Smarten Up Class Notes

What have you been reading or watching that you have applied to your career or life? Have you a ended any webinars or courses that have inspired you or given you new skills or certification? Have you worked with a mentor or mentored anyone? Submit your “Smarten Up” note to phcomms@ualberta.ca. We edit for clarity, length and style.

Compiled by Tarwinder Rai

HUMANITY IN HEALTH CARE: “Recently, I picked up a copy of Ducks in a Row: Health Care Reimagined by Sue Robins,” says Jeff Whissell , ’98 BSc(Pharm). “Sue is a health care activist and patient experience champion who openly shares the experiences she and her family had within the health-care system — the good, the bad and the ugly. I first met her at a conference years ago, and I have strived for the importance of bringing humanity to health care ever since. It’s a concept that has influenced my career in significant ways. Humanity matters to people, especially when they’re at their worst, and it’s the little things we do as health-care professionals that can make a profound difference.”

TALKING TOOLS: “I’m always looking for opportunities to enhance my leadership skills,” writes Ethan Swanson , ’21 PharmD. “I would highly recommend reading Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Joseph Grenny. It will help you make the most out of your work and personal relationships through meaningful dialogue.”

RECOMMENDED READING: Five Little Indians by Michelle Good — Gezina Baehr, ’20 PharmD

TUNE IN TO EQUITY: PharmD student Justin Peters recommends tuning in to the American Academy of HIV Medicine’s webinar: “Am I a Risk Factor? Addressing Stigma, Social Determinants, and Interventions for the Transgender Community.”

We’d love to hear what you’re doing. Tell us about your new job, career pivot, latest award, or new baby. Celebrate a personal accomplishment, tell us about your volunteer activity or share a favourite campus memory. Submit your class notes to phcomms@ualberta.ca. We edit for clarity, length and style.

A GOLDEN JUBILEE: “I have been honoured to organize many reunions for our very close knit group over the last 49 years,” says Deb Holmes, ’72 BSc(Pharm). “But 2022 was extremely special. It marked 50 years since we le the U of A. We were a class of 68 grads, of which 12 are now deceased and six have unknown locations. So just imagine my surprise when 22 of my classmates registered for several events that I put together. It was so heartwarming to gather together and remember all the great times.”

THE TOP SPOT: Join us in congratulating Zachary Kronbauer, ’22 PharmD, who won the George A. Burbidge Memorial Award in recognition of the highest overall combined grade on the Pharmacist Qualifying Examination — Part I and II for 2022.

DOING IT ALL: Amanda Leong, ’17 BSc(Pharm), is working as an ICU pharmacist at Rockyview General Hospital and Foothills Medical Centre while completing her PhD in epidemiology — focusing on the intersection of pain and delirium — in QUOTED the Department of Critical Care with the Cumming School of Medicine. She’s also the chair of the education commi ee for CSHP Together. What’s next? Leong hopes to be a clinician scientist.

PERSON-CENTRED CARE: “I spent six weeks at the Palliative Care Unit at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I've had post-graduation,” says Alyssa Aco, ’17 BSc(Pharm). “Palliative care can have negative connotations because you’re caring for people who are dying, but I have never worked in a place with more colour, life and hope. e team was extremely collaborative, empathetic and kind. ey work to help palliative patients pass with dignity and provide emotional support for patients and families. I learned that caring for people who are dying requires immense empathy and deep understanding of the patient and their families, lived experiences, personalities, values and priorities. At this placement I learned what it truly means to provide person-centered care, and I’m a be er pharmacist for it.”

WELCOME TO THE WORLD:

Congratulations to Na y Mack, ’15 BSc(Pharm), who welcomed baby Oskar into the world — three weeks early — in August 2022. A er her parental leave, she’ll be back at work, managing the pharmacy at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.

SUPERPOWERED PHARMACY: “I am passionate about supporting learners, pharmacists and other health-care leaders as they tap into their mix of strengths and enact positive change in themselves and their communities,” says Maria Anwar, ’04 BSc(Pharm). “My superpower is that I’m an EXTRAextrovert! row me in a room full of strangers, and I will find a way to connect and get to know them all. is year, I transition into a new role with the Alberta Health Services Design Lab, where I’ll join a small team of design consultants who help solve complex problems, facilitate strategic discussions and educate using design-thinking