instructors or the training, or both, but the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy has produced some really exceptional pharmacists.”
42
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | SUMMER 2020
DOCTOR OF PHARMACY FOR PRACTICING PHARMACISTS
APPLY TODAY FOR THE DISTANCE PROGRAM!
Earn your PharmD degree at your own pace while maintaining your current employment and residence. Unlike the PhD that focuses on research, the PharmD degree is an undergraduate professional doctorate. The University of
Want to advance your career and keep up with practice changes? Apply today for the distance program!
Alberta’s PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists program provides advanced education in patient care and betters your management,
Application Deadline: AUGUST 1, 2020
and critical thinking skills. Complete coursework in the areas
Program Start Date:
JANUARY 2021
of evidence-based practice, patient assessment, advanced
Program duration:
2 – 5 YEARS
pharmacotherapy, frameworks for working in teams, and the provision of education to diverse audiences.
Previous learning considered to lessen the time and cost of the program.
Learn more at ualberta.ca/pharmacy/programs
Help pharmacy reach new heights.
With your donation to the Prescription for the Future Fund, you help the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists achieve their vision for the future by supporting supplemental learning opportunities, exchange programs, student-led initiatives, conference attendance and so much more. To learn more about our Prescription for the Future Fund or other giving opportunities, please visit uab.ca/givetopharm or contact Ellen Doty at 780-492-3819 or edoty@ualberta.ca.
Please return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2-35 MSB, University of Alberta 8613 - 114 Street Edmonton AB T6G 2H7 phcomms@ualberta.ca ualberta.ca/pharmacy