WINTER 2020
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
THE
FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Knowledge, , y h t Empa
Und
erstanding,
& Recog TRAUMA INFORMED CARE
THE BLANKET EXERCISE
n o i nit
INDIGENIZATION AND THE PHARMACY CURRICULUM
HOCKEY GAME 2020
Pharmacy VS. Dentistry brought to you by APSA and DSA
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
March 20, 2020 Clare Drake Arena
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.
Dean: Dr. Neal M. Davies Assistant Dean, Advancement: Kieran Andrew MacIsaac Development and Alumni Engagement Officer: Ellen Doty Managing Editor: Kalyna Hennig
Contents
GUEST EDITORS: Gezina Baehr Diseray Schamehorn Keeley Watt
4 Message from the Guest Editor
Contributors: Gezina Baehr Mariah Barnaby-Norris Jackie Chow Toni Dolhan Kalyna Hennig Brenna Hrycak Braden Kopytko Dean Mortar Diseray Schamehorn Dr. Cheryl Sadowski Alberta Pharmacy Student Association Pharmacy Indigenous Network
6 Orange Shirt Day
Design: 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
NEWS & NOTES
21 Knowledge, Empathy, Understanding, and Recognition
7 Independent Night
Alumna Amber Ruben’s journey to make
9 A Note from the PAA
positive change for pharmacy students.
10 Outstanding Alumnus Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh
24 The Blanket Exercise First year pharmacy students learn
12 Remembering Stephen Long
about Canada’s history in this unique and participatory Indigenous history
SPOTLIGHT
lesson.
14 White Coat & Awards Ceremony 2019
27 A Call to Change Gezina Baehr is the first Indigenous
Updating the event of the year to integrate the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action.
graduate of the PharmD program and is dedicated to making positive changes to Indigenous Health.
16 Alumni Weekend 2019
LOOKING BACK
16 Research Day 2019
30 Indigenization and the Pharmacy Curriculum
IN THE MORTAR
Examining the journey of the
17 Q&A with Ellen Doty Meet the Faculty’s new Development and Alumni Engagement Officer.
pharmacy curriculum and the 2019 AFPC Conference.
33 Pharmaceutical Kehrer
18 Trauma Informed Care TIC’s crucial place in pharmacy practice
36 Sun Drugstore
for better Indigenous health care.
37 Fast Facts 2019 38 Dean’s Distillate
20 Diseray Schamehorn Meet the faculty’s Graduate Studies
A note on budget
Coordinator and Indigenous Liaison.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
3
PHOTO BY JACKIE CHOW (PharmD 2022)
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR BY GEZINA BAEHR (PharmD 2020) The Pharmacy Indigenous Network (PIN) group is made up of Indigenous pharmacy students at the University
THIS ISSUE OF The Mortar & Pestle takes on a
participants through the history of pre-contact,
different perspective as we consider Indigenous
treaty making, colonization, and resistance.
Health in the context of pharmacy and
Diseray Schamehorn, our Indigenous Liaison
pharmaceutical sciences. Throughout the issue,
for the Faculty, started up the Pharmacy
there are perspectives from Indigenous artists,
Indigenous Network (PIN) to better support
Indigenous students and faculty members,
Indigenous students, and September 30th
as well as the affirmative actions our Faculty
marked Orange Shirt Day (p. 6), which has
has taken in recent years to move towards
become a vibrant display of ally-ship within the
reconciliation as outlined by the Truth and
Faculty each year.
Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) mandates. Dr. Neal Davies, Dean and Professor,
The year 2019 also saw the creation of the Faculty of Pharmacy Indigenous Award
of Alberta and is led by Diseray Schamehorn, Graduate
and other faculty members are making
(p. 6), awarding its inaugural recipients in
Studies Coordinator and Indigenous Liaison for the Faculty
strides towards educating future pharmacists
September at the White Coat and Awards
of the PIN was vital to the creation of this special issue of
about Indigenous peoples and supporting
Ceremony. Furthermore, the White Coat
The Mortar & Pestle, offering their many talents, skills,
Indigenous students in the Faculty. This year,
Pledge of Professionalism and Code of Ethics,
the incoming class of 2023 had the chance
which every entering pharmacy student pledges
2023), Brenna Hrycak (PharmD 2023), Toni Dolhan
to participate in the Blanket Exercise (p. 24),
and signs at their White Coat Ceremony, were
(PharmD 2023), Keeley Watt (PharmD 2022), Diseray
an activity designed to build understanding
updated to include mandates from the TRC,
pictured: Dylan Olsen (PharmD 2020) and Colleen Flintoff
about our shared history as Indigenous and
specifically Calls to Action 22, 23 and 24 and
(PharmD 2021).
non-Indigenous peoples in Canada by taking
a Treaty 6 Land Acknowledgement (p. 14).
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Each member
and passions as editors, writers, and contributors. Pictured above (left to right): Braden Kopytko (PharmD
Schamehorn, and Gezina Baehr (PharmD 2020). Not
4
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR In this issue, an actions-based article on
Canada, a free online course through MOOC
process to make it right. It is a commitment
Trauma Informed Care (p. 18) encourages
from the University that is very comprehensive
to returning the land and spaces back to
pharmacists to get started in the right direction
in building foundational knowledge about
Indigenous peoples in the best way we can.
when it comes to adapting their pharmacy
Indigenous peoples in Canada. Almost all
I hope this issue can encourage you, the
practices to be more culturally sensitive.
of us can spare 12 hours to become better
reader, to seek out continuous education about
We also learn about the history of
allies to Indigenous peoples. There is also a
Canada’s dark history and develop compassion,
Indigenization of the curriculum (p. 30) as
wealth of Indigenous authors, poets, artists,
knowledge, and proaction when tackling the
well as Amber Ruben, an Inuvialuit graduate
speakers, educators, advocates and healthcare
problems Indigenous peoples face today.
from the Class of 2006, who is sharing her
professionals who have shared their knowledge
passion to educate students and pharmacists
online or in print. My personal favorite is
thank you for your continued support and
about Indigenous Health and history in the
Indigenous Writes by Chelsea Vowel, a great
involvement with our Faculty. I hope you
Faculty and beyond (p. 21).
“beginner’s” guide to Indigenous issues.
continue to read about the exceptional
Indigenous people have done the work
accomplishments of our students, staff, and
to share their stories. The rest is up to us.
faculty members, and that you can take away
Once we are aware of our biases, and
a greater appreciation and knowledge for our
The field of Indigenous Health is broad. In it, trauma runs deep and solutions are complex. When I’m asked for solutions or guidance
To our donors, alumni, and stakeholders,
regarding the issues Indigenous peoples face
we are armed with knowledge, then we
today, it’s hard to find the words to say. In a
can begin the work alongside Indigenous
systematically racist country, the first thing
peoples to dismantle our old and oppressive
Sincerely,
any of us can do is examine our biases — truly
systems. We can move forward in healing
GEZINA BAEHR (PharmD 2020)
think about our societal prejudices without
our Indigenous communities and supporting
Pharmacy Student, Advocate,
being defensive. The idea that Indigenous
true reconciliation. The TRC lists 94 Calls
and Guest Editor
peoples are their own problem is ignorant and
to Action that all levels of society can work
has been perpetuated since Canada began to
together to implement. This is an essential
use assimilation of Indigenous peoples as a
document for all Canadians to read in order
national tactic. Duncan Campbell Scott, the
to understand where Indigenous peoples
head of the Department of Indian Affairs
need support. The Health-specific Calls to
from 1913 to 1932, and champion of residential
Action, numbers 18 through 24, list things like
schools, said, “I want to get rid of the Indian
closing the gaps in health outcomes between
problem.” People with viewpoints like this
Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,
have shaped our country’s systems, and to
recognizing the value of Indigenous healing
some degree, each of us has been indoctrinated
practices, and providing cultural competency
with this pervasive mindset.
training for all healthcare professionals and
“The first thing any of us can do is examine our biases”
students. And of course, the most important
The personal exploration of bias is
Indigenous peoples of Canada.
thing to remember is: Nothing About Us Without Us. This means true reconciliatory actions need to be taken in partnership with Indigenous peoples.
Read more about Gezina and her work to better Indigenous Health on p. 27.
MESSAGE FROM THE COVER ARTIST This cover illustration represents traditional values of Indigenous peoples— shown through illustrations of traditional food and plants, as well as the importance of mother earth, the land, family and ancestors, and community. I also wanted this illustration to highlight the journey we are on to better understand and
Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge that our University institutions are located on Treaty 6 territory. As land acknowledgements become
education. It is the first step to moving
more popular, I also want to breathe life
forward, hand-in-hand, with solutions that are
into these statements. Acknowledging that
culturally safe. There are many great resources
we are on Treaty 6 land is somber. It means
available about the history of Indigenous
recognizing the loss of Indigenous ways of
peoples in Canada, and many more about
life when settlers expropriated this land. It
effective actions that can be taken to facilitate
means recognizing the sacrifices of the land
healing. I would highly recommend Indigenous
and committing to reconciliation as an active
represent Indigenous peoples. – Mariah Barnaby-Norris, Artist Cover artist, Mariah Barnaby-Norris, completed her Bachelor of Design degree at the University of Alberta in 2017 and now works as an illustrator and designer. See more of her work at mariahbn.com.
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NEWS & NOTES
Award-Winning Students The Faculty of Pharmacy Indigenous Award was created by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to celebrate pharmacy students who are First Nation, Inuit, or Métis persons of Canada. The award is given based on academic standing and can be given to a student completing any year of their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The award was presented to its inaugural recipients, outgoing student Gezina Baehr (PharmD 2020) (p. 27) and incoming student Braden Kopytko (PharmD 2023), at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony in September. Student-athletes Matthew Reeves (PharmD 2022) and Keeley Watt (PharmD 2022) also received accolades at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony, including The Jerry Saik and Family Award in Pharmacy and Athletics, which is awarded to pharmacy students who excel both in the classroom and as Golden Bear or Panda athletes. Reeves and Watt swim for the Golden Bears and Pandas Swim Teams, respectively, and were also named Academic All-Canadians (AAC) for the 2018/2019 varsity season. The criteria to be honoured as an AAC is maintaining an average of 80% or better over the academic year while competing full-time for one of the university’s varsity teams. Reeves and Watt were joined by 168 other UAlberta AACs from the 18/19 season, bringing the total AACs from UAlberta history to 3000 — setting a nation-wide record. Watt, a member of the Pharmacy Indigenous Network, also received the Laura Chee Memorial Scholarship and Nashi Award at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony. PHOTOS BY APSA
TOP: KEELEY WATT (LEFT) AND MATTHEW REEVES (RIGHT) AT THE 2019 WHITE COAT AND AWARDS CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2019. BOTTOM (LEFT TO RIGHT):, BRADEN KOPYTKO; GEZINA BAEHR; DR. NEAL DAVIES, DEAN; DISERAY SCHAMEHORN, GRADUATE STUDIES COORDINATOR AND INDIGENOUS LIAISON AT THE 2019 WHITE COAT AND AWARDS CEREMONY ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2019.
ORANGE SHIRT DAY Faculty, staff and students wore orange shirts on September 30, 2019 in support of our Indigenous friends and colleagues. Orange Shirt Day is an event designed to educate and promote awareness about the residential school system and the impact it had on Indigenous communities for more than a century in Canada, and still does today. Follow us: @ualberta_pharmacy 6
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
NEWS & NOTES
OUTSTANDING PRECEPTORS
The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences would like to congratulate the recipients of the student-nominated 2019 Preceptor Recognition Awards Alan Wiley
Daxesh Dalal
Heather Roe
Kim Spiers
Patrick Jones
Amanda Visscher
Dayna Toupin
Heidi Van Hee
Kimberly Defoe
Raj Tarpara
Anahita Malek-Zadeh
Deanna Waknuk
Dr. Hoan Linh Banh
Kiran Banga
Randy Skiba
Angela Giang
Dianne Lazorko-Gamache
Ijenna Osakwe
Kristina Dover
Rosalia Yuen
Anne-Marie Ewanchuk
Dr. Mariana Leung
Jaclyn Katelnikoff
Lindsay Meyer
Roy Hassan
Betty Dube
Ed Leung
James Tao
Lisa Hodgson
Shelly Proft
Bonnie Ollikka
Ellen Lo
Jane Ward
Luke Ellyott
Siobhan Gallivan
Brad Bennet
Emily Li
Jennifer Lowerison
Mariel Bagdan
Dr. Spencer Ling
Carly Maxwell
Erin Manchuk
Jennifer Schadek
Matthew Timms
Stephanie Metzger
Carol Furrer
Erin Mravnik
Jennifer Wenger
Mehul Patel
Steven (Jian) Xin
Catherine Foote
Garrett Wiebe
Jereme Parenteau
Michael Johnson
Tasha Porttin
Chelsea Haines
Gord Matthies
Joel Liboiron
Dr. Michelle Foisy
Thomas Nguyen
Chris Wynnyk
Grace Lee
Karen Hee
Nancy Louis
Trevor Vanderfluit
Dan Burton
Greg Bendera
Katherine Sorensen
Natasha Ettrich
Vincent Lee
Daniel Melenchuk
Hannah Schieck
Keely Lausch
Naveed Ashraf
Wilson Kwan
Dapheni Morton
Heather Derrick
Kelsey Slater
Negar Sharif-Bajestani
Zak Murakami
INDEPENDENT NIGHT 2020 PHOTOS BY STEVEN ZHENG (PharmD 2020)
On January 30th, over 25 independent pharmacies were represented at the annual Independent Night hosted at the Faculty Club, where students, pharmacy owners and employees networked, learned about employment opportunities, and got excited for the future of pharmacy. Thank you to alumna Aileen Jang (BSc Pharm 1983) for planning and running the event along with
LEFT TO RIGHT: ALI DAMANI, DIRECTOR, PROFESSIONAL AFFAIRS, RXA; SCOTT SPENGLER
APSA. It was a great success! ï‚¢
(PHARMD 2021); LISA ZHENG (PHARMD 2021); KEVIN (CHONG KAI) FANG (PHARMD 2021)
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
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NEWS & NOTES
TGIF GREEN & GOLD On September 13, 2019 the University of Alberta celebrated back to school with a campus-wide Green and Gold day. After walking in the parade, eating a barbeque lunch at the pep rally (grilled by our very own Dean Davies), and repping our colours, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences gathered over 250 of its faculty, staff, and students and had the best TGIF yet. With chicken wings and jolly libations, we celebrated our Faculty and all the learning we get to do at UAlberta! 
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NEWS & NOTES
A NOTE FROM THE PAA
WE’RE BACK!
After a period of dormancy, the Pharmacy Alumni Association (PAA) has returned with a revitalized vision and a fresh team! The PAA at the University of Alberta is dedicated to connecting the 5,700 graduates from the BSc Pharm, PharmD, MSc, and PhD programs at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Our focus is to provide networking opportunities, create social connections and foster a tight knit community of pharmacy professionals. We look forward to organizing events where alumni and students can engage in dialogue about the future of our profession, as well as socialize and network! We are ramping up planning for the following year, and we look forward to seeing you all at our events. Our PAA Executive Committee is comprised of Marline Aizouki (BSc 2014, BSc Pharm 2019), President; Nisreen Chehimi (BSc Pharm 2018), Events Chair; Alyssa Aco (BSc Pharm 2018), Communications Chair; Samantha Wong (BSc Pharm 2012, PharmD 2018), Secretary; Jenn Young, Student Representative; Katrina Tarnawsky, UAlberta Alumni Representative; and Ellen Doty, Faculty Representative.
SAVE the
DATE!
Along with the Faculty, we invite you to join us at a PAA-sponsored After Party following the Pharmacy versus Dentistry Hockey Game on Friday March 20, 2020! Come out and meet your executive team, reminisce with old classmates and connect with pharmacy students and alumni. See you there! Events details on p.2.
THE PAA BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT THE JANUARY 2020 MEETING, (LEFT TO RIGHT): SAMANTHA WONG, VISHAL SHARMA, AMY SPRONK, KORY SLOAN, JENN YOUNG, KEN PON, AILEEN JANG, ELLEN DOTY, STANISLAVA PONJEVIC, SETH GILFILLAN, MARLINE AIZOUKI, ALYSSA ACO, NISREEN CHEHIMI (NOT PICTURED).
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NEWS & NOTES Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh AT THE 2019 WHITE COAT AND AWARDS CEREMONY on September 19th, Dr. Hindmarsh was named the 2019 recipient of the Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta.
Outstanding Alumnus Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh PHOTO BY APSA
EXCERPT FROM THE INDISPENSABLE HISTORY OF THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES DR. K. WAYNE HINDMARSH (BSc Pharm,
Assistant Dean for five years, from 1987 to
analytical techniques for the detection of drugs
MSc, PhD 1970) was born in Grandview,
1992, and then left Saskatchewan to become
of abuse and substance abuse. He is a Member
Manitoba. He completed grades seven to
Dean of Pharmacy at the University of
of the Drugs and Driving Committee funded
twelve in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where he
Manitoba from 1992 to 1998.
by the Department of Justice, and a Fellow of
worked for Fysh Drugs. He then attended the
From 1998 to 2009, Dr. Hindmarsh served
the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
University of Saskatchewan and was awarded
as Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy
He also served as President of PRIDE (Parent
his BSc in Pharmacy in 1964. He also received
at the University of Toronto — Canada’s largest
Resources Institute for Drug Education)
his master’s degree from the University of
Faculty of Pharmacy. Under his leadership,
Canada, a nationwide parents’ support group
Saskatchewan in 1965. Upon graduation,
undergraduate enrolment doubled, the number
promoting drug awareness among youth from
he took a job as a hospital pharmacist at
of graduate students tripled, and full-time
1985 to 1995. He also developed two resource
the University Hospital and was a Sessional
faculty grew two-fold. The introduction of the
books: Drugs, What Your Kids Should Know and
Lecturer in medicinal chemistry. He married
Continuous Professional Development and
Too Cool for Drugs.
Lois Dies in 1966, and they had two children,
International Pharmacy Graduate programs
Carla and Ryan. He received his PhD from the
were a great source of pride for both the
organizations and committees. He served as
University of Alberta in 1970.
Faculty and Dean Hindmarsh. He also directed
Secretary/Treasurer of AFPC in 1975 and 1976
Dr. Hindmarsh was a member of many
a very successful building campaign, resulting
as well as President in 1977. He has served as a
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
in the construction of the Leslie L. Dan
Board Member of CPhA, President of AFPC
Toxicologist in Regina and then switched
Pharmacy Building, a state-of-the-art teaching
and as Chair of PEBC. He is a past President
to academia, taking a job as an Assistant
and research facility.
of the Canadian Society of Forensic Science
Dr. Hindmarsh began his career as a
Professor in the College of Pharmacy at the
An expert in clinical forensic toxicology,
and in 1988 was named Pharmacist of the
University of Saskatchewan. By 1974, he was
Dr. Hindmarsh has published extensively in
Year by the Saskatchewan Pharmaceutical
an Associate Professor, and then became a
the field of neonatal toxicology, drug-drug
Association for his efforts to curb drug
full Professor in 1979. He was promoted to
interactions, and the development of sensitive
abuse among young people. He has also led
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
NEWS & NOTES
a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) project in the Caribbean to establish a regional examination along
FACULTY NOTES
the lines of PEBC. He received the CPhA Meritorious Service Award in 1989, H.
Congratulations to Dr. Rami Al Batran,
Ward Smith Award for Toxicology Research
Post Doctoral Fellow under Dr. John
in 1990, and became a Fellow in the
Ussher, Assistant Professor, on completing
Canadian Society of Forensic Science in
his post doctoral studies (2015 to
1997. He served as President of AFPC from
December 2019) and gaining employment
1997 to 1998, as Chairman of the MRC
as an Assistant Professor at the Faculté de
Fellowship Committee, as a member of the
Pharmacie at the Université de Montréal.
Saskatchewan Health Research Board and the Manitoba Health Research Council, as
Welcome to Morgan (Basiuk) Bharadia
Dr. Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Professor
well as on the Board of the Grace General
(BSc Pharm 2015), who started as a
(pictured above), was a featured speaker
Hospital as Vice Chairman.
new Assistant Clinical Professor in
at the 2019 TEC Edmonton Innovation
September 2019.
Awards for her work on nano-delivery
Dr. Hindmarsh is also a past President
of novel inhibitors of DNA repair for
of the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy (AFPC) and the recipient of
Dr. Michael Doschak, Professor and
enhanced therapy in head and neck
their Special Recognition Award in 2002.
Assistant Dean, International, received a
cancer. Lavasanifar along with her co-PIs,
He received the CPhA Honourary Life
patent award at the 2019 TEC Edmonton
Dr. Michael Weinfeld, Dr. Dennis Hall, and
Member in 2003. A long-time supporter
Innovation Awards in September along
Dr. Qincy Chu, are part of a team known as
of the Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy,
with his team, Dr. Arash Panahifar and
Alberta DNA Repair Consortium and are
he was a member of the board for nine
Dr. Morteza Mahmoudi. He and his team
working on this project with the support
years, serving as its President in 2006. He
developed bone-seeking iron oxide
from a NanoMedicines Innovation Network
also received the Douglas M. Lucas Award
nanoparticles for magnetic resonance
Invitational award.
in recognition of excellence in Forensic
imaging (MRI) of bone metabolism. MRI
Science. In 2007, Dr. Hindmarsh received
is a powerful diagnostic modality for
Assistant Dean of Advancement,
a Centennial Pharmacist Award from
imaging and assessment of soft tissue and
Andrew MacIsaac, along with his wife Erin,
the Canadian Pharmacists Association
inflammation, but currently can’t be used
welcomed their son, Kieran, on September
(CPhA). This prestigious honour was
to detect bone metabolism. Doschak’s
13, 2019. Congratulations!
awarded to 100 pharmacists who made
new bone-seeking contrast agents open
significant contributions to leading and
the possibility to use MRI to monitor bone
Dr. Tatiana Makhinova, Assistant
building CPhA and the profession of
activity and soft tissue health in a single
Professor, and her partner, Jordan,
pharmacy in Canada over the past 100
imaging procedure. This technology may
welcomed their daughter Sophia on
years. The Canadian Foundation honoured
serve as a non-ionizing replacement
December 10, 2019. Congratulations!
him for Pharmacy as the 2009 Pillar of
for X-ray and radionuclide diagnostic
Pharmacy recipient.
imaging procedures required to diagnose
Dr. Scot Simpson, Professor, was made
or monitor bone microfracture and for
Chair in Patient Health Management.
To celebrate Dean Hindmarsh’s final year as Dean, funds raised at the annual
tracking conditions associated with altered
golf tournament in 2008 were designated
bone metabolism, such as arthritis and
Dr. Nese Yuksel, Professor, received an
to establish the K. Wayne Hindmarsh
osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis Canada Backbone Award in September 2019 in recognition of
Award of Excellence. Dr. Hindmarsh is now the CEO of the Canadian Council
Welcome to Dr. Dalia Hamdy (PhD 2010),
the significant impact she has made
for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs
who started as a new Assistant Clinical
to Osteoporosis Canada through her
(CCAPP).
Professor in September 2019.
outstanding actions, efforts, and ideas.
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NEWS & NOTES
STEPHEN LONG graduated with a BSc Pharm in 1981, leaving a legacy. Along with classmates Barbara Bulina (BSc Pharm 1981) and Cam Boulet (BSc Pharm 1981), and with the support of Dean Dr. Gordon Myers, Long hosted the first ever Professional Development Week (PDW) which is now a proud legacy of our Faculty and students, with this year marking the 32nd PDW. Long went on to receive his MBA at the University of Calgary in 1990 and became the Director of Pharmacy at Rockyview Hospital. In 1995, he became the Director of Pharmacy for Calgary Regional Health Authority. An exceptional administrator, Long developed innovative pharmacy organization for the hospitals he worked in and made extensive use of pharmacy technicians. In 2008, he joined Alberta Health and Wellness. There, he was a key contributor in the administration of drug benefit programs and guided provincial pharmaceutical programs until 2012. Long was awarded an Honourary Life Membership at Alberta College of Pharmacy’s (ACP) 2019 Celebration of Leadership event for his commitment and contribution to pharmacy throughout his career. Before his passing, he was looking forward to attending the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association’s (RxA) meeting in fall 2019 to receive a prestigious award from the Canadian Foundation of Pharmacy for
Remembering Stephen Long 1957-2019
his championing of the pharmacy profession and, ultimately, the health system.
The History of Professional Development Week The genesis of PDW came out of need. In the spring of 1980, three third year pharmacy students were sitting in the Pharmacy Student Lounge contemplating their futures. Cam Boulet aspired to be Class President and was looking for a winning platform, Barb Bulina was a CAPSI junior looking to do something remarkable as a CAPSI senior, and Stephen Long was tired of listening to his engineering student roommate expound on the triumph that engineers had over aggies during an Edmonton-hosted national engineering student conference. Together, the three pharmacy students created a plan to host a national conference for pharmacy students and to co-opt the student body by getting Cam elected. The concept was simple: if engineers, aggies, and even commerce students could organize and put on national student conferences in Edmonton, then why couldn’t pharmacy students accomplish the same feat? The plan worked! In 1980, Cam was elected, Barb was assigned the task of working through CAPSI to spread the word, and Stephen was to organize and co-chair the event. They chose early January to host
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
NEWS & NOTES
the first, and subsequent editions, of PDW. They used their CAPSI
Union allowed the use of the Dinwoodie Lounge for the Saturday night
connection, support from Dean Dr. Gordon Myers, and some faculty
party. Over 100 students came to Edmonton from across Canada!
linkages with industry to help launch the concept of the event. The first PDW involved educational sessions with speakers, outside of
The University of Toronto hosted the next event in 1982, and CAPSI was petitioned at the CPHA conference in Winnipeg in June of 1981 to
the usual faculty members, presenting on topics of professional interest
embrace PDW as a legacy to celebrate pharmacy students and build on
beyond the usual curriculum. Many of the presentations were donated
to the Centennial Scholar program.
by industry, with speaker and travel costs covered by sponsors. Social
PDW continues to provide students with the opportunity to meet their
events were planned to support student interaction and allow everyone
peers from other universities and learn more about the profession. The
to gain insights into the student experience at other schools of pharmacy.
interprovincial interaction of pharmacy students creates an environment
A Friday night icebreaker, Saturday education sessions, and a Saturday
to encourage and develop the sharing of ideas and evolve pharmacy
night mixer were planned. Each visiting student group raised their own
practice and education. It eliminates barriers to pan-Canadian thinking
funds to travel and some money raised to create grants helped out as
and helps advance pharmacy practice in the country. In the 39 years since
well. For accommodation, Edmonton-based students signed up to host
the first PDW, 32 PDWs have occurred, with over 600 pharmacy students
visiting students for the weekend.
converging in Edmonton in 2018 for the 30th anniversary of the event.
All events were held on the University of Alberta campus. Dean Myers provided access to lecture and common room spaces, and the Students’
PDW would not be what it is today without the contributions of Stephen Long. He will be dearly missed.
IN MEMORIAM We honour those who have passed. FREDERICK CARL RUMPEL, MHP 1974 Academic Staff Member 1975-1979 December 2019
GORDON BRAIDWOOD DUNCAN BSc Pharm 1954 February 2019
MARY DUMAINE (WACHOWICH) BSc Pharm 1950 June 2019
Frederick Carl Rumpel received his
HEATHER JOY WALKER NÉE THOMSON BSc Pharm 1975 December 2018
NICHOLAS SYDNEY COWLES BSc Pharm 1965 April 2018
JAMES BALKWILL BSc Pharm 1955 September 2019
SUE K. REHAUME BSc Pharm 1977 November 2019
JON GLOVER BSc Pharm 1984 July 2019
THEODORE MAITLAND GORDON CHARMBURY BSc Pharm 1964 July 2019
BSP in 1968 from the University of Saskatchewan, and was the last graduate of the Master of Hospital Pharmacy (MHP) program at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in 1974 with a project titled “A study of pharmacy and drug information service requirements.” He also received a Master’s in Administration, Regulatory Associate Designation, a post-graduate Diploma in Public Health, and worked as a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Rumpel worked as a pharmacist and in management positions in hospital pharmacy. He also taught at FoPPS from 1975 to 1979 and worked in drug, medical, and clinical drug trial research. He was an active Member of the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee. On December 2, 2019,
JOSEPHINE VICTORIA SMITH BSc Pharm 1957 February 2019 MARILYN LOUISE GAELICK NÉE MACDONALD BSc Pharm 1954 October 2018 MAURICE RAYMOND GALARNEAU BSc Pharm 1955 April 2019
Frederick Carl Rumpel passed away.
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13
SPOTLIGHT
WHITE COAT & AWARDS CEREMONY 2019
“ Before you put on your White Coat, I want you to ask yourself this — because your choices and decisions will have an impact on our nation’s health and have significant importance — how can you be more considerate and inclusive of everyone? At the end of the day, the only thing that will endure is the impact we have on other people. I ask you to make it a positive one.” ― Dr. Neal M. Davies, Dean and Professor, in his address at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony
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SPOTLIGHT
O
n September 19, 2019 we welcomed the Class of
Territory, traditional lands of First Nations and Métis people, and our
2023 to the profession of pharmacy and celebrated the
responsibility to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation
successes of undergraduate and graduate students at the
Commission of Canada.”
annual White Coat and Awards Ceremony. The ceremony
the Faculty, with their responsibility to work to answer the Calls to
read the code of ethics, and sign the pledge of professionalism in front
Action throughout their careers, especially those aimed at healthcare
of friends, family, and pharmacists. Awards and scholarships were
professionals, such as Calls to Action 22, 23, and 24, written below:
presented to students as well, with 9 graduate awards and 37 undergraduate awards presented at the ceremony out of the total 65 awards and scholarships awarded in 2019. Among the special guests that rose to the occasion to encourage and celebrate the next generation of pharmacists were some of the donors of the presented awards and scholarships who were there to see their legacy passed on to another generation and get to know the students that they support through their generous stewardship. The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences also welcomed keynote speaker and 2019 recipient of the Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award, Dr. K. Wayne Hindmarsh (BSP, MSc, PhD 1970) (p. 10) to take to the stage and offer inspiring words of wisdom about the profession, success, and hard work to all in attendance. Representatives from the Alberta College of Pharmacy, Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, Alberta Pharmacy Student Association, and Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists brought greetings, white coat drapers, and significant financial sponsorship to the event as well, highlighting the partnership and unity of our professional associations.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION AND THE WHITE COAT The Code of Ethics and Pledge of the Professionalism are read and signed by each incoming pharmacy class as a promise to put the health and safety of patients first throughout their professional careers. This
PHOTOS BY APSA
This inclusion is meant to bind student pharmacists, as well as
saw the new cohort of pharmacists-in-training don their white coats,
Call to Action 22. We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian health-care system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients. Call to Action 23. We call upon all levels of government to: i. Increase the number of Aboriginal professionals working in the health-care field. ii. Ensure the retention of Aboriginal health-care providers in Aboriginal Communities. iii. Provide cultural competency training for all health-care professionals. Call to Action 24. We call upon medical and nursing schools in Canada to require all students to take a course dealing with Aboriginal health issues, including history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nation’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties, and Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous teachings and practices. This will requires skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and antiracism. As a Faculty, the addition of this acknowledgement is not just
year, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences updated its
symbolic, but crucial to the wellbeing of Canada’s Indigenous
Code and Pledge to better reflect the responsibility of pharmacists to
populations. “The most important thing to remember is: Nothing About
fulfill the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Us Without Us,” says Guest Editor, Gezina Baehr (PharmD 2020).
of Canada. The Code and Pledge now include the following statement:
“It means that any true reconciliatory actions need to be taken in
“We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6
partnership with Indigenous peoples.”
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SPOTLIGHT
Alumni Weekend 2019 Dean and Professor, Dr. Neal Davies, ended his history book tour for The Indispensable History of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 1914-2018 after visiting a total of nine cities and three countries and almost 1000 alumni since its release in November 2018. This September, Alumni Weekend marked the final stop on the tour and one last hurrah for the Faculty’s rich history that has been celebrated in the book. On September 21, 2019, over 100 pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences alumni returned to campus for homecoming to hear Dr. Davies’ final history presentation, catch up with friends old and new over lunch, and get a tour of the Faculty and facilities. Can’t wait to see what next year’s Alumni Weekend holds? Save the date for September 25-27, 2020.
Research Day 2019:
Exploring Cannabis
This year marked the 30th annual Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Day and saw record attendance at the Exploring Cannabis-themed event. Over 130 attendees gathered to celebrate undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral research in a display of over 65 posters and presentations, and 16 podium presentations representing each of the Faculty’s labs. Students competed for four sought-after prizes—winner and runner-up for Best Poster Presentation or Best Podium Presentation in a “5-minute thesis”-style format—with Amanda A. Greenwell taking home the award for Best Podium Presentation (runner-up: Cassandra Woit [MSc 2019]) and Deanna K. Sosnowski (PBS 2019) and Kim Ho tying for first place and sharing the award money for Best Poster Presentation. Keynote speakers discussed cannabis and its effects on health and patient care, including Dr. Jason Dyck, Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Director of the Cardiovascular Research Centre, and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Molecular Medicine at the UAlberta and special guest Dr. Pippa Hawley, Clinical Professor in the UBC Department of Medicine, Head of the UBC Palliative Care Division, and Founder and Director of the Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care Program for the BC Cancer Agency, who led a panel discussion about medical cannabis research from a patient-centered approach.
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IN THE MORTAR
Ellen Doty
with Ellen Doty MEET THE FACULTY’S NEW DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT OFFICER ELLEN DOTY joined the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
here, and about the impact our students go on to make in the greater
Sciences in August 2019 and will be focusing on fundraising, alumni
community. My father is a graduate of the geophysics program here,
relations, and events. With nearly ten years of experience in fundraising
and my grandmother and grandfather of nursing and engineering,
and event planning with not-for-profits and running large scale events
respectively, so it’s an honour to now be working here as well.
and programs, Doty has an affinity for building relationships with people and bettering her community. She will lead meaningful alumni engagement in our tight-knit pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences community and beyond. In her time with the Faculty so far, she has already overseen the creation of a new Pharmacy Alumni Association, is in the process of setting up several student awards, and has been involved in organizing multiple collaborative events.
What experience are you bringing to the role of Development and Alumni Engagement Officer? For most of my career so far, I’ve been involved in fundraising for the arts. Everything from grant writing, to crowdfunding, to large scale event sponsorship and major gift fundraising. I’m truly passionate about making a difference in the community, and paving the way for future
What about the Faculty have you learned that surprises, intrigues, or excites you the most? I didn’t realize that there was such a wide variety of research happening at the Faculty from both a practice perspective and a pharmaceutical sciences perspective. It’s been fascinating to learn about innovations in everything from women’s health to oncology and beyond.
What do you have in store for the year ahead? I’ve already hit the ground running, so I’m anticipating a very busy year ahead. I will be fundraising to support student activities, research, events, and more. I look forward to engaging our alumni to be mentors for our students, and to be part of the many events and activities that happen at the Faculty throughout the year.
generations. I look forward to building meaningful relationships within
What do you like to do outside of work?
the pharmacy community in Alberta, in Canada, and across the globe.
I’m actually a professional singer-songwriter, so I enjoy performing
What brought you to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences? I actually studied science in university, so I was thrilled to be offered a position with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. It’s been incredible to learn about the life-saving research that’s happening
and writing music outside of work. I’ve been lucky to perform all over Canada, in parts of the states, and in Japan — it’s a lot of fun. I also volunteer on an annual charity campaign raising money for those experiencing homelessness, and volunteer on the National Philanthropy Day committee. And I love to play basketball too!
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IN THE MORTAR
Trauma Informed Care
TIC’S PLACE IN PHARMACY FOR BETTER INDIGENOUS HEALTH CARE
WHAT YOU CAN DO. THE PRINCIPLES OF TRAUMA INFORMED CARE
1
BE TRAUMA AWARE: TIC begins with an awareness of trauma and a realization that pharmacists have a potential to ease or exacerbate a person’s capacity to cope with trauma.6 Action: Be aware of the commonness of trauma; how the impact of trauma can be central to one’s development; the maladaptations people make to cope and survive trauma and the relationship with substance use, physical health and mental health. Be culturally aware of the devastating impacts of residential schools, where Indigenous children were subject to
BY GEZINA BAEHR (PharmD 2020)
loss of family, language, culture and exposed to ritualized abuse,
CANADA’S COLONIAL HISTORY has caused deep historical and
other community members also dealt with the trauma from
intergenerational trauma in its Indigenous communities across the
the incredible loss of their children.
1
country. Colonial practices — like residential schools, which saw an estimated 150,000 Indigenous children2 forcibly removed from their homes and families to assimilate to European practices and religion — caused massive group trauma.3 Even though the last
including neglect, physical and sexual. Parents and
2
SAFETY AND TRUSTWORTHINESS: Safety, including physical,
emotional and cultural, is central to TIC, as trauma survivors often feel unsafe, are likely to have experienced abuse of power in important relationships, and may be in currently unsafe
residential school closed in 1996,4 the generational repercussions
relationships or environments.
are immense.
Action: Establish safety and trustworthiness by adapting the
Today, Trauma Informed Care (TIC) or Trauma Informed Practice (TIP) is gaining popularity in healthcare — especially in serving vulnerable populations. The British Columbia TIP Guide defines historical or intergenerational trauma faced by our Indigenous communities as “cumulative emotional and psychological wounding over the lifespan and across generations, emanating from massive group trauma, such as residential schools.”5 In response to the traumas, coping and adaptation patterns are developed and passed from one generation to the next. Understanding Canada’s colonial history means we need to be mindful that Indigenous peoples have experienced this historical trauma and act accordingly. As healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to care for our patients in the best way possible. This includes educating ourselves on Indigenous history, practicing empathy, and learning better ways to treat diverse populations. Though this article only skims the surface of the essential skills of TIC, I invite you to learn more, access the resources provided
pharmacy space to be less threatening; ensuring informed consent; explaining why you are asking sensitive questions; demonstrating predictable expectations; and being consistently empathetic towards your patients.
3
CHOICE, COLLABORATION AND CONNECTION: Safe
environments foster a sense of self-determination, dignity, and personal control for those receiving care. The goal is to level the power differential between pharmacist and patient and create a meaningful sharing of power and decision-making. Action: Foster collaboration by communicating openly and using open-ended questions so patients can tell their story in their own words. Allow the expression of feelings without fear of judgement, provide choices regarding treatment preferences, and work collaboratively with patients. Use a shared decisionmaking model and goal-setting with the patient to determine the plan of action they need to heal and move forward. If someone refuses a medication or test, or if they are upset
to deepen your understanding, and continue implementing these
about something (i.e. vaccinations), respond with compassion
skills in your practice.
and work with them — do not become annoyed or attempt to force them. Put effort into understanding the ways in which Indigenous peoples’ choice and voice have historically been diminished and that they were often recipients of coercive treatment (i.e. Indian Hospitals).
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IN THE MORTAR
4
EMPOWERMENT AND STRENGTHS FOCUSED: Focus on
the individual’s strengths and experiences. In TIC, there is an inherent belief in the importance of serving people, in their resilience, and their ability to heal from trauma.7 Pharmacists should act as facilitators of health and recovery, instead of controllers of it. Action: Motivational interviewing, a technique to elicit behavioural change, is a great way to empower patients in making behavioural/medical changes. Affirming a patient acknowledges their effort and strengths, offers appreciation and understanding, and recognizes success. You can affirm
READING LIST HOW YOU CAN LEARN MORE. Please be encouraged to take the time to seek out these resources, listed from shortest to longest read. They can help you learn more about Trauma Informed Care, Indigenous History, and how to better your patient care. 1.
Essentials of Trauma Informed Care Guide9 2.
decisions with you, or a patient’s tendency to be doubtful of medications as a sign of trying to be health literate about what
3.
trauma-informed.ca
4.
Alberta Health Services Trauma Informed Care Learning Modules11
they are taking.
WHAT YOU CAN AVOID.
1 2
Nova Scotia Trauma Informed Care Guide for Many Populations10
patients on medication adherence despite challenges, for their prioritization of their health when they are making health
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA)
5.
Native American Motivational Interviewing: Weaving Native American and Western Practices12
FIXING SOMEONE: Avoid the attitude of wanting to “fix
someone.” This is disempowering to the patient and can be overwhelming for both of you. Realistically, these problems are bigger than you, and you can only do so much. See Principle 4. EXPERTS ONLY ATTITUDE: Acting only as “the expert” loses
Gezina Baehr is a fourth year pharmacy student in the Class of 2020. She is passionate about advocating for the betterment of Indigenous Health in Canada and reclaiming Indigeneity in healthcare settings. Read more about her on p. 27.
pharmacist-patient collaboration. Rigidity forms when there is a belief that there is a “right” way for people to recover. Remember that information alone does not always cause
ENDNOTES
change. See Principle 3.
1,3,5
3
British Columbia Provincial Mental Health and Substance Use Planning Council; Trauma Informed Practice Guide; May, 2013; http://bccewh. bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/2013_TIP-Guide.pdf
J.R. Miller; Residential Schools in Canada; 10, October, 2012; updated 15, January, 2020; https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ residential-schools
SAMHSA’s Trauma and Justice Strategic Initiative; SAMHSA’s Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach; July, 2014; https://store.samhsa.gov/system/files/sma14-4884.pdf
VICARIOUS/SECOND-HAND TRAUMA: Be aware that working
in a space with vulnerable populations can create something called vicarious or second-hand trauma in staff, as well as
2,4
burnout. Whether or not you have experienced trauma yourself, vicarious trauma or burnout can be triggered by patient responses and behaviours. Therefore, a key part of TIC includes
6,7,8
resources for pharmacist self-care. A TIC approach seeks to resist the re-traumatization of staff, as well as patients.8
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse; Trauma-informed Care (The Essentials of…Series); 2014: https://www.ccsa.ca/trauma-informedcare-essentials-series
Nova Scotia Health Authority; Trauma-informed practice in different settings and with carious populations: A Discussion Guide for Health and Social Service Providers; March, 2015; https://novascotia.ca/dhw/ addictions/documents/TIP_Discussion_Guide_3.pdf
Alberta Health Services; Trauma Informed Care; 2020; https://www. albertahealthservices.ca/info/Page15526.aspx
Venner, Feldstein & Tafoya; Native American Motivational Interviewing: Weaving Native American and Western Practices: A Manual for Counselors in Native American Communities; 2006; https://www.integration.samhsa. gov/clinical-practice/Native_American_MI_Manual.pdf
9
Indigenous peoples have experienced a lot of trauma over generations. Making healthcare a safer place, where it has traditionally failed, is a major step towards reconciliation. Trauma Informed Care expands
10
beyond Indigenous peoples as well, into traumas faced by death of loved ones, displacement, homo or transphobia, sexism, and racism. Therefore, every healthcare professional can do their part to become
11
more trauma informed when dealing with their patients. Be aware of trauma, make a safe and trustworthy space for patients, collaborate with your patients to give them choice in their care and empower them to make those decisions. As readers, you have already taken the first steps to becoming trauma informed in your practices.
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IN THE MORTAR
Diseray Schamehorn
Diseray Schamehorn
PHOTO BY JACKIE CHOW (PharmD 2022)
MEET THE FACULTY’S GRADUATE STUDIES COORDINATOR AND INDIGENOUS LIAISON
What has your career journey been like with the Faculty? I started with the Faculty in 2016, and I was covering a sick leave. That position eventually turned into another more permanent role, and in 2018, I took over the Graduate Studies Coordinator position after someone had retired. I also started the Indigenous Liaison role in July of 2018.
What is the role of the Indigenous Liaison? At the time, I didn’t know exactly what the role would be; I just knew that I would be assisting students if they needed support. Since then, I’ve assisted professors in finding speakers that they need in their classes regarding their Indigenous content and curriculum, as well as organized
“sákihitók mina wicíhitók.” “Love one another and help one another.”
the Blanket Exercise for the first year pharmacy classes. I meet and communicate with potential Indigenous students for the undergraduate
What are your goals in this role?
program as well. And with the position, I also created, and am the
I think the goal for this part of my job is to really have a safe place
facilitator for, the Pharmacy Indigenous Network — we call it the PIN
for those students that self-identity as Indigenous. These students
group — which is for our Indigenous pharmacy students from all years
are coming here from a distance and are away from their homes and
of the program.
families. So, the goal I have is for students to have a home base here.
Why is this part of your work important to you? My mom was from the Little Red River Cree Nation northeast of High Level on the John D’Or Prairie reservation. She grew up there and
It’s also a way to educate others within the Faculty, and other students, on what it means to be Indigenous, and it’s a safe place if they have any questions.
then met my father, who is Dutch-English. So, I am half Cree and half
What’s next for you?
European. Since I wasn’t heavily raised around my Indigenous culture,
Right now, I’m taking Cree lessons, which is my language that I spoke
it’s only in recent years that I’ve started to do a lot more research on
when I was five years old and, unfortunately, have forgotten over the
my history, and to learn more about my history. So in that process,
years. And overall, I’m just excited for the future — for the support I can
the ability for this position to be the Indigenous Liaison for the Faculty
provide to the students, the people I get to meet, and to see what comes
came about.
of it all.
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FEATURES
Knowledge, Empathy, Understanding, & Recognition ALUMNA AMBER RUBEN’S JOURNEY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS Amber Ruben (BSc Pharm 2006), Inuvialuit hospital pharmacist and advocate, is no stranger to change. She experienced it when she moved from her hometown, Fort Smith, Northwest Territories to Lethbridge to attend the University of Lethbridge and then Edmonton to attend the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (FoPPS); when she changed educational routes from neuroscience to pharmacy; and when, at times, she struggles to understand her identity in a society that historically took so much of her culture away. But now, Ruben has stepped beyond navigating change, and is using her expertise and experiences to create it. “Coming to Alberta was really different,” says Ruben. “It was the first time I recognized the disparity, difference, and racism, because I had never experienced that in the North.” Ruben explains that the lack of integration in communities between Indigenous people and everybody else in Alberta was shocking, the major separation between them largely due to the reservation system. “At home, my community was integrative, with fairly equal numbers of First Nations, Métis, and non-Indigenous people living, working, and going to school together,” she says. After finishing a Neuroscience degree in Lethbridge with a heavy focus on Biopsychology, she planned to do graduate studies at the University of Michigan but spent her final year of study in the lab, and realized the PhD route was not something she wanted to pursue further. So, in 2001, Ruben moved to Edmonton to complete her pharmacy education at the University of Alberta — her hometown pharmacist had piqued her interest years before — though she was dissuaded by pharmacy’s Inorganic Chemistry requirement when she first considered the career path. But now, with a Neuroscience degree under her belt, she thought, “I think I can tackle that Inorganic Chemistry,” and moved to Edmonton to complete it and began the pharmacy program at FoPPS in 2002.
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21
FEATURES
PHOTO BY JACKIE CHOW (PharmD 2022)
Amber Ruben
“ I’m proud to be Inuvialuit. I’m proud that my dad was Inuvialuit, and so I’m happy to speak about my background and help educate and bring what I can to the conversation.” Fourteen years after finishing her pharmacy degree, she has worked as
family, from central Alberta, moved up north to Fort Smith around the
a hospital pharmacist at the Misericordia Hospital in family medicine,
same time to follow a job opportunity of her grandfather’s. Her parents
psychiatry, and now geriatric assessment and ICU. Her role in geriatrics
met at Fort Smith, stayed there, and started their family.
connected her with Dr. Cheryl Sadowski, FoPPS Professor and hospital
“I always grew up thinking of myself as Inuvialuit — which is a type of
pharmacist at the out-patient clinic at the Misericordia. Together
Inuit people from the Northwestern Arctic. But as I got older, I thought,
they have precepted resident students and now Doctor of Pharmacy
I wasn’t raised with my culture. My dad lost all of his culture. So, can I
(PharmD) students in their pharmacy. Around two years ago, Sadowski
really think of myself as Inuvialuit? Is that really what I am? Is that who
asked Ruben if she had an interest in sharing her experiences and
I am? Can I represent any of the people? So, I think that even over the
background within the curriculum to better educate students on
past few years, I’ve struggled with that idea,” says Ruben.
Indigenous history and health. “Following Truth and Reconciliation, there were Calls to Action, and
“But, then I think, you know what? I do. This is how I have always thought of myself. I’m proud to be Inuvialuit. I’m proud that my dad
part of that was having education for professional programs regarding
was Inuvialuit, and so I’m happy to speak about my background and
Indigenous people,” says Ruben. “[Cheryl] thought of me because I
help educate and bring what I can to the conversation.”
have an Indigenous background and I’m a pharmacist. I was definitely
This January, Ruben took on the majority of the three-hour seminar
interested but wasn’t quite sure what I could bring to the presentation.”
on Indigenous Health for third year pharmacy students in the Bachelor
Ruben’s father is originally from Paulatuk, NWT, along the Arctic
of Science in Pharmacy (BSc Pharm) program who will be transitioning
ocean. In the mid-1950s, he was taken from his family and sent to residential school, and later, to college in Fort Smith. Ruben’s mother’s
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
to the new PharmD program over the summer.
FEATURES
“I talked about my background and my family and how some of the
and wrongly placed opinions about Indigenous people, and a general
things, historically, have affected my family and me,” says Ruben. This
lack of understanding. “I have ways of coping with trying to prevent
is also how the seminar began for students, as they took time to talk to
facing any racism or discrimination. If I’m surrounded by new people
their peers around them about their own family histories and origins.
that I know I have to communicate with on a social or work level, I’ll
And professors Sadowski and Marlene Gukert did the same.
make it clear that I’m Indigenous, just so nobody will accidentally make
Ruben also spoke about Canada’s colonial history and how it impacts Indigenous Health, including residential schools, the Indian Act,
comments that might be discriminatory,” Ruben explains. This is why Ruben pushes herself to start conversations and help
Reservation System, the ‘60s Scoop, and political decision making
educate her fellow healthcare professionals, as well as students.
beneath the disparities seen in health between Indigenous and non-
“I have had discussions with other colleagues on lunch hours, even
Indigenous peoples. She recalled her father’s step-mother, her Nanuk
though society tells us to stay away from these topics at work, where
(grandmother), who spent many years in the residential school system
I mention things about Indigenous history, such as residential schools,
and returned home without her culture. “She didn’t, and I don’t think
and I’ve heard, for example, people say ‘those didn’t happen for very
ever will, give me examples, but she felt she needed to tell her story to
long’. And it’s kind of jaw-dropping that people can be so educated
the TRC,” Ruben says of her Nanuk. “Her description to me was that
and not understand [Indigenous history]. It shows a failure of our
when she told her story, ‘grown men were in tears’. She not only lost
educational system.”
her culture but had a very negative experience there.” Ruben’s Daduk
Ruben knows that in order to help others overcome barriers,
(grandfather) taught her Nanuk how to hunt, fish, and eat traditional
there needs to be true understanding of those barriers. “People can’t
foods later in life. “It was coming back to her culture that healed her,”
understand where Indigenous people are at socially, from a health
said Ruben in the seminar.
perspective, from a financial perspective, without understanding the
Even though she was not directly affected by residential schools
history behind it. That’s so important,”she says. So, at the core of her
herself, having the opportunity to go to high school and earn two
mission is educating others — about history and about empathy. This,
University degrees, Ruben explained that she still goes through feelings
ultimately, is what she encourages students and colleagues alike to hold
of sadness and anger of losing so much of her family’s culture. “There’s
close and why she takes the time to lead seminars for students at the Faculty.
an internal struggle of identity,” she said. “There’s been a real lack of education in terms of Indigenous history
“I think that it is easy when you are in health care to see the negative impacts that have been created in Indigenous Health and populations.
throughout our early curriculum — starting in primary school. It’s
There is a lot of poverty, a lot of addictions, increases in [tuberculosis]
now starting to be rectified, but it’s left a whole population of people
rates, increased rate of diabetes. These interactions within the healthcare
that don’t have a lot of history or knowledge about Indigenous people
system... you see the most unhealthy people within a population,” says
and history,” she says. “There are not often fantastic relations between
Ruben. “So, I think it is important for students as they move into their
Indigenous groups and non-Indigenous groups. And part of that is a lack
careers, to take a step back and recognize that it’s potentially easy to
of understanding of what has happened to Indigenous people for the last
draw stereotypes based on the populations that they see. Try to be self-
150 years. It’s not from a finger-pointing perspective, it’s just really hard
aware. We’re people — we form judgement — that’s just how we are.
to get on the same page if you don’t understand what has happened.”
Try to be aware of those judgements and try not to act on them or be
Ruben stresses that through this seminar she wants to bring knowledge,
discriminatory based on those judgments.”
but also empathy, understanding, and recognition that it will take
“You can’t paint everybody with the same brush stroke. If there are
time before things are better. “It will take many years for healing and
things like addiction, there has likely been trauma that has led up to that.
reconciliation and for Indigenous populations to become healthy.”
So have empathy and understanding and recognize that it is going to take
The time that it will take to find healing makes itself apparent in
a lot of years of healing for things to change.”
Ruben’s life as well. She has faced inappropriate comments, strong
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23
FEATURES
THE BLANKET EXERCISE WITH TONI DOLHAN, BRENNA HRYCAK, AND BRADEN KOPYTKO The KAIROS Blanket Exercise program is a unique, participatory history lesson — developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators — that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation among Indigenous and nonIndigenous peoples. This year, all first years enrolled in the PharmD program took part in a Blanket Exercise in their first semester. Elder Evelyn visited the Faculty to lead the Exercise. There, students and members of the Pharmacy Indigenous Network, Toni Dolhan, Brenna Hrycak, and Braden Kopytko, also participated in the exercise with their classmates and professors.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
FEATURES
What is the Blanket Exercise?
about Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
Kopytko: Many blankets are placed upon the
respecting one another. We all need to work
floor, edge to edge, as a way to represent the
together to achieve reconciliation. Not just
lands on which the Indigenous peoples lived.
words, but real action and change, are required
Those doing the exercise play the role of the
to build and repair relationships damaged
Indigenous by walking around the “lands”
through colonialism, residential schools, the
and trading to represent how people moved
‘60s scoop, and archaic laws.
freely and interacted with one another. Soon, blankets are slowly taken away to symbolize the changes brought on by settlers through war, disease, residential schools, and European laws and religion. As land disappears and people are relocated, movement is restricted and the Indigenous way of life is changed. Hrycak: The Blanket Exercise is about education, understanding, and reconciliation. It involves discovering the Indigenous view of Canadian history. The participants learn the Indigenous perspective of our loss of land, family, culture, and way of living once the European explorers came to Northern Turtle Island (Canada). Ultimately, it is
Toni Dolhan is a first year pharmacy student working towards her PharmD. One of the main reasons she applied to pharmacy was to continue learning how to be a better advocate for patients’ health and ensure that patients feel heard and respected.
What does the Blanket Exercise mean to you?
Brenna Hrycak is a first year pharmacy
H: For me, the Blanket Exercise is an
student working towards her PharmD
opportunity to educate Canadians on the
degree. She is Métis and her family
history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit
comes from Manitoba. Hrycak’s great-
peoples, and empathize with their struggles.
great-great-grandmother, Josette
In order to achieve reconciliation, we must
Lagimodière, was an aunt to Louis Riel.
understand and acknowledge past wrongs, heal, and then go forward to a new future.
Braden Kopytko is a first year
K: The Exercise is not about shaming, but
pharmacy student working toward
is a way to empathize with and reflect upon
his PharmD. He is excited to learn
the things that have happened, and to help
more as he steps into his pharmacy
contextualize and better understand the issues
education and hopes to work with
still faced by many Indigenous communities
indigenous communities and youth as a
and individuals today.
pharmacist one day.
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25
FEATURES
Why do you think it is important that
understand, empathize, and adequately help
How do you hope this experience
the Blanket Exercise is included in
these individuals. Depending on previous
will affect your pharmacy education,
your pharmacy education?
educational experiences, not everyone may be
peers, and the pharmacy profession?
H: Since pharmacists are often the first point
on the same page. The Blanket Exercise is a
D: I hope that this experience will allow both
of contact for our health care needs, it is vital
useful jumping-off point to spark discussion
myself and others to not only reflect on how
that they understand what it’s like to work
about Indigenous history and issues faced
this history affects the current reality of many
with different cultures and be aware of the
today by Indigenous people, as well as a way
Indigenous peoples, but also how experienced
cultural issues that have an effect on the health
to really empathize. Learning in class does
trauma, hardships, and persecution may
of Indigenous Canadians. Universities across
not have as much of an effect as something
influence and affect the reality of all people.
Canada can play a role by offering courses
interactive like this exercise.
I would like this experience to shape how I
regarding the social determinants of health from an Indigenous perspective. This would allow pharmacy students to understand issues that are specific to our Indigenous population. Pharmacists can play a crucial role by working together with other healthcare providers to guide health policy and programs for the health and wellness for our First Nations, Métis and Inuit population. Dolhan: It illustrates a truth and history that affected many individuals. This interactive exercise opens up a platform for discussions on why generational trauma is relevant in tackling many systemic and societal problems. K: In the future, we will likely serve many Indigenous patients who may have unique perspectives and issues. It’s imperative that we have both the knowledge and skills to
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
What was it like sharing in the Blanket Exercise with your classmates and peers? K: At first, I was a little nervous as to how people would react to the Blanket Exercise and what they would really think of the event, but doing this together and sharing this experience was powerful. This was a way to learn and empathize together. At the end of the ceremony, we passed around a talking stick as a way to reflect and share our thoughts and feelings about the exercise. Numerous students said they saw the Blanket Exercise as an eyeopening and necessary experience. Many got into the mindset of the exercise and really empathized — feeling things such as sadness and anger for the injustices carried out and issues that are still prevalent now.
interpret and process the actions and reactions of others at school, in my future career, and in my daily life. By doing so, I believe it will aid me in factoring in the influence that systemic and situational problems have on those around me. H: The pharmacy profession in Canada has long been linked to our Indigenous population. The first Canadian apothecary in Nova Scotia was founded by Louis Hébert. He gained his knowledge of medicinal plants from interacting with the Mi'kmaq. By stepping back in time and participating in the Blanket Exercise, I hope this educational experience allows my peers to understand the cultural atrocities suffered by our Indigenous population so that we can move forward toward reconciliation. Learn more about the KAIROS Blanket Exercise at kairosblanketexercise.org
FEATURES
A Call to Change GEZINA BAEHR IS THE FIRST INDIGENOUS GRADUATE OF THE PHARMD PROGRAM AND IS DEDICATED TO MAKING POSITIVE CHANGES TO INDIGENOUS HEALTH BY KALYNA HENNIG
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27
FEATURES
“ I wanted to be in pharmacy and have the knowledge that could help my family, friends, and community.” 28
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
PHOTO BY JACKIE CHOW (PHARMD 2022)
Gezina Baehr
FEATURES
CHOOSING WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP
might be a common question for kids, but the choice seems to get more difficult with age. It’s one that many of us struggle with well past the years of a traditional post-secondary experience. But for fourth year pharmacy student Gezina Baehr (PharmD 2020), the call to become a pharmacist was strong and came early in life. “I’ve known I wanted to go into pharmacy since the age of 15,” says
“Indigenous Health, if you go back decades, mainly involved nonIndigenous people giving health care to Indigenous communities. It is part of a colonial practice in history,” says Baehr. “So to be someone who can work in these areas as an Indigenous person, that makes a huge difference. I’m not totally sure where I want to end up, but to be able to find a place where I can connect with Indigenous patients would be the most important factor for me.” During her time of experiential education throughout her degree, Baehr shadowed at the pharmacy on Maskwacis Reserve, and has seen the Indigenous Health programs at the Royal Alexandra Hospital and
Baehr, who will be the first Indigenous graduate of the new Doctor of
the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Baehr has also worked in a community
Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the University of Alberta in the Class
pharmacy in Stony Plain, done a hospital rotation at the psychiatric
of 2020 and was the inaugural recipient of the Faculty of Pharmacy
hospital in Ponoka and worked at a community pharmacy in Edmonton’s
Indigenous Award at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony.
inner city. Overall, she wants to experience as many demographics and
“Nobody in my family works in health care. They wanted me to be
areas of the profession as possible.
an engineer since we already have a couple engineers in the family, but
Baehr’s passion for the provision of health care by Indigenous
I wanted to find something different,” says Baehr. She was attracted to
people to Indigenous people extends to encouraging and supporting
positions in health care and their capacity to allow her to help people,
other Indigenous students to pursue pharmacy as well. The Faculty
and to pharmacy because of its niche existence in the healthcare system.
of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has historically had low
“Not many people know about medication,” she says. “Everyone takes it,
numbers of Indigenous students in its programs. Currently, there are
but not many people know what it actually does inside your body.”
seven declared Indigenous students taking courses in the Faculty. During
From there, Baehr asked herself where she could best engage with
her term as Community Education Director with the Alberta Pharmacy
patients in the field. “I wanted to be in pharmacy and have the
Students Association (APSA) for the 2018-2019 academic school year,
knowledge that could help my family, friends, and community.”
Baehr gave two presentations specifically for Indigenous students about
When the opportunity arose during her degree to bridge her Bachelor
admission to pharmacy at the First People’s House on the University of
of Science in Pharmacy (BSc Pharm) to the new PharmD degree, her
Alberta campus. One of those students was accepted to the Faculty for
choice to become a pharmacist gained even more meaning.
the following year.
“The doctoral program is really important to me,” says Baehr. “My
Beyond her aspirations for the future of her career, Baehr’s time
grandfather is a huge inspiration for my education. He’s a residential
becoming a pharmacist has also turned her learning inward. “One
school survivor, and in 2015 he was awarded an honourary Doctorate of
of the most important things that I’m taking away from my pharmacy
Education from the University of Victoria. I really wanted to be able to
degree is that it has helped me grow into a greater sense of self,” she
get my doctorate for him.”
says. “It sounds cheesy, but my education and learning experiences in
Not only will Baehr be receiving her Doctor of Pharmacy this June
healthcare and how I can provide it to patients, along with my personal
as the first indigenous PharmD graduate from the Faculty, but she will
background and experiences, made me truly think about what I want to
also be one of the first people from her nation, Songhees First Nation, to
do in my lifetime.”
receive a doctoral degree. “My grandpa jokes all the time by telling people to call him a doctor
“Indigenous Health obviously affects my life and my family, but to set it as my career goal wasn’t something I realized I could truly do. I
because of his honourary doctorate. And I joke back the same for when
knew I could provide health care, but I didn’t have a focus. So as I came
I’m going to graduate,” says Baehr. “I am really proud to be able to do
through my degree, and it was impossible not to see how poor the health
this for him.”
of Indigenous communities is compared to the general population, the
After graduation, Baehr is dedicated to continuing to learn about and
more it seemed like there are interventions that can be made and are
improve Indigenous Health. She’s currently trying to decide where she
really needed. Learning those things and realizing I am the one who can
best fits in Alberta’s large scope of pharmacy to provide great patient
make those changes really helped me focus, understand what I want to
care and make an impact on her community.
do, and realize my Indigeneity.”
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29
LOOKING BACK
ELDER GILMAN CARDINAL SPEAKING AT THE 2019 AFPC CONFERENCE
Indigenization and the Pharmacy Curriculum EXAMINING THE JOURNEY OF THE PHARMACY CURRICULUM AND THE 2019 AFPC CONFERENCE BY DR. CHERYL A. SADOWSKI, PROFESSOR
IN 2002, I HEARD DR. EARLE WAUGH, a Professor of Religious Studies at the Faculty of Arts, present on the needs of patients at a continuing education conference at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. There, he spoke of the discrimination against Indigenous populations that he had seen in the healthcare system. After the conference, he was invited to be a guest speaker in our program. Dr. Waugh first presented in the Dean’s Course, an artifact of the 1990’s curriculum that brought fourth year students together once a week during Monday lunchtime to discuss topics that did not fit elsewhere in the curriculum. His 50-minute presentation included case studies featuring people with diverse backgrounds, including that of a Cree man and an elderly Muslim Egyptian man. As further content on cultural competence was added to the curriculum, time was set aside — though not specifically dedicated to Indigenous history — to discuss these topics. In 2004, the modular curriculum launched and the planning committee dedicated a threehour seminar to cultural issues in the Special Populations course (then termed Pediatrics & Geriatrics). Dr. Waugh returned, now the Director of the Centre for Culture and Family Medicine, and talked about his experience guiding family medicine residents on caring across cultures for this seminar. He provided students with a wealth of case studies, of which about 1 in 4 focused on Indigenous Health.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
LOOKING BACK
When the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission released
Opportunities also presented themselves for pharmacy faculty
its Calls to Action, we reflected on our seminar and our philosophy
members to learn. In June 2019, the University of Alberta hosted the
as a Faculty. The need for Indigenous voices arose in the Faculty,
national Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC)
and beyond. That year, the Faculty invited Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, an
Conference. With the support of Dean Dr. Neal Davies and Janet
Indigenous Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, to speak, and
Cooper, Executive Director of AFPC, I chaired an additional post-
he facilitated three hours of genuine learning and change. His stories
conference event for professors across the country. Together, attendees
about his family history were personal and moving. After the seminar,
participated in the Blanket Exercise and sharing circle, many for the
students thanked the professor for the seminar, talked about the impacts
first time, which brought better understanding, and provoked emotional
of residential schools in the hallway, referred to the sixties scoop in their
moments and apologies. The keynote speaker, Dr. Cindy Blackstock,
reflection assignments, and demanded to know why they had never
Professor at the School of Social Work at McGill University and
heard of this history before. Dr. Swidrovich created a safe space for
Executive Director of First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of
students to ask awkward questions, to apologize for their ignorance,
Canada, challenged the professors in the room to catch up with other
and to learn.
healthcare professions, to advocate, and to change.
“ Education is what got us here, and education is what will get us out.” ― Justice Murray Sinclair
At the conference, we also listened to Elder Gilman Cardinal, who shared stories of his upbringing and experiences of racism in Alberta. Jill Konkin, a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, shared the story of advocacy and policy changes with her faculty regarding a greater effort to recruit and enroll Indigenous students. Dr. Jaris Swidrovich shared some of his own experiences as an Indigenous man who was now working in the field of pharmacy. Dr. Swidrovich presented
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31
LOOKING BACK
LEFT TO RIGHT: MARLENE GUKERT, REGIONAL COORDINATOR/CALGARY; AMBER RUBEN, HOSPITAL PHARMACIST (BSC PHARM 2006);
PHOTO BY JACKIE CHOW (PharmD 2022)
AND DR. CHERYL SADOWSKI, PROFESSOR
examples of pharmacy teaching and compared them with Indigenous
herself and her family, originally from Paulatuk, Northwest Territories.
ways of knowing. He provided examples of how to look at healthcare
She described the challenges of coming from Fort Smith, Northwest
and medication decisions from a different lens, always focusing on
Territories to study pharmacy in Edmonton, and the discrimination she
relationships with patients and approaching our interactions humbly.
faces in her day-to-day interactions.
The final presentation was the launch of a national portal containing
As change takes place, the future looks brighter. This year marks the
Indigenous Health resources for faculty members in pharmacy. Elaine
end of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree as we transition to
Lillie, a Professor in pharmacy from the University of Waterloo and
a renewed curriculum and the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD)
one of the leaders in developing this portal with AFPC, encouraged all
that works to weave indigenization throughout all years of the program,
faculties across Canada to access the resources and to share from their
beginning with the Blanket Exercise (p. 24).
learning in developing Indigenous curriculum. The final four years of the bachelor’s degree have continued with the
As I prepared for the final seminar that I facilitated in my course in January 2020, along with Amber Ruben, I was greatly humbled.
Indigenous voice. Jennifer Ward, an Indigenous Educational Developer
As our journey continues on the road to healing, I hold a sweet
with the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta,
moment in my mind. At the AFPC conference, Elder Gilman Cardinal
has guided and presented material for the seminar, including asking
accepted the ceremonial tobacco and presented me with a sweet grass
students to read aloud the Calls to Action and review the history of
braid. The graciousness of Elder Cardinal was a moving gesture of
the Indian Act, and shared her own experiences with discrimination.
reconciliation — one that must be continuously reciprocated as we work
Alumna Amber Ruben (BSc Pharm 2006) (p. 21), joined the seminar
toward a better future.
this January, where she described the impacts of residential schools on
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
LOOKING BACK
KEHRER RECEIVED a BSc Pharm from Purdue University in 1974 and a PhD in Pharmacology/Toxicology from the University of Iowa in 1978. He undertook his postdoctoral work from 1978 to 1980 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory with research focused in the areas of free radicals, oxidative stress, cell signaling, and apoptosis. In 1980, Kehrer was appointed to the faculty at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy where he spent 25 years, beginning as an Assistant Professor and progressing to Professor. In addition to his duties as Professor, Kehrer was the Editor for the Americas and Japan for Toxicology Letters and served as a Deputy Chairman for The Biochemical Journal. Kehrer served as Chair of the Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Director of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Toxicology, and was the Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Professor of Toxicology from 1991 to 2005. He also served on numerous National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant review panels in the United States, was a Member of the Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board Exposure and Human Health Committee, and was on the Food and Drug Administration Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee. Kehrer received an Achievement Award from the Society of Toxicology, a Research Career Development Award from the United States National Institutes of Health, and, in 2004, the Distinguished Alumni Award at Purdue University School of Pharmacy. In 2005, Kehrer was appointed Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Washington State University where he served for four years. In 2008, he became a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement
Pharmaceutical
KEHRER
of Science.
Kehrer at the University of Alberta ON JULY 1, 2009, Kehrer was appointed Dean of the Faculty of
THE SEVENTH DEAN OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 2009-2016
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta.
BY DEAN MORTAR
and laboratories to the Katz Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research.
Dr. James P. Kehrer was born on August 25,
the expanding role of community pharmacists was addressed by training
1951 in Watertown, Wisconsin. He married Debra Bodensteiner, a nurse, and has two sons, Marc and Paul. He is a member of Rho Chi and Phi Kappa Phi Honourary Societies.
Upon his arrival to Canada, Dean Kehrer was immediately faced with the planned relocation of the pharmaceutical sciences research faculty In 2010, there were 512 pharmacy students enrolled in the Faculty, and students in public health services such as administering injections. That same year, the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs onsite evaluation and accreditation review was conducted. Kehrer saw a new one-year graduate degree to obtain a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD) proposal penned and proposed to the university administration and provincial government in 2010. The long-anticipated
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33
LOOKING BACK
PharmD degree program would offer advanced clinical skills to allow
and mandates as health care providers and leaders, including authority
pharmacists to efficiently assume new roles and prescriber activities as
to prescribe, the administration of vaccines, optimizing care plans,
mandated by the current legislation. This version of the program was
and enhanced understanding of healthcare systems, processes, and
finally approved as a post-professional PharmD after a BSc in Pharmacy
more comprehensive abilities for drug evaluation and health outcomes.
was completed. He also elected to add greater responsibilities to his
This program reflected the transition to a patient-care focus. By 2016,
Division Chairs and created two new positions, Associate Dean for
in response to the profession, the Faculty began offering a part-time
Undergraduate Programs and Director of Experiential Education, and
PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists program. This program was designed
he saw the University of Alberta earned the highest score on the 2010
to upgrade pharmacists’ skills while offering flexible scheduling and the
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada examinations.
ability to receive online learning over a period of up to five years.
In 2011, Alberta celebrated a Century of Excellence of regulated
In 2014, the Medical Sciences Building was being renovated for
pharmacy in the province, and a Faculty retreat was held at Snow Valley
occupancy and would soon house the Dean’s administrative and
to further refine the strategic planning. This same year, Kehrer saw the
central offices. In the same building, a commemorative timeline was
Pharmaceutical Sciences Division moved into the Katz Group Centre for
commissioned for the Centennial of the Faculty of Pharmacy and
Pharmacy and Health Research where new state of the art laboratories
Pharmaceutical Sciences. The elaborate composition stretched over
and upgraded facilities were unveiled. Later that year, the Pharmacy
ten feet and currently adorns the wall outside the Dean’s Administrative
Practice Division of the Faculty moved into the Edmonton Clinic Health
Office Suite in the Medical Sciences Building.
Academy building adjacent to the Katz Centre, along with the other health professions. A Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Pharmacy combined degree, envisioned by former Dean Pasutto, also commenced under Kehrer’s administration in 2011. And in 2012, the University of
In 2015, Kehrer saw a record 547 students in the Faculty, including 510 in the BSc Pharm program and 37 students in the post-graduate PharmD program. He was also one of three editors of Studies on Experimental Toxicology and Pharmacology. This same year, the Faculty received the accolade of ranking
Alberta, yet again, earned the highest score on the Pharmacy Examining
31st in the world in pharmacy and pharmacology by the QS World
Board of Canada boards, and another Burbidge win was obtained.
University Rankings.
In September of 2013, the first group of PharmD students took to
In 2015, a proposal to implement the Entry to Practice (E2P) Doctor
the classroom. Practicing pharmacists, who graduated prior to 2014,
of Pharmacy Program was sent to the Government of Alberta and the
made up half of the students. The post-BSc PharmD program was
Quality Council of Alberta for approval. The leadership and efforts
14 months in duration and involved a combination of classroom and
of Drs. Jill Hall, Nese Yuksel, Christine Hughes, and Terri Schindel
clinical education, and practice-based learning located either within the
in development of this proposal were significant. It would enable the
community, ambulatory, or acute-care institutional health environments.
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to develop a program
The PharmD degree provided graduates training to enable a full scope of
that offered an undergraduate professional doctoral degree instead of the
practice, allowing them to take advantage of their professional abilities
current Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Degree.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
LOOKING BACK
On June 30, 2016, Dean Kehrer stepped down as Dean, took
Likewise, in November 2013, the Ministry of Higher Education of
administrative leave, and subsequently relocated back to the United
the State of Kuwait, through the Canadian Bureau for International
States of America where he retired. Dr. Dion Brocks served as Interim
Education, indicated he was desirous of encouraging qualified Kuwaiti
Dean for a two-month sojourn.
citizens to obtain a professional degree in pharmacy at the University
Dean Kehrer established the James and Debra Kehrer Scholarship
of Alberta and to return to Kuwait to practice pharmacy. An agreement
for Professional Pharmacy Students as a contribution from his family
between the University of Alberta and the State of Kuwait was reached
to the Faculty. The Kehrer Room, located in the Edmonton Clinical
to enable students from Kuwait to study and obtain Doctor of Pharmacy
Health Academy Building since 2017, is an additional reminder of his
degrees in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
contributions to the Faculty.
Part of the exemplary programming for pharmacy students at the
Building International Relationships
University of Alberta included two unique international courses that
DURING DEAN KEHRER’S April 2013 visit to Zhejiang University,
between undergraduate students from both universities.
he had the opportunity to meet the new President of the China
created discovery and learning opportunities for fourth-year pharmacy students. These courses involved staff members of our Faculty partnered with international Faculties to co-teach courses and support interaction In Italy, students explored human rights issues, food security, and
Pharmaceutical University (CPU) in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. The
access to food, as well as discussed the differences and similarities in
possibility of creating a joint Doctor of Pharmacy program was raised by
pharmacy practice and education between the two countries. Sharing
the President and faculty members at the CPU.
of curricular resources occurred with the University of Naples to
In Fall 2013, some senior members of CPU visited the University of Alberta and several meetings were held to discuss the feasibility of a
enhance the sustainability of the international program. A partnership with China resulted in an Interdisciplinary course
collaborative initiative that would enable Chinese students to receive a
for pharmacy and medical students from the University of Alberta and
PharmD degree from the University of Alberta. The Faculty of Pharmacy
its counterpart public health students from Fudan at the University
and Pharmaceutical Sciences evaluated the CPU curriculum and
in Shanghai. Field visits, created by the collaboration of the Shanghai
suggested that the most feasible model would involve a small number of
Municipal Health Bureau and the Shanghai University of Traditional
Chinese students who would be admitted.
Chinese Medicine, created additional opportunities to compare
In April 2014, faculty members visited with staff of CPU and discussed this proposal with the Dean of Pharmacy and other senior members of CPU. CPU indicated their desire to pursue this, and in July
healthcare systems, the implications of social determinants of health, and approaches to global health of the two countries. Kehrer played an important role in the creation of these
2014, the Provost of the University of Alberta signed a memorandum of
undergraduate international programs which enhanced inter-faculty
understanding during his visit to China.
collaborations in teaching, student-centered learning, and the realization of key strategic Faculty goals for internationalization and diversity. 
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35
LOOKING BACK
SIDNEY MILLWARD
THOMAS MILLWARD EDWARD C. RICHARDS
THROWBACK FACTS
SUN DRUGSTORE
SUN DRUGSTORE RESTORATION CONCEPT ART FOR FORT
Sidney Millward (Class of 1916) left Bournville,
and 109th Street in Edmonton. The building
1927. By 1942, Thomas also sold Sun Drug
England for Canada in 1913. He entered into
consisted of the Sun Drugstore and two smaller
Store. It was renamed Richard’s Pharmacy
an apprenticeship with Hilf ’s Drugstore upon
stores. Sidney joined the latter in 1926 and
after Edward C. Richards, another alumnus
his arrival in Edmonton and was in the first
rented the extra space to two brothers from
from the Class of 1936. Richard’s Pharmacy
graduating class from the Pharmacy Department
Turkey who opened a confectionary, Bill’s
remained opened until 1963 and the building
at the University of Alberta in 1916.
Confectionary, which remained there until 1947.
was demolished in 1967. Sun Drugstore was
Commissioned by Sidney for $10,000 on
In 1930, Sidney sold his store to his brother,
EDMONTON PARK, CREATED BY HFKS ARCHITECTS INC.
restored at Fort Edmonton Park in Edmonton
leased land, Sun Drugstore was built in 1922
Thomas Millward, a graduate of pharmacy
in 1995, including an era-accurate pharmacy
on the northeast corner of Jasper Avenue
at the University of Alberta in the Class of
that can be visited at the park to this day.
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
FAST FACTS
FAST FACTS 2019 STAFF MEMBERS
ALUMNI
5,740
Living Alumni
39 Faculty
15 Support Staff
3,805
Living Alumni in Alberta
PRECEPTORS
550+ Preceptors 312 Preceptor Sites
825+ Placements Provided
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 128
Class of 2020
133
Class of 2021
129
Class of 2022
137
Class of 2023
PHARMD GRADUATE STUDENTS 50 PharmD
for Practicing Pharmacists Students
12 1 Visiting
Grad Student
21
MSc Students
18
PhD Students
Countries Represented by Grad Students
RESEARCHERS
20 Post-Doctoral Fellows
9 Research Technicians
4 Research Associates
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37
DEAN'S DISTILLATE
Dean’s Distillate A NOTE ON BUDGET Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious summer by this sun of York; And all the clouds that low’r’d upon our house In the deep bosom of the ocean buried. — Richard The Third, Act 1, Scene 1
I
STAND FIRM IN MY CONVICTIONS. Please
could pose a serious threat to our wonderful
do not lose sight of the importance of what
“Prescription for the Public Good” Strategic
we do here. We have great fundamentals.
Plan that we are currently undertaking. We are
Student demand is high. Our communities
compelled now to move our visionary plan to
value us. Our outreach and our “inreach”
one of judicious budget management, but this
make a significant difference. We have pride in
is something we had considered and prepared
our students. We are powering innovation in
for. Prioritization will be the key. The Faculty
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. We can
will attempt to increase revenues and, where
and will manage change in these uncertain times.
necessary, decrease its operating budget and
As the Dean, I act as a thermostat for the Faculty
costs through effective resource management.
and not a thermometer; given all these positives,
We have, and will continue to reduce expenditures
we simply will not become demoralized.
and prudently cut back on our spending. As we
However, I do understand that where there is
now stare down a road of financial restraint and
smoke, people will assume the house is on fire.
economic uncertainty, we must also take a few
Your firefighters leading the Faculty of Pharmacy
deep breaths and be grateful for all that we do
and Pharmaceutical Sciences will not panic.
have as a Faculty and in our profession. We will
If you were listening carefully, you are not
jettison all that is not strictly necessary, and we
surprised. It was a sinister hiss going all around
will continue to work diligently and shine on even
the University of Alberta campuses and the
brighter as the jewel of a Faculty that we are at
province in recent months. That whispering burr
the University of Alberta.
that you heard was students, alumni, professors,
Wintertime is upon us now. To our alumni,
donors, administrators talking and worrying
faculty, and major donors, we invite you to come
about the budget and future. The release of the
forward and share your leadership. This is an
Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances made
immediate opportunity for our stakeholders to
this bombilation grow louder. With the reality
come to our side and be part of the solution.
of the Provincial Budget, we cannot ignore and
Now, perhaps more than ever, is the time to
hibernate from the constraints, but address them
step up and assist. If our indispensable history
and refuse to be disheartened.
has taught us anything, it is that persistence,
The largest monetary challenge in our
determination, and adaptability are our keys to
University’s history is looming. The financial
success. There will be inevitable transformational
shortfall facing the University will drop the
changes to the status quo. I, however, am more
proverbial pestle on our toes and is a daunting
than certain that with your help, we can not only
and austere predicament. Mandatory cost
survive but also thrive. I am confident that the
reductions, along with the imperative to make
winter of our discontent will indeed pass; that
operations more efficient, will demand and
we will scatter the clouds that cover our house;
force change. Because this crisis was largely
and that a most glorious summer will soon be
born in the oilfields, some of us hoped we
upon us.
would be insulated, but the dominoes are falling and staffing and operations will be
Sincerely,
affected. Nevertheless, I am confident that we can successfully leverage our knowledge and expertise to guide us through this difficult time. Our path in life is full of unexpected surprises
38
and challenges. The twists, turns, and bumps
NEAL M. DAVIES BSc(Pharm), Ph.D., R.Ph.
that we predicted from a budgetary meltdown
Dean and Professor
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2020
COMING SOON TO A BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU.
UNSUNG HEROES IN THE WORLD OF PHARMACY TELLS THE STORIES OF PHARMACISTS WHO HAVE CHANGED OUR WORLD. Davies brings to life the unrecognized tales of the well-respected but humble pharmacist across the spectrum of human activity.
MAKE THIS LOOK A LITTLE BIT MORE LIKE A BOOK? SOME
O IT ON THE EDGES?
Be a part of our 20/20 vision.
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