DEAN’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2025-2026 academic year! On behalf of the Faculty of PharmacyandPharmaceuticalSciences, I am excited to welcome both new and returning students to our campus and faculty.
This coming year promises to be full of opportunities for you to grow and learn together.Youarealljoiningavibrantand supportive pharmacy community, and I encourage you to explore and get involvedinthemanyactivitiesavailable throughout the year. We are now one year into our five-year strategic plan, "Charting New Paths Together." This roadmap, which reflects our commitment to growth, innovation, and a people-centered community, has alreadyguidedoureffortstoprepareour students for the future by integrating digital healthcare technologies and expandinglearningopportunities.
Whether you're a new or returning student,remembertheincredibleimpact you're preparing to make in healthcare. This is an exciting time for your academic journey, filled with significant personal growth and achievements –youshouldtrulybeproud! Asyoumove through the year, please reach out to your support network or to any of us in the faculty anytime. We're here to help you succeed, and I look forward to meetingandgettingtoknowyou.
Wishingyouallanamazingyear.
Sincerely,
Christine Hughes, BScPharm, PharmD, FCSHP ProfessorandDean
WAPSA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
elcome to the new academic year hereattheUniversityofAlberta!Whether you’rejoiningusforthefirsttimeaspart oftheClassof2029oryou’reareturning student, I look forward to spending the yearlearningalongsideallofyou.Ihope thatyouallwereabletoenjoyasummer thatwasrestfulandfulloffunmoments.
Pharmacy school offers a unique mix of professional and social opportunities that foster growth in many aspects of yourlife.Asyoumovethroughtheyear,I encourageyoutotakepartinthesocial, educational, and professional events available to you. These experiences will helpyoushapeyourprofessionalidentity while staying true to who you are as a person.
Aprogramlikethisbringschallenges,but with them come opportunities to push yourself further than you thought possible. However, you won’t face these challenges alone—your classmates will becomefriends,andthebondsyoubuild will last well beyond these four years. Amid the busy balance of coursework, extracurriculars, and life outside school, remember to celebrate your successes andtaketimetorecharge.
I am excited for you to experience everything the APSA team has been workinghardtoprepareforyouthisyear andIlookforwardtogettingtoknowall of you better through these opportunities.
Allthebest,
NathanielFernetti(he/him) President, Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association
Behind the Pages PQ +2 +2
2025-2026
ABOUT ME
REMI HOU
PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR
JOANA CRUZ EDITOR
Hey everyone! My name is Remi (Class of 2027) and I am looking forwardtobeingyourPublications Director. I got my BSc in Pharmacology from the U of A priortoenteringpharmacyschool. Outside of memorizing the spectrum of activity of cephalosporins and monitoring a patient’s blood glucose, you can find me reading a book, playing musicandvolunteeringatchurch. Hope to meet many of you this year!
Hi everyone! I’m Joana (Class of 2028), and I’m so excitedtobeoneofyour Editors! Before starting pharmacy school, I got my BScinBiochemistryatthe UofA.WhenI’mnottakinga nap,Ilovereading,drawing, and going for walks! You might also spot me browsingtheshelvesofthe local Wee Book Inn. Lookingforwardtoanother goodyear!
Do you like writing? What about designing?
Student Clubs
CAPSI’s main goal is to connect and engage with pharmacy students across the country! Whether it be through local events like CIBC Run For the Cure, or at a national level with our annual Professional Development Week conference(thisyearinQuebecCity),there’s alwayssomethinggoingon!
MakesuretogetyourAPSAmembership,asit givesyouaccesstostudentdiscountsanda lot of fun events throughout the year, especially during March with Pharmacy Appreciation Month! For any first year students looking to learn more about CAPSI, wewillalsobehavingaLunchandLearnthis September,sostaytuned.
Your local CAPSI representatives are Max Albrecht (albrech1@ualberta.ca) and Ally Thompson(aat@ualberta.ca).
Stay up to date by following the UAlberta CAPSIInstagram@capsiualberta.
CSHPisanationalorganizationofpharmacy professionalscommittedtoimprovingpatient care by advancing safe and effective medicationuseinhospitalsandcollaborative healthcare settings. As student corepresentatives, we promote hospital pharmacy by organizing educational events and networking opportunities that connect students with professionals in the field. CSHP studentmembershipoffersvaluablebenefits, including access to webinars, residency preparation resources, and national networking opportunities. Whether you're exploringhospitalpharmacyorplanningfora residency, CSHP provides support every step of the way. To learn more or become a member, visit cshp.ca or contact us at [cshpabstudentrepresentative@gmail.com].
RxI UAlberta is a student-led organization dedicatedtoredefiningwhat’spossiblewitha PharmD degree. Our mission is to empower pharmacy students to explore innovative, non-traditional career paths beyond community and hospital settings. Through curatedevents,expertpanels,andnetworking sessions,weconnectstudentswithleadersin pharmaceutical industry, medical affairs, regulatory, consulting, and more. By bridging thegapbetweenacademictrainingandrealworldopportunities,RxIUAlbertaequipsfuture pharmacistswiththeinsight,confidence,and connectionstopursueimpactfulrolesacross the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Whetheryou’reinterestedinpharma,biotech, or digital health, RxI UAlberta helps you uncover the full potential of your degree. To learnmoreorgetinvolved,feelfreetocontact our President, Kush Patel, at kush2@ualberta.ca.
Did you know?
The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation(IPSF)isaglobalorganizationthat connects pharmacy students and recent graduates through opportunities in public health, advocacy, and international collaboration. Our local organization offers a varietyofeventsincludingblooddrives,trivia nights, fundraisers supporting global health campaigns, and travel exchanges through theStudentExchangeProgram(SEP).Weare a subgroup of CAPSI, so if you are a CAPSI member,youarealsoanIPSFmember.IPSFis a great way to get involved and make a difference beyond the classroom in the broaderpharmacycommunity!Ifyouwantto learn more, feel free to contact us at ualbertipsf@capsi.ca!
AnyAPSAmembercanstartandleadtheir ownAPSAaffiliatedstudentgroup!
MPSC
TheMuslimPharmacyStudents’Club(MPSC) is dedicated to representing and supporting Muslim pharmacy students while fostering a strong, connected community within the Faculty and beyond. We advocate for the needs of Muslim students, ensure diverse voices are heard, and create spaces that promote both belonging and professional growth.
Our mission also extends to preparing future pharmacists to recognize how faith, culture, and individual values can shape health and patient care. Through our events—such as meet & greets, games nights, interprofessionalevents,RamadanIftaar,and educational seminars—we aim to spark meaningful dialogue, break down barriers, andaddressmisconceptions.
By engaging with peers and faculty through theseinitiatives,westrivetocultivategreater cultural awareness and prepare future pharmacists to deliver inclusive, patientcentered care that respects and accommodates the beliefs and practices of all communities. If you have any questions, reach out to mpsc.uofa@gmail.com or our Instagram@mpsc.uofa.
LGBTQ+PHSC
TheLGBTQ+PharmacyStudentClub(LGBTQ+ PhSC) strives to connect and build a safe space for students of all identities. We also highlight queer topics in pharmacy, building upontheevidence-basedapproachestaught in the classroom. Past events have included board game nights, candy grams, a guest lectureoninclusivecarepractices,andmore! This year, we also hope to collaborate more with local organizations for fundraising and advocacy. Whether you are part of the community or an ally, we look forward to seeingyou!Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorjust wanttosayhi,feelfreetocontacttheteamat uofa.lgbtq.phsc@gmail.com or Joana at jecruz@ualberta.ca
BPSA
ThePharmacyChristianFellowship(PCF)isa groupofChristianpharmacystudentswhose mission is to create an environment where students can explore their faith, share their own personal beliefs and form relationships as we navigate what it means to be a Christian in the pharmacy profession. Throughout the two semesters, we run biweekly bible studies led by both leaders as well as club members on topics club members are interested in. We also hope to get involved in various service opportunities and run worship events, after gauging the interest of club participants. For more information, feel free to contact Remi at qikun@ualberta.ca.
The Black Pharmacy Students’ Association (BPSA)isavibrantcommunitythatempowers Black students through advocacy, mentorship,andopportunitiesforprofessional development. We strive to create a space where students feel supported, inspired, and equippedtothriveintheiracademicjourney. WhileourfocuscentresonBlackexperiences in pharmacy, we welcome all who share our vision of equity and representation in healthcare.TheBPSAfostersasafe,affirming environment where diversity is celebrated andvoicesareheard.Thisyear,lookforward to events like our interdisciplinary games night, mental health webinar, and hands-on pop-up clinic, where you can make a real impact in community care. Follow us on Instagram @bpsa_ualberta or reach out at bpsa@ualberta.ca.We’reexcitedtohaveyou joinusinshapingthefutureofhealthcare!
PharmacyStudentsforMentalHealth(PSMH) is a student-led group dedicated to promoting mental wellness within the pharmacy community. Our mission is to empower students to care for their own mental health, support one another, and advocate for future patients. We aim to normalize and destigmatize mental health through events such as expert-led discussions, lived-experience talks, and our social media campaign “What Does Mental HealthMeantoYou?”PSMHalsopartnerswith other student groups to explore the unique mental health needs of diverse and equitydeservingcommunities.Westrivetocreatea safe, inclusive space where students can connect,reflect,anddevelopmeaningfulskills to support themselves and others. Consider joining our club! Reach out to us at apsa.psmh@gmail.com or follow us on Instagram @pharmacystudents4mentalhealth.
JOURNAL CLUB JOURNAL CLUB THERE’SALSO... LOOK AHEAD
Hey everyone!
My name is Abdiel Castillo, and I am a 2nd year pharmacy student and the new Research Councillor for the Pharmacy Undergraduate Journal Club (PUJC).
I was born and raised in Medicine Hat, where I grew up playing lots of volleyball. You might catch me at some of the pharmacy intramural games this year, depending how busy 2nd year is. In my downtime, I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing music, and working out!
I also serve as a Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC) Partners Canada Article Editor, where I write plain-language summaries of research articles to help patients stay informed about ongoing studies seeking treatments and cures for rare liver diseases.
I completed my undergrad in Immunology and Infection. As part of the program, we were exposed to many wet-lab classes and research projects. My research background is focused on rare liver and gastrointestinal autoimmune diseases. From seeing patients at the clinic to working behind a fume hood, I fell in love with how we were exploring areas that felt truly unknown.
Unlike lectures where answers were readily available, research allows you to apply what you know to problems that do not yet have answers. Yes, there were times where research can be frustrating such as having your experiments fail or protocols not working, but once you finally make progress in your work, it is incredibly rewarding. That is what keeps me passionate about research.
About PUJC...
PUJC is a space for pharmacy students to develop the skills to critically evaluate primary, secondary, and tertiary data. Since so much of our coursework and eventual practice are based on years of research, I think it is important for students to understand what it means to be a critical reader.
By participating, I hope students become more confident in analyzing evidence. Not only is this useful for your assignments, it is also useful for answering clinical questions posed by patients, preceptors, and other allied health professionals.
Healthcare is constantly evolving with new trials, new therapies, and new guidelines. Staying current ensures that your practice is evidencebased and reflective of the best available knowledge. It also demonstrates a commitment to your field, especially when speaking with other clinicians or researchers. Being wellinformed helps us better advocate for patients and provide the highest standard of care.
No matter your experience level, PUJC welcomes everyone, whether you are just curious or already involved in a project. Make sure to check our APSA discord and Instagram to keep up to date with the PUJC gatherings. If you have any questions about research in pharmacy or if you’re interested in getting involved in research yourself, please feel free to say “Hi” to me in the halls or send me an email at abdiel@ualberta.ca!
WELCCOME CLASS OF 2029
ORIENTATION DAY
Say Hello! Say Hello!
Meet your Professors
My name is Jody Shkrobot. I am an Assistant ClinicalProfessor.Isplitmyteachingbetween BASEcourses(all3years)andExEdcourses(I coordinate the community rotations after 1st yearin4thyear).
Iamacommunitypharmacistaswell.Mywife, who is also a pharmacist (we graduated from the U of A together) is my partner in a small communitypharmacyinSt.Albert.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU KNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
Howbroadtheopportunitiestheprofessionof pharmacy offers. I never expected to have so much variety in a career in pharmacydifferent practice settings, leadership opportunities, and variety of experiences that were available to me. I just had to work hard and say "YES" when those opportunities becameavailable.
FUNFACT:
This hockey season will be the first season in the last 15 years that I will not be coaching a hockeyteam.
My name is Dr. Mark Makowsky. I teach junior and senior pharmacy students about how to apply medical research to real-world clinical decision making so that they can translatethisinformationforpatients.
In addition to teaching, I am a researcher and practicingpharmacist.Myresearchfocuseson evaluating electronic decision support, Artificial Intelligence and point-of-care testing for upper respiratory tract infections. Clinically, I practice alongside a group of family doctors at the MacEwan University Health Center where I consult with patients and the care team to support safe and effectivemedicationuse.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU KNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
Myadvicetonewpharmacystudentsistonot be afraid to speak up and actively engage in bothclassandstudentlife.Iencourageyouto be brave in sharing your ideas, kind and compassionate towards others, and to always staycurious.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE WORK?
Outsideofwork,youwilllikelyfindmeonmy road bike - riding the river valley trails, along the quiet country roads west of the city, or exploringroadsfurtherafield.
My name is Dr. Jill Hall, and I lead the Musculoskeletal Block in Pharm 443: Pharmacotherapy 6 in the fall term of Year 3. I also lead students' reflections upon their developing professional identity across the years, one of our 'curriculum themes', including during the PharmD Seminar course that runsalongsidetheYear4experientiallearningplacements.
I am the Director of the PharmD program, meaning I spend a good portion of my time working with faculty members to improve the content and delivery of the curriculum and creating opportunities for students and faculty/other members of our community to connect to support learners as they learn what it means to be a pharmacist. This year, I also get to co-chair the national pharmacy education conference that will be happening in Edmonton in June (CPERC), which coincides with one of CAPSI's annualmeetingsaswell(soseesomeofyouthere!).
WHATISSOMETHINGYOUWISHYOUKNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
Like many students coming into the program now, I had no idea pharmacists worked anywhere other than in community pharmacies... and I guess at the front of my lecture theatres, in academia. There are pharmacists in other primary care settings, acute care and long term care practices, government, industry... the list goes on! So my advice is to stay open to opportunities and to take advantage of whicheveronescomeyourway.
WHATDOYOUENJOYDOINGOUTSIDEWORK?
So much! I have a bit of a reputation around here when it comes to physical activity. I de-stress at the end of every day with some form of it - in the summer, I love to road bike and paddleboard, and in the winter, cross-country ski. I also weight train and do pilates & yoga. Variety is the spice of life!
HelloClassof2029andwelcometotheprogram,facultyandprofession!
Mynameis Dr.DylanMoulton (he/him)and IamanAssistantClinical ProfessorintheFacultyof Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta. I teach all across the PharmDprogram,butmainlyinpatientcareskills,jurisprudenceandmentalhealth.
My main clinical practice is in community pharmacy. Before starting full time with the faculty, I was a pharmacy manager in a local independent pharmacy in Edmonton. My clinical areas of interestaregenderaffirmingcareandmentalhealth.
WHATISSOMETHINGYOUWISHYOUKNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
I wish I knew how to study effectively. Having done a degree prior to starting pharmacy, I thought I already knew how to study. It wasn't until after my PharmD that I realized how much time I wasted "studying", when in reality I was just carving out time and not using it properly. I should have studied more intentionally for smaller durations of time to allow myself to rest and enjoylifemorefullywhileinschool.
Make sure you all think about your study habits before, or shortly after starting, the program. If you need some guidance, reach out to Student ServicesortheAcademicSuccessCentreforsupport!
FUNFACT:
I was born and raised in northern Alberta, have “Newfie” blood in my veins, and have lived in Edmonton for 15 years. I like to think this has given me eastcoastcharm,westcoastperspective,aruralheart,andaloveforurbanamenities.
I’m Dr. Damion Barnes, and I coordinate Patient Care Skills I (Year 1) and Pharmacotherapy 9 (Year 3), and I also teach the minor ailments section in the Pharmacotherapy I course (Year 1).
In addition to my professorial role, I work as a community pharmacist with a special interest in caring for older adults. I really enjoy serving our diverse patient population and practicing to my full scope as an APA pharmacist. My work spans everything from preventive health screenings to providing treatment recommendations for various conditions.
WHATISSOMETHINGYOUWISHYOUKNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
Looking back to my pharmacy school days, I wish I had worried less about grades and focused more on hands-on experiences.
Volunteering, shadowing different practitioners, and reflecting on what I liked (and didn’t) to help shape my professional identity. It's more about understanding how it all fits together than just memorizing for exams.
FUNFACT:
One of my favourite things to do is karaoke to my favourite pop, R&B, country and reggae tunes. It's one of my ways of unwinding and having fun!
Not everything you learn will seem relevant at first, but once on your experiential placements and in practice it will become very clear why certain topics were included in the program.
Don’t memorize content in order to write an exam - learn the material because you will need to apply it on your rotations and in practicepreceptors and patients will expect you to have these foundational knowledge and skills!
Also - have fun! Socialize with your peers. Come to class. These people will become lifelong friends and colleagues.
WHATDOYOUENJOYDOINGOUTSIDEWORK?
Being outdoors, occasional glamping, curling, podcasts.
My name is Dr. Sherif Mahmoud. I teach neurology pharmacotherapy in PHARM 444 and advanced therapeutics in PHARM 448. I also deliver a few pharmacology lectures in PHARM203.
I am a pharmacist in the Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital, where I care for patients with lifethreateningneurologicalinjuries.
In addition, I am an active researcher. My research program focuses on translating bench-side and bed-side observations into clinical practice protocols to improve outcomes in patients with neurocritical illness andepilepsy.
WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU KNEWBEFOREENTERINGPHARMACY?
One thing I wish I knew when I first entered pharmacy school is that success is less about memorizing every detail and more about developing critical thinking and problemsolving skills. My advice to students is to stay curious, seek mentorship, and focus on understandingthe‘why’behindtherapies.This mindset will serve you far beyond exams and intoyourcareer.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE WORK?
Outside of work, I enjoy watching and following soccer, experimenting with cooking, especially making fish and BBQ dishes, and spendingtimebuildingwithLEGOblocks.
There are many wonderful professors, instructors, guest lecturers, and lab facilitators who dedicate their time to teaching in the PharmD program. Don’t be afraid to reach out!
EXPLORE YEG. EXPLORE YEG.
New to the city? Looking for your next hangout spot?
Here’s what the students had to say...
Devonian Botanical Gardens Devonian Botanical Gardens
Great scenery to get in touch with nature, lots of fun events, and discounted rate for U of A students.
The staff are so incredibly kind and welcoming, the drinks are always perfect, and the pastries/snacks are delicious :p they have vegan and gluten free stuff too!!!
Smokin' Barrels Cocina
Smokin' Barrels Cocina
Latina Restaurant
Latina Restaurant
One of my peers recommended this place to me (shoutout to Jason C!) and now it is my favourite restaurant in Edmonton. Their quesabirria is LITERALLY life-changing and that is my go-to order whenever I come back. Whether I’m recovering from a tough week or celebrating the end of exams, this place always hits the spot.
Chase Fedak, 2 year nd
Nathaniel Perumal, 2 year nd
Julie Le , 4 year th
INTRA MURALS
1) Whose desk is on your right when you enter student services?
2) Who is the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences?
3) Who is the Director of Experiential Education?
4) What class does Raimar Loebenberg teach?
5) Who is Leslie Flett?
6) Which pharmacy school opened in 1914?
7) How many PBL rooms are there?
8) What does APSA stand for?
9) PBL 2-44 was also known as the ___ ____ .
10) Who is your APSA president?
11) Where do you find the APSA foosball table?
12) Who provides the pharmacy backpacks?
13) How many pharmacy schools are there in Canada?
14) What exam do we write at the end of our fourth year?
15) What does APA stand for?
16) Which group represents hospital pharmacists in Canada?
17) What is the symbol of pharmacy?
18) The mixing, combining, or altering of ingredients to create a customized medication to meet a specific patient's needs is known as?
19) What is the most commonly used drug in the world?
20) What does “SR” mean in naproxen SR?
21) What is the generic name of Yuflyma?
22) This is an injected medication for diabetes, but is also used for weight loss.
23) If this medication does not give relief to angina after 3 doses, go to the hospital.
24) This antibiotic comes in red and yellow capsules.
I get frustrated easily so I often vent at my friend. When some see me they tremble, while others gasp in relief. Which medication am I?
1. Kristine
2. Christine Hughes
3. Ann Thompson
4. Pharmaceutics
5. Academic Advisor
6. University of Alberta
7. Sixteen
8. Alberta Pharmacy Students‘ Association
9. “Fly Room”
10. Nathaniel Fernetti
11. APSA lounge
12. RxA
13. Eleven
14. PEBC
15. Additional Prescribing Authority
16. CSHP
17. Cup of Hygeia
18. Compounding
19. Caffeine
20. Sustained-Release
21. Adalimumab
22. Ozempic
23. Nitroglycerin
24. Amoxicillin
BONUS: Ventolin
