UAlberta Pharmacy Spring 2016 - Legacy

T R A N S L AT I N G R E S U LT S I N R E S E A R C H A N D P R A C T I C E The official magazine for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

SPRING 2016

LEGACY

Dean: James P. Kehrer Director, Advancement & Alumni Relations: Lori Shockey, CFRE Editor: Sandra Pysklywyc Contributors: Bev Betkowski Sean Townsend Cait Wills Designer: Curio Studio Photography: Christy Dean Jessica Fern Facette Sandra Pysklywyc Ken and Diane Hill Adrian Shellard Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association CONNECT WITH US: Website: pharm.ualberta.ca Email: phcomms@ualberta.ca Twitter: @UAlberta_Pharm Facebook: Pharmacy Alumni Association University of Alberta Instagram: @ualberta_pharmacy Editor’s note: UAlberta Pharmacy is published twice a year. In this second issue, we’re delighted to share with you the stories of our faculty members, students and alumni. As always, we welcome your comments about the issue and suggestions for future story ideas. We invite you to take our survey found at pharm. ualberta.ca/alumni-and-giving/ ualberta-pharmacy.

DEAN’S MESSAGE For those of us

living in Edmonton, spring has sprung relatively early this year. The new season often brings us a sense of renewal and a look forward at things to come. For the faculty, this is certainly the case.

In 2016, the faculty will go through a leadership change as I am stepping down after seven years (read more about this change on pages 4 and 28).

And we are still waiting for Government of Alberta and Quality Council of Alberta approval for the proposed PharmD program. Stay tuned to our website for the latest on that pending decision.

While spring gives us an opportunity to look forward, in this issue of UAlberta Pharmacy, we are also taking a look back at the legacy so many individuals and classes have left us.

We are proud to honour and highlight our two outstanding alumni award winners from the past year (on pages 20 and 22), showcase some incredible research and teaching by our faculty members, highlight the philanthropic spirit of the Class of 1955 and what that spirit means to the students, and last but not least, our “pharmily”.

When we asked for information on “pharmacy connections”, alumni responded in droves.

We are pleased to share with you stories about just some of our pharmacy families.

Our graduate students continue to excel and we are proud to share the achievement of Zaid Almaayaha, who recently won an Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is the most prestigious graduate award administered by the University of Alberta.

In January, with their parents, family and friends present, we officially welcomed the Class of 2019 into the profession at our annual White Coat Ceremony. It’s truly a wonderful and meaningful event attended also by alumni, members of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association, the Alberta College of Pharmacists, the Canadian Hospital Pharmacists’ Society as well as faculty and staff (full story on page 16).

As this is my last dean’s message, I wanted to take this opportunity to say thank you to our alumni and donors who continue to stay connected and support the faculty. I’ve enjoyed very much getting to know so many of you over the years. I am truly honored to have been able to serve as your Dean for the past seven years. I believe the faculty is exceptionally well-positioned for continued success and I look forward to observing this success from a ‘not too far’ distance.

Sincerely, JAMES P. KEHRER PROFESSOR AND DEAN

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

In this issue

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A legacy that will benefit generations of future pharmacists Profile on James Kehrer, dean and professor

6 Bone-TREK: The Next Generation

A look at the future of bone diagnostics and drugs

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Where health and the law meet

Meet Ubaka Ogbogu, an assistant professor with a unique cross appointment

11 Teaching across the spectrum raises understanding and engagement

Professor taps into a knowledge gap to assist students and their peers

12 Deep roots in the ‘pharmily’ tree

One pharmily has 11 pharmacists in its family tree

14 Welcome to the pharmily Read more about our many pharmily connections

16 White Coat Ceremony connects future pharmacists with tradition

Class of 2019 receives official welcome into the profession

18 Pharmacist Awareness Month

Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association showcase their advocacy efforts during PAM

19 Doctoral pharmacy student recognized

‘Outstanding’ PhD work and publications recognized by prestigious national award

20 Leading the way in pharmacy practice

Meet alumna, Rosemary Bacovsky, winner of an Outstanding Alumni Award

22 Trailblazing a path in natural medicine

A profile on Outstanding Alumni Award winner, alumna Shirley Heschuk

24 A class gift that keeps on giving

Learn about the Class of 1955’s philanthropic spirit and meet this past year’s scholarship recipient

26 A chance encounter leads to the road less travelled for pharmacy alumnus Profile on Wayne Jeffery, a forensic toxicologist

28 New dean of pharmacy aims to give back to alma mater Alumnus Neal Davies has been named dean of the faculty

30 News and Notes

Catch up with alumni, faculty and staff as well as learn more about upcoming alumni events

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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A legacy that will benefit generations of future pharmacists by

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Sandra Pysklywyc

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

AFTER NEARLY SEVEN YEARS as dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, James Kehrer is stepping down.

Since 2009, Kehrer has led the faculty through tremendous change and navigated the ship through tough economic times, leaving behind a legacy that will benefit generations of future pharmacists.

His path to becoming dean of the U of A faculty included stops along the way at the University of Texas at Austin and Washington State University.

How does an American from Wisconsin end up in Edmonton? What appealed to Kehrer was the “continually advancing scope of practice for pharmacists in Alberta.”

“There were so many opportunities for pharmacists to advance health care in Alberta,” says Kehrer. “It was those

opportunities, coupled with the quality of pharmacy education at the U of A and in Canada, that prompted me to take the job.”

As the head of the only pharmacy school in the province, Kehrer quickly became known for his leadership both on and off campus.

“He had big shoes to fill and he filled those big shoes very well,” says former U of A provost Carl Amrhein. “He leaves behind even larger shoes for his successor.

“Jim has been a leader on Deans’ Council.

He brings a long and broad experience from his work in Washington and Texas,” says Amrhein. “He presented a strong argument for professional faculties that are successful in the education of health-care professions, as well as the development of a professoriate that excels in teaching, research and service to the profession. Jim worked very well with all of the health professions through the Health Sciences Council.”

In his first year as dean, Kehrer also created a Dean’s Advisory Council to “help raise the visibility and reputation of the faculty, not only in Alberta but also across Canada.” The council’s members come

from Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia and include representatives from industry, pharmacy practice in chain, independent and grocery stores, and various other stakeholders.

David Windross, vice-president of external affairs with TEVA Canada and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council, was honoured to be appointed to the council as a representative of the generic-pharmaceutical industry.

“Although this was a new initiative, the members of the council always voiced their opinions, comments and concerns without any hesitation,” says Windross. “Likewise, Dr. Kehrer felt it was important to update the council members on various activities at the faculty and the university.”

Windross notes that, although the council’s purpose in the beginning was to advise the dean in the areas of the Canadian healthcare system and government, “the council also provided a very useful forum to discuss issues not only in pharmacy education or as alumni of the University of Alberta, but to discuss issues in general in pharmacy.”

Along with his impact among his peers and stakeholders, perhaps Kehrer’s greatest legacy is his work in administration in the faculty.

Highlights of his achievements include overseeing the creation and implementation of the PharmD program for practicing pharmacists as well as the part-time program, injection training for pharmacy students, an improved structure for experiential education, accreditation renewal, a new emphasis on assessment and the upcoming proposed curriculum change from the BSc Pharm to the PharmD program.

Kehrer says the proposed curriculum change is the result of a lot of good work by good people—one that will align the faculty’s education standards with other pharmacy schools in Canada.

“Implementing the new PharmD program will position the faculty to meet all the new standards of education and assessment,” says Kehrer. “Our curriculum development team has worked very hard to ensure we are continuing to prepare our graduates to provide quality and safe patient-centred care in Alberta’s dynamic health-care environment, and in diverse settings across Canada’s health-care system.”

Kehrer’s work with students is also something he is passionate about, as evident from the positive and productive working relationships he forged with student leaders during his tenure.

“Dean Kehrer was always very approachable and collaborative when working with the student body,” says Tyler Watson (BSc ’08, BSc Pharm ’12), current MSc student and former Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association (APSA) president. “He encouraged and promoted student presence on faculty committees and encouraged APSA activities, particularly those aimed at community engagement and support.”

Watson also credits Kehrer with “effectively motivating and encouraging the student body to become more active and advocate for ourselves in the public arena.”

Kehrer also saw an increase in alumni engagement during his tenure. He’s proud that Alumni Weekend activities now see more than 100 people in attendance, and notes that the support through class gifts and donors has been “amazing.”

“The Pharmacy Alumni Association has been such a great addition to the faculty, and they do such important work,” says Kehrer.

He’s proud that the faculty now has a biannual magazine, UAlberta Pharmacy, in which to “tell the stories of our amazing alumni, faculty members and students.”

Kehrer also found time to serve as a regular guest lecturer and continue his research in toxicology. In fact, a review article he wrote on free radicals and how they relate to health and disease, published in 1990, proved so popular he revised it last year.

At last count it had been cited more than 1,484 times.

As Kehrer looks forward, he’s excited for the future of the faculty—and for his next adventure.

“Our faculty members continue to win national and international awards and conduct innovative, world-class research,” says Kehrer. “I’m also very happy with some of the new faculty members we’ve recruited and their energy and enthusiasm for both teaching and research.”

Kehrer plans to take his wife, Deb, on a “long-overdue cruise to the Mediterranean,” spend more time golfing and, most important, visit the newest member of the Kehrer family, his grandson who was born this past November.

He leaves with many tributes including high praise from Amrhein, now deputy minister of health in Alberta, who congratulates Kehrer on his “success in building a strong international faculty and in helping shape the profession of pharmacy—a profession that figures prominently in the plans of the Government of Alberta.” 

EDUCATION Purdue University, 1974 BS (Pharmacy) Univ. of Iowa College of Medicine, 1978 PhD (Pharmacology) Post-doctoral, 1978-1980 Biology Division, Oak Ridge National (Toxicology) Laboratory

AWARDS & HONOURS Merck Award in Pharmacology (1974, Purdue) Rho Chi National Pharmacy Honorary Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society University of Iowa Graduate College Fellowship in Pharmacology (1974-1975) Post-doctoral Investigatorship, University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Biology Division (1978-1980) University of Texas Summer Research Award – Research Career Development Award - National Institutes of Health (NHLBI) (1984-1989) Gustavus Pfeiffer Centennial Endowed Fellowship in Pharmacology (1985-1991) Achievement Award, Society of Toxicology (1989) Gustavus and Louise Pfeiffer Professorship in Toxicology (1991-2005) Zeneca Traveling Lectureship Award, Society of Toxicology (1996) Univ. of Texas College of Pharmacy Alumni Association “Best Friend” Award (2001) Distinguished Alumnus Award, Purdue Univ. School of Pharmacy (2004) Elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2008) Nominated, Outstanding Mentor by the Washington State Univ. Women & Leadership Forum (2009) UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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BONE TREK: The NEXT GENERATION of bone diagnostics and drugs to treat osteoporosis, arthritis and bone cancers 6

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Researcher hopes with new bone-seeking drug delivery system, “resistance to improved bone health will be futile!” by

Sandra Pysklywyc

Michael Doschak, an associate professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is embarking on a bold expedition.

He recently received a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Proof of Principle - Phase 1 Grant for his project titled “BoneSeeking Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Imaging Bone Metabolism.” This project will study how “diagnosing metabolic bone disease at an early stage plays a vital role in the success of treatment and management of diseases such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease and osteoarthritis, and the accurate diagnosis of overuse bone shin splints, or even metastatic bone cancers.”

Doschak will conduct the translational research with the help of collaborators Richard Thompson, associate professor in biomedical engineering, and Jacob Jaremko, assistant professor in radiology and diagnostic imaging, both with the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta.

Somewhat like Star Trek’s Dr. McCoy using 23rd-century medicine, Doschak leads his team of graduate students and post-docs on a mission to “improve quality of life and reduce side-effects for patients through the technology of bone drug discovery.”

According to Doschak, “bone drug delivery involves finding a cellular mechanism or process that will pull the drug preferentially into bone like a building block, to treat the bone cells directly, while avoiding other body organs and tissues.”

“The problem right now is that drugs intended to treat bone conditions also inadvertently ‘poison’ the entire body, when in fact we want that drug to work directly on bone cells alone. And that can sometimes lead to unwanted side-effects,” says Doschak. “To address that shortcoming, we have developed a bone-targeting platform of drugs and contrast agents by decorating superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with bone-seeking bisphosphonate (BP) drug tethers.”

This method has “shown that bone active drugs and BP-SPION imaging tracer will

localize preferentially at sites of dynamic bone turnover, and can be detected with noninvasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to highlight and treat adaptive bone pathology without the need for ionizing radiation.”

At present, X-rays or nuclear medicine bone scans are used to diagnose bone pain.

“X-rays only give you a static snapshot of the problem,” says Doschak. “Often, the diagnosis will require a followup radioactive bone scan at a nuclear medicine facility, would increase the time to diagnosis and further involve systemic exposure of the patient to ionizing radiation.”

Doschak’s research aims to improve on those current methods to save patients both time and negative side-effects. “If an imaging tracer of bone turnover were visualized under MRI, then a single scan would provide significantly improved spatial resolution, zero exposure to ionizing radiation and the opportunity to image both soft tissue and the pattern of bone remodelling during the same clinical sitting.”

Currently, there are no other imaging tracers of dynamic bone turnover that do not require some form of ionizing radiation component, be that from the radionuclide tracer itself or from the X-ray-based detection.

The research is currently being optimized at the bench with hopes of translation to clinical trials in sports medicine patients within the next 24 months. The CIHR grant allows Doschak to conduct important preclinical testing using micro-CT and MRI, to confirm that this bone drug delivery system will localize bone disease treatment.

So what does this mean for those who suffer from osteoporosis and osteoarthritis?

First, it may help reduce health-care costs—as Doschak notes, magnetic resonance imaging is cheaper and safer than radionuclide scans. And “unlike a radionuclide, the BP-SPION can be flushed down the sink. It’s very safe. Every red blood cell in our body has iron oxide.”

In addition, the non-radioactive bone diagnostic may open up new patient populations for access to things like bone

scans, such as children having a BP-SPIONbased MRI scan rather than being exposed to repeated X-rays.

Doschak hopes to see the bone-seeking drug delivery platform validated for human use.

“Once we prove the value of this imaging tracer, the support will follow and we might be able to change outcomes for osteoporosis patients and improve their quality of life,” says Doschak. “The first line of defence for these patients has been potent nitrogenated bisphosphonate drugs in high concentration, that have shown quite high toxicity with longterm use, resulting in brittle bone and severe dental side-effects. They keep the disease in check for the first five years, but now your risk of fracture is much greater and your bone is more brittle—it’s a vicious circle.

“Our drugs will deliver peptide hormone drugs that send a strong message to bone cells, after which they break down into harmless amino acids and are recycled in your body.”

Following the pre-clinical safety and efficacy studies, Doschak will file a clinical trial application with Health Canada and seek investor dollars to get the drug to the clinic. Initial findings have shown success for conditions like osteoporosis, and Doschak is hoping there will be benefits for cancer patients as well.

“Several common cancers such as prostate and breast cancer often metastasize to bone,” he says. “One challenge is how to block this progression, because once the cancer gets to the bone, the patient suffers incredible pain.”

Doschak’s hope is to use the bone-seeking iron oxide nanoparticles to initially detect the bone metastases, while simultaneously delivering a drug payload to “protectively coat the bone surface and block the cells from attaching there.”

“My hope is that this will also reduce the awful side-effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients, and be further modified to help those suffering from osteoarthritis, by providing a targeted bone drug delivery approach.”  UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

WHERE HEALTH & THE LAW MEET A unique faculty position provides pharmacy students with amazing learning opportunities by

Sandra Pysklywyc

Students enrolled in the pharmacy program at the University of Alberta have a unique advantage when it comes to health care and the law—learning about health law and ethics directly from a lawyer.

Ubaka Ogbogu (LLM ’05), assistant professor in the faculties of law and pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and Katz Research Fellow in Health Law and Science Policy, is possibly the first—if not the only—cross-appointment in these two disciplines in Canada.

Ogbogu, who came to the U of A in 2002 for a master’s degree after practising law in Nigeria, has been with the Health Law Institute since 2005 and has held the crossappointment since 2011.

Ogbogu views his dual role as a tremendous opportunity to “build a connection between law and pharmacy.”

“It’s a unique position that was created to explore the intersections of these two faculties, and it’s a responsibility I take very seriously,” says Ogbogu. “I see the position as an opportunity to learn what pharmacists do and to communicate to them what lawyers do and what lawyers bring to the table. Learning about what pharmacists do also informs my research and allows me to examine the policy implications of what health care professionals do in Canada.”

Ogbogu has immersed himself in the role, becoming involved in the culture of the faculty and attending student events. In fact, the popular professor recently found himself hosting the “Pharmily Feud” contest as part of the Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association fundraiser, Mr. Pharmacy.

Ogbogu says the reaction from students in his class has been outstanding.

“There’s something about the learning culture in the faculty that I quite like.

Pharmacy students are motivated by learning the subject matter,” he says. “You are only as good as your students make you. The response I get from students is so great; they make it easy to teach.”

His impact on the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been remarkable, according to James Kehrer, dean and professor.

“Pharmacy law is a critical component of the safe and legal practice of the profession of pharmacy, and is part of the licensure examination. In the past, pharmacy law was taught by pharmacists with some guest lectures from law faculty members,” says Kehrer. “Having a joint position with the Faculty of Law provides our faculty with

a true expert in health-care law. This, in turn, provides our students with unique and in-depth perspectives on legal issues that pharmacists face. Dr. Ogbogu is a highly accomplished legal scholar in health law, and we are fortunate to have him as a joint appointment with the Faculty of Law.” Ogbogu has also undertaken collaborative research projects. He is currently working on a research paper with clinical assistant professor Candace Necyk (BSc Pharm ’08, MSc ’13) on “Alberta pharmacists and their practices in relation to natural health products.” The study, which involved more than 400 pharmacists, is slated for publication before the end of the summer.

“It’s been wonderful to work with faculty members on projects and research at the intersection of pharmacy and law,” says Ogbogu. “It’s led to collaborating on a grant with colleagues from the University of Western Ontario and the University of Waterloo on issues surrounding pharmacy practice and the law. “ While Ogbogu is known on campus for his work in health law and ethics, he’s often asked to give guest lectures or provide comment in the media about a wide variety of issues. Though he often uses his media interviews and social media to engage with people in discussions, he feels speaking with people in person is just as important.

Ogbogu often participates in community events such as philosophers’ cafes on a variety of topics and speaks to high-school students.

This public engagement gives Ogbogu plenty to draw from to share with his classes.

Recently, Ogbogu has been speaking out about myths related to vaccinations. “It’s important to educate the public—one issue that brings us together as a country is health care and how we want it to be delivered.”

Ogbogu has a book due out before the end of 2016, titled Vaccination and the Law in Ontario 1800–1920, which he describes as “a historical examination of vaccination policy and debates in the 19th century.”

“I am writing the book to show that vaccination is not a new issue. It’s been here for a long time, but the nature of the debate has not changed,” he says. “People have been fighting vaccinations since they were invented, even in the face of serious infectious diseases.”

“Vaccination is not just a health-care issue, it’s also a political matter. The book attempts to show what has worked and what hasn’t over time, and what arguments about vaccination resonate.”  UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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VACCINATION MYTHS AND WHAT PHARMACISTS CAN DO. As Alberta’s most accessible health-care professionals, pharmacists have a role to play in educating people about vaccinations. Ogbogu shares in his own words what he sees are some of the myths surrounding vaccinations and what pharmacists can do to help counter these myths with facts.

MYTH #1

Everybody knows why they need to be vaccinated.

Some people don’t understand why they have to get vaccinated. There’s so much confidence in the fact that you should know that this is good for you, but I think there are many people out there who are suspicious of vaccinations. Vaccines work, we know it.

But it is not as intuitive to people as we think it is. Many people who are alive today don’t know about many infectious diseases. Why is that? Because vaccines work. It’s ironic.

We don’t know diseases because vaccines have worked to eliminate diseases, but because we don’t know diseases, we don’t know how important it is to take steps to prevent them. Health-care professionals need to watch for this overconfidence.

They need to not assume that people know.

MYTH #2

Talking to people about vaccination equals action.

Just talking to people doesn’t mean they will do anything about it. Those who are opposed often become entrenched in their views. Studies have shown education is not always effective. One area we need to look at is whether we need a coherent health policy to address vaccine refusal or hesitancy. I’m supportive of compulsory or mandatory vaccination for recommended childhood vaccines, but I won’t recommend punishing parents who don’t comply. Rather, I think mandatory vaccination laws will help create a culture of compliance. We are a lawabiding society and if you say vaccination is compulsory, people might protest, but over time it will become something they see as the right thing to do. It may also lead them

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

to ask questions about why it is a legal requirement. The notion that education will solve everything doesn’t take into account that those who oppose vaccination have a stronger voice in the community and they are often preying on fear. They have a powerful message.

Celebrities often promote anti-vaccination messages—and they seem to be winning the fight. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s not an entirely dismal situation.

We are, as a whole, a fairly well-vaccinated population, but we can do better. For example, children in southern Alberta are under-vaccinated.

MYTH #3

Anti-vaccination opposition and hesitancy.

There are people who are opposed to vaccinations and then there are people who are hesitant for all kinds of reasons, including misinformation about vaccines, poor understanding of why they are necessary, fear of vaccinations, overprotectiveness of children and lack of access to health care. Language barriers, especially in immigrant communities, can also pose problems with accessing vaccinations (Ogbogu is currently considering doing a project that translates information about vaccinations into different languages).

MYTH #4

Health-care workers should have the option to get the flu vaccine.

When it comes to health-care workers, I support mandatory flu vaccination. Healthcare workers should take reasonable precautions on the job to protect patients.

Health-care workers provide an essential service that goes above and beyond what the rest of us do. Most work with persons who are vulnerable to the flu and other infectious diseases.

No health-care professional would argue about the precautions necessary in dealing with a quarantined patient. I would compare vaccinations to wearing a hazmat suit that protects vulnerable patients from infection.

However, I don’t think non-compliance should result in losing one’s job; there should be some accommodation if a health care worker holds serious reservations to the flu vaccination. Perhaps unvaccinated workers can be redeployed elsewhere during outbreaks.

What can pharmacists do to help battle the myths?

1 Be an advocate.

We need a provincial policy that makes sense. Pharmacists can get involved in advocacy.

I’d love to see pharmacy students and pharmacists engage more in advocacy and policy around this issue. We need to mobilize the collective. I think pharmacists have a very powerful voice in the province and nationally, and I think governments will listen. Pharmacists are trusted professionals, by both policymakers and members of the public.

2 Make vaccination a routine part of health-care counselling.

Make patients who come to see you understand the need for vaccinations, how it can be done, and so on. Have regular conversations with patients.

Teaching across the spectrum raises understanding and engagement Pharmacist and professor taps into a knowledge gap to assist students and their peers in the field

A

pharmacist has to be many things to many people. Whether providing prescription information, recommendations on products in the pharmacy or answering general questions, a pharmacist is rarely without the tools needed to provide this exemplary customer service. However, there’s one issue that is often overlooked when a pharmacy student is receiving their education before entering the workforce: knowledge and training in the widely used ambulatory assistive devices (AAD).

Cheryl Sadowski, associate professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is also a professor who specializes in geriatrics, and is a working pharmacist in an area clinic, so her knowledge of this issue is first hand. But, the challenge was how to address this deficiency in knowledge.

To find the answer, she discussed this with a colleague in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Allyson Jones.

“We asked ourselves, ‘why can’t we have the students engaged in teaching this training’,” says Sadowski, which prompted an instructional design and assessment project that was published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education in December 2015.

Sadowski and her group initially surveyed all the pharmacists in Alberta and discovered that almost half reported that they had no

by

Cait Wills

training in fitting or instruction in canes, crutches or walkers.

“To address this learning need at an undergraduate level, we developed and implemented an AAD peer-teaching module taught to undergraduate pharmacy students by physical therapy students,” says Sadowski in her article. “Our objective was to determine whether peer teaching was an effective method of teaching AAD to undergraduate pharmacy students.”

Objective met.

The study found conclusively that the methodology of using physical therapy students—who are well trained in best practices in use and demonstration of AAD devices—to teach pharmacy students was a success. And, unlike other faculties, this study focused on maintaining the peerteaching model.

“The feedback from all the groups was that they really liked it,” says Sadowski.

“Any opportunity for a health sciences student to collaborate with a student from another discipline has value beyond description,” says Humirah Sultani, a fourthyear pharmacy student and participant in a reciprocal interprofessional peer teaching activity, where pharmacy students taught physical therapy students about inhaler types and proper inhaler technique. This was important, says Sultani, because “physiotherapy students learned a little

bit more about a pharmacist’s scope of practice.”

“The collaboration between health sciences students is truly beneficial as we learn to develop our practices with our fellow professionals’ scopes in mind,” she says. “Hopefully, this is conducive to a more interconnected and resourceful health care team in future practices. Meeting our colleagues at this early time in our careers will hopefully help us build strong respect and appreciation for the different skill sets that we bring to the table in our future practices.”

“This interprofessional peer teaching is a great way to develop skills that can be translated into the workplace, including leadership skills. In this instance, student pharmacists learn from physical therapy students, but this teaching model can exist across all (academic) communities,” says Sadowski. “Spending time with physical therapy students doesn’t happen very often, so this is an excellent opportunity, especially as the students enter the workforce, as they’ll have pre-existing relationships, which can be useful for referrals, for example.

This exercise is also useful for preceptors, because it shows that—for this generation of pharmacists—they respond well to learning in a more social environment.

“The dynamics of this learning was very important.”  UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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DEEP ROOTS IN THE ‘PHARMILY’ TREE by

Sandra Pysklywyc

In the Samycia family, the profession of pharmacy is profoundly intertwined in the family’s history spanning three generations.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Starting with its patriarch, the late Myros Samycia (BSc Pharm ’51), there are eleven pharmacists in this family line (see the family tree for the full list of names), plus a branch that includes brother Myron Samycia (BSc Pharm ’58) and niece Dana (Samycia) Withrow (BSc Pharm ’91), Myron’s daughter.

During his teen years, Myros worked in the local community pharmacy of Radway, Alberta, and really enjoyed the aspect of helping people improve their health. When Myros finished high school, he registered for service in the air force and was stationed for several years in Southern Alberta.

Following the completion of his service, he was offered the choice of a university education or half a section of land.

When he chose the education, he made a decision that put the wheels in motion for an incredible family legacy within the profession and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

While Myros’ tuition was covered, he still had to pay for living expenses and textbooks so it was sometimes hard to make ends meet. During his internship with pharmacist George Chornell (Class of ’42), he was given the chance to not only learn the business of pharmacy, but was later given the opportunity to purchase that pharmacy at 106 Avenue and 101 Street in Edmonton

during the spring of 1952. Married the year prior to his sweetheart Natalie, Myros took over the business that would be renamed Myros Pharmacy.

Myros and Natalie had four children who all helped out at the pharmacy after school and on weekends while growing up.

Myros’ son Dwayne Samycia (BSc Pharm ’79) recalls spending a lot of time there learning the business and while his parents never “directed them into the profession, they certainly encouraged us if we were interested.”

Three of Myros and Natalie’s four children, Linda (Samycia) Raisbeck (BSc Pharm ’73), Dwayne and Caroline (Samycia) Shewchuk (BSc Pharm ’83) all practiced at Myros Pharmacy for different periods of time until the business was sold in 2008.

Myros Pharmacy is also where Myron Samycia got his start in the pharmacy business. Myron worked with his brother, Myros, for five years until he opened his own pharmacy in 1963. Carrying on the family tradition, Myron’s daughter Dana joined him at his store in 1994 and the two worked sideby-side until 2005.

Perhaps the Samycia family trait of wanting to help other people and improve health outcomes is hereditary. Family gatherings often include discussing health

THE SAMYCIA PHARMILY TREE Linda (Samycia) Raisbeck (BSc Pharm ‘ 73) and Jamie Raisbeck (BSc Pharm ’70)

Back row - Dwayne Samycia, Salwa Tarrabain-Samycia, Jamie Raisbeck, Linda (Samycia) Raisbeck, Donna (Belseck) Samycia and Daniel Szaskiewicz Front - Caroline (Samycia) Shewchuk, Andrea (Samycia) Kolinsky, Lauren Samycia and Jennifer (Samycia) Szaskiewicz

care and sharing experiences, since the pharmacists in the family all work in different aspects of the profession.

According to Myros’ son, Dwayne, his dad was very proud of all his children and grandchildren for their many accomplishments personally and professionally. Dwayne notes that the challenges Myros faced as a student financially were never forgotten and that Myros had an incredible work ethic and desire to succeed.

“Dad often recalled his path in achieving his degree came with some struggle and he always remembered the kindness of others along the way, including George Chornell,” says Dwayne. “We are all proud alumni of the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and for us, starting the Myros Samycia Family Award was one way for our family to give back and truly help students achieve their goals.”

James Kehrer, dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences,

Myros (BSc Pharm ’51) and Natalie

Gary Samycia (MD ’77) and Donna (Belseck) Samyica (BSc Pharm ’75)

Jennifer (Samycia) Szaszkiewicz (BSc Pharm ’06) and Daniel Szaszkiewicz (BSc Pharm ‘07)

On opposite page:

Dwayne Samycia (BSc Pharm ’79) and Salwa Tarrabain-Samycia (BSc Pharm ’78)

Andrea (Samycia) Kolinsky (BSc Pharm ’08)

Caroline (Samycia) Shewchuk (BSc Pharm ’83) and Greg Shewchuk (LLB)

Lauren Samycia (BSc Pharm ’15)

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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WELCOME – TO THE –

Front row l-r - Myros and Natalie Samycia

PHARMILY

Back row l-r - (children) Dwayne Samycia, Linda Raisbeck, Caroline Shewchuk and Gary Samycia.

has seen many family connections and family philanthropy during his tenure.

“Pharmacy is an amazing profession that has long engendered family legacies.

Much as growing up on a farm led to some of the children taking up farming, so have some children of pharmacists followed their parents into a profession that prides itself on taking care of patients even when it requires extra effort and personal expense,” says Kehrer. “It is this selfless attitude that has translated into some exceptional philanthropic contributions. The University of Alberta is truly fortunate to have so many such family legacies including the Samycia family that have shaped both the profession in Alberta, and the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.”

As the Samycia family continues to grow, it is quite possible that the number of pharmacists in the family may also increase.

One thing is for certain though, this family has made an incredible impact on the profession and the University of Alberta. 

The Myros Samycia Family Award is to be awarded annually to a student with satisfactory academic standing entering the second, third or fourth year of studies in Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The recipient will be selected based on demonstrated exemplary professionalism in the courses related to professional practice, and contributions to student life in the faculty. Preference will be given to the student with demonstrated financial need. This award was endowed by Myros Samycia and family.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Whether it’s couples or generations of a family, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has so many connections. We asked our alumni to share their stories. Due to the amazing responses that we received, we had to edit them down a bit so we could include as many as possible.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR… The late Fred Teare (BSc Pharm ’49, MSc ’51) met his wife Lorna Teare (BSc Pharm ’50) at the U of A and the two were married in 1950. While Fred did research for his master’s degree, Lorna worked at the University Hospital Pharmacy and monitored Pharmacy Labs at U of A. The pair moved to Chapel Hill, NC, for Fred’s PhD program at University of North Carolina (UNC). Lorna was a lecturer in the Pharmacy Department of UNC, while Fred became a research worker at Pfizer in Brooklyn, New York. They returned to Canada when Fred was offered a post as a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto. His research focused on radioactive isotopes.

Dorothy Anne (Ballentine) Jeffery (BSc Pharm ’67, MSc Pharm ’70, PhD Pharm ’74) met her husband Wayne Jeffery (BSc Pharm ’68 and MSc Pharm ’71) in her first year.

Sherry Djuve Lissack (BSc Pharm ’58) and Stan Lissack (BSc Pharm ’58) met in the Faculty after growing up in different rural Alberta communities. Both had successful careers in various parts of the profession and have been retired for 20 years.

Carol (Graves) McDermid (BSc Pharm ’89) met her husband, Timothy McDermid (BSc Pharm ’89), in pharmacy school. She notes

there were at least two other pharmacy couples from their class in 1989. She and Tim live in Kelowna, B.C., where Tim is an associate/owner with Shoppers Drug Mart.

Carol currently works for Interior Health as a Clinical Pharmacist in long-term care.

Jody Shkrobot (BSc Pharm ’96), a clinical assistant professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Studies met his wife, Lisa DeVos (BSc Pharm ’96), in first year of the pharmacy program. The pair were married in 1997. Lisa currently practices at Salvus Rxellence Professional Dispensary in St. Albert.

FAMILY TIES The late Jim Dunnigan (Class of ’35) worked at Merrick Drugs and was one of the original owners there. Later he worked and managed a number of Tamblyn Drug Stores.

He and his wife had 7 children, Sandi, Hugh, Mary, Isabel, David (deceased), Neil and Michael.

Sandi Dunnigan (BSc Pharm ’61) married Gerry Galenza (BSc Pharm ’60) in 1961. Sandi and Gerry have 4 children, Barry, Patrick, Janet and Cheryl, 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

They moved to Camrose in 1962 and owned and operated Gerry Galenza Dispensary and Groves Value Drug Mart until 1993.

Their son, Barry Galenza (BSc Pharm ’85) met Janet Donnelly (BSc Pharm ’85) while in pharmacy school. They were married in 1987 and have 2 children, Charlotte and Anthony.

They worked in Edmonton until 1991 when they moved to Camrose and took over the family business in 1993.

Charlotte Galenza (daughter of Barry and Janet Galenza) and her cousin, Stephanie de Champlain (daughter of Janet and Yvon de Champlain) both graduated in 2013 from the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. They were in the first class to complete the Pharm D program offered at the U of A in 2014.

The connection to pharmacy for the Wolowyk family began with Mike Wolowyk the 1st, who worked as a security guard in the Dentistry/ Pharmacy Centre in the 1960s. He proudly watched his son, Michael Walter Wolowyk II, graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1965. Mike II met his future wife Norma Rees (BSc Pharm ’66) during their pharmacy years. Mike II went on to graduate with a PhD in Pharmacology in 1969. From 1971 until his untimely death in 1992, Mike II was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. They married in 1966 and became proud parents of Michael Dennis Wolowyk (BSc Pharm ’90).

Mike III now owns and operates Crestwood Apothecary (Pharmacy) in Edmonton. Mike and his wife Sherry are proud parents of Michael Robert Wolowyk (Mike IV). Will his future be in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences? Only time will tell.

Alice Romanowski (BSc Pharm ’59) left the country for the city to pursue her studies.

She met her husband Steve at the U of A and they had three sons. Alice worked in retail pharmacy, then at the University of Alberta Hospital Pharmacy. She received a BA (Eastern European Studies) in 1993 from the University of Manitoba, and is now retired and living in Winnipeg.

Her younger sister, Joyce Romanowski (BSc Pharm ’70, MD ’74), also attended the U of A, where she met her husband Phil.

They had two children. Joyce practiced family medicine in Sherwood Park for 35 years and

is now retired and enjoying the grandkids.

Carrying on in the pharmacy tradition is Catherine Sych (BSc Pharm ’02), Joyce’s daughter. Catherine did a Hospital Pharmacy Residency with the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in 2003, obtained her PharmD from the University of Colorado in 2011 and is currently a clinical pharmacist in critical care at the University of Alberta Hospital.

Karen (Pfahl) Frobb (BSc Pharm ’82) will watch her son James graduate in Spring 2016 with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Stanley Riegel (BSc Pharm ’68) is working at Value Drug Mart in Strathmore and plans to keep practicing until 2018—50 years after graduation! His son, Robert Riegel (BSc Pharm ’92), works for Safeway in Calgary.

Caitlin Clarke (BSc Pharm ’12, PharmD ’15) followed in the footsteps of her mother, Rita Lyster (BSc Pharm ’80). The pair practice at Rita’s Apothecary & Home Healthcare in Barrhead, Alberta. “We have diverse practice interests,” Caitlin says. “The interest we both share is one of clinical pharmacy, which is why Rita’s Apothecary is based off a clinicstyle model where we book appointments and see patients daily.”

Brothers Zaher Samnani (BSc Pharm ’93) and Mohib Samnani (BSc ’95) have an independent pharmacy which has been in operation for more than 60 years and was also started by two brothers.

For the Spragues, pharmacy was a family business. Walter Sprague (Class of ’32) opened his first pharmacy (called McLeod Dispensary) on the fifth floor of the McLeod Building in downtown Edmonton “because that was where the physicians were.” In 1934, he bought his second pharmacy and that became the first Sprague Drug. His son, Don Sprague (BCom ’58) bought the company from his father in 1969. Bob Sprague (BSc Pharm ’85) bought the company from his dad, Don, in 1996.

Bob followed in their footsteps because he

saw first hand what it means to be a health care professional and really help people.

“My elementary school was across the street from one of my Dad’s pharmacies. So my first job, starting in Grade 5, was to sweep the pharmacy floor each day on my way home from school,” says Bob. “Before buying the company I really did start from the ground floor.”

Bob diversified the company into downtown Calgary office tower convenience stores, Hallmark Card stores in Edmonton and Calgary, and pharmacies in both cities. The different retail chains were sold between 2008 and 2011. Bob, who also holds an MBA from Queen’s University, is the Director, Health Policy and Advisory with the Alberta Government, as well as a clinical assistant professor teaching pharmacy management in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta.

The Sobolewski family has five pharmacists in its family tree. Carl Sobolewski (BSc Pharm ’55) and his brother, the late Frank Sobol (BSc Pharm ’64), were partners in the Mid-Niter and All-Niter drug marts in Edmonton, Alberta.

Carl and Frank spent considerable time in construction and land development, first to create locations for the drug marts, then for walk-up and high-rise condos. Frank passed away in 2002 and the stores were sold to Shoppers Drug Mart. Carl is retired and is proud to say he’s “attended all nine of the class reunions over the 50 years.”

Frank married Ann (Careless) Sobol (BSc Pharm ’63). Frank and Carl’s sister, Julie (Sobolewski) McIhargey (BSc Pharm ’64), and niece, Corina Fontaine (BSc Pharm ’88), round out the pharmily tree.

If you have a ‘pharmily’ story to tell, please email us at phcomms@ualberta.ca.

We’d love to include it in the new ‘pharmily’ section of our website.

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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White Coat Ceremony connects future pharmacists with tradition CLASS OF 2019 RECEIVES OFFICIAL WELCOME INTO PHARMACY PROFESSION by

Sandra Pysklywyc

For University of Alberta pharmacy students, receiving their first white coat is a symbol of officially joining the profession.

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ White Coat Ceremony, held Jan. 21 at the Myer Horowitz Theatre, welcomed 131 student pharmacists.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Dean James Kehrer began the ceremony by sharing some history with the first-year students and their guests.

“The University of Alberta’s initial pharmacy students came to Edmonton in 1914. The original curriculum required students to be at least 14 years of age, the program of study was two years long and tuition was $50 per year,” Kehrer said.

Remarking on how far pharmacy in Alberta has come, Kehrer reminded the students that “the white coat is an outward and visible symbol of an inward and personal commitment.”

“The clothes don’t really make the person,” said Kehrer. “It is the adherence to a code of honour, integrity and service that marks the true professional.”

For first-year pharmacy student and Class of 2019 representative Douglas Lam, the ceremony was a wonderful experience.

“The short white coats symbolize our formal acceptance into the pharmacy profession,” said Lam. “By donning our white coats, we declare our commitment to learning for the next four years with the ultimate goal of becoming an excellent pharmacist—one who advocates for pharmacy and practises patient-centred care.”

Also offering words of wisdom to the students was guest speaker and Alberta Pharmacists’ Association president Jimy Mathews (BSc Pharm ’96).

“This province has the greatest scope of practice in North America, and you are here to become the best pharmacists this faculty has to offer,” said Mathews. “As you face life’s

challenges head-on and reap the rewards, remember to follow your passion, stay true to yourself and never follow someone else’s path.”

The ceremony also reminded students of the high standards of their chosen profession, with the recitation of the Pledge of Professionalism, led by current Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association president and third-year pharmacy student Helen Marin, and the Alberta College of Pharmacists Code of Ethics, led by ACP registrar Greg Eberhart (BSc Pharm ’79).

Lam noted that, while reciting the pledge and the code were a special part of the ceremony, he also “loved seeing my classmates talking to each other and taking pictures, as we will be like a family for the next four years and beyond.” 

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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Pharmacist Awareness Month The Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association (APSA) held many successful events during Pharmacist Awareness Month (PAM) in March. With a focus on engaging members of the public, politicians, and students about the profession of pharmacy, the students were very busy with various seminars, clinics and community outreach activities. As part of an initiative to help combat counterfeit medications, students raised funds for Plan Canada’s Stock a Pharmacy, managing to stock $11,000 worth of medication for pharmacies in developing countries.

Some of the highlights of PAM (as seen in these photos) included: • a public osteoporosis clinic at West Edmonton Mall;

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

•

• •

• •

a blood pressure clinic in conjunction with RxA at the Alberta Legislature – where Health Minister, Hon. Sarah Hoffman stopped by to have her blood pressure taken; the High Level Bridge being lit in blue and gold to celebrate APSA’s activities; a two-day Opioid and Naloxone Awareness booth in the Students’ Union Building where pharmacy students helped educate students on the use of naloxone in overdose situations and other risk reduction strategies; serving lunch for families staying at Ronald McDonald House; and the annual student-alumni hockey game.

DOCTORAL PHARMACY STUDENT RECOGNIZED ‘Outstanding’ PhD work and publications recognized by prestigious national award by

Cait Wills

T

he Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship is part of the larger Canada Council for the Arts’ Killam Program, which was developed 50 years ago

by Izaak and Dorothy Killam as the Killam Trust. Since the endowment began in 1967 after Dorothy’s death, more than $116 million has gone to support teaching and research excellence at the University of Alberta.

This scholarship is the most prestigious graduate award administered by the University of Alberta and is administered to honour the Killams’ desire, that the awarded scholarships and fellowships be likely to contribute to the advancement of learning.

“Killam scholars should not be one-sided and their intellect should be complemented by a sound character.”

The 2015 U of A recipient of the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship is doctoral student Zaid Almaayah and, according to those who have worked with him, it may be near impossible to find a better fit for those qualities.

“Academically, he is an intelligent and diligent student, which is clearly reflected in the outstanding academic record that he has consistently achieved,” says Ayman ElKadi, professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences whose work in molecular pharmacology and toxicology shares parallels with Almaayah’s interests in molecular pharmacology and toxicology.

“He has extensive research experiences and has outstanding publishing productivity,” said El-Kadi. “As a PhD student, Zaid’s research will identify the molecules that are responsible for the enlargement of the heart and heart failure, and will test new chemicals that are known to increase the production of cardioprotective lipid molecules

(epoxyeicosatrienoic acids) and inhibit the production of cardiotoxic molecules (hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid).

“This research will prevent the progressive deterioration of heart function and the development of heart failure and improve the health of Canadians by preventing and reducing mortality from cardiovascular causes, helping diminish health care costs while designing strategies that improve treatment of heart failure.”

This work is supported by a CIHR grant awarded to his supervisor, and Zaid’s work has, to date, resulted in five peer-reviewed publications as first author in high-impact journals. He was also the winner of the best overall presentation at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Day in 2014. As a testament of his quality he received a graduate scholarship

from Alberta Innovates Health Solution and Alberta Innovates Technology Future.

“This is an outstanding achievement for a student who has been in the PhD program for less than two years,” said El-Kadi.

Originally from Jordan, Almaayah enrolled in the PhD program at UAlberta in 2013.

With the long-term goal to recognize novel mechanisms involved in cardiac hypertrophy, Almaayah is honoured to receive the recognition he feels has reinforced his life’s work.

“Achieving scholarly excellence has been of great value to me from the very beginning of my academic life and winning this prestigious award means a lot to me and recognizes my academic and scholarly achievement,” he says. “This award is proof that hard work does not go unrecognized and as long as you put your heart into it, anything is possible.”  UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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LEADING THE WAY IN PHARMACY PRACTICE by

20

Sandra Pysklywyc

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

ROSEMARY BACOVSKY’s curriculum vitae (BSc ’74, BSc Pharm ’77, M Pharm ’85, MHSA ’97) reminds one of the Beatles song “The Long and Winding Road.” And, like the fearsome foursome was with music, Bacovsky has been a pioneer in the field of pharmacy. For those contributions, she was honoured last fall with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award.

The award is presented to “alumni in recognition of outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, to society at large, or to the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences”.

Bacovsky began her journey at the University of Alberta when she entered the Faculty of Science with a goal of becoming a marine zoologist.

“Once I realized that I would have to spend all my time in the lab because I couldn’t swim well enough to scuba dive,” says Bacovsky with a laugh, “I began to look at alternatives

and, having had some friends in pharmacy, I thought it looked interesting and I applied.”

Bacovsky graduated from the pharmacy program and followed up with a hospital residency, after which her career took her to the Cross Cancer Institute. While at the Cross Cancer Institute, she started up a new and innovative clinical program.

“I implemented one of the first, if not the first, clinical pharmacy-based chemotherapy IV admixture program in Canada,” says Bacovsky. “Essentially, this program meant leading in pharmacy practice for the province and the country.”

Her 10 years at the Cross Cancer Institute also saw her develop the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) standards for the handling and disposal of hazardous pharmaceuticals. The standards she developed were endorsed by the Canadian Standards Association. Bacovsky is also credited with being “instrumental in establishing the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners and in

the organization of its third international symposium in Toronto in 1993.”

“Rosemary Bacovsky established a national profile for excellence in oncology practice for her work at the Cross Cancer,” says Carole R. Chambers, director of Pharmacy, Cancer Services, Alberta Health Services. “Not only did the admixture program she created win a national award, it also serves as a strong backbone of pharmacy practice today.”

Bacovsky left the Cross Cancer Institute to pursue a master’s degree in Health Services Administration (MHSA) in order to “better understand why things happened the way they did in the health care system.”

While pursuing graduate studies, she began doing some consulting work and was approached by Alberta Health to review its provincial drug plan. Her work led to many of the changes seen in pharmacy practice today.

“The report I provided was the basis for several changes in the drug programs,” says Bacovsky. “These included the drug benefit list, the least-cost alternative policy and revised pharmacy reimbursement.”

Her review of drug programs led Bacovsky to a position with the provincial government, where she helped develop pharmaceutical policy including home parenteral drug therapy programs and managing government drug programs.

A reorganization at Alberta Health provided her the opportunity to join her husband who was working in Mexico in 1997 and live “internationally “for two years. Bacovsky set up her consulting practice, Integra Consulting, while in Mexico. Her work as a consultant saw her assist the government of Trinidad and Tobago in setting up a public drug program as well as consulting on pharmaceutical policy, including serving as an expert witness in federal court proceedings on drug plans and practices.

Today she continues to consult and this allows her to travel—another love.

While her legacy in oncology practice is tremendous and her work since then has been varied, perhaps what Bacovsky is most recently known for her is her advocacy and work in expanding the scope of practice for Alberta pharmacists.

“For a long time, I’ve believed that pharmacists should proactively use their knowledge in managing medication therapy rather than being reactive by correcting prescribing being done by others,” says Bacovsky. “At the time, the Government of

Alberta was writing the Health Profession Act and I saw this as an opportunity for pharmacists to expand their scope of practice, particularly in the area of prescribing.”

Bacovsky started her advocacy work with politicians, pharmacy leaders and practicing pharmacists because she felt the “profession was ready for this pivotal change.”

In addition to writing a number of position papers for the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association showing that, “Alberta pharmacists were already essentially prescribing through delegated activities and that their education had the most training surrounding medications”, Bacovsky was also a part of a working group that created the framework for the expanded scope of practice and “this was eventually accepted by the provincial government and licensing bodies.”

The expanded scope of practice became law on April 1, 2007—a career highlight for Bacovsky.

“A monumental day for Alberta pharmacy,” says Bacovsky. “The framework that we developed was, to my knowledge, the most comprehensive in Canada, if not the world.”

Bacovsky did not stop there. She was also a strong advocate for having the then-Canada Customs and Revenue Agency recognize pharmacists as practitioners in 2003, thus facilitating pharmacists to be paid for nondispensing activities, including by private sector health insurance plans.

Bacovsky leaves a lasting legacy on the profession as well as a physical reminder at the faculty office. She and her husband donated a valuable mortar and pestle collection, which is currently housed in the dean’s office. The mortar and pestle collection began when Bacovsky graduated from pharmacy but grew as she travelled.

Their collection tallies more than 500 pieces right now, including pharmacy, food and mining related mortar and pestles and pharmacist sculptures.

What’s next for Bacovsky? She and her husband continue to travel the world to “enjoy great food experiences.” And the inability to swim that brought Bacovsky to pharmacy in the first place? Like all challenges she has faced, it has been roundly conquered and has become another passion of Bacovsky’s life. In addition to her many achievements, she is also a certified scuba diver. 

Rosemary Bacovsky is a well-recognized and highly accomplished pharmacist who has contributed much to provincial, national and international research and policy making. Some of her awards include: ALBERTA PHARMACY CENTENNIAL AWARD OF DISTINCTION 2011 A recognition of 102 pharmacists who have contributed to the advancement of pharmacy in Alberta over the past 100 years CENTENNIAL PHARMACIST AWARD Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) Recognition of 100 pharmacists who have made significant contributions to leading and building CPhA and the profession of pharmacy in past 100 years.

ISABEL STAUFFER – ORTHO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists 1997

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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TRAILBLAZING A PATH IN NATURAL MEDICINE by

Sandra Pysklywyc

Last fall, Shirley Heschuk (BSc Pharm ’64, MSc ’67) was presented with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Outstanding Alumni Award.

The award is presented to “alumni in recognition of outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, to society at large, or to the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences”. Heschuk is a former faculty member and popular professor who is internationally known for her work in complementary medicine.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Shirley Heschuk credits her career in pharmacy to her upbringing in a small town in Alberta. She initially wanted to be a medical doctor; however, her career path was altered when her local druggist, the late Len Corkery (BSc Pharm ’55), suggested that “she take pharmacy in order to have a great summer job while in medical school.”

Heschuk, who was interested in both pharmacy and medicine, enrolled in pharmacy school first, as she was influenced by the role Corkery played in the community and “how he helped everyone.”

“He talked to patients about any health condition—farmers about pesticides and parents about which vitamins to give their children,” says Heschuk.

While she was accepted in the then-Faculty of Medicine, she decided pharmacy was her career path.

After graduation, Heschuk was not eligible for pharmacy licensure until she was 21, so that “summer job wasn’t going to work out for a while.”

However, fate intervened and Heschuk was approached by a couple of professors in pharmacology to do graduate studies.

“I was really interested in drugs and the body,” says Heschuk, who received her MSc in pharmacology three years later.

While Heschuk stepped away from the profession for a number of years to be a stay-at-home mom, she always kept current on trends in the profession of pharmacy and maintained her license.

She was recruited to teach pharmacology part-time in the U of A’s Faculty of Medicine to nursing, rehabilitation medicine, medical and dental students in 1982.

That led to a full-time position with the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences teaching law, jurisprudence, ethics, communication skills and over-the-counter medicines.

She was asked to serve as the pharmacy representative on the Bioethics Steering Committee for the John Dossetor Health Ethics Centre at the U of A, which enabled her to take a major role in the development of the first code of ethics for Alberta pharmacists in 1996.

Heschuk also became involved in a number of committees within the Alberta College of Pharmacists including: licensing

examination, internship, public affairs, regulatory affairs, registration and the code of ethics subcommittee.

She was a very popular professor with students for her unique teaching methods, which came from Heschuk’s philosophy that it is important for future pharmacists to understand natural health products (NHPs) including herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals and other supplements.

“The general public comes to pharmacists for advice, so I thought our students should be well-versed on the actions and interactions of these,” says Heschuk.

The class, which was called “The Herbology Class”, saw Heschuk gather teapots from colleagues to steep teas and prepare infusions to “ensure students had firsthand experience sampling different natural products.

“Discussion on the samples and what medical purposes each would serve were a popular part of the course,” she says.

She created disease-based case studies for students, who then in turn “used their evidence-based-medicine skills to assess literature and discuss the appropriate use of the product in each particular case.”

Guest lecturers often included pharmacists, physicians, lawyers, government regulators, pharmacy and nutrition professors, a naturopath and a Chinese medical doctor.

Her research and expertise in nutrition led her to develop the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ first module on nutrition, Pharmacy 327, which is still used in today’s curriculum. In addition, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) contracted her to write chapters on weight management, sports nutrition and special diets for their publications, Patient Self-Care and Compendium of Therapeutics for Minor Ailments.

Heschuk also was instrumental in collaborating in the area of integrative health scholarship (research and education).

“Shirley helped create, review and edit the inaugural 30-hour curriculum for the Complementary and Alternative Medicine Stream of IntD Interprofessional Health Team Development,” says Sunita Vohra, director, Integrative Health Institute and centennial professor in the Faculty of Medicine &

Dentistry. “Her contributions helped shape and develop an innovative stream that was well-received by students and is consistently over-subscribed.”

Vohra notes that Shirley is “a national leader and pioneer in her early recognition of the importance of natural health products to pharmacists and those in training.”

Heschuk was a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) co-investigator and worked with principal investigator Heather Boon, who is now the dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto, to study NHPs and pharmacy practice.

In addition to teaching, Heschuk continued her writing on complementary medicine and nutrition, leading to her recognition in this area for her work both nationally and internationally, including Italy and Japan.

“My work internationally included developing a medical supplement advisor course for Japanese physicians and pharmacists, which came about after several exchanges with Japanese students and our faculty,” says Heschuk.

Her colleague, Cheryl Cox, convinced her to help develop an interdisciplinary course for pharmacy and nutrition students to be taught in Italy. As this course evolved and other instructors participated, the group was awarded the 2013 Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada “Janssen Innovation Award” in recognition of innovation in pharmacy education. Today, this course continues to give pharmacy students the opportunity to travel and study.

Retired in 2007 officially, Heschuk remains very active in the profession. She writes and reviews case studies as well as updates chapters for CPhA on sports nutrition, weight management and special diets.

Heschuk has set up a scholarship in her name and is an active organizer for the Class of 1964. She is working with her fellow classmates and alumni from the Classes of 1963 and 1965 to set up a bursary for current students.

While there are many highlights from her career and she’s proud of her global work and teaching, Heschuk says that “winning the alumni award is really special, and the fact that people remember me is wonderful.” 

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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A CLASS GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING by

Sandra Pysklywyc

Pharmacy alumni often share fond memories of their time at the University of Alberta.

Some classes even get together on a regular basis to catch up and reminisce.

One such class that continues to keep those connections is the Class of 1955.

Having had reunions in years 10, 25 and every five years thereafter, this class continues to not only stay in touch, but give back to the university.

Two individuals from the 42-member class are credited with keeping everyone connected—the late Bob Edgar (BSc Pharm ’55) and Bob Dowling (BSc Pharm ’55).

“They were both responsible for keeping every classmate informed, and organizing and leading the group,” says Carl Sobolewski (BSc Pharm ’55). “This resulted in us having outstanding reunions in various places around the province.”

According to Lynn Holroyd (BSc Pharm ’55), it was during the planning of their 50th year reunion in 2005 that discussions began about giving back to the faculty in the form of a bursary for students. After finding out the requirements to undertake this project, “the proposal for the bursary was presented to those attending and was unanimously approved.”

“Letters were sent out to all classmates in the following weeks and within a month we had funds in excess of the amount required to start the bursary,” says Holroyd.

The Class of 1955 Bursary became a reality in 2007, notes Lori Shockey, director of Advancement & Alumni Relations for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “The bursary provides $3,000 a year to worthy students.”

But the Class of 1955 did not stop there.

Sobolewski notes that his class had reached the “amount required for a second bursary about five years later.”

The Class of 1955 - 60th year reunion.

Photo courtesy of Ken and Diane Hill.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

“Rather than starting another bursary, we decided to start a scholarship and so we sent an appeal letter,” says Sobolewski. “In less than a year, we had the required amount.”

Shockey notes the generosity of these donors. “Both of these awards are endowed so the funds generated enough to provide yearly support.”

The $1,000 Class of 1955 scholarship is awarded to a student “with superior academic achievement who has completed a minimum of one year of a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Selection is based on academic standing and demonstrated dedication to the pharmacy profession through community service.”

For students facing the pressures of a competitive program and ever-increasing financial burdens, this type of financial support are most welcome.

Scott Wakeham, a fourth-year pharmacy student and winner of the most recent Class of 1955 Scholarship, is grateful for the assistance.

“Having financial help during these stressful years as a student is something that I am immensely grateful for,” says Wakeham.

“It has allowed me to spend free time giving back to the university community.” He shares his thoughts on what winning the scholarship means to him in more detail on the next page.

Clearly, the philanthropic spirit of this class is “very special”, remarks Shockey.

“They saw the need of our students and collectively decided to make a difference in their lives; both those who need financial support through the bursary and those who excel academically,” says Shockey. “This type of giving demonstrates to our students that our alumni truly do care about them and also shows how close a class can be even 60 years after graduation.”

The impact of the Class of 1955 is sure to be felt for many, many years to come.

For Holroyd, “it is gratifying to be in our retirement years and reflect on the successes in the past and to know our legacy will go on forever to help future pharmacy students in financial need and reward those with outstanding achievements.”

Interested in learning more about class giving?

Contact Lori Shockey at 780-492-8084 or email lori.shockey@ualberta.ca

For fourth-year pharmacy student Scott Wakeham, balancing studies, extracurricular activities and working part-time can be a challenge.

Wakeham is a passionate mentalhealth advocate, who worked with fellow pharmacy students to create a YouTube video on mental wellness last spring that has since been viewed more than 10,000 times. He’s also developed mental health resources for his fellow students that have been included in faculty materials and posted on the faculty website.

He is the 2015 recipient of the Class of 1955 Scholarship and is sharing, in his own words, what this award meant to him.

What did winning the Class of 1955 Scholarship mean to you?

The Class of 1955 Scholarship is an incredible scholarship to win as it truly shows the legacy that pharmacists can leave within the profession. I am honored to have been chosen as the recipient by the very pharmacists who have helped to pioneer and grow our profession to what it has become today.

It was a terrific experience, being able to meet some of the members of the class of 1955 at the awards dinner and to hear the stories of their time in school, their professional trajectories and their advice and knowledge that they have accrued over their time in pharmacy. It is inspiring to

see a class of pharmacists that continue to make an impact and leave a legacy more than 60 years since graduation.

How important is it to have this type of financial help available?

Having financial help during these stressful years as a student is something that I am immensely grateful for. With this support, I have been able to maintain my studies, and have one less stressor in my life. Financial stress can be detrimental to a student’s mental and overall health, and as pharmacists (or pharmaciststo-be), I think we can all appreciate the importance of primary prevention. Having this type of help has allowed me to spend free time giving back to the university community and promoting wellness, as well as the role of the pharmacist, in the Edmonton region. Although I have worked as a pharmacy student during my degree, I was able to concentrate on learning and developing professional skills instead of the number of hours I was working, or how I would afford to pay for rent or tuition for the following semester.

What would you say to the donors of the scholarship?

I would say that the Class of 1955 has left an incredible legacy, and that I am honored to be one of the recipients of their annual scholarship for pharmacy students. Thank you for your contributions to this award to support pharmacy students in our education, and for helping to ensure that my university experience was positive and well rounded.  UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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A chance encounter leads to the road less travelled for pharmacy alumnus by

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Sandra Pysklywyc

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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very year during Pharmacist Awareness Month in March pharmacy students host a number of professional development sessions and community outreach activities.

This year, alumnus Wayne Jeffery (BSc Pharm ’68 and MSc Pharm ’71) spoke to students and faculty about his unique career path.

Wayne Jeffery is a forensic toxicologist.

When asked how he landed that title, Jeffery says with a laugh, “it was a fluke.”

It began with a visit to a pharmacy career fair on campus. Jeffery spotted a booth hosted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). With curiosity piqued, he headed over to inquire what the RCMP could possibly want with pharmacists.

That’s when he learned about the forensic lab and that moment forever changed his career path.

“I thought it looked interesting and it would look good on my curriculum vitae,” says Jeffery. “I ended up staying 34 years.”

Jeffery was a civilian member of the RCMP from 1970–2004 in the RCMP Forensic Lab. His career began in Edmonton in the alcohol section from 1970–74 and from 1974–76 he served in the toxicology section. A chance to lead the toxicology unit for the RCMP “E” division saw him move to Vancouver in 1976.

After “retiring” from the RCMP in 2004 he has served as a consultant and continues work for the police and the courts as well as providing training on drugs and alcohol usage in the workplace.

Jeffery says he’s retired “50 per cent of the time”.

Upon reflection on his career with the RCMP, he’s quick to credit his work with them for giving him unique work skills.

“Pharmacy gives you the pharmacology background and I took these skills to the police forensic side,” says Jeffery.

“I was able to help people understand how these drugs and alcohol affects a person’s behaviour in regards to crime.”

Jeffery was still one of the first pharmacists hired by the RCMP when he made the jump to Vancouver. He also was responsible for hiring other pharmacists to join his team.

He really liked the variety of the work.

Jeffery says, “the lab and analytical work was really interesting, but then you get to take it one step further, such as take a blood sample for analysis and often testify in court about the findings.”

His graduate degree also gave him the opportunity to take on research projects; he published 26 peer-reviewed articles over the course of his career.

Jeffery’s specific training and knowledge in drugs and alcohol led him to train police officers on those topics through breathalyzer courses. He expanded this training to also include teaching officers about the effects of drugs, how to identify drugs, the effects of drugs on the drug user and the drug impaired driver. His reputation in Canada for his training abilities, coupled with his unique knowledge and skills, led him around the world to places like Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Europe to provide training for other police officers.

And here in Canada, he estimates he’s testified in “every small town in Alberta”.

However, it’s his innovative work in starting the drug recognition expert (DRE) program in Canada that is his legacy.

“The DRE program—detecting the drug impaired driver at the roadside—is now enshrined in the Criminal Code of Canada,” says Jeffery. “I was the first one trained and brought the training to Canada.”

This involved training police officers at roadside on how to detect the drug impaired driver; it’s “unique training for officers that deals with the pharmacology of drugs; it’s an intensive course.”

Jeffery also trains police officers on how to give expert testimony on the possession of prescription drugs for the purpose of trafficking. He also does this as well as consulting on cases for both the Crown prosecution and the defence.

For those who may be interested in similar career, Jeffery offers this advice: “It’s a unique career and you’re using your pharmacology skills differently.

“When I first started I was going to be a pharmacist, but the medicinal chemistry courses really spoke to me. That’s what set me on this path.” 

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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New dean of pharmacy aims to give back to alma mater by

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

Bev Betkowski

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eal Davies, dean of the College of Pharmacy, University of Manitoba, has been named as the new dean of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective Sept. 1, 2016.

“I’m proud to be coming back to the University of Alberta, which is one of the top universities in Canada, and serving the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, also a program of excellence in the country,” Davies said. “I wanted to give back to the University of Alberta, to surround myself with the very best—and it doesn’t get any better than the U of A.” Davies began his career at the U of A, graduating with a BSc in pharmacy in 1991 and a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences in 1996.

He succeeds James Kehrer, who has been dean since 2009.

“We welcome Dr. Davies back to the University of Alberta and look forward to working with him,” said Steven Dew, provost and vice-president (academic) for the U of A. “His five years as a sitting dean in a pharmacy college at a U15 university (one of Canada’s 15 research-intensive universities) demonstrates that he understands the role and the broader elements of being a senior leader in a major university, with the ability to reach across both the pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences divisions. He strongly supports a shared vision and a strategic plan which comes from the bottom up, and his aim is to make connections and foster better communication.”

A self-described “Alberta boy,” Davies has deep ties to Calgary and Edmonton that played into his decision to come home. His father, an aquatic ecologist, headed biological sciences at the University of Calgary, and in Australia, served as a science dean at Monash University and as a deputy vice-chancellor at Central Queensland University. Davies later followed in his father’s footsteps to Australia, lecturing at the University of Sydney after working as a post-doctoral fellow at the U of C. “The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a model of excellence that is poised to take the lead in training pharmacists to meet the important roles they have as professionals in the health-care system and in the community, and I am excited to be part of that.”

Davies was also influenced by his grandfather, a proud member of the Loyal 49th Edmonton Regiment who received a Distinguished Conduct Medal at Buckingham Palace during the Second World War. As a young man deciding where to study, Davies was encouraged by his grandfather to attend the U of A. “He always spoke so well of Edmonton,” Davies said.

Prior to his appointment as a dean and full professor at the University of Manitoba, Davies was an assistant professor (2002) and associate professor (2005) in the College of Pharmacy at Washington State University. While

there, he also served as director of the graduate programs in pharmacology and toxicology, and subsequently pharmaceutical sciences, and as director of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program from 2006 to 2010.

As a researcher, Davies has focused on exploring the factors that influence variability in drug response through an understanding of drug delivery and how the body reacts to the substance. As well, he has studied how to optimize the use of nature-inspired antioxidant and anti-cancer agents. Over the years he has published more than 400 scientific journal articles and abstracts and written a book about flavonoids.

In taking up his post as dean of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences at the U of A, Davies sees the opportunity to make an excellent faculty even better.

To strengthen both pharmacy education and the creation and translation of pharmaceutical science within the faculty, he plans to foster scholarly work, publications and team grants, research projects and combined programs.

“The faculty has a long-standing history of both exceptional research and strong undergraduate and graduate education programs, and there’s an opportunity to lead, shape and optimize that,” he said.

Davies also believes students are the powerhouse of any program, and as dean he plans to encourage instructional staff in new approaches to teaching using technology. Looking back on his years of directing graduate and undergraduate programs, he says his greatest pride today lies in the accomplishments of his many students.

“You develop a close bond as you work with them, see them grow and develop from raw talent and potential to become independent, creative academics and practitioners.

And it’s fulfilling to see them do well in academia and the pharmaceutical industry. They are your academic offspring.”

A particularly exciting development for the pharmacy faculty is a proposed Doctor of Pharmacy program, currently awaiting government approval. Once in place, the program is an additional factor that positions the faculty to play a leading role in the profession and to be a prominent force in the health-care system, Davies believes.

“Legislation has made Alberta one of the most progressive provinces in Canada for expanding pharmaceutical services,” said Davies, who is also registered as a licensed pharmacist in Alberta. “The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a model of excellence that is poised to take the lead in training pharmacists to meet the important roles they have as professionals in the health-care system and in the community, and I am excited to be part of that.” 

The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a model of excellence that is poised to take the lead in training pharmacists to meet the important roles they have as professionals in the health-care system and in the community, and I am excited to be part of that.

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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NEWS & NOTES An annual feature in UAlberta Pharmacy, the News and Notes section is dedicated to highlighting awards, accolades and updates of our faculty, staff, students and alumni. It also includes upcoming events. If you have some news or a note to share for this section, please email us at phcomms@ualberta.ca.

PHARMACISTS RECENTLY HONOURED AT THE 2016 APEX AWARDS The APEX Awards recognize excellence in pharmacy practice in Alberta and are jointly funded, promoted, and presented by the Alberta College of Pharmacists and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association.

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Serena Rix, pharmacist at the Grey Nuns Community Hospital and pharmacy preceptor, mentor and instructor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

W.L. BODDY PHARMACY TEAM Members included alumnae Melissa Dechaine (BSc Pharm ’94) and Lindsay Torok-Both (BSc Pharm ’98) of the St. Albert and Sturgeon Primary Care Network.

M.J. HUSTON PHARMACIST OF DISTINCTION Val Langevin (BSc Pharm ’76), pharmacist at Shopper’s Drug Mart in Sylvan Lake.

FUTURE OF PHARMACY Taryn Heck (BSc Pharm ’13), pharmacist at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute in Edmonton and a preceptor for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Ashten Langevin (BSc ’08, BSc Pharm ’12), pharmacist at the Foothills Medical Centre Inpatient Pharmacy in Calgary.

Robert (Graham) Anderson (BSc Pharm ’12), pharmacist and co-owner of Sherwood Dispensaries in Sherwood Park.

FACULTY NOTES Raimar Loebenberg, professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, finished his two-year term as president of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences and served/is serving as vice-chair of USP Expert Committee for Non-Botanical Dietary Supplements in 2015-16.

PHARMACY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS SHINE AT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK (PDW) 2016 Callen Kenyon (Class of 2017) was the winner of the Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association Mr. Pharmacy fundraiser.

He competed in the national competition against 10 other pharmacy students and was crowned Canada’s Next Top Pharmacist at PDW. Daniel Leung (Class of 2017) placed second in the Over the Counter Competition.

The University of Alberta pharmacy students took first place in the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation’s Health Campaign Awards and second place in the Professionalism Category.

Bonnie (Desmond) Kirschenbaum (BSc Pharm ’ 71) honoured by the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy Kirschenbaum, MS, FASHP, FCSHP, was recently presented with the Latiolais Award, which was created by former students to honour Clif Latiolais, an Ohio State College of Pharmacy professor who founded the hospital pharmacy graduate and residency programs. The award is presented to a graduate of the Hospital-Systems Pharmacy Administration Program or an individual involved with the development of these programs who has made significant contributions to institutional pharmacy practice.

Throughout her career, Kirschenbaum has been an active participant and has held elected office in local, state (CA and CO) and national professional pharmacy societies. She also serves as a mentor to pharmacy students, residents and musicians throughout the US and Canada.

Kirschenbaum has been chosen for this honour by past recipients. The award was officially presented to Kirschenbaum at the annual Latiolais Luncheon at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting in New Orleans.

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UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

Melissa Hozack (BSc Pharm ’01) wins Commitment to Care & Service Award for Health Hozack’s own commitment to losing weight led to a successful health promotion initiative. About 300 people in Redcliff, Alberta, shed a collective 7,000 pounds over the past two years thanks to a comprehensive weight loss program provided by Hozack, a clinical pharmacist and co-owner of the town’s Pharmasave.

But such impressive weight lost isn’t the only measure of the pharmacy program’s success. Hozack has also demonstrated a range of positive clinical results, such as improved blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels; dose reductions and even elimination of some prescription medications; and improvements in mental health and self-esteem.

Green and Gold Pub Night Friday, June 24, 2016 Calgary, AB

If you are attending the Canadian Pharmacists Association Conference in Calgary June 24 – 27, 2016, or if you live in the Calgary area, we invite you to join us for Green and Gold Pub Night.

It takes place from 8:30 p.m. - midnight on Friday, June 24, at the U of A Calgary Centre—only minutes from the conference hotel.

The initiative started in 2013 when Hozack was herself struggling to lose extra pounds following the birth of her third child. After researching the various weight loss strategies available, she decided to transform her pharmacy practice and offer patients a weight loss method that targets the physical and mental health aspects related to obesity. Hozack’s approach, which takes advantage of pharmacists’ expanded scope of opportunities and compensation under the Alberta Pharmacy Services Framework, complements the care she provides as a pharmacist while actively coaching her patients in weight loss.

Preceptor of the Year Award

Congratulations to Cathy Biggs (BPE ’91, BSc Pharm ’96), winner of the 2015 PharmD Preceptor of the Year Award.

Biggs (centre) was nominated by Morgan Schultz (BSc Pharm ’14, PharmD ’15) (left) and received her award from Rene Breault (BSc Pharm ’98), clinical assistant professor and director, PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists Program (right).

Outstanding Pharmacy Alumni Awards: A Call for Nominees Applications for the Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Awards are being accepted until July 6, 2016. The Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award was created in 2014 to celebrate accomplished alumni in recognition of outstanding contributions to their professions, their communities, to society at large or to the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Learn more about the nomination and selection process, please visit pharm.ualberta.ca/ alumni-and-giving/outstanding-pharmacy-alumnus-award

Enjoy some beverages, socializing and appetizers and wear your green and gold colours to win prizes. For more details or to RSVP visit the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences website.

Alumni Weekend 2016 September 22-25, 2016 Edmonton, AB

Mark your calendars: Alumni Weekend is being held September 22-25, 2016.

Pharmacy Brunch & Student-Led Tour

NO CHAR G E!

Saturday, September 24, 2016 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

3rd Floor Atrium, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy 11405 – 87 Avenue Join us for our annual alumni brunch and student-led tour on Saturday, September 24, 2016. This year, we are thrilled to welcome our new dean, U of A pharmacy alumnus Dr. Neal Davies (BSc Pharm ’91, PhD Pharm ’96). He will share with us his vision for the faculty and provide his thoughts on what being a U of A pharmacy alumnus means to him. Join your fellow pharmacy alumni and help us celebrate our new beginnings.

Stay tuned to the Alumni Weekend section of the faculty’s website for registration information and further details about other pharmacy class activities.

UAlberta Pharmacy: Spring 2016

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Canada Post indicia Please return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2-35H MSB, University of Alberta 8613 -114 Street Edmonton AB T6G 2H7 Email: phcomms@ualberta.ca Website: pharm.ualberta.ca

Mail recipient info

This is the future of pharmacy!

Our students are joining a continually advancing scope of practice and are passionate about their profession. They are leaders in academics, community education, inter-professional health collaboration and philanthropy. Balancing their studies and extracurricular activities with today’s financial pressures is not an easy task, but they are able to do so thanks to the generous support of our donors. So on behalf our students, we say thank you!

If you’d like to contribute to their success, consider making a gift to the faculty for student scholarships, contact Lori Shockey at 780-492-8084 or email lori.shockey@ualberta.ca