SUMMER 2019
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
THE
FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
the
Pharmer’s almanac A FORECAST FOR PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
WEATHER OUTLOOK
GARDENING TIPS FOR GRADS
GROWING RURAL HEALTH CARE
HOMECOMING SEASON
ASPIRING TO NEW HEIGHTS
With your support, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences continues to reach new heights and educate out-of-this-world pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. To learn more about giving opportunities, please visit uab.ca/givetopharm or call 780-492-8084.
Dean: Dr. Neal M. Davies Assistant Dean, Advancement: Kieran Andrew MacIsaac Editor: Kalyna Hennig Editorial Assistant: Courtney Bettin Contributors: Courtney Bettin Julia Brown Photography Al Buterol Dr. Neal M. Davies Dr. Michael Doschak Rex Filler Kalyna Hennig Dr. Afsaneh Lavasanifar Dr. Raimar Loebenberg Kieran Andrew MacIsaac Brendan Middel Jyllian Park Dr. Arno Siraki Dr. Vijay Somayaji Design/Illustration: Curio Studio Editor’s Note: Pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences are a fertile field of opportunities to advance health care, diversify the economy, and, most importantly, save lives. In this eighth issue, let us paint a picture of both the historic roots and new growth that the Faculty has been a part of over the years and show our gratitude for the fertilizer that our alumni, students, staff, and faculty have been for this industry. The Mortar & Pestle is published twice per year to keep our community of alumni, students, and faculty connected and informed. As always, we welcome your comments, suggestions, and story pitches to guide future issues. phcomms@ualberta.ca ualberta.ca/pharmacy facebook.com/ualbertapharmacy @ualberta_pharmacy @UAlberta_Pharm
Contents 4
Dean’s Distillate
FEATURES
NEWS & NOTES 8
20 The Pharmer’s Almanac: A Forecast for Pharmaceutical Sciences by Region
New Book puts Patients at the Centre
10 Pharmer’s Word Search
Local pharmers weigh in on the future
11 Floating Pharmacy Alumna Sandy Hewitt journeys abroad as a pharmacist for Mercy Ships.
to students and better Alberta’s rural health care.
14 Gardening Tips for Grads 15 International Pharmaceuticals Assistant Dean International, Dr. Michael Doschak, reports on his trip to the inaugural Chiba-Alberta Symposium on Pharmaceutics in Japan.
modern medicine could be growing in your backyard?
33 Oh Canada! The Order of Canada is our country’s
17 The Vitality of Drug Discovery Dr. Vishwa Somayaji’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometer Facility is the university’s backbone for drug discovery.
highest honour, and three of our alumni have achieved it.
36 A Touch of Class The history of Class Gifts in our faculty
18 In-House Healing
began with the Class of 1955.
Dr. Kevin Morin combines pharmaceutical sciences and psychiatry to better patient outcomes.
her research.
Do you know which plants used in
30 The Pasutto Period
IN THE MORTAR
confidence in prescribing through
26 Backyard Pharmacy
LOOKING BACK
16 AFPC Conference 2019
working to grow pharmacy student
24 Growing Rural Health Care Alumnus Jerry Saik’s work to give back
SPOTLIGHT
Grad student, Cassandra Woit, is
forecast about regions like drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and more.
13 Remembering Robert Dowling
19 Prescribing Student Success
of their disciplines in this long-range
FAST FACTS 38 Golden Graduates The Class of 1969 celebrates 50 years of pharmacy.
39 Hey Jude-y The Beatles aren’t the only ones that sing the praises of Hey Jude(y).
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3
DEAN'S DISTILLATE
Dean’s Distillate
I
BEGAN MY DEANSHIP with confidence and conviction in our
progress requires relationship building, connecting, and communicating
collective capacity. During the History Book Tour for alumni
effectively. I have witnessed how much can be achieved when the
this past year, I told the stories of our heritage of achievement
collective will is in place and we band together. The culmination of hard
and reaffirmed our commitment to move our Faculty onward. We have
work, determination, and a united commitment is gratifying and, rest
grasped the torch which has passed from those who have left their legacy
assured, we have been achieving our goals and should be proud of our
and will further ascend this Faculty in proficiency and excellence.
barn raisings.
In a short span of time we have made strides in facility improvements,
No progress can occur without change. Our reality is that the status
rejuvenated research innovation and infrastructure, as well as
quo is never an option, nor has it ever been. Since 1914, the Faculty
professional pedagogy. My predecessors have all upheld the
has adapted, evolved, and advanced in pharmacy and pharmaceutical
responsibilities of our vision, mission, and values: academic excellence,
sciences through embracing and incorporating change. This is a fact
stimulating the research enterprise, and refining and developing
of life and an integral part of our daily routine. It’s a doctrine that has
programs. Leading the drive for innovation and improvement in more
guided our Faculty throughout its antiquity. Our almanacs show that
personal, relationship-based areas is crucial to our continued success.
there were challenges peppered throughout our history and yet
This includes things such as equity, diversity, inclusion, Truth and
wholesale curricular upgrades were still made. To that end, the
Reconciliation, the respectful workplace, an award winning student
Faculty launched campaigns for endowments, scholarships, and
experience (p. 8), professionalism, alumni relations, fundraising, and
infrastructure that we now have. Our drive remains alive and our
community service and engagement. Everywhere I turn the response has
goals still clearly in focus. At the end of the day, we are a first-class
been that our alumni, donors, industry, students, and other academics
educational program and a place where the next generation of
are engaging us because of our leadership, ideas, concepts, and drive
pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists receive state-of-the-art
forward. As a pharmacy educator, I have learned that making significant
training and emerge ready to lead our communities.
4
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
DEAN'S DISTILLATE
The role of Dean of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at this
Once again, I would offer my gratitude to all of you for your role as
University of Alberta is indeed a stimulating enterprise. I cherish it daily.
advocates. Your germinating and resolute support is invigorating and
I wish only the best for our world-class Faculty and its incomparable
underscores the veneration it is to serve you. As Dean I am constantly
people, and alumni [see stories of the Floating Pharmacy, Growing
developing my abilities to build our team, learn, communicate
Rural Health Care, and In-House Healing (p. 11, 24, 18)]. I continue to
effectively, inspire and understand others, and refine institutional pride
look forward to travelling on this journey with you, and I thank all of
and engagement in our alma mater.
you for your support and engagement at the Faculty. I carry my duties with no small amount of alumni pride as I am continually awestruck
A new era of weeds, droughts, hail, locusts, and significant change
at the strides we continue to make. We are a championship team (like
lie ahead, but I am confident we will rise to the occasion again. Our
the Raptors!). This nexus not only describes our common educational
prospective achievements will stand as a commendation to those who
experience but our profession. It also describes the way we are trained
came before us.
and what we believe. It represents the conviction that our Faculty works optimally when we accept certain duties to assist one another and to
Thank you for having me as your Dean.
future generations of our graduates. When we realize that our future is dependent on the training of new generations, then we take an oath to our future as a calling to be the chamberlains of the next chapter in our evolution. NEAL M DAVIES BSc(Pharm), Ph.D., R.Ph. Dean and Professor
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
5
NEWS & NOTES
news & notes
DAY
NOTABLE DAYS FOR 2019-20 ACADEMIC YEAR MONTH
TIME
NOTABILITY
LOCATION
DETAILS
3
September
Varies
Back to School
University of Alberta
Classes begin for pharmacy students
13
September
4PM - 6:30PM
Welcome Back TGIF
Katz Atrium 1st Floor, Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy Research
Free pizza, wings, and $5 dollar drinks
19
September
6PM - 9PM
White Coat & Awards Ceremony
Shaw Conference Centre, tickets available soon
Class of 2023 joins the profession as they enter into their pharmacy education, Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus Award presented
20-22
September
Varies
Alumni Weekend
University of Alberta
Campus-wide celebration attended by alumni
21
September
11AM - 3PM
The History Book Tour Finale at Alumni Weekend
University of Alberta, Medical Sciences Building 2-35
Join your fellow alumni for food, libations, tours of the faculty, and the finale to the History Book Tour
20
November
3PM
Fall Convocation
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Includes BSc Pharm, PharmD, Masters, PhD students; tickets required
28
November
8AM - 4PM
Research Day
University of Alberta
Celebration of pharmacy research
1-31
March
Throughout
Pharmacist Awareness Month
Canada-wide
Celebration of what pharmacists do for health care
TBA
June
TBA
Spring Convocation
Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Class of 2020 convocates from pharmacy; tickets required
September 2 0 1 9 THE NINTH MONTH HATH 30 DAYS, MANY FILLED WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AND NOTABLE OCCURRENCES.
6
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
2019 FLU PHASES
SEPTEMBER 2019 GARDENING TIPS
Influenza season is coming! This contagious
Harvest. Return to the roots and gather.
respiratory disease is caused by a virus and
Clean, organize, and winterize as needed.
affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It most commonly affects Canadians during the
HOMECOMING
winter, typically from fall to early spring.
The University of Alberta’s first degrees
Did you know that in 2018 more than half
were awarded in 1912, and in just two years
of all flu vaccines in Alberta were administered
an association for Alumni was drafted. Over
by a pharmacist? Make sure you get the flu
100 years later, the season of familiarity and
vaccine as soon as it’s available!
nostalgia arrives this September. Alumni Weekend 2019 will return its patrons to their
NEWS & NOTES roots from September 20th to 22nd, with a special Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
WEATHER OUTLOOK
Annually, we achieve blizzard status, and our
S
many back-to-school events and activities will
Pharmaceutical Sciences is tight-knit, where
evere Storm Warning Season — Environment Canada advises citizens considering travel to their alma mater to devise an emergency plan in advance of their departure. Blizzard season can run from the beginning of September to the end of May.
students, alumni, and industry have a strong
Each September the Faculty of Pharmacy and
more notable days. This perfect storm of events
sense of team collaboration. In this ecosystem
Pharmaceutical Sciences enters into the start
would never happen were it not for our alumni,
the alumni network is an asset. It’s part of the
of a new academic year. We have a week of
students, donors, colleagues, and friends.
nutrients that nourish the Faculty, keeping
welcome and a flying, flurrying, perennial start
We stage many events, but they will not have
it current, responsive, and forward-looking.
accompanied by a couple months of a squall
meaning or purpose without participation. So
It makes the Faculty a home for learning,
white-out that doesn’t stop.
remember, everyone is invited to everything.
Homecoming scheduled for September 21st. With a cohort of alumni that are tremendously engaged both in revisiting their old stomping grounds and discovering everything that is new about today’s facilities and innovations, the word homecoming rings true. The Faculty of Pharmacy and
disappear like the proverbial tempest, seeding our academic year. As the leaves start changing colour and the winter approaches we look forward to maintaining this great momentum. It is our aspiration that you join us and enjoy this September at Homecoming, the White Coat and Awards Ceremony, Convocation, and
research, and community service. Through Homecoming and other efforts, the Faculty ecosystem builds a sense of awareness and community that goes far beyond just gathering with friends. It’s all part of building and strengthening our collective bonds to foster the growth of the club ties that make this troupe so remarkable and rare and creating a healthier future for the world. Dean, Dr. Neal Davies, says this season of homecoming is his favourite. “I look forward to further building, strengthening, and enhancing the relationships we have. It is my hope that all alumni will look back fondly to this place — our place — and that when you think of the Faculty, you will think of a warm and welcoming learning and social environment, a place we hope you will always consider as something that is yours,” says Dr. Davies. Please join us on September 21st, 2019 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences special Alumni Weekend event: The Indispensable History Finale. This event marks the final stop on the History Book Tour for Dr. Davies’ The Indispensable History of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 1914-2018, and you’re invited to celebrate over lunch, libations, tours of the faculty facilities, and a final presentation! Invitations coming soon.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
7
NEWS & NOTES
AWARD-WINNING STUDENTS
Jessica Buhler (BSc Pharm 2019) received the Canadian Pharmacists Association Centennial Leadership Award. She was chosen from pharmacy student applicants across the country. Cassandra Cooper (PharmD 2019) is the second pharmacy student in the Faculty’s history to receive the Alberta Premier’s Silver Medal for attaining the highest academic standing throughout her undergraduate degree of all students in the Faculties of Law, Medicine and Dentistry, and Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Cooper also received the ACP Gold Medal for attaining the highest GPA in her graduating class (pictured left). Dillon Lee (PharmD 2020) received the ACP Leadership Development Award this spring for her professionalism, leadership, and citizenship as a student. Graduate Students Ahmed Darwesh Essa (MSc Pharm Sci 2015) and Sherif Shoeib (MSc Pharm Sci 2015) won the Alberta Innovates Award this year for their work as PhD candidates. Darwesh Essa’s focus is on providing new insights into the therapeutic potential of the novel epoxylipids of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to improve cardiac function following ischemic injury by enhancing mitochondrial quality, with an overall goal of identifying new therapeutic strategies that limit cardiac injury after ischemic events. Shoeib’s research goal is to identify small molecules
CASSANDRA COOPER ADDRESSES HER FELLOW GRADUATES AT THE 2019 ACP BRUNCH AFTER RECEIVING THE ACP GOLD MEDAL.
New Book puts Patients at the Centre
that can be used for the treatment of heart failure, a condition that has few treatment options and may ultimately progress to sudden cardiac death.
ALBERTA PHARMACISTS ARE playing a greater role in health care
professors from the Faculty — the book highlights the fundamentals of
than ever before, and Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Sherif Mahmoud
assessment for any practice setting and delves into more specialized
(PhD 2010) believes that making correct and confident decisions during
topics like infectious diseases and anemia. While other resources on the
patient assessment is key to providing great patient care. Implementing
topic exist, Dr. Mahmoud says his book is a place where practitioners
a patient care process is an invaluable skill for all pharmacists and is
can find all of the most current information in one place.
the inspiration behind Dr. Mahmoud’s new book, Patient Assessment in Clinical Pharmacy. “As medication experts, pharmacists’ interventions in patient care have been shown to improve patient outcomes and reduce health care costs in various practice settings,” says Dr. Mahmoud. Offering a uniquely Canadian perspective — including that of 15 other 8
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
“This comprehensive guide is an indispensable resource for pharmacists and pharmacy students looking to learn or improve crucial patient assessment skills relevant to all pharmacy practice settings.” Dr. Mahmoud’s book was released in March of this year and is available for order as an eBook or in hard copy at Nature Springer, Amazon, and other online retailers.
NEWS & NOTES
green shirt day
GRADUATES FROM THE Class of 2019 officially joined the pharmacy profession when they pledged the code of ethics at the ACP Graduation Brunch this June. Congratulations to our newest cohort of pharmacists! Keep up with the us on Instagram @ualberta_pharmacy
UAlberta Pharmacy students suited up for Green Shirt Day to honour the Humboldt Broncos, the Logan Boulet Effect, and raise awareness for organ and tissue donation on April 8th this year.
DONATE TODAY! uab.ca/givetopharm
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
9
NEWS & NOTES
PHARMER'S WORD SEARCH What do pharmacists and actors both need in order to do their jobs? __ __ __ __ __ __ Find the six pharmacy-related words below to answer the riddle.
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SCRIPT (S -PESTLE, C- CAPSULE, R – FORMULATE, I - PILL, P – DISPENSE, T – TRIPLICATE) 1. PESTLE, 2. CAPSULE, 3. FORMULATE, 4. PILL 5. DISPENSE, 6. TRIPLICATE
ANSWER KEY 10
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
NEWS & NOTES
Floating Pharmacy
Sandy Hewitt
ALUMNA SANDY HEWITT JOURNEYS ABROAD AS A PHARMACIST FOR MERCY SHIPS BY COURTNEY BETTIN FEELING FULFILLED IN HER ROLE as a community pharmacist,
“The surgical hospital could not function without a reliable source of
Sandy Hewitt (BSc Pharm 1987) had no idea that an episode of 60
high-quality medications. Local supplies of medications run the risk of
Minutes would change her career path overnight. But a feature on Mercy
being counterfeit and not reliably stored or handled. As well, without the
Ships, an international organization that provides critical health care
pharmacy on board, the ship would be using local resources and taking
to developing countries via hospital ships, did just that. Two years later,
away from what is available in an already resource-poor country.”
Hewitt and her husband Larry, a biomedical technologist, would find themselves boarding the deck of Africa Mercy. Currently in Guinea, Hewitt has been to four countries with Mercy
Each pharmacist works weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rotates being on call one week out of every three. On free weekends, Hewitt and her husband will take the opportunity to visit local beaches and
Ships where she acts as the senior pharmacist in charge of a three-person
markets, a welcome break from what can otherwise be an emotionally
team, coordinating efforts for both the on-board pharmacy and off-site
draining schedule.
dental and eye clinics. “As Canadians, many of us are unaware of how good our health care
Hewitt’s efforts on Mercy Ships are completely volunteer-based, and she is required to pay crew fees in order to live on board. This means
system actually is,” says Hewitt. “Five billion people do not have access
that while the ship is receiving maintenance over the summer, her and
to safe, timely, affordable surgery.”
Larry will travel across Canada providing informational talks on the
“(Mercy Ships) not only provide surgeries to those in need but build up the medical capacity of the nation where they serve, mentoring
organization in order to raise funds for their next year of service. However, Hewitt says the most challenging part has nothing to do
surgeons, nurses, anaesthesia providers, biomedical technicians,
with the work but with the relationships that are made along the way.
physiotherapists, and this year also a pharmacist.”
Volunteers arrive every weekend from across the globe, including several
Familiar tasks for Hewitt include providing medication for the hospital wards, completing chart reviews, and filling prescriptions from the crew physician. However, her role requires her to work extensively on international relations as well. In order to keep the pharmacy well stocked, Hewitt is responsible for coordinating with officials from various countries abroad. The ship imports all of the necessary medications from distributors
University of Alberta alumni, for a minimum of three months, and it’s often hard to say goodbye after sharing the experience together. Ultimately, Hewitt says the Mercy Ships have shaped the way she views her career in pharmacy. “After seeing the severity and complexity of many of our patient’s conditions, you can’t help but be changed,” says Hewitt. “My appreciation and advocacy for our excellent health care in Canada will
throughout the U.S. and Europe through their support centre in Texas.
affect all my future work, and working with the underprivileged will
Even when the process goes smoothly the shipments can take up to four
always be a priority.”
months before they’re on the ship, requiring excellent organization and estimation. Then, Hewitt has to request a license from the Ministry of Health in their current country in order to have the medication processed through customs on time. Though not ideal, Hewitt says this
If you would like to learn more about Mercy Ships visit mercyships.ca or follow along with Sandy and Larry’s journey on their blog at larryandsandyhewitt.wordpress.com
model is integral to the ship’s overall mission.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
11
NEWS & NOTES
FACULTY NOTES Ms. Teri Charrois, Clinical Associate
Dr. Ayman El-Kadi took over the role of
Dr. Michael Doschak, Professor, has
Professor, received the student-nominated
Associate Dean of Research and Graduate
transitioned into an additional role as
Teaching Excellence Award.
Studies this spring, replacing Dr. Scot
Assistant Dean, International and is a
Simpson who served the faculty with gusto
welcome addition to the administrative team.
Dr. Nathan Beahm, Clinical Assistant
for five years. Dr. Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Professor, received
Professor, received the Canadian Pharmacists Journal's Best Paper of the Year
Dr. Sherif Mahmoud, Clinical Associate
a five year discovery grant from NSERC on
award this June.
Professor, graduated from Harvard University
“Development of stimuli deformable lipid/
Medical School's Global Clinical Scholars
polymer hybrid nano-materials for drug
Dr. Christine Hughes, Professor, is a co-
Research Training Program in June. He was
delivery applications”.
applicant on a successful CIHR team grant
also promoted from Assistant to Associate
called Testing, Reaching the Undiagnosed and
Clinical Professor.
The Pharmacy Student Services Team was named a University of Alberta Wellness
Linkages to Care: “REACHing” for Impact. This team grant is funded for $1.2 million a
Dr. Patrick Mayo took early retirement from
Champion this year. Students nominated
year for five years. One of the five projects in
his position this spring but will remain as an
Dallyce Bialowas, Dr. Dion Brocks, Anjela
the team grant (referred to as APPROACH
Adjunct Professor.
Dela Cruz, and Dr. Ravina Sanghera for their efforts in making the UAlberta community a
2.0) is scaling up and evaluating community pharmacy based testing for sexually-
Congratulations to Dr. Ravina Sanghera and
better place, connecting people, and building
transmitted and blood-borne infections within
her family as they welcomed their baby girl,
a supportive environment for students of the
existing infrastructure.
Rayna Kaur Sanghera Grewal, on May 16, 2019.
faculty. Congratulations!
Introducing FoamaDerm™ A novel base for better outcomes.
FoamaDerm™ is a propellant-free foam, which is designed to be used as a base for Diclofenac Sodium. It is a water-based formulation which provides a nongreasy feeling for patient after application and does not stain clothes. Learn more at rstherapeutics.com
12
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
Inspired by research done in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta!
NEWS & NOTES
IN MEMORIAM We honour those alumni who have passed. KEITH WILFRED DIXON BSc Pharm 1947 December 6, 2018
RAYMOND KEITH PRINGLE BSc Pharm 1955 December 29, 2018
NELSON CHI CHOY BSc Pharm 1991 November 8, 2018
ROBERT DOWLING BSc Pharm 1955 March 4, 2019
GORDON DALE SIMPSON BSc Pharm 1962 April 4, 2019
Remembering Robert Dowling SEPTEMBER 28, 1924 - MARCH 4, 2019
ROBERT “BOB” DOWLING graduated from the University of Alberta with a BSc(Pharm) in 1955 after serving his country as a pilot in the RCAF #418 Squadron from 1942 to 1945 and receiving a BA from the University of British Columbia. At the University of Alberta he was President of the pharmacy club from 1954 to 1955 and a member of the curling club. After graduation and following three years in Sexsmith, he settled in Jasper in 1958 where at one time he owned three stores: Cavell Drugs, Tekarra Drugs, and The Whistlers. He also owned one patent medical store in Valemount, BC. In 1969, Dowling was elected MLA for the Edson constituency. He won a hotly contested race, defeating three other candidates. He ran for a second term in office in the 1971 Alberta general election. He substantially increased his majority and was easily re-elected, defeating two other candidates. After the election, Premier Peter Lougheed appointed Dowling to his first cabinet as a Minister without Portfolio responsible for Tourism. He was shuffled to another portfolio in the middle of his term and became the Minister of Consumer Affairs. Dowling ran for a third term in the 1975 Alberta general election, his first time standing for re-election with ministerial advantage. His popular vote dropped slightly, but he was re-elected as the opposition vote collapsed. After the election he was shuffled to a similar cabinet post as his first one, becoming the Minister of Business Development and Tourism. He then served as an MLA from March 29, 1965, to June 30, 1969. He held that portfolio until he retired from provincial politics at the dissolution of the assembly in 1979. Following his time in elected office, Dowling served as Commissioner for Alberta’s 75th Anniversary celebrations and later led the province’s participation at Expo ‘86 in Vancouver. In 2000, Dowling was awarded the Alberta Centennial Medal, and he was honoured at the University of Alberta Alumni Recognition Awards on September 25, 2013, for his contributions to the community, province, and country. On March 4, 2019, Robert passed away at the age of 94 years old.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
13
SPOTLIGHT
Gardening Tips for Grads
F
OR 105 YEARS the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has planted successful student crops and sent graduates out into the world of health care
and pharmaceuticals at our convocation harvest. Academics are gardeners who strive for the synergistic dose of sunlight, fluids, pesticides, nutrients, and fertilizer to ensure a professional crop of graduates each spring. When our graduates further ripen into successful practitioners, they carry not only the health of their communities but our legacy of excellence we strive for at the Faculty. We continue to plant each year. We scrutinize seed catalogues of applicants to be admitted and plot how to plant row on row a new class. The spectacle of convocation is a milestone event in our academic lives and, indeed, a much anticipated day of harvest punctuated by a palpable spirit of celebration. For the student pharmacists in our field, graduation marks the end of a long and transformative growing process after developing in one of the most difficult, challenging, and demanding programs at the University of Alberta. Convocation is a time of celebration, a time of jubilation made after years and years of diligent toil and focus that each and every graduate put forward to achieve. As pharmacists, it isn’t just a milestone. The professional designation that becomes officially imparted is one that also comes with significant professional duty. Becoming a trusted member in an exclusive professional guild is an incomparable role of respect, trust, responsibility, and accountability to the public. All of this is evident in the Class of 2019.
2019’S TOP TEN FERTILIZERS FOR PHARMERS 1.
RESPECT
2.
TRUST
3.
RESPONSIBILITY
4.
ACCOUNTABILITY
5.
MINDFULNESS
6.
MUTUAL SUPPORT
7.
CONSENT
8.
COMPETENCE
9.
COMPASSION
10. INTEGRITY
SPOTLIGHT
International Pharmaceuticals AN ACCOUNT FROM THE INAUGURAL CHIBA-ALBERTA SYMPOSIUM ON PHARMACEUTICS IN JAPAN
BY DR. MICHAEL DOSCHAK
OVER SEVEN DAYS THIS FEBRUARY, a delegation of nine University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
UOFA FOPPS DELEGATES (LEFT TO RIGHT) DR. DAVID PEREZ GOMEZ, DR. CARLOS
Sciences (FoPPS) researchers were invited to travel to Chiba
VELAZQUEZ, DR. DINESH BABU, DR. FRANK WUEST, MS. LOCKHART JAMIESON, DR.
University in Japan to participate in the inaugural Chiba-Alberta Pharmaceutical Sciences Symposium. Organized by Dr. Hidetaka
MIKE DOSCHAK, MR. BENJAMIN WAJDA, DR. ARNO SIRAKI, DR. JOHN SEUBERT. PICTURED IN FRONT OF THE BELL TOWER CIRCA 1890 FROM THE ORIGINAL CHIBA UNIVERSITY CAMPUS.
Akita and others at Chiba’s Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (GSPS), the symposium marked the rejuvenation of
evening, the Canadian faculty were treated to a traditional Japanese
collaborative ties between the two schools and the involvement of
supper hosted by the Dean of Chiba GSPS, Professor Masami Ishibashi,
the current generation of faculty and trainees at each institution.
along with several additional faculty professoriate. Our hosts introduced
The renewed inter-institutional relationship commenced in 2017 when current Assistant Dean International, Dr. Mike Doschak, visited Chiba University for a research presentation
us to the intricacies of Japanese cuisine, culture, and their aspirations for the upcoming symposium. The second day of the symposium commenced with podium
with reciprocal visitation and research presentations to FoPPS in
presentations by each of the invited professors interspersed with
Edmonton by Dr. Kousei Ito and Dr. Shigeki Aoki in summer 2018,
Chiba faculty presentations. Topics covered included drug delivery,
hosted by Dean Dr. Neal Davies. The original “Agreement for
pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetic modeling,
Research Co-operation” with Chiba’s GSPS dates back to January
and cancer energy metabolism research. One positive outcome was
1987 and was signed by then Dean, Dr. John Bachynsky, and Chiba
witnessing how our FoPPS researchers gelled together as an academic
Dean, Dr. Haruo Kitagawa.
team, supporting each other in turn to ensure each podium presentation from our guest professors and trainees was constructively critiqued
After the long flight from Edmonton via Vancouver to Tokyo, five professors—myself, Dr. John Seubert, Dr. Arno Siraki, Dr. Carlos Velazquez, and Dr. Frank Wuest—and four post-doctoral fellows and
by the visiting Canadian faculty to suitably honour their advanced pharmaceutical sciences research. The third day was dedicated to two sequential all-day poster sessions
graduate student trainees—Dr. Dinesh Babu Nithyananda, Dr. David
which allowed the Chiba school undergraduate and graduate trainees
Perez Gomez, Lockhart Jamieson, and Benjamin Wajda—were
to present their research to the visiting Canadian delegates. Additional
greeted at Narita airport by Chiba school graduate trainees. On tours
one-on-one partnering discussions and presentations were held by Chiba
of Chiba University’s pharmaceutical sciences laboratories the next
faculty members and research staff for all visiting Canadian professors
day, our group saw many things of impact including the zebra fish
in an effort to connect and catalyze like-minded collaborative research
facility, radiopharmacy labs, and the medicinal chemistry laboratories
interests and potential future trainee exchange.
bubbling with multiple “potions” destined for anti-inflammatory drug
The final day was spent touring Tokyo under the guidance of our
synthetic schemes as complicated as the 21 sequential step synthesis of
hosts, with special thanks to Dr. Akihiro Hisaka, Dr. Kousei Ito, Dr.
carbazomycins in the lab of Professor Atsushi Nishida, who currently
Shigeki Aoki, Dr. Takeshi Susukida, and Dr. Hiromi Sato. I took a side
serves as the Associate Dean International for Chiba University. That
trip on the Shinkansen bullet train to visit the Kyoto University Faculty
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15
SPOTLIGHT
TOP LEFT: TRADITIONAL JAPANESE SUPPER WITH FACULTY MEMBERS (LEFT TO RIGHT) DR. KUNIKAZU MORIBE, DR. CARLOS VELAZQUEZ, DR. YASUSHI ARANO, DR. JOHN SEUBERT, DR. MASAMI ISHIBASHI (DEAN), DR. FRANK WUEST, DR. HIDETAKA AKITA, DR. MIKE DOSCHAK, DR. KOUSEI ITO, DR. ARNO SIRAKI
of Pharmaceutical Sciences where I had been invited to meet with and
and collaborate on pharmaceutical cardiac research. At the same time,
give a guest presentation to the Kinki Branch of the Pharmaceutical
Associate Professor Dr. Shigeki Aoki will also visit the lab of Dr. Frank
Society of Japan, hosted by Professor Yoshinobu Takakura.
Wuest at the Cross Cancer Institute to collaborate on preclinical micro-
Since our return to Edmonton, active research collaborations have
PET research.
commenced in earnest for each of the professors involved, including
On behalf of the University of Alberta delegation, we sincerely
the first trainee exchange in April 2019 when the fully funded Japan
thank our Chiba University hosts for an outstanding symposium and
Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) post-doctoral fellow, Dr.
experience in Japan. We now look forward to the research outcomes that
Takeshi Susukida, joined my Pharmaceutical Orthopaedic Research
will follow from our renewed collaboration and to hosting our Japanese
lab to undertake activated CD4 and CD8 lymphocyte labeling and
collaborators at the 2nd Chiba-Alberta Symposium, to be held in the
micro-CT imaging during idiosyncratic drug toxicity events in a rodent
near future (dates to be determined).
model recently published in the collaborating lab of Dr. Kousei Ito. The second academic exchange is slated for October 2019 and will involve the arrival of Assistant Professor Dr. Hiroki Tanaka (from the Chiba lab of Professor Hidetaka Akita) to be hosted by the lab of Dr. John Seubert
If you would like to learn more about the Chiba-Alberta Symposium on Pharmaceutics, please email mdoschak@ualberta.ca
AFPC CONFERENCE 2019 The annual Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) Conference was held at the University of Alberta this year from June 11th to 14th and celebrated its 75th anniversary. Of the 200+ pharmacists, academics, researchers, and educators from across Canada that came to Edmonton, eight Deans of the 10 Canadian schools of pharmacy joined the festivities and toured our UAlberta facilities (pictured right). Above and beyond the conference activities, the Faculty of Pharmacy also hosted two “Alberta Nights” at local pubs to encouragement networking over food, drink, and karaoke. The conference would not have been a success without the teamwork of the University of British Columbia, University of Saskatchewan, extra work of Faculty and staff, and in particular, of Dr. Nese Yuksel.
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The Vitality of Drug Discovery
Dr. Vishwa Somayaji
DR. VISHWA SOMAYAJI’S NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROMETER FACILITY BY COURTNEY BETTIN PHOTO JULIA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY Access to a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) facility is the key component of any university looking to research organic compounds, including those used for medicinal purposes. At the University of Alberta this is no different. Dr. Vishwa Somayaji, who’s been running the U of A’s facility out of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for the past 30 years, says that while NMR is a commonality amongst academia that
you only pay attention if the water doesn’t flow when the tap is turned
doesn’t make it any less crucial to the research process.
on, similarly the synthetic part of research comes to a halt if the NMR
“The use of NMR is so entrenched that it is one of the first instruments in any infrastructure that supports any medicinal chemistry
facility is down for any reason.” On top of educating researchers on how to use the NMR facility
lab that has a pharmaceutical research program,” says Dr. Somayaji.
and helping to interpret results, Dr. Somayaji is also in charge of
The significance for the Faculty is even more crucial as nearly all
guaranteeing the machine runs smoothly. NMR spectrometers run on
pharmaceutical research will utilize the NMR facility at one point
liquid helium which facilitates the superconducting coil, and needs to be
or another.
changed out at regular intervals. Adding liquid nitrogen every two weeks
The NMR machine works by confirming the structure of a molecule, identifying exactly what a compound is, and ensuring that it’s a pure
helps slow the loss of the helium, which is facing a shortage worldwide. In his time at the facility, Dr. Somayaji has seen the university
sample while still keeping it intact. For example, Dr. Somayaji says that
upgrade from a 300 MHz system to 600 MHz which allows for
most drugs are synthesized in a multistep process, so at every step along
greater sensitivity and a higher resolution both of which contribute to
the way it will be tested in the NMR to verify that the compound is still
easier interpretation of the results. In addition, having a higher field
pure and the reactions are happening as they should.
spectrometer allows the same amount of work to be done in a fraction
Over the years, this type of structure-based experimentation is used
of the time. In the future he hopes to see even more advances being
in a variety of ways at the university and has helped researchers publish
made to increase the quality and caliber of research being produced.
papers, obtain patents, and establish their own companies such as AltaRex and Isotechnika. “In a way the NMR lab has become like a water tap in a kitchen,”
“If the Albertan and Canadian economies pick up in the coming years, thus easing the pressure on granting agencies, I see the Faculty getting better accessories that enhance the sensitivity of the existing
says Dr. Somayaji. “Researchers everywhere have come to use it as an
spectrometer,” says Dr. Somayaji. “And with Dr. Davies at the helm as the
integral part of medicinal chemistry and drug research. And just as
Dean of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the future is bright.”
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IN THE MORTAR
In-House Healing DR. KEVIN MORIN COMBINES PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES AND PSYCHIATRY TO BETTER PATIENT OUTCOMES BY JYLLIAN PARK PHOTO JULIA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY WE ARE ALL BORN WITH THE SAME HOURS IN A DAY, but some
to develop natural health care products and new technologies related
among us manage to ring out just a bit more time from the clock.
to EEGs.
Dr. Kevin Morin (BSc Pharm 1991, Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Sciences 1997,
After decades of development Sunmor was successful this year in
MD 2001) splits his time between his inpatient psychiatry practice at
gaining Health Canada approval for Techamex, a chamomile extract that
Alberta Hospital and his clinical research and development projects,
the company sees as a powerful alternative to traditional sleeping pills
which seemingly stack one on top of another and number into the
and benzodiazepines. Working on the front line of mental health and
dozens. Informed by the labyrinth of circuitry within the human brain,
psychiatric care at Alberta Hospital, Dr. Morin is all too familiar with
Dr. Morin has devoted his professional life to understanding how
the risks associated with medications developed to help with symptoms
the organ’s intricate electrical activity can impact patient health
of depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. He sees the therapeutic
and well-being.
product as a game changer for treating his patients. “I am very keen for
A Ph.D., MD, and entrepreneur, his many credentials achieved
it being used as a replacement for Ativan or other benzodiazepines,”
from the University of Alberta cover his office like wallpaper, now
says Dr. Morin. “We know that these can be detrimental in the long run,
punctuated with his most recent designation — specialty trained in
especially with dependence and tolerance issues over time.”
neuromodulation from Harvard University in 2017. A lifelong learner,
While developing Techamex, Dr. Morin and his team received a
Dr. Morin’s insatiable thirst for mapping and grasping the human
patent for a technology that uses EEG to read the chemical signature of
brain has ingrained him into the fabric of his alma mater. He serves
pharmaceuticals. Referred to as Pharmaco-EEG, this type of modified
the university as a researcher, in-faculty licenced psychiatrist, and most
EEG neuroimaging can be used in combination with pharmaceuticals
recently as a collaborator with Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation
to see how the different compounds affect brain activity in patients.
(API), an interdisciplinary network within the University of Alberta’s
“Many different compounds in psychiatry have a certain signature that
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to regulate, patent,
can be very specific for different compounds. Pharmco-EEG allows us to
and market medical technologies and research (see p. 23). “I feel good
understand how compounds work, and then my company has been busy
about working with API and the faculty as a collaborator in advancing
working on how machine-learning and artificial intelligence take the
technological opportunities in Alberta, especially for other companies
EEG and look for certain patterns within it.”
that are up and coming. I struggled when starting out, and I look at this
Never one to rest for long, Dr. Morin is looking to expand his work
as my way to give back to a Faculty that has been very supportive over
doing clinical program development in repetitive transcranial magnetic
the years,” says Dr. Morin.
stimulation (TMS) and in theranostics, a growing field of medicine
After leaving the University of Alberta following his residency in
combining targeted therapy based on diagnostic tests. Specifically,
2006, Dr. Morin trained at Alberta Hospital under Professor Flor-
his work examines how neuro imaging can inform physicians and
Henry, a renowned psychiatrist who has lead clinical study and research
psychiatrists how chemical compounds, including ketamine and
into neurophysiological assessments and electroencephalography (EEG).
cannabinoids used to treat depression, may be impacting a patient’s brain.
Seeing the direct benefits of using EEGs to diagnose and treat patients,
And on top of it all Dr. Morin is a valued resource to the Faculty
Dr. Morin looked to combine his background in pharmacy and delve
and student body. “My heart lies in the Faculty of Pharmacy and
further into the study of how neuroimaging technology can improve
Pharmaceutical Sciences because this is where my tools have come from,"
patient outcomes. He is the founder and lead researcher for both
says Dr. Morin. “Besides doing research and projects, I see students who
Sunmor Research and Precision Neuroclinics in downtown Edmonton.
may need support. I enjoy helping folks out who may be struggling. It is
In concert with PhDs and researchers — many from the U of A — he is
pretty intense being in pharmacy. It’s a lot to learn. I have a role in giving
combining his expertise in neuroimaging and pharmaceutical knowledge
back to the Faculty, and it’s gratifying to support the students.”
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Students were given a set of case studies that required a prescribing decision. They were allowed to use any resources that they would have access to in practice including online references and fellow colleagues. Once completed, the cases were followed with a confidence survey to determine whether the student felt they had made the correct decision. Woit analyzed the data on a scale that rated each answer as appropriate, suboptimal or inappropriate. From there the inappropriate answers were divided up based on the outcome for the patient, including not immediately harmful, potentially harmful, and potentially lethal. Based on the previous research, Woit thought both groups would
Prescribing Success for Student Practitioners GRAD STUDENT CASSANDRA WOIT WORKS TO GROW PHARMACY STUDENT CONFIDENCE BY COURTNEY BETTIN
show similar levels of competency but lower levels of confidence. In the literature, medical students often comment that their undergraduate education does not adequately prepare them to prescribe. However, Woit thought that medical students would rate themselves more confident than their pharmacy counterparts since not all pharmacists become prescribers. Regardless, she expected there to be low levels of self-awareness, with students reporting that they felt confident in their decision even if their prescription was incorrect. “Although we’re still working on the final results, from what I’m seeing in the data, there will be unexpected differences between the two groups of students,” Woit reports. The common types of prescribing errors that medical students made in the study are different from the those of pharmacy students, and both groups of students struggled with including all the legal requirements of a prescription. Woit suggests that a reason for the difference could be the curriculum. Medical students don’t spend substantial time learning about prescribing
PHOTO JULIA BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
until their clerkship or residency while pharmacy students learn to assess
IT’S NO SURPRISE that health care providers are viewed as some of
comes later.
prescriptions early on in their degree, although learning to prescribe
the most esteemed professionals in society. Patients put a lot of trust in
“I think prescribing is something that needs to be more focused on in
practitioners to provide first-class health care throughout every stage of
both faculties,” says Woit. “Especially if our results show that the students
their life.
are feeling like they’re not confident in prescribing.”
That trust is what inspired Cassandra Woit (MSc 2019) to base
She hopes her research can be used by the university to find ways of
her thesis on the confidence and competency levels of fourth-year
supplementing students and filling in the necessary gaps before they get
pharmacy and medical students in the act of prescribing medications
to real patients.
for their patients. “I’m really interested in the act of prescribing and what makes a
Overall, as a prescribing pharmacist herself, Woit says that the project has given her a deeper appreciation for the field. As pharmacists become
good prescriber,” says Woit. “A prescribing error can have really small
more involved in prescribing they offer another avenue of support for
consequences or really huge consequences, depending on the situation.
patients, ensuring that the health care received is the best it can be.
It’s an area where, if (pharmacists) are going to be prescribing more, we want to make sure that we’re making the right decisions.” Pharmacy students and medical students from the University of Alberta participated in her study, which was based on a similar project by the Working Group Research on CPT Education of the European Association for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (EACPT).
“As pharmacists, we’re not always the best advocates for our profession. I hope this will show that our students are really well equipped to take on prescribing in their scope of practice, and they should be more confident in their abilities as new graduates.” Woit will defend her thesis this September. Once the results of the study are published, discussions about preliminary conclusions will be open.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
19
FEATURES
the
Pharmer’s almanac A FORECAST FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES BY REGION
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Local pharmers weigh in on the future of their disciplines.
T
DRUG DELIVERY By Dr. Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Professor
The main objective of Drug Delivery research is to make drugs work better and have fewer side effects. This means designing and developing delivery systems that can achieve this goal for individual drugs and given disease conditions. In the future, discoveries on the means of communication and signaling between cells and organelles in nature will set the stage for the design and engineering of bio-mimetic (read: synthetic methods which mimic biochemical processes) delivery systems for more efficient and smart delivery of therapeutics. Artificial intelligence will routinely be used to develop such delivery systems for given therapeutics.
he 2019 Pharmer’s Almanac
To get there, the field of Drug Delivery will see improvements in the regulations and standardization of biological formulations to
has long-range forecasts
be implemented; more extensive adoption of nano-medicine by the
for the foreseeable future of
different therapeutics, similar to the way protein drugs and biologics
pharmaceutical industry for the formulation and re-formulation of
pharmaceutical sciences by region,
were adopted by the industry; and approvals of new materials as
including outlooks for areas like Drug
formulation of existing drugs or as development of pharmaceutical
Delivery, Pharmacokinetics, and
bioavailability, target accessibility, or reducing side effects of different
more. Our long-range predictions can be used to make more informed decisions about plans to support the pharmaceutical sciences and prepare for a healthier and more advanced
pharmaceutical excipients by regulatory authorities for the reproducts for emerging drugs with the aim of enhancing the therapeutics. In my lab, our short term goal is to be able to get regulatory approval for drug delivery technologies developed here to date. This will then lead to the expansion of the general development of nano-technology and our delivery platform to drugs under development—rather than only the reformulation of drugs currently in the market—as well as alternative routes of administration and disease conditions other than cancer. In the long term, we will see the development of bio-mimetic delivery
future. Check out what our experts
systems that can sense the physiological changes imposed by the disease
have to say about their areas of
their shape, size, and/or integrity. This means, patients will have access
pharmaceutical sciences.
disease and biochemistry while inside their body in order to heal them
internally and/or external stimuli and respond accordingly by changing to drugs that will have the ability to change and adapt to their specific more safely and efficiently.
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21
FEATURES
DRUG DISCOVERY: CANNABIS, CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES By Dr. Raimar Loebenberg, Professor, DDIC Founder & Director and Dr. Vijay Somayaji, DDIC Manager
The Drug Development and Innovation Centre (DDIC) at the Faculty focuses on designing and improving dosage forms and pharmacopeial
FREE RADICAL TOXICOLOGY: PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS, OXIDATIVE STRESS, AND CANNABIS By Dr. Arno Siraki, Associate Professor & Director of Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Studies
standards. It has the capabilities to support various types of research in
We are exposed to a variety of stimuli that have effects which can be
the form of developing, synthesizing, and formulating drugs all the way
beneficial, detrimental, or a mixture of both. Psychological stress—or
through clinical trials, in one place.
environmental stress—has various definitions, in which all include a
Drug development usually faces frameworks that are limiting, in
negative physiological response resulting from a threat to one’s well-
that researchers in academic environments are left to their own devices
being (or at the very least produced from an unpleasant stimulus).
to approach incubators, investors, and larger pharma or biotech
A component of this physiological response includes a phenomenon
companies to take their project through the many different stages of drug
referred to as oxidative stress. The latter is a term used to describe
development. But the DDIC’s licenses makes it unique.
the imbalance between antioxidant and pro-oxidant biochemical or
The DDIC has Natural Health Products licensing, which ensures
biological signaling to favour pro-oxidant (toxic) conditions in the
that approved manufacturing practices can run in-faculty, including
organism. Such conditions have been considered to be involved in
involvement in clinical trials manufacturing, manufacturing of herbal
many diseases, including neurological, cardiovascular, and oncological
and natural health products, and the infrastructure to analyze forensic
diseases. There have been many attempts to determine the ideal
samples. Plus, the DDIC is the only academic lab in Canada with the
biomarker to measure oxidative stress, which would ideally be
Health Canada site license required to test and produce medicinal
correlated with psychological stress. An example of a key biomarker
cannabis products. Its Controlled Substances licensing gives it the
includes lipid peroxidation products, such as malondialdehyde or
ability to investigate and work with nearly any drug that is on Health
8-iso-prostaglandin F2α.
Canada’s schedules. The ultimate goal of the DDIC is supporting clinical research. Not many people can do what we do in pharmacy programs—actually create the materials that the clinicians can use. Currently, the DDIC is
Certain individuals may experience a benefit by using cannabis to reduce psychological stress. An important question to pose is if cannabis also offset the physiological effects of stress, i.e., oxidative stress. The smoke itself is known to cause oxidative stress, as combustion
researching pain and pain management solutions, including psychoactive
produces free radicals and carcinogens. As such, smoking cannabis
substances, cannabis, and controlled substances. Since our framework
may produce acute beneficial effects but have unwanted health
makes us the link between research and the finished product, in the next
consequences. However, an alternative would be to use edible cannabis
five years we will see multiple companies and drugs make it clinical trial
oils or cannabis-containing foods that do not utilize combustion.
faster and more efficiently than in industry standards. In the span of
In addition to its main ingredients (cannabidiol and
two years, we will be able to get new companies formed and have their
tetrahydrocannabinol), cannabis contains hundreds of compounds,
products hit the market. Industry sees this process take as long as 15
many of which have unknown biological effects. Some of these
years, but the DDIC will be at the helm of re-defining drug development
compounds resemble known antioxidants molecules. In my laboratory,
processes and bringing new, more effective drugs to patients that
studies are underway to determine if compounds in cannabis contain
need them.
antioxidant or pro-oxidant activity. These studies are essential for
Our capabilities put us in a position to do cutting edge research and lead the industry into the future of drug development under a new framework—one that is better and continues to bridge the gap between research, clinical trial, and the market.
providing the groundwork for understanding the full spectrum of activity of cannabis-containing products. In the future, the interplay between psychological stress, oxidative stress, and cannabis will provide insights into the global understanding of the effects of cannabis use.
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ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF APPLIED PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION By Andrew MacIsaac, Assistant Dean, Advancement & CEO of API
POTENTIALLY LIFESAVING MEDICAL discoveries often fail to find a pathway forward through the complex web of
PHARMACOKINETICS By Dr. Sherif Mahmoud, Clinical Associate Professor
scientific, regulatory, and market considerations required in modern drug development. Innovators often become trapped in a scenario where they are an expert in the science of their newly discovered drug candidate, but not
In the future, pharmacokinetics—which studies the movement of
in the myriad of complementing areas that are required to
drugs within the body—will give health care providers the ability to
bring a drug forward.
prescribe drugs personalized for their patients following a simple blood test interpreted in the context of patients’ data. Personalized pharmacotherapy, where the right drug is given at the right dose to the right patient, will be the direction of drug therapy in the future. Evidence has shown that traditional pharmacotherapy, where most drugs are dosed at fixed doses, might not result in comparable benefit and safety profiles among patients. Drug product monographs and therapy guidelines provide guidance on drug selection and dosage adjustment based on patient factors; however, those factors are generally limited to age, weight or body mass index and renal and liver function. Other factors have been implicated in altered drug action and disposition among individuals such as patients’ comorbidities and disease severities (i.e. drug-disease interaction) and the individual’s genetic makeup; nevertheless, they are seldom taken into consideration. The field of pharmacokinetics will be an essential pillar for personalized pharmacotherapy through identifying patient-specific characteristics that predict how the drug will behave in a specific individual. In addition, with advances in analytical methods, therapeutic drug monitoring will be applied to more and more drugs further supporting the personalized drug regimen era. This will work in concert with other fields such as pharmacogenomics and metabolomics to generate decision-making algorithms that will help clinicians prescribe personalized drug therapy for their patients. Data from those fields
These areas of expertise are precisely what we train for at the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. In the past, there was little opportunity for our graduate students to work on drug development here in Canada, and as such many have predominately gone on to illustrious careers outside of Canada, like Brian Corrigan (PhD, Pharmacy 1996), the Global Head of Clinical Pharmacology for Pfizer, or Majid Vakilynejad (PhD, Pharmacokinetics 1996), a senior director at Takeda. But with the creation of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) the future is changing. Assistant Dean, Andrew MacIsaac, and Clinical Associate Professor, Dr. Pat Mayo, have launched API—an armslength not-for-profit in close collaboration with the Faculty with the goal of empowering drug development in Canada by building translational teams to tackle the tough road from bench to bedside. In support of this initiative, API has signed a $6 million partnership with Mitacs, a federal granting program, to fund students in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences working on real-world drug development projects.
are currently being continuously generated; however, they still lack
Over the past eight months, API has pulled together
the translation piece that transforms this data into day-to-day usable
over 20 industry partners, large and small, and is now
decision algorithms.
being announced as a major component of the innovation
My ultimate research goal is to utilize pharmacokinetics and
ecosystem in Canada. Watch for more to come in the
pharmacodynamic research findings in conjunction with the other pillars
months ahead as API serves as a catalyst for innovation
of personalized pharmacotherapy to inform clinical decision-making
at the University of Alberta and far beyond, unlocking the
in the patient populations that I study (epilepsy, critically ill, and those
potential of discoveries in the health sciences. Learn more
with hemorrhagic stroke) for the sake of improving their outcomes.
about API at appliedpharma.ca
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Growing Rural Health Care
Growing rural health care JERRY SAIK’S WORK TO GIVE BACK
BY KALYNA HENNIG THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE has evolved immensely over the last
extra sustenance. He relied heavily on these and Friday night dinners at
100 years with tuition increases, the advancement of technology, and
his mom’s throughout his time in school. But in between the big
ever-growing specifications within disciplines. In pharmacy, the evolving
wins those football funds dried up, and he was not the only person
scope of practice creates a vast variety of roles for pharmacists to take
that struggled.
on. One thing that hasn’t changed? The stress and pressure that comes with being a university student. Alumnus and generous supporter of the Faculty, Jerry Saik (BSc 1971,
“I remember one year there was guy who collapsed on the field. Our trainer Ray Kelly recognized he was in need and took him out for a meal,” says Saik. “I wasn’t quite that bad, but eventually I was
BSc Pharm 1974), is familiar with the struggles that accompany attaining
eating soup and crackers.” As for alternate sources of income like awards
a university education. Coming from a low-income household of five
and scholarships aimed at student athletes, there were very few, if any,
brothers and a single mother in the 1960s and early ‘70s, he supported
at the time.
himself through six years at the University of Alberta, first to get a
“My emphasis for what I do is recognizing what I personally
Bachelor of Science with a focus on biological and physiological sciences
experienced in the past,” says Saik of his philanthropy. He has his own
and then to receive his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. All the while,
foundation, the Saik Family Foundation, which has supported the
he was also a dedicated and successful student athlete playing for the
Golden Bear Alumni Football Scholarship Program, Adopt-an-Athlete
Golden Bears Football team.
program, and Bears Education and Tutoring Program for the last 20
“When I was growing up, we had no money,” says Saik. “I hate to
years as well as a large endowment that generates around $4,000 a year
say that we were raised in poverty, but we were. For university I would
for student athletes in the pharmacy program called The Jerry Saik and
be working for only three or four months of the year to support myself
Family Athletics and Pharmacy Award. He’s also treasurer and active
during school. But when you are in university for six years like that, you
member of EdPharm Partnership, a group of 36 independent pharmacies
eventually start falling backwards.”
that strive to develop working and social relationships with pharmacy
The Golden Bears Football team were defending National College Bowl champions when Saik started university and joined the team in
owners and family, pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, and other pharmacy-related companies.
1968 as a defensive end. In 1972, they were national champions again.
Saik says that current Golden Bears Football coach and former
These victories meant some funds were available for team meals and
Edmonton Eskimo, Chris Morris, has a focus that he can really get
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behind. “Chris is willing to re-catch the glory of the old days, but he
Tofield, Holden, and many other places. If they went to the doctor and
also wants to give the student athletes the ability to excel academically,”
the pharmacist was closed after their appointment, that’s a much bigger
says Saik. “When he started, there were one or two guys that were
inconvenience than in the city. “It wasn’t just about my hours. It was
All-Canadian academic athletes. Last year, there were 22 of them! It’s
always about caring about the patient,” says Saik. “We stayed until the
amazing how valuing and enforcing educational study and community
last person was served.”
involvement can motivate student athletes to excel. More than 30 of
In 1991, Saik bought the pharmacy alongside his wife, Diane, who
them had GPAs over 3.0 and a 95 per cent retention rate. So that’s why
was born and raised in Daysland. In 2012, they took the lead on a full
I do what I do.” Under this leadership Saik says the Bears are having a
renovation that included a brand-new pharmacy addition with private
better time recruiting football players, too, even though U of A athletics
clinical service areas, offices, and a city-worthy front store operation. On
has less funding than other universities across Canada. “With the
behalf of the Daysland Hospital Foundation, Saik facilitated the building
emphasis on education and a good football program, some people are
of a new full-scale, state-of-the-art, naturally lighted medical clinic
foregoing other big team offers for the balance that's available here.”
that boasts large physician exam rooms with capacity for at least five physicians, readiness for electronic medical records, private treatment
“Rural pharmacy is where things happen."
rooms, and a separate area for physiotherapy. The front store, pharmacy,
Beyond his passion for athletics, Saik’s past is also rooted in rural
half the length of the Daysland main street.
pharmacy practice. After his graduation in 1974, he spent three years
and medical clinic building are all seamlessly attached and span nearly “This medical clinic and pharmacy is one of the very best ones in the
working with Stan Lissack (BSc Pharm 1958)—an active member of the
province. It gives physicians the excellent working environment that they
Canadian pharmacy profession who introduced Saik to its innovators
wanted to practice in and space for every type of patient to receive the
and motivators—in Daysland, Alberta, a small town about 140 km from
care they need,” says Saik. The pharmacists, physicians, and registered
Edmonton with a population of around 800.
technicians all work collaboratively to serve patients, including those
During his first years, Saik also worked with the local hospital
living in the extended care building in town.
supervising pharmacy needs, reviewing patient charts, and even going on medical rounds with the doctors. After breaking off on his own for a few years, he ultimately returned to Daysland to run, and eventually buy, Daysland Pharmacy. During his period of ownership, Saik and fellow pharmacist Mark Badry—who bought the pharmacy from Saik with his wife, Mary Jane Badry, a registered pharmacy technician, in December 2015 when Saik was in pre-retirement—provided supervisory pharmacy
“ I want to allow students to actualize on their potential with an expectation that they will raise the bar, and this is a way I can pay it forward."
services to Daysland Hospital as well as Killam, Hardisty and Galahad for a five-year period. The duo also re-introduced daily medical rounds in Daysland and weekly pharmacy reviews in the other centres. Upon his return in 1988, Saik was driven towards dedicating his
“Since I’m a rural pharmacist, I recognize that a lot of the students aren’t coming to rural areas because they are not familiar with rural lifestyles and relocating can be challenging,” says Saik. “But rural
practice to patient care. “We ensured that everyone was personally
pharmacy is where things happen. You’re in a small community where
greeted and acknowledged when they arrived in the pharmacy. It
you know everybody, and the opportunity to learn and advance your
develops loyalty, and pharmacists have a mandate to develop trust,
career is tremendous.” This is why he has started a new endowment with
professionalism, and positive relationships.” Four years after his
the Faculty, Saik Family Foundation Rural Pharmacy Fund, to support
retirement, his dedication to his patients is evident, as each and every
and incentivize students to take placements in rural communities.
person we passed—customer or employee—greeted Saik by name and vice versa as we toured the new Daysland facilities. “Working within this environment, in a rural community, you get to
“The main thing is that I lived through a tough time in university, and I want to allow students to actualize on their potential with an expectation that they will raise the bar, and this is a way I can pay it
know everybody and it gives you the ability to really help them,” says
forward,” says Saik. “I want to give back because pharmacy has been
Saik. “We would stay open past our regular hours when it was -30 or
good to me. I haven’t had an easy life financially, and I want to make
-40, just waiting for the last patient to come out of the clinic down the
other’s lives easier whether it’s students or my patients. I hope they can
street.” Patients come to Daysland from Camrose, Hardisty, Forestburg,
give back to others when they are able to as well.”
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
25
FEATURES
Backyard pharmacy BY BRENDAN MIDDEL
THOUSANDS OF YEARS BEFORE THEY EVER LANDED ON THE SLIDE OF A MICROSCOPE OR IN A CLINICAL TRIAL, plants with medicinal properties were grown and used in Canada to treat illness and ailments. Popular culture has shed light on some plants and their uses—like morphine derived from poppies, cocaine from the coca plant, and most recently, the newly legal cannabis plant—while reconciliation and recognition of the role of traditional medicinal knowledge from indigenous peoples renews a sense of discovery and protection of native plants, improves experimental and clinical approaches to medicine, and provides insight for research into new therapeutic drugs and treatment.1 Still, many plant benefits and effects have yet to be proven true by science such as historical folklore among early settlers that encouraged single women to place rosemary and thyme under their pillows to lend them luck in finding true love. Some species have both the potential to be helpful or be lethal, if used improperly, while others just offer beautiful ornamentation in a garden, but do you know which plants used in modern medicine today could be growing in your own backyard?
St. John's Wort
Prince’s Pine, Pipsissewa
Scientific name: Hypericum perforatum
Scientific name: Chimaphila umbellata
Pharmacological derivative(s): Naphthodianthrones like hypericin
Pharmacological derivative(s): arbutin, chimaphilin3,4 2
Klamath Weed has been used medicinally
features clusters of pink, purple, and white nodding flowers and has been
anxiety, depression, and other central
known for flavouring candy, soft drinks, and beer. Historically, it was used
nervous conditions. It is a perennial
by indigenous peoples and physicians as prescriptions for bladder and urinary tract infections as well as prostate inflammation because of its
prairies, pastures, or fields, and its dotted
diuretic, astringent, and disinfectant properties.4,5
yellow flowers typically bloom between late
Modern use of Prince’s Pine
spring and early summer. In Canada, the
interests researchers because
Klamath Weed is considered to be an invasive
traditional use demonstrates
species and is toxic to most animals. Modern clinical research supports its use as an antidepressant for mild to moderate forms of depression, and about nine groups of pharmacological compounds including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory have been identified in it.2,3 In Germany, St. John’s Wort has outsold the antidepressant Prozac at a ratio as high as 20 to 1 as an approved treatment
26
throughout southwestern Alberta in dry coniferous montane sites. It
for over two millennia to treat insomnia,
plant most commonly found growing in
for depression.
A dainty native evergreen shrub, Prince’s Pine is commonly found
3
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
a lack of adverse effects. Modification of antimicrobial properties from its wintergreen phytoextracts is opening opportunities for researchers to find alternative effective treatments against bacterial resistance.6
FEATURES
Common Foxglove
Scientific name: Digitalis purpurea
Pharmacological derivative(s): digitalis glycosides, digoxin 3,7 A member of the figwort family, Common Foxglove is a favorite ornamental landscape
Fir Clubmoss, Alpine Fir-moss, Alpine Clubmoss, and Running clubmoss Scientific name: Huperzia selago, Diphasiastrum aplinum, Lycopodium clavatum Pharmacological derivative(s): huperzine A, alpha- onocerin, both acetylcholinesterase inhibitors3,9,10
herb with pink spotted tubular flowers
This perennial evergreen herb is found in alpine and forested gardens
arranged on three-foot tall towering spikes.
throughout British Columbia and Alberta, and contrary to its name, it
However, it is lethally poisonous to humans
is not a moss. It forms yellow-green and blue-green rhizomes standing
and pets. Medicinal extracts from the plant
in upright shoots with tiny lance-shaped leaves crowded in ranks along
have been found to increase force of systolic
the stem. Multiple subspecies and varieties easily confuse in appearance
contractions in congestive heart failure, lower
and nomenclature but are found throughout western North America.3,11,12
blood pressure in hypertensive heart ailments,
Clinical trials and laboratory research confirm the alkaloids present
and elevate blood pressure in a weak heart.3,7
in Fir Clubmoss show potential for treating Alzheimer’s disease and
Historically, Foxglove was used as medicine to
dementia.3,10 Spores from the plant are also used to coat non-
treat edema because of the active component
lubricated condoms, pills, and surgical gloves to prevent
digitalis glycoside’s effect on enhancing
sticking, and due to their highly volatile nature,
myocardial muscular contractions.7
can also be used as by photographers as
For an ecological flair, plant to attract
photographic flash powder or by magicians for
hummingbirds and other beneficial pollinators.
Madagascar Periwinkle, Rose Periwinkle Scientific name: Catharanthus roseus
special effect. Other uses include various consumer hygiene products ranging from dry shampoos to facial cosmetics.
Pharmacological derivative(s): indole alkaloids, known in their parent group as vinca alkaloid derivatives, vinblastine, vincristine3,8 Madagascar Periwinkle is an ornamental tropical/subtropical perennial that has been naturalized worldwide as a result of popularity as an annual garden cultivar. Though it is more likely found on a warm vacation outside Alberta, it has cultivated prominence in Canadian medical research and bloomed with the discovery and use for chemotherapeutic properties.3,8 Originally derived and researched for diabetes treatment by Canadian researcher Dr. Robert L. Noble, the research stemmed from isolating phytochemicals from the Dogbane family for possible links to traditional medicinal treatment of diabetes.8 Vinca alkaloids have been widely used in chemotherapy treatment for its anticancer activity since their Canadian discovery in 1950.8 Madagascar Periwinkle is toxic to livestock and humans.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
27
FEATURES
Willow
Poison Hemlock
Pharmacological derivative(s): salicin, salicylic acid,
Pharmacological derivative(s): coniine3
acetylsalicylic acid3,13
Numerous species belonging to
Willows are woody deciduous plants that range from low ground cover
the Parsley family are edible
to shrubs towering a few meters tall. A first sign of spring, the Pussy
cultivars such as carrots,
Willow can be gathered up into a bouquet and put on display following
coriander, parsley,
a long winter. As a hardy colonizer, willows shelter microhabitat,
celery, and parsnips.
are palatable food for herbivores, and supply pollinating insects.
On the contrary,
Extracted from willow bark, polyphenol salicin is metabolized in the
Poison Hemlock—
body to salicylic acid.13 Willow is recorded as having been prescribed
an introduced
for pain and anti-inflammatories since early civilization by Sumerians
herbaceous biennial/
in Mesopotamia and ancient Egyptians. Notably, it was also actively
perennial herb from Europe—
used as traditional medicine across North America, Greece, China,
and its cousins native to western
and Rome. Commercial use in a common drug began when the Bayer
Canada and Alberta in the
Company registered its product name, Aspirin, in 1899 and made
Water-hemlock genus (Cicuta)
publicly available in 1915 for nonprescriptive consumption.13 Salicin has
are among the deadliest plants
also been extracted from the Populus genus part of the Willow family
in North America. Hemlock flowers
(aspens, poplars, and cottonwoods) and in wintergreen species. Recently,
are white with five petals arranged in
clinical studies demonstrate dose-dependent antiproliferative properties
umbels, and stems can stand up to
of Aspirin and evidence in treating colorectal and gastric cancers as well
three meters high. Its leaves look
as various types of leukemia by directly inhibiting prostaglandins and
fernlike, characteristic of carrots,
inducing apoptosis.13,14
parsley, etc. and exude offensive odours
Scientific name: Salix spp.
Scientific name: Conium maculatum
when crushed or broken. The poison that Socrates famously ingested to take his life was derived from Poison Hemlock, containing coniine. An official drug of the United States in Pharmacopoeia (1890-1920), coniine was historically used as a sedative and pain reliever in minute doses.3,15 Toxic effects of coniine on the central nervous system of animals and humans resemble the action of nicotine.16 Every part of the plant contains deadly alkaloid coniine, though it is particularly concentrated in the roots and fruit.15 Unfortunately, Poison Hemlock is very easy to confuse with common species like wild carrot or Queen Anne’s Lace, so stick closely to domesticated varieties.
Brendan Middel has a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Sciences with interests in native plants and birds for environmental education and conservation. His activities include work at both EnergyFuturesLab and The King’s University, experience as a resource conservation intern at Elk Island National Park, and as a research technician assisting data collection throughout the Alberta 28
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
Rockies on Whitebark pine.
FEATURES
Canada Goldenrod
references
Scientific name: Solidago canadensis
1.
Uprety Y, Asselin H, Dhakal A, Julien N. Traditional use of medicinal plants in the boreal forest of canada: Review and perspectives. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine. 2012;8(1):7. doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-8-7.
2.
Henderson L, Yue QY, Bergquist C, Gerden B, Arlett P. St john's wort (hypericum perforatum): Drug interactions and clinical outcomes. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2002;54(4):349-356. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2125.2002.01683.x.
3.
Foster S, Hobbs C. A field guide to western medicinal plants and herbs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 2002.
4.
Schwarting AE, Hiner LD. A histological study of chimaphila umbellata. J Am Pharm Assoc. 1943;32(7):182-187.
5.
Galván IJ, Mir-Rashed N, Jessulat M, et al. Antifungal and antioxidant activities of the phytomedicine pipsissewa, chimaphila umbellata. Phytochemistry. 2008;69(3):738-746.
6.
Kokorina LA, Neupokoeva AV. Influence of laser irradiation on the activity of plant pharmaceuticals with the assessment by the bacteria growth dynamics. Journal of Biomedical Photonics & Engineering. 2019:020302.
7.
Soldin SJ. Digoxin- issues and controversies. Clinical Chemistry. 1986;32(1):5-12.
8.
R L Noble. The discovery of the vinca alkaloids—chemotherapeutic agents against cancer. Biochemistry and cell biology = Biochimie et biologie cellulaire. 1990;68(12):1344-1351. doi: 10.1139/o90-197.
9.
Balick MJ, Beitel JM. Lycopodium spores used in condom manufacture: Associated health hazards. Econ Bot. 1989;43(3):373-377.
Pharmacological derivative(s): saponin
17
A flowering perennial herb native to North America and commonly found in plains and montane regions, Canada Goldenrod is an introduced species in gardens, floral arrangements, and landscapes across the world. A large solitary stalk with yellow flowers arranged in dense pyramidal clusters, it blooms from July to September, a great way to add colour and texture to a garden landscape for the later bloom and reddish fall foliage. Studies of Canada Goldenrod extracts show antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, analgesic, antimicrobial, and diuretic activity.17-19 Indigenous peoples used Solidago canadensis for many of these properties to treat boils, burns, and ulcers as well as flu, fever, and diarrhea. The therapeutic potential of plants like Solidago canadensis 3
reveals the powerful link between ancient traditional medicinal use and modern pharmacy.20 This is reflected in its name; from the Composite family, the Latin “Solidago” means “to make whole.”
10. Orhan I, Terzioglu S, Şener B. A-onocerin: An acetylcholinesterase inhibitor from lycopodium clavatum. Planta Med. 2003;69(03):265-267. 11.
Kershaw L, MacKinnon A, Pojar J. Plants of the Rocky Mountains. New edition ed. Canada: Partners Publishing and Lone Pine Media Productions (B.C) Ltd.; 2016.
12.
Polar J, Mackinnon A. Alpine Plants of British Columbia, Alberta and Northwest North America. Edmonton, Alberta: Lone Pine Publishing; 2013.
13.
Mahdi JG, Mahdi AJ, Bowen ID. The historical analysis of aspirin discovery, its relation to the willow tree and antiproliferative and anticancer potential. Cell Proliferation. 2005;39(2):147-155. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2006.00377.x.
14. Mahdi JG. Medicinal potential of willow: A chemical perspective of aspirin discovery. Journal of Saudi Chemical Society. 2010;14(3):317-322. doi: 10.1016/j.jscs.2010.04.010. 15.
Al-Snafi AE. Pharmacology and toxicology of conium maculatum-A review. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal. 2016;3(2):136-142.
16.
Vetter J. Poison hemlock (conium maculatum L.). Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2004;42(9):1373-1382. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2004.04.009.
17.
Abdel Baki P, El-Sherei M, Khaleel A, Abdel Motaal A, Abdallah H. Aquaretic activity of solidago canadensis L. cultivated in egypt and determination of the most bioactive fraction. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2019;0(0). doi: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.2390.
18.
Zihare L, Blumberga D. Insight into bioeconomy. solidago canadensis as a valid resource. brief review. Energy Procedia. 2017;128:275-280. doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2017.09.074.
19.
Kołodziej B, Kowalski R, Kędzia B. Antibacterial and antimutagenic activity of extracts aboveground parts of three solidago species: Solidago virgaurea L., solidago canadensis L. and solidago gigantea ait. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. 2011;5(31):6770-6779.
20. Deeg K, Eichhorn T, Alexie G, et al. Growth inhibition of human acute lymphoblastic CCRF-CEM leukemia cells by medicinal plants of the west-canadian gwich’in native americans. Natural products and bioprospecting. 2012;2(1):35-40.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
29
LOOKING BACK
The Pasutto Period
Franco Mario Pasutto
THE SIXTH DEAN OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, 1999-2009
BY AL BUTEROL FRANCO MARIO PASUTTO was born in 1947 in Valvasone, Italy and emigrated with his mother to join his father in Canada when he was
Professor Pasutto
seven years old. The journey began by boat from Genoa to Halifax, then
When Dean Van Petten passed away in 1980, Dr. Gordon Myers was
by train to Edmonton, and eventually ended in Forestburgh, Alberta,
appointed Acting Dean and Pasutto was asked to teach Myers’ courses
where he settled for three years. From there, his family moved to Tofield
in bacteriology, antimicrobial drugs, and vaccines. In the following year,
where his brother Gianni was born. Several years later they moved on
Pasutto was appointed to an assistant professor tenure track position. In
to Edmonton.
1981, his contribution to teaching, administration, and research began
Pasutto received his primary education at St. Edmonds Junior High
in earnest. He rose quickly through the ranks and, by 1989, had shown
and O’Leary High School. In 1965, he was admitted to the Medical
great commitment and achievements in academia and was elevated to
Laboratory Science program at the University of Alberta but promptly
full professor.
transferred to Pharmacy the following year. He received a Bachelor of
During his 35 years at the Faculty, Pasutto believed it was important
Science in Pharmacy degree in 1972. Along the way, he joined the Zeta
to engage and contribute to all three aspects of academia: teaching,
Psi fraternity and subsequently served as its president. Disillusioned
research, and service. He instructed 18 different undergraduate and
by the restrictive distributive model of pharmacy practice, he decided
graduate courses with lecture hour contributions consistently ranked in
to enter the graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences under the
the top 5 per cent in the Faculty and 75th percentile in the University.
supervision of Dr. Ed Knaus and received a Doctor of Philosophy
Class sizes ranged from eight to 130 students.
(Medicinal Chemistry) in 1978. By this time Pasutto had married his wife, Marianne, and had two sons, Santino (1976) and Lorenzo (1980). Pasutto went on to apply his medicinal chemistry expertise to
In recognition of his teaching efforts, he was a four-time winner of the Bristol Myers Squibb Award for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Teaching (1985, 1988, 1990, 1996) and received the University of Alberta A. C.
the development of methodologies for the analysis of trace levels of
Rutherford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (1989). He
pharmaceuticals in biological fluids and pollutants in environmental
was appointed Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education in 1996.
samples. This led him to a two-year post-doctoral position with Dr.
Pasutto’s administrative service to the Faculty and university grew
Ronald T. Coutts, where he mastered various instrumental techniques,
dramatically with the passage of time. He was a regular (and often
particularly gas chromatographic and mass spectral analytical
repeated) member of Faculty Committees, and he also chaired the
applications. This resulted in his appointment as Drug Testing
Medicinal Chemistry Division, FSPC, FEC, Tenure, Admissions,
Supervisor at the Canadian National Track and Field Championships in
Faculty Accreditation Self-Assessment Reports, and was the Founder
Calgary in 1983 and the Universiade (World University Games)
and Chair of the Student Advisory Board. The Board was comprised
in Edmonton.
of eight undergraduate students who met with him on a monthly
30
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
LOOKING BACK
The Dean selection process required candidates to present their
basis during the academic term. This provided a forum for improving communication between students and the rest of the Faculty and assisted
vision to various constituencies including pharmacy staff, students,
the Dean’s office in considering decisions that affected the student body.
professional associations, a forum open to the university community and,
He also served on multiple University Committees including the Association of Academic Staff University of Alberta (ASS:UA), U of
ultimately, the Dean Selection Committee. Franco’s vision was to face the critical question:
A Disciplinary Impaneling Board, Representative of Vice-President
“WHAT IS ACHIEVABLE, OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT AND FUTURE CLIMATE OF INADEQUATE FISCAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES?”
(Academic) on Chairman Selection Committees, Representative of Vice-President Academic (1990-99) on University Departmental Chair Search and Selection Committees, U of A Representative to AUCC Inquiry on University Education, GFC Representative (Faculty of Medicine Tenure Committee), Convocation Committee, Canadian
To him, the challenges were:
Chemical Conference & Exhibition Committee, CAAST, Senate
1.
PHARMACY FACILITY: Without a new building, or substantive
Committee of Lay Observers of the Admissions Process in Quota
additional and redesigned space in the existing facility, it could
Programs, General Appeals, GFC, GFC Executive, Academic Planning
not recruit. It followed that, without additional staff, the Faculty
Committee, Senate, Chancellor Search Committee, and Focus Group
would not effectively realize innovations and advancements in
for Development of a Tuberculosis Curriculum.
the curriculum (PharmD), outreach education, and research/
Pasutto also chaired the AAS:UA External Relations, Health Sciences Faculties Education Sub-Committee, CAFA Exceptional
technology transfer. 2. BUDGET/FUNDRAISING: The operating budget at the time
Teachers Focus Group, Vice President Research for Committees, Vice
would not meet current and future demands relating to space,
President Academic for Enrollment Management Committee, University
capital equipment, undergraduate programs, research, and
Representative to Health Services, Education, Research Consortium
outreach education.
Education Sub-Committee, Nursing Curriculum Focus Group, and Builders of Alberta Awards Committee. He was elected by the university community as one of two nominees representing the AAS:UA academic staff on the Board of Governors from 1997 to 2000. During this time, he
3.
STAFF RECRUITMENT/RETENTION: Adequate space, budget, and competitive salaries would facilitate recruitment and retention.
4.
EXTERNAL COMMUNITIES: The Faculty needed to
also served as a representative on Board Committees.
establish, reaffirm and, in some cases, redefine their interactions
Dean Pasutto
with the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association, practitioners,
Pasutto became Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in July of 1999. Upon his acceptance, it was discovered that there was no university or provincial government regulation preventing a Faculty Dean from simultaneously sitting on the Board of Governors. This was a clear conflict of interest and he resigned. Appropriate regulations were quickly enacted.
health authorities, government, third-party payers, and the industrial sector. 5.
FACULTY ENVIRONMENT ISSUES: Staff had suggested that the Faculty was drifting, not sailing. There was some divisiveness related to marginalization, loss of collegiality, a reticence to contribute without adequate compensation, and absence of an effective administrative framework.
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
31
LOOKING BACK Pasutto appointed Dr. Fakhreddin (Mo) Jamali as Associate Dean of Research, Dr. John Bachynsky as Director of Undergraduate Affairs, and Dr. Ed Knaus as Director of Graduate Studies. The Division Chairs were Dr. Steve McQuarrie (Pharmaceutical Sciences) and Ms. Sheila Kelcher (Pharmacy Practice). Renovations began with third-floor centralization of administrative and studentoriented services that had previously been scattered across six floors. Upon
Pasutto’s Areas of Research
1
completion, this area included offices for the Dean, Associate Dean, Accountant, Faculty Development, Computer Support, Continuing Education, Clinical Placements, and Undergraduate and Graduate Records. The Pharmacy Practice Laboratory was completely redesigned with a $400,000 donation from Shopper’s Drug Mart, and the Sterile Products Laboratory was also totally renovated. The Faculty initiated curriculum reform, considered different teaching models and modules, and began concerted efforts to develop a PharmD program. Under Pasutto’s
2
leadership the development of a joint MBA and BSc Pharmacy program with the Faculty of Business was proposed, and Dr. Raimar Lobenberg’s unique initiative to establish a Drug Development and Innovation Centre (DDIC) that would bridge the gap between basic sciences and clinical development of market-ready products was supported and pushed forward. In 2001, Pasutto initiated discussions between the Faculty, university officials, Student’s Union, and corporate pharmacy to bring the University’s Student Pharmacy Services facility to a modern model of pharmacy practice and to provide a training site for pharmacy students. In October of 2006, the Government of Alberta, alongside the privately-owned Katz Group, pledged $14 million to the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, making it the recipient of the largest one-time donation to a Canadian Pharmacy Faculty. Other pharmaceutical companies would go on to donate $5.5 million to be matched by the provincial government. This brought the total donation pledged to $25 million, and concrete plans to relocate Pharmacy were proposed for the building under construction at the corner of 87th Avenue and 114th Street. The university officially named it Katz Group Centre for Pharmacy and Health Research, which is still home to many of the Faculty's academic staff, graduate students, researchers, and laboratories today. Under Pasutto’s leadership, the Faculty maintained a steady top place in the national pharmacy board exams. He also revamped graduate and continuing education programs, unprecedentedly increased the Faculty’s financial footprint, enhanced and expanded the undergraduate program, and restarted and received approval from the University Governance system and the provincial government for the PharmD initiative. Outstanding clinical and scientific staff members were recruited, and collaborations with the Alberta College of Pharmacy helped secure prescribing rights for Alberta pharmacists — a national first. Pasutto received the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, an Alberta College of Pharmacy Honourary Life Membership in 2009, was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus upon retirement in 2011, and also received the Alberta College of Pharmacy Centennial Award for his contributions to the profession. In 2014, he received the Outstanding Pharmacy Alumnus award from the Faculty. Pasutto will also be remembered for his love of all things Italian, including soccer, espresso, and La Pasta Trattoria in Hub Mall. The Pasutto Room in the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy was dedicated in his honour in 2017.
32
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
3
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY: design, synthesis, and pharmacological evaluation of heterocyclic compounds acting on the arachidonic acid cascade. Specifically, the synthesis of leukotriene antagonists with bronchodilating activity and novel potassium channel activators. ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: development of stereospecific chromatographic methods for the quantification of drugs and metabolites in biological fluids, including nonsteroidalanti-inflammatory drugs, s-adrenoceptor agents, antiarrhythmics, and calcium channel blockers. DEVELOPMENT OF MICROBIAL MODELS OF HUMAN METABOLISM: as an alternative to animal models and as tools for the preparative-scale synthesis of drugs or metabolites. Interests included s-receptor antagonists, antiarrhythmics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
Pasutto received funding in support of research, equipment, and personnel from peer-reviewed sources (MRC/ CIHR, NSERC, Health & Welfare Canada, and AHFMR) as a principal or co-applicant. This funding resulted in more than 200 peer-reviewed publications, scientific abstracts, and presentations as well as supervision of more than 30 postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, technicians, and undergraduate summer students. Other research-related activities included being a Reviewer and/or Grant Committee Member for the Medical Research Council (CIHR), University Central Research Fund, and BC Health Foundation as well as a regular Reviewer for various scientific journals. He was also a Member of more than 200 PhD or MSc Candidacy and Defense Committees.
LOOKING BACK
Eh!
OH CANADA!
BY REX FILLER
THE ORDER OF CANADA was created in 1967 as part of Canada’s centennial celebrations and is the pinnacle of Canada’s honours system. It recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation and humanity. In the history of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, three graduates have achieved this honour: Andrew Charles Anderson (Dip. Pharm 1934), Dr. Bernard Edward Reidel (BScPharm 1943, MSc 1949), and Dr. Kamal Kishor Midha (PhD 1969).
DR. BERNARD EDWARD RIEDEL
received the Lieutenant-Governor’s Gold Medal for his service and was discharged on April 1946 with the rank of Flying Officer. Dr. Riedel joined the University of Alberta’s
Dr. Bernard Edward Riedel was born on
School of Pharmacy in 1946 as a lecturer
September 25, 1919, and grew up in Fairview,
and then assistant professor, and received his
Alberta. He graduated from the University of
Master of Science in Pharmacy in 1949. From
Alberta with a BSc Pharm in 1943. He played
1950 to 1953, he was a PhD candidate in the
interfaculty basketball, received the APhA
Department of Biochemistry at the University
Scholarship first-class standing and the Alberta
of Western Ontario. Also in 1953, he was an
Pharmaceutical Association Gold Medal.
abstractor for the Physiology Biochemistry
Dr. Riedel was a 2nd Lieutenant in the
and Pharmacology section of Excerpta Medica
Canadian Officers Training Corps and served
and acted as Chief Training Officer for the
with the RCAF and RAF for three years as
University Reserve Squadron. He then spent
a navigator-bombardier with coastal and
a summer undertaking oncology biological
transport command in Northern Ireland. He
research at Canada’s atomic energy project in
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33
LOOKING BACK
Chalk River, Ontario, where a department of
Cunningham family donated new funds to
XI Scientific Research Society, Canadian Lung
public health bursary financed his work.
acquire major equipment. During his tenure
Association; chairman of the BC Transplant
the faculty developed a vigorous continuing
Society (1986 to 1989); and honorary president
of the Association of the Teaching Staff of
education program in conjunction with the
of the HSC Hospital Volunteers Association;.
the University of Alberta and the University
College of Pharmacists of British Columbia,
He was also a board member of the Derrick
of Alberta’s RCAF Squadron Commanding
and the Clinical Pharmacy program was
Golf and Winter Club in Edmonton; elder
Officer with the rank of Wing Commander.
created, bringing together community and
and session member of the Metropolitan
In 1956, he took a course in radioisotope
hospital pharmacy residencies and providing
United Church; executive of the Boy Scouts of
technology at the Oak Ridge Institute of
training opportunities for pharmacy students
Canada, Edmonton Region; and served during
Nuclear Studies. Then, in 1957, he undertook
to move toward a clinical, patient-oriented
the months of May and June for several years
summer research as a scientist at the Defense
practice of pharmacy. In addition to these
at the Reserve Officers School RCAF.
Research Board, Suffield Experimental Station.
developments, the BC Drug & Poison
In 1959, he demonstrated leadership as the
Information Centre was established. From
in the Order of Canada for his immense
Chairman of the CCPF. Between 1958 and
1976 to 1985, he was coordinator of Health
contributions as a scientist, academic, and
1967, he was a Professor in the Faculty of
Sciences with responsibilities for all University
senior administrator. He also received the
Pharmacy at the University of Alberta and,
Health Science Programs at UBC as well as
Centennial Medal (1967), a DSc (Honorary)
from 1961 to 1967, he was executive assistant to
the several teaching hospitals. During his
from the University of Alberta (1990), the
the University of Alberta’s Vice-President.
deanship, the number of teaching and research
UBC 75th Anniversary Medal (1990), a
Dr. Riedel was appointed Dean of the
faculty increased dramatically, and prior to his
Medal for the 125th anniversary of Canadian
Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of
retirement in 1984, he initiated a program in
confederation (1992), and the Queen’s Golden
British Columbia (UBC) from 1967 to 1984.
pharmacy administration.
Jubilee Medal (2002).
From 1954 to 1967, he served as the secretary
Under his leadership, the faculty’s name
Dr. Riedel also played an important role
On April 16, 1997, Dr. Riedel was invested
Dr. Riedel made significant contributions
changed from the “Faculty of Pharmacy” to
in a number of other organizations. He was
to Canada’s pharmaceutical and health
the “Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences”. In
a charter member of the Medical Research
sciences through his career as a professor and
1968, the undergraduate degree name changed
Council of Canada (1968 to 1969); first
administrator at the universities of Alberta
from BSP to BSc (Pharm), and the PhD was
Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Sciences
and British Columbia. Highly respected by his
added to the graduate studies program. He
Committee; AFPC Honourary Life Member
peers and the local community, he was a major
contributed to positioning the faculty at UBC
(1985); CPhA Honourary Life Member (1986);
influence on a number of young Canadians
as one of the strongest pharmacy faculties in
member of the BC Cancer Society, BC Yukon
who have gone on to successful careers in
Canada. In 1971, the new research wing of the
Division Canadian Cancer Society, BC Lung
academia and industry. He passed away on
Cunningham Building was opened, and the
Association, J.F. Morgan Foundation, Sigma
April 6, 2011.
ANDREW CHARLES ANDERSON
Pharmacy in 1948, the first Alberta pharmacy operated in conjunction with a local medical clinic. He became involved in civic politics in 1950
Andrew “Andy” Charles Anderson was born
with his election to the school board. His
in Shabbona, Illinois in 1910 and moved to
community service included 14 years on the
Champion, Alberta with his family in 1912. A
school board, three years on the city recreation
1934 graduate with a diploma in pharmacy, he
commission, and 34 years with the Rotary
worked at Kitson’s Pharmacy Ltd. for 14 years
Club. He was a Life Member of the Chamber
before opening Anderson’s Medical Dental
of Commerce, a Member of St. Michael’s
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
LOOKING BACK
Hospital Board, and a Member of the Alberta
important developments in Lethbridge,
Lethbridge. Anderson Hall at the University
Housing Council. In 1963, Anderson was
including park development and the
of Lethbridge was named in his honour, as
awarded the first annual Bowl of Hygeia by
establishment of the University of Lethbridge,
was the Anderson Industrial Park in North
the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. He
where he became a member of the Senate and
Lethbridge.
was elected Alderman in Lethbridge in 1964
Board of Governors. He was instrumental in
He was the first alumnus of the Faculty to
and Mayor in 1968. He was Mayor for six
the sale of the power plant, redevelopment of
be made a member of the Order of Canada in
consecutive terms, holding office until 1986.
downtown, relocation of the railway, building
1985. That same year, he received an Honorary
of a new city hall, and expansion to West
LLD from the University of Lethbridge.
Anderson was a central figure in many
DR. KAMAL KISHORE MIDHA
Board of the FIP Foundation for Education and Research (1998 to 2003); Co-Chair of the AAPS sponsored Bio International Conferences (1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1999,
Dr. Kamal Kishore Midha was born in
2003); Chair of the Pharmaceutical Sciences
Kamalia, India on October 26, 1941. He
Grants Committee, Medical Research Council
graduated from the University of Saugar
of Canada (1984 to 1988); and Co-Chair of
with a BSc Pharm in 1964 and MSc Pharm in
the AAPS Workshop on Bioanalytical Method
1966. He received a pharmacy PhD from the
Validation.
University of Alberta in 1969 and a DSc from
He was an active member of AAPS and has
the University of Saskatchewan in 1985. He
served on the Awards Committee, Nomination
is a recognized authority on bioavailability,
Committee, PPDM Fellows Review
bioequivalence, bioanalysis, pharmacokinetics,
Committee, AAPS Fellow Committee, and
and pharmacodynamics.
was a member of the AAPS Strategic Visioning
Dr. Midha’s academic career was primarily
Committee. In 1999, he was appointed a
at the University of Saskatchewan, where he
member of President’s Circle, National
received the AFPC Award for Excellence in
Academy of Science, National Academy of
Research and the McNeill Award (1984). He
pharmaceutical sciences and proceedings of
was a Professor of Pharmacy from 1979 to
Engineering, and Institute of Medicine, U.S. In
Bio International Conferences since 1989.
2003, he was named Member of Honour in the
1995 and the coordinator of an MRC Program
Dr. Midha was the recipient of Kolthoff
Grant entitled “Towards More Efficacious Use of
Romanian Academy of Medical Sciences and
Gold Medal Award (1989), AAPS Research
Psychotropic Drugs” that attracted more than $6
received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.
Achievement Award in Analysis and
million from granting agencies and industry.
In 2004, Dr. Midha was awarded the Eminent
Pharmaceutical Quality (1992), Heinz
A research group he created was converted
International Scientist Award by Indian Drug
Lehmann Award for Outstanding Achievement
into Pharmalytics Inc., a not-for-profit drug
Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA), and
Award in Neuropsychopharmacology (1993),
metabolism and disposition institute of the
was the recipient of Pharmaceutical Sciences
and Distinguished Researcher Award from
University of Saskatchewan, on which he
World Congress. In 2011, he became a CPhA
the University of Saskatchewan (1994). In
served as Chair of the Board of Directors.
Honourary Life Member.
December of 1995, Dr. Midha was honoured
Dr. Midha was a member of the Expert Advisory Panel on Drug Evaluation and
with the Order of Canada.
In 2013, Dr. Midha was conferred with an honorary doctorate from Monash University,
His leadership positions include President
the Doctor of Laws (honoris causa),
International Pharmacopoeia of the WHO
of FIP (2006 to 2010); Vice-President of FIP;
and the author/co-author of approximately
recognizing his accomplishments and major
Chairman of the Board of Pharmaceutical
300 scientific articles and book chapters.
contributions to pharmaceutical science and
Sciences of FIP (1988 to 1996); Member of the
global health.
He has co-edited and co-chaired topics in
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy
35
LOOKING BACK
A touch of class BY KALYNA HENNIG
ENRICHING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE through financial
given us so much and also memorialize several class members.” In
assistance or recognition of academic success doesn’t just advance
2019, the Pharmacy Class of 1991 Memorial Award was officially
the education of one student but the profession as a whole.
established. “It serves as an ongoing tribute to, and reminder of,
“Notwithstanding individual, family, corporate, and other legacy gifts given to the faculty, we are fortunate to have established a
an outstanding educational program, great memories, and a bright future,” says Dr. Davies.
number of Class Gifts in our 105-year span from 1914 to 2019
The second most recent Class Gift was given by the Class of 2013
that work to support the next generation of pharmacists and
in memory of their classmate, Laura Chee, who passed away in a car
pharmaceutical scientists,” says Dean Dr. Neal Davies (BSc Pharm
accident during her pharmacy degree.
1991). “These Class Gifts are the culmination of a collective passion
“Being able to establish an award and name it after your class is an
to advance the health of the community through education and to
incredible feat. It epitomizes not only class unity and perseverance
leave a legacy of success.”
but the legacy of your time here at the University of Alberta,” says
The most senior class to create a Class Gift is the Class of 1955,
Matthew Truong (BSc Pharm 2013), friend of Laura Chee and a
who generously created both a scholarship and a bursary. Over the
bursary recipient himself. “Laura’s friends, along with her family
years, their philanthropic torch has been passed on, and 11 Class
and the class of 2013, decided to create the Laura Chee Memorial
Gifts are currently available to students.
Scholarship in Pharmacy…to show our class unity and leave a
“In 2017, I wrote to my own classmates suggesting that we
legacy of our friend.” The Laura Chee Memorial Scholarship
collectively consider establishing such a gift,” says Dr. Davies of
in Pharmacy was awarded for the first time at the 2018 White Coat
the Class of 1991. “I’m proud to say that 60 members of my class
& Awards Ceremony.
have heard the call so far and responded with significant monetary donations. It’s our way to give back to the University that has
These two gifts are the only Class Gifts to be created by a graduating class that has graduated in the last 33 years.
PHARMACY CLASS GIFTS HISTORY
Class of 1955 Bursary & Scholarship “The financial relief you provided inspired me to volunteer and continue to
Class of 1957 Bursary
Class of 1960 Bursary
“Even a small amount of money can
“This bursary made an immense impact
make a big change in someone’s life.
on my success in the program and
“Your generosity and kindness has given
I now have the intent to open a charity
as a pharmacist.”
me the financial abilities to pursue
and help those who truly need it, as you
– KELLY GRAHAM, BSC PHARM 2013
pharmacy-related events like PDW!”
did for me.”
– HUI MING YANG, PHARMD 2020
– GURPAL DEOL, BSC PHARM 2014
give back to others in my community.” – PETER VAN HERK, PHARMD 2019
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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
LOOKING BACK
Classes of 1963, 1964, and 1965 Bursary “Your gift has helped me to help others.” – ANH VU, BSC PHARM 2011
“Your bursary allowed me to attend an eye-opening course held in Forio, Italy where we immersed ourselves in the Italian culture and learned the Mediterranean cultures’ approach to health and wellness…that I now incorporate into my practice every day.” - HEATHER DERRICK
Class of 1973 Bursary “I will never forget your kindness and will work harder to share this generosity with other students in need.” – NAYOUNG SHIN, BSC PHARM 2017
Class of 1975 Pharmacy Clinical Rotation Travel Award
Class of 1976 Bursary
Class of 2013 Laura Chee Memorial Scholarship in Pharmacy
Class of 1991 Memorial Award Class of 1985 Award
Created in memory of classmates. Inaugural recipients to be announced at the 2019 White Coat and Awards Ceremony.
A Class Gift is one means of supporting your alma mater. It can be a meaningful way to give back and ensure the continuity of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Class Reunion Gifts can also be supportive and symbolic. For more information on establishing a Class Gift, contact Andrew MacIsaac at andrew.macisaac@ualberta.ca or 780-492-8084.
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37
FAST FACTS 2019
GOLDEN GRADUATES PHARMACY CLASS OF 1969 CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PHARMACY
Then & Now 1969
$15,550
Average Cost of a New House in Canada
2019
$387,000
$8,550
Average Yearly Income of a Canadian Pharmacist
$1,950
35¢
Cost of a Toyota Corolla
$93,932
Gas per Gallon
$23,999
$3.98
1969 Fast Facts
38
STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS: MONTRÉAL CANADIENS
PRIME MINISTER: LIBERAL PARTY’S PIERRE TRUDEAU
FASHION: BELL BOTTOM JEANS AND TIE-DYE SHIRTS
TV: SESAME STREET MAKES ITS DEBUT ON PBS
NEWS: VIETNAM WAR PROTESTS: 250,000 MARCH ON WASHINGTON IN PROTEST OF THE VIETNAM WAR
SCIENCE: APOLLO 11 IS THE FIRST MANNED LANDING ON THE MOON
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019
FAST FACTS 2019
HEY JUDE-Y
JUDITH L. MALCOLM
BSc(Pharm) 1961
JUDITH A. HALLS
BSc(Pharm) 1967
JUDY L. SMORDIN
BSc(Pharm) 1980
JUDY T. CHU
BSc(Pharm) 1991
JUDITH A. SCOTT
BSc(Pharm) 1961
JUDITH D. VENZINA
BSc(Pharm) 1975
JUDITH H. GILHOLME
BSc(Pharm) 1983
JUDY Y. HUANG
BSc(Pharm) 1993
Did you know? IN 1969, THE BEATLES’ SONG HEY JUDE WAS
CANADA’S TOP SINGLE. IT WAS NOMINATED FOR RECORD OF THE YEAR, SONG OF THE YEAR, AND BEST POP PERFORMANCE BY A GROUP AT THE GRAMMY’S. AT THE FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, “HEY JUDE(Y)” HAS BEEN SUNG SINCE 1961, AS THESE JUDY’S HAVE ALL MADE HEALTH CARE better, better,
better ...
JUDITH J. ROSS
BSc(Pharm) 1962
JUDITH A. LORENZ
JUDITH G. JOHNSTON
BSc(Pharm) 1965
JUDY H. MUSEY
JUDITH M. BELL
BSc(Pharm) 1966
JUDY A. BREITKREUZ
BSc(Pharm) 1976
BSc(Pharm) 1977
BSc(Pharm) 1980
JUDY L. SCHOEN (NEE WONG)
JUDITH L. JORGENSON-NYROSE
BSc(Pharm) 1988
BSc(Pharm) 1983
JUDY M. GEE
BSc(Pharm) 1998
BSc(Pharm) 1985
JUDI W. LEE
BSc(Pharm) 2008
JUDY M. YIP (NEE MAH)
JUDY YUE MA
BSc(Pharm) 2019
JUDITH I. SUTTON
BSc(Pharm) 1967
JUDY MACK
BSc(Pharm) 1980
JUDY A. HERTEL
BSc(Pharm) 1989
JUDY XU
BSc(Pharm) 2021
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39
plant the seeds of inspiration today. With your donation to the Prescription for the Future Fund, you can help grow the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists by supporting supplemental learning opportunities for students, exchange programs, student-led events and initiatives, conference attendance and so much more!
To learn more about our Prescription for the Future Fund or other giving opportunities, please visit uab.ca/givetopharm or call 780-492-8084.
Please return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2-35 MSB, University of Alberta 8613 - 114 Street Edmonton AB T6G 2H7 phcomms@ualberta.ca ualberta.ca/pharmacy 40
THE MORTAR & PESTLE | FALL 2019