PQ+2 February 2026 Issue by PQ+2

g o o d o r b a d

wanted pharmacy memes

PQ is once again in search of the best pharmacy memes.

be careful, memes are extremely dangerous and can provoke uncontrolled laughter, loss of time management skills AND social isolation. if you create a pharmacy meme, do not engage. just submit it via the QR code below.

we appreciate your service.

R e wa r d : g i f t c a r d s

The Submissions will be voted on by the pharmacy students to determine the best one. the winner will receive A $20 Tim Horton’s gift card. each submission will put your name into a draw for 1 of 3 $5 Tim Horton’s gift card to a maximum of 5 submissions.

deadline for submissions is Friday, march 20, 2026 by 11:59pm

may luck be on your side!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2026

WHATISPDW?

Professional Development Week (PDW) is one of the highlights of the pharmacy school year. Organized by the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI), PDW brings together pharmacy students from across Canada for a few packed days of learning, competitions, networking, and a lot of fun. It’s a chance to step away from the usual routine, meet people from other schools, and be reminded why we chose pharmacy in the first place.

Here’s how this year’s PDW unfolded.

DAY1 WEDNESDAY|ANICYSTART

PDW officially began as students arrived, registered at the hotel, and got settled in. The energy really picked up at the Opening Gala, where everyone came together for the first time. With randomized seating with students from other schools and the theme “Icy Kingdom,ˮ it was the perfect way to break the ice (literally and socially) and kick off the week. The night also celebrated student achievements from across the country, setting a proud and exciting tone for theconference.

DAY2 THURSDAY|LEARNING,LAUGHS,ANDALITTLEROYALTY

Thursday was all about balancing professional development with exploring the city. The day featured keynote talks from pharmacists and leaders in the profession, followed by breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics. With multiplesessionsrunningatthesametime, students were able to choose what interested them most and learn about any topicstheywantedto.

The night ended with one of PDWʼs most memorable events: Canadaʼs Next Top Pharmacist. PDWʼs version of RxFactor brought out creativity, school pride, and some impressive performances.TheRoyalCoronationthememeantcrowns,costumes,andlotsofcheering.The fun didnʼt stop there, as students wrapped up the night with a social bar hop alongside other schools.

DAY3 FRIDAY|CAREERS,CONNECTIONS,ANDFREETIME

Fridayfocusedonthebiggerpicture.TheCAPSIGeneralMeetinggavestudentsalookatwhatʼs happening nationally and how student voices shape the future of pharmacy. Later in the day, speaker sessions continued, alongside the Health Fair, where students had the chance to talk directly with representatives from pharmacy organizations across the country, and, of course, grabsomeswag.

Friday night was all about choice. Some students jumped into the volleyball tournament, while others took advantage of the free evening to explore the city, try new restaurants, or just relax withfriends.

DAY4—SATURDAY|TRIVIA,TEAMWORK,ANDASPARKLYSEND-OFF

The final day wrapped up the last of the educational programming before shifting gears into competition mode. Students teamed up for the PharmaFACTS pre-bowl, working together to preparepostersandstrategiesaheadofthetriviashowdown.TeamAlbertawasrepresentedby Chase,Elise,Rachel,andAllison,whobroughtgreatenergyandteamworktothecompetition.

ThePharmaFACTSTriviaCompetitionbroughtoutsomefriendlyrivalry,withteamsmadeupof onestudentfromeachyeartestingtheirpharmacyknowledge.Itwasfast-paced,intense,anda greatwaytocloseouttheacademicsideofPDW.

To finish off the week, students dressed up for the Closing Gala, themed Gems of the Night. Withdancing,music,andplentyofphotos,itwastheperfectwaytocelebrateanunforgettable weekbeforeheadinghome.

TEAMALBERTAHIGHLIGHTS

Team Alberta had an incredible showing at this yearʼs PDW, with multiple national and podium finishesacrosscompetitions.

Highlights included Haleema earning 1st place nationally in the PharmaChoice Canada Presentation,Cynthiataking1stplacenationallyintheStudentLiteracyChallenge,anda3rd placefinishintheIPSFHealthCampaign.TeamAlbertaalsoplaced3rdinthePharmacyImpact andEngagementAward.

Be on the lookout for next yearʼsPDW!

APSA COMMUNITY EDUCATION × WISEST S T

InNovember,APSACommunityEducationpartneredwith WISESTonceagainfortheSETConference.

High school students were introduced to pharmaceutics as PharmD students walked them through the steps to compound their own lip balm!

Studentshadagreattimeinthecompounding labandenjoyedhearingaboutuniversitylifeand becomingapharmacistfromthevolunteers.

WHITECOAT CEREMONY

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME TO THE PROFESSION!

Class of 2029

MentalHeatlh101

It can be difficult for pharmacy students to priotize their own mental health in light of the stressors of our program. However, it is important to priotirize a healthy work life balance in order to be the best pharmacist that we can be. Follow these 5 tips to learn how to maintain a sustainable lifestyle.

Excercise

Try to maiain around 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. This can be in the form of intramural sports like basketball, hockey, as well as more relaxed activites such as walking or bike riding.

Connect with others

Take the time to connect and reach out to your family and friends, and have some fun in a non-academic (or academic, if thats what you like) setting, with the compay of other people.

Sleep

Try to aim for at least 8-10 hours of sleep per night. If you don’t know the material by the night before your 9 am exam, you won’t know it even if you stay up cramming all night.

Slow down

If you find yourself spiraling, take a couple of deep breaths. Although it’s easier said than done, try your best to slow your mind down, and practice mindfulness in your day to day life.

Talk to someone

If it starts getting too overwhelming, reach out. Resources, such as the faculty psychologist, UAlberta Wellness Supports, and 211 Alberta, are here to help. It is okay to accept help, and you don’t have to go through it alone. How am I feeling today?

Dynalove

Will you be my drug?

TAKE THIS SHORT QUIZ TO FIND YOUR COMBINATION THERAPY

WRITTEN BY OMNIA RAJAB

DYNA LOVE

Q1: WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE STUDY SPOT?

a) PBL room

b) library

c) home

d) i haven’t opened my notes since september

Q2: IF YOU HAD TO BE AN ANIMAL, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE?

a) ant

b) dolphin

c) lion

d) komodo dragon

Q3: HOW EARLY DO YOU FINISH ASSIGNMENTS BEFORE THEY NEED TO BE SUBMITTED?

a) a week before - i check it off in my colour coded to do list

B) 2 days before - i panic if the deadline is less than 48 hours away

c) the day it’s due, in the morning - i grind on it the night before

d) 11:59 pm - please don’t talk to me i’m on the verge of tears

Q4: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THERAPY TOPIC?

a) cardiology

b) oncology

c) neurology

d) dermatology

Q5: HOW WILL YOU BE SPENDING YOUR VALENTINE’S DAY?

a) spending time with my partner

b) making memories with my friends/family

c) waiting for the candy to go on sale

d) studying - it’s about drive it’s about power we stay hungry we devour

DYNA LOVE

IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY A - YOU ARE ONDANSETRON

Smart, consistent and reliable, you ’ re the one that has it all together. You keep the stress (and nausea) at bay and you know exactly what you ’ re doing You’re the ice to a fire, and you’d pair best with the spontaneous nature of dexamethasone to keep the emesis at bay

IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY B - YOU ARE PERINDOPRIL

Extra calm during high stress (and hypertensive) moments, you ’ ve got things under control You might be panicking on the inside, but others would never know it You’ve got a way of making even the most intense situations look like a walk in the park, and you ’ re a soothing presence to everyone around you When you meet the flowy nature of indapamide, you become the calm in the storm

YOU CHOSE MOSTLY C- YOU ARE INDAPAMIDE

Easy, breezy, beautiful, you like to go with the (diuretic) flow You’re relaxed and take changes with stride, adapting yourself effortlessly to excel in every situation There is no challenge that shakes your zen, and you believe that what goes in must come out You and perindopril make a dream team, as their unshakable nature pairs best with your laid back stride

IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY D- YOU ARE DEXAMETHASONE

Boisterous, energetic and chaotic, you ’ re larger than life with your personality Although others may not understand or appreciate your (inflammatory) process, there is method in your madness You light up every room you ’ re in with your spontaneity, and you ’ re always down for a good time. Your explosive nature pairs best with ondansetron, as their down to earth nature is the perfect opposite to your spirited personality.

As always, this is simply a lighthearted quiz for Valentine’s Day. Although these drugs can be combined, please do your due diligence to ensure that your drug therapy recommendation meets IESA for your patients, and has evidence backing it. If you use this quiz as your evidence, both you and I will be in trouble because you should have known better and I don’t know anything at all, and I’m not taking responsibility for that.

XOXO, pharmacy girl :)

Research Spotlight: Metabolism, Obesity, and Diabetes

Dr. Ussher’s research program focuses on understanding how weight gain and obesity impair the body’s ability to use energy, particularly in organs such as the heart and skeletal muscle. These metabolic disruptions limit how effectively tissues can burn fuels like sugars and fats, and are believed to be key mechanisms linking obesity to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A central goal of the lab is to identify the specific metabolic proteins that malfunction in obesity. By pinpointing these molecular changes, the team aims to uncover new targets for drug development that could help prevent or reverse obesity-related diabetes and heart disease.

The lab’s work has already led to several important findings. One line of research has shown that enhancing the heart’s ability to metabolize glucose can significantly improve cardiac health in the setting of obesity and diabetes. In parallel, the group has demonstrated that restricting ketone metabolism, an alternative fuel source produced during fasting, can lead to improved blood sugar control in obesity and diabetes.

Building on these discoveries, the lab is now focused on developing novel drug therapies designed either to boost glucose metabolism or to limit ketone metabolism. These approaches represent promising new strategies for treating diabetes and heart disease driven by obesity, with the long-term goal of improving metabolic health at both the organ and whole-body level. Chan, Jordan SF, et al. Journal of Endocrinology 262.2 (2024). Dakhili, Seyed Amirhossein Tabatabaei, et al. iScience 28.5 (2025).

FAITH. FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DIABETES, FASTING CAN BE MEANINGFUL BUT ALSO REQUIRES CAREFUL PLANNING TO STAY SAFE, ESPECIALLY IN CANADA, WHERE FASTING HOURS CAN BE LONG.

GOING WITHOUT FOOD OR DRINK FOR EXTENDED PERIODS MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF HYPOGLYCEMIA, HYPERGLYCEMIA, DEHYDRATION, AND, IN SOME CASES, DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS. CHANGES IN SLEEP, MEAL TIMING, AND FOOD CHOICES DURING RAMADAN CAN ALSO AFFECT BLOOD GLUCOSE CONTROL.

DIABETES CANADA ADVISES THAT FASTING MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR EVERYONE. PEOPLE WITH WELL-CONTROLLED DIABETES OR TREATED BY LIFESTYLE ALONE OR WITH ANTIDIABETIC MEDICATIONS IN OTHERWISE HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS CAN GENERALLY FAST WITH MEDICAL ADVICE.

One key recommendation for patients: if they are living with diabetes and plan to fast during Ramadan, speak with their health-care provider one to three months before Ramadan begins. Early planning allows time to adjust medications (insulin and diabetic medications), discuss blood sugar monitoring, and learn when it is important to break the fast for their safety.

With the right support and monitoring, many people with diabetes can make informed decisions about fasting while protecting their health and well-being.

stuffed bell peppers

BY: ISABEL SHIN

INGREDIENTS

1 lb lean ground beef

¼ tsp salt

4 large bell peppers

3 tbsp virgin oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 ½ tsp chili powder

½ tsp ground cumin

¼ tsp dried oregano

1 can tomato sauce

1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

1 ½ cup shredded cheese

3 servings 60 minutes

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2.Arrange the peppers, cut side up; drizzle with 1 tbsp oil and sprinkle with salt Roast for 20 min, until tender and lightly browned.

3.Meanwhile, heat remaining 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook onion and garlic for 3-4 min.

4.Add ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook until the meat is browned, 4-5 minutes Stir in tomato sauce and simmer 2-3 min. Add the cooked rice and ¾ cup cheese, and stir until melted

5.Remove the peppers from oven and spoon the filling into the peppers. Top with remaining cheese and bake 10-15 min, until heated through and cheese is melted!