PQ+2 September 2026 Issue

PQ PQ +2

ROTATIONS

“As a first-year pharmacy student, I didn’t expect my words to carry so much weight...”

CLASS OF 2030 ORIENTATION COUNCIL, CLUBS, COMMITTEES Everyone has an impact!

R E B M E T SEP 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Date: September 2026

Dean’s Welcome

2

Presidential Address

3

Behind the pages: Meet the Editors

4

Class of 2030 Orientation

5

Spring Rotation Experiences

10

APSA Guide map

12

Student Club Directory

13

Career Spotlight - Dr. Pawan Gill

19

Project Hail Mary Movie Review

21

Sponsor

Back page

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DEAN’S WELCOME 2026 2026

W

elcome to the new academic year.

On behalf of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, I am excited to welcome all of you back to campus. Whether you are stepping into a lecture hall for the very first time or returning to familiar labs and clinics, we are incredibly happy to have you here.

The path you have chosen is incredibly rewarding. The dedication you show today is shaping the profound impact you will make as future pharmacists, researchers and healthcare leaders. As you navigate the exciting challenges and milestones of the year ahead, please remember that we are always here to support you in your academic journey.

Please never hesitate to reach out to your support network or any of us in the faculty anytime. I look forward to meeting you throughout the year and I wish you all an amazing year ahead!

Sincerely,

Christine Hughes, BScPharm, PharmD, FCSHP Professor and Dean

To get the most out of your time here, I encourage you to get involved and embrace new opportunities that push your learning even further. Take the time to connect with your peers, mentors, faculty and staff.

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It is my pleasure to provide a warm welcome to you all as we start the 2026-27 Academic Year! I am so excited to spend this time learning, laughing, and leading alongside you all. I look forward to getting to know you, incoming Class of 2030, and to reconnecting with all of the returning students!

Pharmacy school offers rich opportunities, both professional and social, that are guaranteed to be enjoyable. During your time in the program this year, make the most of the many events available to you, as these diverse experiences will shape your professional identity while allowing you to stay true to your values and beliefs. More importantly perhaps, they will aid in preventing one of the most deadly diagnoses of university: BURNOUT! There is no doubt that a program like this brings challenges, believe me, but you will never have to face them alone. Your classmates will quickly become lifelong friends, with whose help (and of course with your own intelligence), you will find success and have fun while doing it!

The APSA team has been working hard to prepare an incredible year for you all (I can assure you that it is going to be awesome). I am thrilled to get to know you all better, and to welcome you into our PHARMily <3.

Yours truly, Chase Fedak (he/him) President, Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association

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PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

Dearest Gentle PQ+2 Readers,

PQ+2

BEHIND THE PAGES

MEET THE EDITORS Ashlyn (she/her) | Editor Welcome back everyone and welcome Class of 2030! My name is Ashlyn and I am from the Class of 2029. Before this program, I completed a BSc at UofA and then worked in clinical trials. I’m joining PQ+2 for the first time this year as a way to develop new skills and contribute to student life!

When I’m not overstressing about a test, I love to be active (hiking is my favourite!), spend time outdoors, and make puzzles (sorry Student Services).

If you have any ideas for what you want to see in the next PQ+2, please pass them onto us!

Wonu (she/her) | Editor Hello! My name is Wonu from the Class of 2029, and I’m so excited to work with PQ+2 again this year. I was in the Biochemistry program at UofA before pharmacy.

My favourite hobbies are reading, cooking/baking (I have a bit of a muffin obsession), and art. I’m looking forward to a great school year with you all, and welcome to all the first-years! :D

Joana (she/they) | Publications Director Hi everyone! I’m Joana from the Class of 2028 and I’m your Publications Director. Before pharmacy, I finished a BSc in Biochemistry at UofA. I’ve been an editor for PQ+2 since 2024, so you could say that I love this magazine quite a lot!

Despite my propensity for daily naps, you can find me at lots of different APSA and pharmacy events. Feel free to come say hi!

Let’s make this year another great one! :)

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If you look up in the MSB hallway, you’ll notice a little door… I wonder what’s up there?

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Check out Tim Hortons on Katz 1st floor, Starbucks on KHRA 1st floor, or the Daily Grind in SUB for coffee, tea, and more.

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Your study resources in Y1 (study sheets, flashcards, etc) could help you study for the PEBCs in the future.

KHRA used to be called ECHA, so you might hear some of us use the old name out of habit :|

You can get pretty awesome prizes from participating in your Mint Cup Team !

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Sperber Library opens on the weekends too, but only from 12 pm to 5 pm.

The newly renovated University Commons was formerly the Dentistry/Pharmacy building many years ago.

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Welcome to Welcome to PHARMD PHARMD !!! !!!

SSSPPPRRRIIINNNGGG ROTATION ROTATION EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES AMELIA GAGNON • CLASS OF 2029 • COMMUNITY PHARMACY Shoppers Drug Mart Eaux Cl ai res, Edmonton About the pharmacy location: [...] has a pharmacy clinic and services including heart health assessments, diabetes education, and opioid agonist therapy.

One thing that surprised me...

As a first-year pharmacy student, I didn't expect my words to carry so much weight. It was both exciting and intimidating, as it made me realize the responsibility that comes with being a healthcare professional [...].

Advice for 1st year students: Allow yourself to be a learner rather than feeling like you need to be an expert. [...] It's important to know your limits, but not let them prevent you from taking on new challenges.

Something interesting during my placement: We hosted a “Sun and Bugs Day” event featuring an information booth, educational handouts, free samples, and a raffle basket. We provided counselling on sunburn and insect bite(s) [...].

I enjoyed connecting my interest in pharmacy with my love of the outdoors [...].

Place to visit in Edmonton: [...] Elk Island National Park. It’s about a half hour outside of Edmonton. There’s lots of walking trails and wildlife to spot - including bison!

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SSSPPPRRRIIINNNGGG ROTATION ROTATION EXPERIENCES EXPERIENCES JENNY KO • CLASS OF 2028 • HOSPITAL PHARMACY Grande Prai ri e Regi onal Hospi tal What placement did you have? [...] General Medicine.

One thing that surprised me... was how open my preceptor and the MRPs (most responsible physicians) were to recommendations and suggestions from students. I initially felt a bit hesitant about sharing my thoughts, but I quickly learned that they genuinely valued our input when it came to patient care.

Advice for 1st year students: Bring up anything you want to learn more about, whether it’s related to your patients or the hospital in general. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. A month goes by much faster than you’d expect, so take advantage of every opportunity to learn!

Place to visit in Grande Prairie: Definitely stop by Crooked Creek Donuts on the way to Grande Prairie—or on your way back to Edmonton! Their homemade donuts are honestly some of the best I’ve ever had.

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GUIDE MAP PRESIDENT

E xe c u t i ve C o u n c i l VP ADMINISTRATION

VP FUNDRAISING

VP STUDENT SERVICES

CAPSI SR.

VP ACADEMIC

VP EXTERNAL

VP SOCIAL CO-CHAIRS

VP FINANCE

FINANCE JR.

CAPSI JR.

G e n e ra l C o u n c i l INTERPROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR

PUBLICATIONS DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY EDUCATION DIRECTOR

SAF-PHARM DIRECTOR

RECRUITMENT DIRECTOR

Student Group Representatives

CSHP CO-REPRESENTATIVES

IT DIRECTOR

RESEARCH COUNCILLOR

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

IPSF SR. & JR.

Y1-Y4 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

MPSC REPRESENTATIVE

BPSA REPRESENTATIVE

IPSC REPRESENTATIVE

LGBTQ+PHSC REPRESENTATIVE

RXI REPRESENTATIVE

O f fi c e r s Y1-Y4 SOCIAL REPRESENTATIVES

SPORTS REPRESENTATIVES

Y3-Y4 GRADUATION COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS

Y3-Y4 YEARBOOK EDITORS

CRO ELECTIONS

APSA’s mission is to promote unity among pharmacy students and to address pharmacy students’ social, academic, and advocacy needs.

For information about student clubs, please see the next page...

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STUDENT CLUB directory Pharmacy Profession and Governance CAPSI

IPSF

CSHP

Community Connection LGBTQ+PhSC

MPSA

PCF

BPSA

IPSC

PSMH

JOIN A CLUB TODAY

CAPSI Sr: Ally Thompson | Jr: Joanne Kwong Instagram: @capsiualberta Contact: albertasr@capsi.ca albertajr@capsi.ca Website: https://capsi.ca

CAPSI, the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns, is your ticket to fantastic experiences both locally, and nationally! As part of a community that unites students from across Canada, you’ll have the chance to participate in local events like Pharmafacts and Pharmacy Appreciation Month. You can also sharpen your knowledge and practical skills during CAPSI competitions and Professional Development Week (PDW). PDW is our national student conference, which is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow students, and learn about pharmacy practice nationwide!

Don’t miss out on all the fun! Reach out to Ally or Joanne to learn more.

IPSF Sr: Brian Ma | Jr: Ibraheem Weis Instagram: @ipsfparo (most posts are through @capsiualberta) Contact: ualbertaipsf@capsi.ca bma5@ualberta.ca iweis@ualberta.ca

IPSF is the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation, an organization that brings together pharmacy students from all around the world. Our goal is to promote global health by educating students through different activities, such as conferences, trivia, fundraisers, and more! Furthermore, IPSF organizes the Student Exchange Program, which offers pharmacy students the opportunity to explore a new country while inviting international students to Alberta. This initiative allows students to discover pharmacy practice in their exchange country while immersing themselves in the local culture. Every year, IPSF also raises awareness for a chosen cause through related conferences and fundraisers, and this year, our topic is diabetes.

We look forward to seeing everyone at events! Don't hesitate to reach out if you want to learn more about IPSF and healthcare around the world!

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CSHP Co-Rep: Angela Wong | Co-Rep: Melissa Herrera-Lim Instagram: @cshp_studentsab Contact: cshpabstudentrepresentative @gmail.com

The Alberta Branch of the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy (CSHP-AB) is a great way to explore hospital pharmacy, connect with practicing pharmacists, and get involved in educational and professional development opportunities throughout the year. From career events and networking opportunities to our student committee, there are lots of ways to get involved, meet fellow students, and learn more about the diverse opportunities within hospital pharmacy.

Whether you’re already interested in hospital pharmacy or simply curious to learn more, we’d love to connect with you this year. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

LGBTQ+PhSC Rep: Joana Cruz Instagram: @uofa_lgbtq_phsc Contact: uofa.lgbtq.phsc@gmail.com

The LGBTQ+PhSC is an APSA affiliated club dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ pharmacy students and increasing LGBTQ+ representation in the pharmacy profession. We prepare students for future practice by providing various opportunities to learn about inclusive health care, building upon the evidence-based approaches taught in the classroom. Aside from that, you can look forward to our annual candy gram fundraiser, whose proceeds will go towards supporting local causes, and social nights to connect with peers!

Students of all identities are welcome– we look forward to seeing you! Feel free to reach out via email and follow us on Instagram.

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MPSC Rep: Sara Sherif Instagram: @mpsc.uofa Contact: mpsc.uofa@gmail.com

The Muslim Pharmacy Students’ Club (MPSC) is dedicated to representing Muslim pharmacy students while fostering a connected community. We advocate for the needs of Muslim students 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 events such as games nights and our annual Ramadan Iftaar, we aim to spark meaningful dialogue and address misconceptions. By engaging with peers and faculty through these initiatives, we strive to cultivate greater cultural awareness and prepare future pharmacists to deliver patient-centered care that respects and accommodates the beliefs and practices of all communities.

PCF Co-Rep: Lucia Van Niekerk | Co-Rep: Franklin Zheng Contact: pcfualberta@gmail.com

The Pharmacy Christian Fellowship (PCF) is a group of Christian pharmacy students whose 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 bi-weekly 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.

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BPSA Co-Rep: Bashair Omar | Co-Rep: Ogo Ezeigbo Instagram: @bpsa_uofa Contact: bpsa@ualberta.ca

The BPSA is a student-led group that’s passionate about increasing Black representation and involvement in the field of pharmacy. We strive to create a space where Black pharmacy students feel seen, supported, and empowered. We provide guidance to Black pharmacy students and undergraduate students aspiring to enter the pharmacy profession by helping them navigate the challenges and experiences that come with being a Black pharmacist or pharmacy student. Beyond supporting Black students in the faculty, we strive to strengthen the profession as a whole by promoting diversity and advocacy to ensure future pharmacists are competent and well-equipped to serve their communities with understanding, empathy, and equity.

IPSC Co-Rep: Raegan Abrey | Co-Rep: Morgan Deschiffart Instagram: @ipsc_ualberta Contact: ipscualberta@gmail.com

The Indigenous Pharmacy Students Club is excited for the year ahead! Our goal is to foster community, celebrate Indigenous culture, and increase Indigenous representation within the pharmacy profession. We look forward to hosting a variety of events throughout the year, including beading events, lunch-and-learns, and other opportunities for students to connect, learn, and build community. We welcome anyone interested in supporting our goals and helping create a more inclusive and culturally connected pharmacy community.

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PSMH Co-Rep: Shirley Zhou | Co-Rep: Makenna Larsen Instagram: @pharmacystudents4mentalhealth Contact: apsa.psmh@gmail.com

Pharmacy Students for Mental Health (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 Health Mean to You?” PSMH also partners with other student groups to explore the unique mental health needs of diverse and equity-deserving communities. We strive to create a safe, inclusive space where students can connect, reflect, and develop meaningful skills to support themselves and others. Consider joining our club!

Committee Positions In addition to student clubs, as an APSA member you can also choose to get involved with a committee! These are positions of varying commitment to support groups led by an APSA Council Member.

Committees affiliated with active clubs include the CAPSI/IPSF Committee and CSHP Student Committee.

Other committees include: PQ+2 Committee Photographers Committee

Space and Wellness Committee Community Education Committee

... and much more!

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Career Spotlight

Dr. Pawan Gill

Dr. Pawan Gill is an inpatient pharmacist who specializes in pulmonary and internal medicine. She is also an Assistant Clinical Professor within the faculty, notably coordinating Pharmacotherapy 1.

How would you describe your positions?

Describe your career path into these roles.

I would describe both roles as rewarding, fun, and incredibly diverse. They complement each other really well. As an inpatient pharmacist, I get to serve patients directly and often get to know them quite well while they are admitted to the pulmonary service. As an instructor, I get to work with students at different stages of their learning and help them develop into pharmacists. I’m constantly learning in both roles. I learn a lot from my patients and from my students, and both keep me motivated to continue improving as a pharmacist and educator.

When I finished my pharmacy degree, the job market was a little challenging, and I decided to complete a pharmacy residency. Part of my motivation was to help me figure out exactly where I wanted my career to go, and I'm very glad I did it. During residency, I had the opportunity to learn from many different practitioners and preceptors. Each rotation challenged me to improve my practice and become a better clinician.

Residency training wasn't necessarily required for the roles I ultimately pursued, but it helped me become a more confident practitioner much earlier in my career.

It also exposed me to different areas of pharmacy practice, which helped me understand what I enjoyed and where my strengths were.

How does your work directly impact patient outcomes?

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There are so many ways pharmacists can impact patient care, and what that looks like is different for each patient. For example, this past summer I worked with one patient using motivational interviewing to develop a plan for managing their asthma triggers including cannabis use. In another case, I helped complete a drug provocation challenge for a palliative care patient so they could be switched to a first-line treatment that was easier to administer at home. The impact often comes from making a connection with the patient, understanding what matters to them, and then working together with the healthcare team to achieve their care goals. Sometimes the most clinically appropriate medication on paper isn't necessarily the best option for that individual patient, so understanding their circumstances is incredibly important. Equally important is meeting the patient where they are and respecting that; there are a ton of patients that I meet who are not ready to quit smoking.

“Pharmacy is a service profession. We are an integral part of the communities we live and work in...”

Walk us through a typical workday.

One of the things I love about my roles is that there really isn't a “typical” day! On a hospital day, I would start with rapid rounds, review patients, see patients, and coordinate care with our team to make changes.

My academic days can include teaching, meeting with students, developing or improving course material, or supporting preceptors and students on experiential rotations.

How do you balance the competing demands working in both academia and hospital practice?

It is definitely a work in progress! I've learned that understanding the natural cycles of both roles is really important. It is also important for me to have a clear sense of direction and priorities. There will always be more things that could be done, so I try to focus my energy on work that supports the goals of our team and makes a meaningful difference for students or patients. Proactive planning, knowing when the busy periods are coming, and being intentional about where I put my effort have probably been the biggest strategies for balancing the two roles.

What do you find the most challenging in your work?

One challenge that exists in both patient care and education is navigating systems that aren't always designed to accommodate every individual's unique circumstances. Sometimes there are specific steps or processes that need to happen before a patient or student can access the support they need. That can be difficult when you're working with people who have very individual needs within a system that may be less adaptable.

“Pharmacy offers a lot of flexibility, and careers can evolve in ways you might not anticipate as a student.”

What opportunities exist in your fields for growth and development?

The possibilities really are endless, which is one of the things I love about pharmacy. In clinical practice, pharmacists can develop expertise in particular patient populations or therapeutic areas, take on leadership roles, become involved in research or quality improvement, teach learners, or help develop new clinical services. Academia offers another range of opportunities through teaching, research, curriculum development, educational scholarship, mentorship, and leadership. With a pharmacy degree you can go in a lot of different directions so you can hopefully find something you are good at and love at the same time.

“Be curious, ask questions, build relationships, and say yes to experiences that interest you.”

How do you see the field evolving over the next 5 to 10 years?

I think our value will increasingly come from knowing how to use information: knowing which resources and tools are reliable, interpreting evidence, applying it to an individual patient, and identifying the interventions that will actually make a meaningful difference for our patients and communities. I see a similar shift happening in education. We increasingly have focused on the skills to find, assess, and apply information appropriately. With new technologies and resources, knowing how to critically evaluate information and use new tools responsibly will be key. Pharmacy practice and education both require strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, communication, and adaptability.

What personality traits or skills excel in these areas of pharmacy practice?

What is the one message you’d give to current pharmacy students?

A genuine desire to keep becoming a better version of yourself while also making your community better.

Pharmacy is a service profession. We are an integral part of the communities we live and work in, whether that community is a hospital unit, a classroom, a university, or a neighbourhood. Curiosity, humility, adaptability, communication, and a willingness to keep learning are all important as well.

What I value (and remember) the most about pharmacy school are the friends, relationships, and experiences! You get invited into different spaces, you get to learn from people you might not otherwise meet, and you get to ask questions using the “student card.” Take advantage of that! Be curious, ask questions, build relationships, and say yes to experiences that interest you. Make the most of it!

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PROJECT HAIL MARY Movie Review - Mild Spoilers Ahead “You just need to find someone to be brave for.”

Picture this: You’re me, killing time at West Edmonton Mall, scrolling through the news of the Artemis II launch and journey to the moon. The evening show of Project Hail Mary just so happens to be starting soon, and you decide to go in and watch it on a whim. Two hours and thirty six minutes later, you leave the cinema with tears in your eyes and a newly ignited determination to live.

No, I am not kidding.

Project Hail Mary (2026) follows Ryland Grace, a middle school teacher and molecular biologist, as he travels to the Tau Ceti system in hopes of finding a solution to earth’s dying sun.

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Despite his amnesia, he knows this isn’t an earth exclusive problem— every star in the solar neighborhood is dimming as a result of an alien microorganism dubbed “astrophage”. Grace must use his wits to find a solution alone... or does he?

If you were a fan of The Martian (which, fun fact, shares the same author as PHM), you’re gonna love this film. They share pretty similar traits: Regular Human is isolated in space but manages to overcome impossible odds through the power of science. Both films also highlight the importance of connection, but I would argue that PHM utilizes it in a more interesting way.

I’m talking, of course, about Rocky.

Earth and Erid truly sent the nerdiest of-

-their respective species to space. A good chunk of the runtime is dedicated to various Grace-and-Rocky antics. This includes brainstorming and problemsolving, to be fair, but it also includes karaoke. And vlogging. And puppet shows.

This is not a complaint. In fact, I wish there was more.

“Grace-Rocky save stars.”

The camaraderie they share is accentuated

by Grace’s flashbacks of earth throughout the film. Like, yes Grace was a fun science teacher, and yes he eventually came to be a valued member of the Petrova Task Force. And yet, there is an undercurrent of loneliness that is pervasive in every earth scene. Grace is beloved in the same way a stray dog is beloved. Showered with enough affection, he becomes blind to the rope – or Petrova line – tightening around his neck.

But it’s not like that with Rocky. These two manage to form a bond that transcends cultural and atmospheric barriers. Grace didn’t have to customize the translation machine’s voice to Rocky’s preference, but he did. Rocky didn’t have to sit and watch earth nature footage, but he did. It’s their mutual kindness that often tips the scales in their favour in times of adversity. There’s one scene in particular that exemplifies this the greatest, but we’re getting into Heavy Spoiler territory.

Very quickly, the last thing I’ll say about PHM is its subversion of the earth-space colour palettes. Generally speaking, earth scenes are cool-toned, while space scenes are vibrant and warm-toned. The Hail Mary spacecraft ends up feeling a lot more friendly and inviting than any place earthside, which is in line with Grace’s arc. A notable exception to this would be Grace’s flashbacks teaching his children in the classroom, which are almost all painted in light and warmth. Another “IYKYK”.

None of what I’ve written this whole review even covers a fraction of all the good things to be said about Project Hail Mary. I didn’t mention Grace’s unreliable narration, or all the hidden Petrova line references, or the surprising use of practical effects. But, I guess that means you have no choice but to do watch it yourself.

Fig 1. Artist’s rendition of “low quality Rocky”.

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Ama aze!

Am aze!

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I’ll leave it as an “If you know, you know”.

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