The Mortar & Pestle Winter 2021

Page 1

WINTER 2021

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

THE

FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES

HOME SCHOOLED PHARMACY

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Contents 4 Dean Dr. Neal M. Davies Assistant Dean, Advancement Kieran Andrew MacIsaac Development and Alumni Engagement Officer Ellen Doty Editor Kalyna Hennig Contributors Alyssa Aco Julia Brown Photography Eddy Gaeth Kalyna Hennig Gillian Rutherford Design & Illustration Curio Studio 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 @ualbertapharmacy @ualberta_pharmacy @UAlberta_Pharm linkedin.com/school/ualberta-pharmacy

Dean’s Distillate

NEWS & NOTES 6

Outstanding Pharmacy Alumna

8

2020 Preceptor Recognition Awards

9

Faculty Notes

20 Pharmacy School from Home Since March 2020, the Faculty has been adapting to a new and uncharted reality: training pharmacy students from home.

FEATURES 22 Are We There Yet?

10 Q&A with the PAA

With Alberta pharmacists practicing

11 Dr. John McNeill appointed Member of the Order of Canada

practice, their roles and impacts are

11 In Memoriam

SPOTLIGHT 12 Firm Foundation

with the world’s largest scope of diverse province-wide. Take a road trip across Alberta to visit pharmacies, and pharmacists, near and far.

28 Diabetes Prevention Associate Professor, Dr. John Ussher,

Pharmacy alumnus David S. Tam

identifies a new class of drugs to prevent

pursued a law degree and landed

or control Type 2 diabetes in obese

a hybrid career in pharmaceutical

individuals.

securities law.

14 Industry Leaders Hear from five alumni of the Faculty working in the pharmaceutical industry making our communities safer and healthier every day.

IN THE MORTAR 17 Q&A with Morgan Bharadia

LOOKING BACK 29 The Dunn Generation Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Ambrose Stewart Dunn, pharmacist and WWI veteran, was the third Director of the School of Pharmacy at the Univesity of Alberta.

32 Over the Counter Alumni

Get to know the newest Clinical

Many of the products in your medicine

Assistant Professor at, and alumna

cabinet or on the shelves of your local

of, the Faculty of Pharmacy and

pharmacy were created by alumni

Pharmaceutical Sciences.

of the University of Alberta’s Faculty

18 Early Warning Signs Research from graduate student Dr. Diva Niaz finds poor medication adherence is a factor to consider when looking for early warning signs of depression.

of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

34 Fast Facts 2020


DEAN'S DISTILLATE

Dean’s Distillate

UNSUNG HEROES IN THE WORLD OF PHARMACY

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


DEAN'S DISTILLATE

T

HE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN US TIME TO PAUSE

that have made my life better. From this book, we aspire to raise funds

and reflect in an epoch of turmoil. As Dean of the Faculty of

from the proceeds to endow a scholarship and bursary.

Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, I have seen significant

I hope that we can collectively give back. Our profession has made the

decreases to financial resources available to programs and operations

world so much better, and we should all take considerable pride in this.

at the University of Alberta over the past few years. We have also

Let’s dream big. With your help, we can recognize the many professors

had reductions in academic and support staff to run, administer, and

and people that helped build our Faculty into what it is today that have

teach our programs. At the same time, we have been rolling out the

not been adequately recognized with scholarships or bursaries presented

fruits of our labour—a new Entry to Practice PharmD program with a

in their name; we could also raise funds for a long unmet clinical need in

completely revamped curriculum—and making active and purposeful

our Faculty—a not-for-profit clinic for our trainees and programs; and

quality improvements where possible in keeping with accreditation

we can make the lives of our students and their families better.

standards and criteria. How has this all been possible with significant

You care about this profession and the continuity of our programs,

reductions in budget? Only because of all the people who are dedicated

so I ask you to consider showing your support by purchasing a copy of

to our profession, refuse to be bitter, and choose to care. Despite being

Unsung Heroes in the World of Pharmacy. It’s a perfect birthday, graduation,

squeezed to the limit and pelted with harvests of lemons year after year,

or White Coat Ceremony present, or a kind gesture for a local

we have worked together as a championship team. This year, the lemons

pharmacist you know serving on the frontlines during this pandemic.

have only kept growing larger, more sour, and more plentiful. With the

You will be re-investing in the future of pharmacy at your alma mater

buzzing hornets of Service Excellence Transformation of administrative

and making a difference in an aspiring student pharmacist’s life.

functions and academic restructuring initiatives at the University of

In this anthology, you will read that many innovations in pharmacy

Alberta, our Faculty itself will not remain the same by next harvest season.

came from failure and difficulty. After what I assure you will be an

When I came back to the University of Alberta as Dean, it was to give

inspiring literary and historic journey through our entire pharmacy

back to my profession and Faculty. Now, as the cost of education is going

profession, we can all rejoice and quench our charitable thirsts at our

up, many students are struggling financially to pay for their training

lemonade stand and raise a glass together in recognition of the ripened

and remain in our program. In my own family, my father came from

fruits of our collective philanthropy. Now, that would be sweet!

an impoverished background and grew up missing meals and living in squalor. It was because of academic scholarships, grants, and bursaries

Thank you for having me as your Dean.

that he was able to rise above that immobilization to attend both school and University. I have experienced first-hand the positive impact that a

Sincerely,

scholarship and a bursary can have, generationally, in the life of students and their families. Over three decades, I have been working on a book entitled Unsung Heroes in the World of Pharmacy. It is a 400+ page volume of hundreds upon hundreds of stories of pharmacists—real people, their inventions,

NEAL M. DAVIES BSc(Pharm), Ph.D., R.Ph.

events, and discoveries—that have shaped our entire society. This book

Dean and Professor

is my earnest attempt to further give back to a Faculty and profession

To purchase Unsung Heroes in Pharmacy please go to www.heroesofpharmacy.com

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

5


NEWS & NOTES

Sheila Kelcher

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


OUTSTANDING PHARMACY ALUMNA

Sheila Kelcher BY KALYNA HENNIG

When Sheila Kelcher (BSc Pharm 1970) saw a job listing

Kelcher worked as a clinical pharmacist alongside family physicians in the Family Medicine Clinics at the Misericordia and Grey Nuns hospitals. One of her roles in the position saw her take family medicine residents on home visits to discuss patients’ conditions, medications, and challenges. “It was a real eye opener for the residents, because many assumed any time a doctor wrote a prescription, the patients got it filled and they took the medication correctly,” says Kelcher. “As pharmacists

for a male pharmacist upon graduation, she didn’t hesitate to apply.

know, that doesn’t always happen.” On one home visit with a couple,

Her successful application got her a job at Woodward’s Downtown

Kelcher recalled a candy dish in the middle of the coffee table, full of

Pharmacy, where she worked until the birth of her first child in 1974.

multi-coloured pills of all shapes and sizes. The students were stunned.

Ahead of her time, she was asked back and continued to work at

“That position was a catalyst to ensure that physicians understood

Woodward’s Southgate, part-time, after starting a family. Kelcher

what an important role a pharmacist can play in patient care,” says

worked as a community pharmacist at Woodward’s Southgate

Kelcher. “It was the first step into that new era.”

until her retirement in 2012, even after it had closed in 1993 and transitioned to The Hudson’s Bay Southgate Pharmacy. But Woodward’s was just the beginning of a life-long career path full of impactful, and unexpected, positions. Kelcher had an ever-

As the program developed, Kelcher was invited to sit and consult on many committees that provided the groundwork for multi disciplinary teams in Alberta that now include pharmacists. In 2001, Dean Dr. Franco Pasutto, now Professor Emeritus,

growing presence and impact within the Faculty of Pharmacy and

spearheaded an update of the entire pharmacy curriculum to include

Pharmaceutical Sciences, humbly leading the profession of pharmacy

at least one full year of experiential education for students during their

into the future.

degree. He asked Kelcher to lead the curriculum planning process. In

In 1982, Dean Dr. John Bachynsky, now Professor Emeritus,

2004, with Kelcher at the forefront, the new curriculum was approved,

introduced Professional Practice courses to the curriculum to help

and the first pharmacy class of the new program began their studies.

students develop their dispensing, communication and patient

Kelcher says it is the proudest accomplishment of her career to date.

counselling skills. Helen Radchuk, then Professional Practice

“It has been a wonderful career, it really has,” says Kelcher. “The

Coordinator for third year students, invited Kelcher in her role as

funny thing is, I never applied for any of the jobs. I would get asked to

Chair of the Internship Committee to discuss recent curricular

do something, and say ‘sure, why not?’”

changes relating to pharmacy practice. Following the meeting,

In 2008, Dean Pasutto had Kelcher take his place at convocation.

Radchuk asked Kelcher to step in at the last minute as a Teacher’s

It was the first class to graduate from the new curriculum she had been

Assistant for a single class, and ended up offering her the position

so instrumental in developing.

for the remainder of the year. The following year, Radchuk moved

“I stood at the podium when that class convocated, and I shook

on to curriculum development for the first year class, and Kelcher

hands with each graduand,” says Kelcher. “It was very special for me.

took over teaching the third-year Pharmacy Practice class full-time.

I knew them so well. I could acknowledge each and every one of them

By 1991, the Faculty was under a new Dean, Dr. Richard Moskalyk, now Professor Emeritus, who asked Kelcher to sit on the Pharmaceutical Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) as the Alberta representative, and by 1995, she was President and leading the change

by name.” Years later, Kelcher says that her students are still at the heart of her career. “The most rewarding part of it all is meeting my pharmacy students

from a paper exam to an additional practical exam—the Objective

that I’ve taught over the years, and having them remember me and

Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)—which is still administered

be so kind. I feel like over time I did make a difference in a lot of

to pharmacy students at the end of their degrees today. Kelcher helped

people’s lives.”

run the OSCEs at the University of Alberta until her retirement in 2012. In addition to transforming the pharmacy examinations, Kelcher

This year, Kelcher was the recipient of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ 2020 Outstanding Pharmacist Alumni

was also fulfilling a joint position between Pharmacy and Family

Award, which was presented to her at the virtual White Coat &

Medicine at the request of Dean Moskalyk. From 1991 through 2008,

Awards Ceremony in January 2021. 

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

7


NEWS & NOTES

AWARD-WINNING PHARMACISTS Alberta Pharmacy Excellence (APEX) Awards are peer-nominated and presented by the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) to recognize excellence in pharmacy practice in Alberta. This year, all 2020 APEX Awards were given to

• Dr. Teri Charrois, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Practice Innovation, for receiving the Mentorship Award. • Lauren Bresee (BSc Pharm 2001) for receiving the Donna Pipa Meritorious Service Award.

University of Alberta pharmacy alumni. Congratulations to:

• Cecilia Lau (BSc Pharm 2000) for receiving the Practitioner Award.

• Taciana Pereira (BSc Pharm 2004), Program Performance and

• Dr. Hannah Kaliel (PharmD 2019) for receiving the Pharmacy

Informatics Director, Alberta Health Services for receiving the Award of Excellence.

Practice Residency Award. • Abanoub Graiss (BSc Pharm 2020) for receiving the Future

• Jenny Wichart (BSc Pharm 1998), Clinical Practice Leader, Alberta Health Services for receiving the M.J. Huston Pharmacist of Distinction Award.

Professional Award. • Rhonda Roedler (BSc Pharm 1999) for receiving the Residency Preceptors of the Year Award.

• The Mint Health + Drugs Franklin Station, including Andrew Noh (BSc Pharm 2014), Pharmacy Manager; Lauren Mark (BSc Pharm 2018), Pharmacist; and Dr. Eva Cui (PharmD 2020), Pharmacy Student for receiving the W.L. Boddy Pharmacy Team Award.

• Dr. Cassandra Cooper (PharmD 2019) for receiving the Resident of the Year Award. • Ginny Cummings (BSc Pharm 2002), Josh Torrance (BSc Pharm 2014), Dr. Rene Breault (Clinical Associate Professor and Director

• Colter Young (BSc Pharm 2016), Pharmacy Manager, Shoppers Drug

of PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists Program), Dr. Teri Charrois

Mart; and Klaudia Zabrzenski (BSc Pharm 2016), ACE Program Lead,

(Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Practice Innovation),

Mint Health + Drugs for receiving Future of Pharmacy Awards.

Dr. Sheri Koshman (BSc Pharm 2000, PharmD), Dr. Jill Hall

Both University of Alberta pharmacy alumni and faculty members

(Clinical Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of Professional

received 2020 Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP)

Programs), and the Edmonton Remand Pharmacy Team for

Alberta Branch Awards this year. Congratulations to:

receiving Recognition Awards for their innovative ways of using

• Dr. Rene Breault, Clinical Associate Professor and Director of

technology to improve efficiency in patient care.

PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists Program, for receiving the Past President Award.

2020 PRECEPTOR RECOGNITION AWARDS Congratulations to

Joanna Cheung

Karen Hagen

Vincent Lee

Bonnie Ollikka

Dr. Mikhail Surgent

our preceptors that

Sheldon Chow

Ian Hamilton

Daniel Leung

Bonnie Peyto

Carmen Tetrault

received awards:

Dr. Doson Chua

Sean Hanson

Marianna Leung

Inna Podilsky

Michael Tiet

Terry Allen

Aaron Chy

Sadia Haque

Roy Li

Andrea Romain

Kenneth Tong

Beverly Ang

Ashley Davidson

Roy Hassan

Craig MacAlpine

Rahul Sahajpal

Jaime Turnbull

Katelyn Archer

Jodi Delday

Karen Hee

Joanne Mah

Jennifer Schadek

Trevor Vanderfluit

Shamas Arshad

Anupreet Dhillon

Rachel Heisler

Anahita Malek-Zadeh

Jennifer Schroeder

Amanada Visscher

Margaret Batz

Natosha Eccles

Leah Hodgins

Carly Maxwell

Gisele Scott-Woo

Denise Wilson

Greg Bendera

Karim Elghazouly

Melissa Hozack

Dr. Pat Mayo

David Segatto

Bruce Winston

Raj Bharadia

Dean England

Kendra Huculak

Daniel Melenchuk

Krunal Shah

Kathleen Woloszyn

Belinda Boschee

Natasha Ettrich

Kevin Jacobson

Neire Monteiro

Farooq Shamshad

Debora Wong

Jillian Breen

Leah Fahlman

Michael Johnson

Nathaniel Morin

Randy Sloan

Chris Wynnyk

Tara Bruneski

Nicola Gale

Dmytro Kachenyuk

Dana Moynihan

Varun Solanki

Hannah Yu

Dr. Tammy Bungard

Eric Gaudet

Denise Kultgen

Zak Murakami

Gerard Spytkowski

Linda Zouboules

Cassie Charlesworth

Tom Gieni

Jennifer Lam

Binh Nguyen

Richelle Stewart

Bill Cheredaryk

Anil Goorachurn

Michelle Lee

Tony Nickonchuk

Alma Steyn

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


NEWS & NOTES

FACULTY NOTES Dr. Dion Brocks, Professor and

Dr. Sherif Mahmoud, Clinical Associate

Associate Dean of Programs, was

Professor, was inducted as a Fellow

named a Great Supervisor, an award

of the Neurocritical Care Society

from the Faculty of Graduate Studies

(FNCS) in September 2020. The

and Research, to celebrate the

Neurocritical Care Society recognizes

dedicated work of graduate student

exceptional service, neurocritical

supervisors at the University of Alberta.

care program development, academic

He was nominated for his demonstrated

excellence, scholarship, leadership

superb supervisory skills and

and professionalism in the field

collaboration with graduate students.

of Neurocritical care. Additionally,

Congratulations to Clinical Associate Professor and Director of Practice Innovation, Dr. Teri Charrois, on receiving her Doctor of Education (EdD)

Congratulations to PhD student, Ahmed Darwesh Essa, on being awarded the

DR. JESSICA BUHLER Congratulations to Dr. Jessica Buhler (PharmD 2020) on receiving the Alberta

Neurocritical Care Society Presidential Citation and was the recipient of the Neurocritical Care Travel Grant. Dr. Cheryl Sadowski, Professor, was

in December 2020!

ACP PAST PRESIDENT AWARD

Dr. Mahmoud received the 2020

awarded her Certified Health Executive designation this year.

2020 Izaak Walton Killam Memorial

Dr. John Seubert, Professor, along

Scholarship, the most prestigious

with his project co-lead, Dr. Gavin Y.

graduate award administered by the

Oudit (Professor, Faculty of Medicine),

University of Alberta. Every effort is

received a Canada Foundation for

made to honor the criteria set out in the

Innovation (CFI) grant entitled “The

will of Dorothy Killam, whose desire it

Human Explanted Heart Program

was that those awarded scholarships

at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart

and fellowships be likely to contribute to

Institute: A Translational Bridge for

the advancement of learning or to win

Cardiovascular Medicine and Drug

distinction in their profession.

Development.” They also received the

Congratulations to Janice Kung, Health Sciences Librarian, for receiving tenure. Congratulations to Assistant Clinical Professor, Tara Leslie, on receiving her Masters of Education (MEd).

provincial matching funds from the Alberta Government EDTT program. According to a recent Stanford study, Dr. Raimar Loebenberg, Professor and Director of the DDIC, Dr. Dion Brocks, Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Students Affairs,

Congratulations to Dr. Tatiana

College of Pharmacy (ACP) Past President

Makhinova, Assistant Professor, for

Award for her work as President of the

being selected to be a member of the

Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association

Editorial Board of Research in Social

(APSA), which was presented to her at

and Administrative Pharmacy starting

ACP’s virtual Celebration of Leadership

January 1, 2021.

Dr. Fakhreddin Jamali, Professor Emeritus, and Dr. Afsaneh Lavasanifar, Professor, are in the top 2% of biomedical scientists in the world in their disciplines.

event in December 2020.

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

9


NEWS & NOTES

Dr. Kasia Babyn

Q&A with the PAA

WORK FROM HOME WITH KASIA: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PHARMACY MASTER’S STUDENT

BY ALYSSA ACO Working on your master’s degree is challenging

rest of the time working on some aspect of my

What drove you to get a master’s

enough, but what does it look like when you

research work and addressing the feedback

degree in pharmacy?

throw a global pandemic in the mix?

received in the meetings and reviewing any

The biggest driver was the opportunity to

The PAA checked in with Dr. Kasia Babyn

email responses.

challenge myself in a new way. The style of

(PharmD 2020), currently researching cannabis use in women experiencing menopause, for a glimpse into what it’s like to be a master’s student in Pharmacy Practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is your daily schedule like while

3pm-3:30pm: Stress that I didn’t get enough

learning is completely different from that of

work done for the day and start making a

pharmacy school, and I have had the chance

new to-do list. I also clean and organize my

to apply my own creativity to designing a

desk space.

research project in a very interesting, up and

3:30-5pm: Wrap up the day’s work by sending final emails to keep my supervisor and other research team members informed on

coming area!

What excites you about your research?

working at home?

my progress.

Cannabis is a “blazing” hot topic in research

I used to head to the university to work, but I

What is the biggest change in your

am fortunate that I can do most of my work

opportunity to contribute to the growing

routine since the pandemic began?

knowledge on this subject area, going directly

from a computer, which made the transition to working at home pretty easy. 9am-10am: Enjoying a cup of coffee while answering emails. 10am-12pm: Work on current project tasks— right now that is survey development and writing a proposal and abstract—and prepare any materials for upcoming meetings. Soon I

I had to restructure my process of data

and identify future research needs. I hope to

interviews with my study participants, which

take part in the future development of clinical

we then decided was not feasible in light of the

resources that healthcare professionals can

pandemic. I had to shift back to the planning stages and come up with a new data collection strategy that was suitable for these times.

Favourite work-at-home snack?

to write my thesis or manuscripts.

Hands down, it has to be popcorn! But an honourable mention would be the unlimited

my cooking skills and making delicious home-

amounts of coffee just steps away in my

cooked meals for lunch! I also take my dog,

kitchen. I’ve stepped up my game and use

Mia, on a quick walk.

freshly ground beans to brew a few cups of

1pm-3pm: Zoom meetings. Then I spend the 10

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

to women to have them share their experiences

collection. I intended to do in-person

will be transitioning to mainly using this time 12pm-1pm: Take a break. I have been flexing

right now. I am really excited for the

coffee a day. That counts as a snack, right?

use in practice to help patients make informed decisions on cannabis use.

Want to give a shout out to any fellow alumni who inspire you daily? My graduate studies supervisor, mentor, and fellow pharmacy alumna, Dr. Nese Yuksel (BSc Pharm 1988, PharmD). Without her support and encouragement, my project would not have been possible! 


NEWS & NOTES

Dr. John McNeill appointed Member of the Order of Canada Congratulations to alumnus, Dr. John McNeill (BSc Pharm 1960, MSc 1962, PhD 1967 [from the University of Michigan]), who was appointed as a Member (C.M.) of the Order of Canada in November 2020 in recognition of his ground-breaking research into the links between cardiac disease and diabetes. The Order of Canada—established in 1967—is one of the highest honours awarded to Canadian citizens and is presented annually by the Governor General in recognition of significant service to the nation. 

IN MEMORIAM We honour those who have passed. JOHN MURRAY MACPHERSON BSc Pharm 1951 April 2019

THEODORE WILFRED PARADIS BSc Pharm 1951 April 2020

KATHLEEN (KAY) YAWORSKI BSc Pharm 1958 May 2019

BORYS A FERBEY BSc Pharm 1953 April 2020

ASTRID USTINA BSc Pharm 1952 June 2019

LAURIE HAY HEULE BSc Pharm 1979 April 2020

EDGAR PATRICK STILES BSc Pharm 1956 January 2020

GORDON ANDREW MCNAUGHTON BSc Pharm 1951 July 2020

CLIFFORD IRVINE FRENCH BSc Pharm 1965 January 2020

ELIZABETH ANN MATHESON BSc Pharm 1963 August 2020

NESTOR IVAN WOROBETS BSc Pharm 1958 January 2020

DENNIS NICHOLAS STRILCHUK BSc Pharm 1951 September 2020

MALCOLM ALLISTER MACKAY BSc Pharm 1952 February 2020

CLYDE MACDONALD BSc Pharm 1958 September 2020

To those who have experienced the loss of loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our hearts are with you. Please know that the pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences community stands in solidarity with you and will continue to put the health of our communities first, through making safe choices, staying home, advocating for

ANASTASIA KATHERINE NIMCHUK BSc Pharm 2006 February 2020

the following of health regulations and protocols, and researching for a cure. We are so sorry for your loss.

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

11


SPOTLIGHT

David S. Tam

“My law career would not have been as fulfilling had I not gone through pharmacy first.”

12

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


SPOTLIGHT

Firm Foundation BUILDING A LAW CAREER ON PHARMACY

Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather—who owned

his future in pharmacy. There, Professor Dr. John Bachynsky, now

and operated pharmacies in Southern China and neighbouring countries

Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Pharmacy, introduced him to

after WWII—University of Alberta alumnus, David S. Tam (BSc

Leslie Dan, founder of Novopharm, now Teva Canada Limited. Dan

Pharm [with distinction] 1985, LLB 1989), chose pharmacy to begin his

introduced his projects, personally took Tam on a tour of the facilities,

educational journey.

and spoke of the need for generic manufacturers in Canada and globally.

But even during pharmacy school, Tam’s attention was held by the

Later on as part of class work, Dr. Bachynsky had Tam’s

stock market and public companies, an interest he developed in his early

pharmaceutical history paper on Merck Frosst’s Dingbat Calendars

years reading about business stories and the Canadian establishment.

submitted and published in the Canadian Pharmaceutical Journal.

After completing his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with the

“They published it as the cover feature for the month of December

Class of 1985, Tam worked in retail pharmacy in Edmonton for a year

in 1985. It was very cool,” says Tam. “I was only 22 years old and

before returning to the University of Alberta Faculty of Law to get his

was invited to give a presentation on my paper at the Canadian

law degree. During law school, and even after being called to the Bar of

Pharmaceutical Association Annual Convention in Quebec City.”

Alberta, he continued to work as a licensed pharmacist for a number of

There, he was also invited to meet with Mr. Frosst in Montreal.

years.

“The experience was invaluable and immeasurable,” says Tam.

“I would never say that pharmacy was a stepping stone,” says Tam. “I

“I didn’t plan to be both a pharmacist and a securities lawyer and

think it turned out to be quite a niche path—perhaps more of a bridge—

work in both sectors. I never would have imagined it,” says Tam. “But

which I didn’t even know existed until I was pondering it in hindsight.”

working with the professors on their research projects in conjunction

When the time came, his early interest in business led him to choose securities law for his legal practice, which involves raising capital to take

with their business plans are the best projects I’ve had.” Now, after 33 years at Parlee McLaws LLP, Tam has lost count

companies public and building them from the ground up. Over a period

of the number of public company listings he’s worked on, but will

of time, Tam started working on files pertaining to pharmaceuticals and

always cherish the projects from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of

the biotechnology sectors.

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Medicine, Science, and more.

“My work initially involved more corporate and commercial law with some securities matters, and then I focused on building up my securities practice,” says Tam. “What did happen, which was very interesting, is I

When he takes on new clients, he says he yearns for a connection back to the pharmaceutical sciences. “I just love the biotech and science part of these companies, which is

started meeting up with various professors to help them raise capital and

making our world hopefully a better place, in our progress of science,”

take their companies public.”

says Tam. “I think having this pharmaceutical knowledge and basic

Tam has worked on listing a company, Discovery Acquisitions, with late fellow alumnus Dr. Ronald Micetich, former Adjunct Pharmacy Professor, who is best known for discovering Tazobactam with the

science background permits me to speak a lot better with respect to creating value in a company.” Tam says that he believes if you are open and positive about the paths

Japanese company Taiho Pharmaceutical, which is still marketed

you encounter in your career, you will attract the people who will make

worldwide today. He has also worked on taking Cold FX public with

and seize opportunities with you. But you have to be willing to work

Drs. Peter Pang and Jacqueline Shan from the Faculty of Medicine, as

earnestly and tirelessly.

well as worked with his former Professor Dr. Antoine A. Noujaim, which resulted in his name on a patent because of their shared work. “Dr. Noujaim was quite the entrepreneur,” says Tam. “He was one of the guys that inspired me to become more philanthropic. Just seeing him

“I think a person can go into any field or career and say, ‘this is what I want out of it’. But, it’s more of going into it with ‘what can I contribute during my career?’,” says Tam. “You aren’t trying to get one thing for yourself, it’s about sharing something great together.”

in action, discussing science, and knowing him as a mentor and friend

Tam says he would not have enjoyed his education more than at the

was very inspiring. His business was brilliant and he instilled in me the

University of Alberta. “I look back and can say that it sure wasn’t easy

spirit of giving back to the community.”

for me academically, but my law career would not have been as fulfilling

One of the highlights of Tam’s pharmacy program was the annual

had I not gone through pharmacy first.” 

Toronto and Montreal industry trip where he got a first-hand tour of

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

13


SPOTLIGHT

INDUSTRY LEADERS

FORGING A PATH IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES INDUSTRY Alumni of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences work in industry across the world, making our communities safer and healthier everyday. We asked five of them about their roles in the pharmaceutical industry today, how their education at the University of Alberta helped prepare them for their careers, and what advice they would give to someone just starting out.

DR. LAUNA ASPESLET

CEO, Translational Research in Oncology (TRIO); Chair of the Board of Directors, Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API) Dr. Launa Aspeslet (PhD 1994) oversees global clinical research trials in oncology for TRIO, a clinical research organization focused on cancer treatments. TRIO is a service provider for small biotechs all the way up to large pharmaceutical companies. At any one time, TRIO is managing over a dozen clinical trials.

as though it will be there one day. Being part of the development of this drug from the time it was basic research in the lab, then seeing it go into clinical trials, and building the team needed to get it there was a great experience. In my current job, I am proud that I can contribute to trying to find a cure for cancer and to making patients’ lives and their families’ lives better along the way. Cancer research has been a field I have been passionate about, even before I began working in this area. I feel lucky that TRIO found me and honored to lead such an amazing organization.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in their career? Be confident. We all gain a lot of knowledge in university, but I believe that one of the most important things we learn, especially in a PhD program, is to think. All through university, you learn to think and perhaps without even knowing it. So even if you go outside of the area in which you have done in your degree, you’ve been given that all important tool. You need not limit yourself to looking for a career based on

How did your training at University of Alberta prepare

exactly what you studied in school. It’s just a matter of being confident

you for your career?

and saying, ‘Yes, I can do this. I have been trained not just on specific

My training at U of A gave me both the science background and

knowledge, but to think, to learn, and to solve problems.’

the ability to be a critical thinker. My research was focussed on

ROSEMARY BACOVSKY

neurochemistry and antidepressants, but gaining that solid science background and the understanding of how pharmaceuticals work in the body—learning about pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics—is applicable to what I do now. That knowledge can be taken and applied to any drug. Understanding the science behind a drug serves as a strong foundation and additional level of insight as a drug enters the clinical trial process.

President, Integra Consulting Ltd. Rosemary Bacovsky (BSc 1974, BScPharm 1977, MPharm 1985, MHSA 1997) provides

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career so far?

a custom consulting service

I feel like I have had two careers so far. I had a career within a local

with Integra Consulting Inc.,

biotech, Isotechnika Pharma, for 17 years. I have a lot of pride in the

focused on pharmaceutical

work that I did there. Though the drug is not yet on the market, it looks

policy and economics, drug

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SPOTLIGHT

plans, reimbursement, non-physician prescribing and pharmacy

Corrigan’s team is responsible for running studies for first

issues. Her clients include the health and pharmaceutical

in human, drug interactions, and special populations, and

industries; federal, provincial, and territorial governments;

translating information around safety, efficacy, and toxicology

governments of other countries; regional health authorities; and

to inform dose selection. He says that the job plays an important

international health consulting companies. Most of Bacovsky’s

role in informing prescribers and patients around dosing, even

current activities involve preparing expert witness reports and

for drug labels decades old as science advances.

testifying in federal court proceedings on drug plans and policies.

How did your training at University of Alberta prepare

How did your training at University of Alberta prepare

you for your career?

you for your career?

My pharmacy degree really provided the groundwork for understanding

My education in pharmacy and health administration enabled me to

clinical application, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, and a lot of the core

work in policy at Alberta Health and to manage its drug programs.

sciences that we use within the pharmaceutical industry. Without that,

This experience forms the foundation for my consulting today.

you can’t really play an important role in this industry.

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career so far? I was one of the early advocates to expand the scope of practice for Alberta pharmacists, including independent prescribing and injecting drugs and vaccines. The resulting legislation in 2007 provided Alberta pharmacists with the most comprehensive scope of practice in Canada, if not the world.

What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in their career? Determine what you want in a career and work to that goal, but be flexible, as you may change your direction many times and ways. In 1988, after working for 10 years in hospital pharmacy, I wanted a change. I determined that ultimately, I wanted to remain in health care, preferably with a pharmacy focus, to enjoy my work, to be respected for my work, to be paid well and to have the flexibility to travel. Consulting

My PhD was focused on pharmacokinetics, which is really what we focus on in clinical pharmacology. That training allowed me to understand the concepts in more detail and actually apply them. Understanding the core science behind clinical pharmacology allows me to apply the scientific method in all of our work. That is at the core of what we do in drug development: have a hypothesis and see if it works by designing the right studies to answer the relevant questions.

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career so far? In our role, what most people don’t realize, is that one can go through their career and never have any medicines they work on come to patients. I have been very fortunate to work on a series of medicines that have come to patients in the neurosciences. Seeing a drug approved and help patients is exciting. It gives me a reason to wake up every day excited to get to work.

would meet these criteria. I determined I would need an MBA and

What advice would you give to someone who is starting

government experience. Therefore, I obtained a Master in Health

out in their career?

Services Administration and worked for Alberta Health for six years,

Follow your passion, especially in the realm of sciences. You may not

including a year as Director, Pharmacy Services, before starting my

see a career path in it right away, but I think if you are true to what you

consulting company in 1996.

love doing, you will find a way. And don’t be afraid to reach out to others

DR. BRIAN CORRIGAN

when you are thinking about your career and trying to figure out what

Global Head of Clinical Pharmacology, Pfizer Dr. Brian Corrigan (BScPharm 1989, PhD 1996) oversees clinical pharmacology for Pfizer—the world’s second largest pharmaceutical company. In a year, his group

to do. I think you have to keep a curious mind, learn, and ask questions about what other types of career opportunities there are for you.

”Follow your passion, especially in the realm of sciences. You may not see a career path in it right away, but I think if you are true to what you love doing, you will find a way.”

will perform more than 50 clinical trials in clinical pharmacology. THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

15


SPOTLIGHT

DR. JOHN GRUNDY

Vice President of Nonclinical Development & Clinical Pharmacology at Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Co-founder and Member, Board of Directors of DTxPharma, and

STARR GRUNDY

Co-founder of SD Scientific Inc. Dr. John Grundy (BScPharm 1990, PhD 1996) and Starr Grundy (BScPharm 1990) got married six months after they graduated from the pharmacy program at the University of Alberta and worked for a time as pharmacists. Since then, each of them has grown their skills and made a splash in the pharmaceutical industry. John currently oversees all of the human clinical pharmacology studies—any study with healthy human volunteers— nonclinical toxicology, and pharmacokinetic studies for Arena Pharmaceuticals based in San Diego, California. He is also the co-founder and member of the board of directors of DTxPharma, which launched three years ago to create novel RNA-based therapeutics to treat the genetic drivers of disease, and has already grown to more than 15 employees. When he has time leftover, John also consults for other pharmaceutical companies. Starr Grundy has been running a consulting company—SD Scientific Inc.—for the last 15 years, doing medical writing and

What is the proudest accomplishment of your career so far? John: Founding DTxPharma and seeing its continued success. We started this biotech company a little over three years ago, and at that time the three founding partners had no experience in launching a new pharmaceutical development business and obtaining the necessary funding to support it. Being able to utilize my education from the University of Alberta, and experiences working for other pharmaceutical companies, and putting all this into co-founding a small pharmaceutical company has been a huge highlight of my career to date. Starr: For me it is co-founding SD Scientific. That, and being able to transfer my expertise into veterinary medicine.

medical affairs for companies big and small. For the last three

What advice would you give to someone who is starting

years before 2020, she was also a senior director at a veterinary

out in their career?

pharmaceutical company running their veterinary affairs

John: Be willing to take chances. Think broadly. Be aware and

department.

take advantage of good opportunities that may come your way.

How did your training at University of Alberta prepare you for your career? John: The pharmacy principles and all the basic science that I learned— medical chemistry, pharmacokinetics, biology, an understanding of commercially available drugs and their pharmacology and other properties—are all the things I use on a day-to-day basis. Beginning as a pharmacist and dispensing drugs to patients, and then moving into the pharmaceutical industry where new drugs are developed and commercialized has been fun, because you see both sides. Having an understanding of how therapeutic drugs are used, and what’s required to get a new drug developed and commercialized, gives you an appreciation of what it takes to create and dispense new medicines that benefit patients’ lives. Starr: The undergraduate degree made it much more possible for me to learn everything to do with medical affairs and be able to write and understand literature, which has given me the advantage over people with other educational backgrounds in this field.

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

Over my career I have done a variety of things, worked for various pharmaceutical companies, and met many talented individuals who I have learned from. At each place I worked, I have always learned something really valuable. This includes embracing potential new roles and responsibilities, working collaboratively with colleagues and teams, encountering a different focus or being involved with different technologies, and taking on various challenges. All of that will help you grow as an individual, scientist, drug researcher/developer, entrepreneur, and as a pharmacist. For me, it’s been very rewarding to try different things. Starr: I agree, be open to new opportunities. Also, try to identify a mentor—somebody who you aspire to be—and develop that relationship early on, because they can certainly help you navigate those choices. The second thing is never giving up a networking opportunity. Seek those out. 


Morgan Bharadia

IN THE MORTAR

with Morgan Bharadia

CLINICAL ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Get to know Morgan Bharadia

working towards my PhD in the Department

to address complex issues within pharmacy

(BSc Pharm 2015, RPh, PhD[c]),

of Medicine.

practice. Wherever possible, I also integrate

newest Clinical Assistant Professor, and alumna, of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. When did you start working at the Faculty? I started facilitating in the practice skills labs

my expertise on natural health products and

What is your area of research? My current area of research is on the use of natural health products (NHPs) in patients

What do you enjoy most

potential NHP-related adverse events and

about working at the Faculty?

NHP-drug interactions.

From the beginning of my work in the Faculty, one thing that really stood out to me was the

Why did you choose your area of

2015, and started guest lecturing soon after

research? Why is it important to you?

of Science in Pharmacy students’ program was starting, and I was fortunate enough to take on the role of coordinator for a course that focused on the use of evidence in pharmacy practice, which I coordinated for the next three years. In the Fall of 2019, I was officially hired in the Faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor, which has now turned into a full-time role.

Before you were at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta, what were you doing?

my teaching.

with cancer, including the identification of

in my final year of the pharmacy program, in graduating. In 2017, the PharmD for Bachelor

medication management in older adults into

As a pharmacy student, I was inspired by one of my professors at the time, Dr. Candace

collaborative nature and team-based approach. As I was used to working very closely with a clinical team on the hospital wards, this was something I was really looking for in a career.

Necyk. After discussing her own research in one of our classes, I was really intrigued and wanted to know more about the use of natural health products in our patients. After reaching out to her she introduced me to other

Having the ability to work closely with others really fosters an environment that is supportive, motivating and innovative. And it has been vital during the pandemic!

researchers in this area, including my current

What part of your work are

PhD supervisor! This research is important

you most passionate about?

because it provides clinicians information

Working in the healthcare field, I am extremely

and tools to assist with meaningful patient

passionate about caring for patients. I have

conversations about natural health product use

been privileged to work in a field where I

and therefore, impacts patient safety.

can impact patient care from many angles – through my clinical pharmacy practice,

Well, often I feel like I never really left. And,

What do you teach at the Faculty?

honestly, I didn’t! But, before I had a full-time

A large part of my role is teaching, facilitating

position in the Faculty, I was working as a

and coordinating in the Patient Care

hospital pharmacist at the Royal Alexandra

Skills courses. These courses give students

Hospital in Edmonton. I primarily worked on

opportunities to apply knowledge and develop

the geriatrics and stroke teams. Shortly after

the skills required to care for patients through

getting my Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

case-based learning and patient simulations.

here at the U of A, I also started graduate

I also teach within courses, in both the

studies on a part-time basis. I am currently

Entry to Practice PharmD and PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists, on applying evidence

research, and most importantly, by working with students. The students in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are the future of the pharmacy profession and of healthcare as a whole. The time I get to spend working with them, learning from them, and seeing them grow and flourish into professionals always reminds me “why I do what I do.” 

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

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IN THE MORTAR

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


IN THE MORTAR

Early Warning Signs MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND DEPRESSION

BY GILLIAN RUTHERFORD (Originally published by Folio)

While completing her graduate degree, Dr. Diva Niaz (PharmD 2019, MSc 2020) got to combine her passions for research and clinical work, so when it came time to find a thesis topic, it was natural that she found inspiration from her interactions with patients. “That’s the beauty of working in a community pharmacy—you’re

GOOD COMMUNICATION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOL Dr. Niaz, who also did her undergraduate degree at the U of A, works as a registered prescribing pharmacist and plans to continue supporting

helping individuals manage their chronic conditions,” she said. “I

research. She said her degree will help her be more innovative and

noticed that some patients diagnosed with diabetes required more

adaptive as she stays on top of developments in her profession.

followup and I was curious to know whether their drug adherence patterns could serve as a clue for other risk factors, such as depression.” Dr. Niaz examined Alberta Health administrative data between 2008

“Part of being a pharmacist is lifelong, continuous learning to provide the most up-to-date information for patients,” she said. “My own research gives me the confidence to be able to provide evidence-based

and 2018. Of 165,056 individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and

recommendations based on being able to understand and distinguish

prescribed an oral medication, 10.5 per cent also received a depression-

rigorous studies.”

related service within at least one year. By determining adherence to

Dr. Niaz said she was fortunate to have two thesis supervisors:

multiple oral diabetes medications using a “proportion of days covered”

Dr. Candace Necyk, a clinical associate professor with expertise in

calculation, Dr. Niaz was able to analyze whether these individuals had

mental health, and Dr. Scot Simpson, a professor with expertise in

poor adherence.

diabetes research.

“Symptoms of depression may persist for a long time before actually

She also credited her family’s support as a motivation for her studies.

being recognized and diagnosed,” Dr. Niaz said. “We found individuals

Her family emigrated from Russia when Dr. Niaz was nine years old.

with depression were more likely to have poor medication adherence in

Trained as a doctor, her mother, Latifa Niaz-Stadelman, now works

the year prior to their diagnosis compared to those who did not have a

as a massage therapist in Canada. She has always stressed the value

depression diagnosis.”

of education and hard work to Diva and her brother, Kambez Niaz.

Dr. Niaz’s findings showing that monitoring how people with Type 2

Coming full circle, Dr. Niaz said the biggest lesson she will take

diabetes take their medication may provide clues to their mental health

away from her research is how important it is to develop a relationship

were recently published in an academic journal.

with patients and be able to use screening tools to intervene when

“This could flag pharmacists and other health-care professionals to intervene sooner and improve medication adherence, in hopes of preventing future negative clinical outcomes for these individuals.”

appropriate. “Previously, I was mostly focused on explaining each medication and providing detailed information on what to expect or what to monitor for when using the medication during counselling sessions,” she said. “Now, I also take the time to assess whether individuals understand the

“Part of being a pharmacist is lifelong, continuous learning to provide the most upto-date information for patients. My own research gives me the confidence to be able to provide evidence-based recommendations based on being able to understand and distinguish rigorous studies.”

importance of the dose, and I try to create an opportunity for them to communicate how they are taking their medications.” “Patients who have a good relationship with their health professionals are likely more comfortable to ask for help when they need it, and health professionals may also pick up on when someone’s motivation or interest in managing their chronic conditions changes.” 

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

19


IN THE MORTAR

HOME SCHOOLED P H A R M ACY THE REALITIES OF LEARNING DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC On March 17, 2020, students at the University of Alberta were sent home as the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic came to Edmonton. Students, professors, and staff in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences had to quickly adapt to a new and uncharted reality: students needed to complete their pharmacy training at home.

L E CT U R E S Lectures are delivered remotely and are a mix of live sessions via video conferencing and pre-recorded sessions made available to students on an online portal.

COMPOUNDING LAB P R ACT I C E S K I L L S L A B

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE

Compounding kits have been sent to students’ homes, including capsule fillers,

Students work through practice

mortar and pestles, spatulas, bottles, jars,

skills lab activities in a mixture of

and syringes. Some exercises have been

live and recorded formats on their

redesigned with harmless components

own, in pairs, and in small groups

such as starch and dyes, but still show

of 4-8 with lab facilitators. Patient

the student the importance of proper

simulations and interactions are

techniques. Additionally, a computer

still occurring with lab facilitators

simulation lab for compounding has been

and small groups using video

introduced. Students learn about drug

conferencing, and lab materials

absorption and formulation factors, and

are sent to students’ homes as

how this relates to the drug performance

needed. So far, supplies sent

in the body. This software is supported

home include Naloxone kits,

by a world-leading software company

incontinence supplies, and diabetes

and can show students how industry is

supplies, including insulin pens

assessing drugs when they develop new

and glucometers. Students practice

formulations—it’s the same software used

using these tools in small groups

by the FDA to simulate data submitted by

and with simulated patients.

companies.


IN THE MORTAR

E V E N T S A N D A CT I V I T I E S

IN-PERSON TRAINING

Students and staff have continued to plan and execute events

Injections training must be done in-person and is currently

and activities, virtually. The annual student Pumpkin Carving

being planned for the Winter 2021 semester. If safe to do so and

Contest and Gingerbread House Contest were hosted virtually.

dependent on public health restrictions, students will be split

Students carved pumpkins in October and decorated gingerbread

into small cohorts to attend live sessions that include injecting

houses in December at home and submitted photos to be judged

each other to assess competency.

by staff for prizes. The Alberta Pharmacy Students’ Association is also working hard to host Career Night, Blue and Gold, and Pharmacy Awareness Month events virtually in the spring of 2021.

EXAMS Midterms and final exams are written online using the Pharmexam software, along with an online proctoring software

R O TAT I O N S

called Smart Exam Monitor (SEM). This allows students to write exams on their own devices at home, while being virtually

Students have continued on placements during the pandemic.

supervised. Lab exams are a mixture of written examinations,

The practice of pharmacy has had to adapt during the COVID-19

that answer questions based on patient scenarios presented in

pandemic, and students are getting first-hand experience with

text or video simulation format, and live grading in a patient

this, helping patients with guidance and supervision from their

simulation with a lab facilitator using video conferencing. Final

preceptors. The health and safety of our students is of paramount

practice skills exams will include a patient interaction with

importance, so while they are learning in the “real world�, they

standardized patients via video conferencing, where students

are also abiding by all provincial public health orders related to

will determine what is going on with the patient and find the

the pandemic.

best solution.

STUDENT SERVICES All regular student services are available to students remotely, including access to student advisors, faculty advisors, and faculty administration via video conferencing, telephone, and online chat. Student Services has been working hard to provide

B AC K TO C A M P U S

additional services to students at this time that focus on mental

At this time, the University of Alberta has extended its primarily

health, including online seminars with special guest speakers, like

work- and school-from-home mandate until April 30th, 2021.

Dr. Ganz, a registered psychologist who focuses on managing

This is subject to extension at any time based on the state of the

stress and work/study-life balance.

pandemic and health regulations.

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

21


FEATURES

ARE WE THERE YET? Take a road trip across Alberta to visit pharmacies near and far BY KALYNA HENNIG

With Alberta pharmacists practicing with the world’s largest scope of practice, it’s no surprise that their roles, and impacts on patients’ lives, are diverse province-wide. Take a journey through Alberta and read about the unique lives of our pharmacy alumni and how they are making their communities a better place everyday. And if you are ever in the neighbourhood, stop in to say hello!

1

“I love it. Everyone knows all the pharmacists in town, as the population is only about 7000. Even so, I can work from here and have a significant impact on pharmacy practice across the province.”

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


FEATURES

1

Peace River

“I get to practice in a community that is so amazingly diverse. Having such a broad scope of practice in Alberta makes it that much easier as a professional to improve access to care and break down archaic health care barriers that serve no benefit to our patients.”

PEACE RIVER COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE

Tony Nickonchuk (BSc Pharm 2006), Drug Utilization and Stewardship Pharmacist with Alberta Health Services, oversees drug utilization evaluations and stewardship on the policy side of healthcare. During the pandemic, that includes drug-use forecasting for critical care drugs for COVID-19. By evaluating historical utilization in the system, the needs of critically ill patients, and the infection rates across the province, the amount of drugs needed can be predicted and the risk of running out of key drugs can be avoided. His stewardship role involves managing the AHS formulary, which means doing a full review of the evidence for a drug, as well as the its

2

Edmonton

MEDI-DRUGS MILLCREEK

potential cost implications, when requests are made for an addition of a drug to formulary. Although Nickonchuk’s background is in clinical pharmacy, he says he loves how his responsibilities and interests have been able to change in the field during his career. “I can find new paths to follow, all within the world of pharmacy,” says Nickonchuk. “I was a community staff pharmacist for two years, then a community pharmacy manager for six, then a hospital pharmacist for five and a half, and now I am in this position. And I wouldn’t have it any other way!”

As the owner of two independent pharmacies, Aileen Jang (BSc Pharm 1983) spends her days ensuring her team has the tools they need to succeed and provide optimal care to their patients. After 37 years as a community pharmacist, she says she loves that her pharmacies are an integral part of the community. “Our patients rely on the pharmacy for help and information and sometimes just some TLC,” says Jang. “We treat everyone that comes in the way we would want to be treated.” Over the past few years, her Millcreek store—which has served its community for over 20 years—has established itself as an ally in the LGBTQ+ space, thanks to its pharmacy manager, Dr. Dylan Moulton (PharmD 2019). Dr. Moulton met Jang when she was his preceptor during his fourth

2

year PharmD rotation at the Medi Drugs Clareview location. There, he completed a non-clinical pharmacy project to “revitalize” the Millcreek location, which included creating a business plan to implement some policy-based changes that would support a more inclusive space for all patients. By the end of the rotation, Jang was enthusiastic about the prospect and hired him to facilitate the program upon his graduation. Now, the pharmacy works closely with The Centre—Edmonton’s new 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Centre—that is adjacent to the Millcreek pharmacy. Dr. Moulton has made himself indispensable to The Centre with his skills, knowledge, and willingness to help. “Medi Drugs Millcreek strives to be a pharmacy that not only respects a patient’s identity but communicates in a way that shows appreciation and celebration of diversity,” says Dr. Moulton. “We work with our patients to support holistic wellness outcomes in an interprofessional setting with shared values and streamlined services.” One of Dr. Moutlon’s favourite professional tasks is injection training with gender diverse patients. He says sharing such an empowering and long-anticipated moment with another person, like their first hormone injection, is a gift. THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

23


FEATURES

3 “Being a pharmacist in Rocky Mountain House is rewarding. Our patients are extremely appreciative for our care as we take the time to work with them on their health goals. We are a rural community, so we have the opportunity to really get to know the people we have the privilege of helping.”

3

Rocky Mountain House

EVERGREEN CO-OP PHARMACY

The pharmacists at Evergreen Co-Op Pharmacy, including pharmacy manager Leanna St. Onge (BSc Pharm 1995), are engaged in their community. They work closely with local physicians, nurses and other health care professionals and are assessing patients in a variety of areas regarding their medication needs day to day. St. Onge can be found trying to keep up with management paperwork, as well as stepping in to support pharmacy staff with patient assessing for new prescriptions, creating formulas for new compounds, or performing injections. She also has extra training in hormone concerns and anticoagulation, and other pharmacists on her team focus on cardiac concerns, smoking cessation, and vaccinations. Evergreen Co-Op Pharmacy is also the only pharmacy in town that does specialty non-sterile compounding. “We truly assist and inspire each other to provide the best care possible,” says St. Onge. “We make it a priority to do team building events, and these really help us to understand each other and to maintain our excellent working relationships.” She says she has never once said ‘I don’t want to go to work today.’

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

5


FEATURES

4

Red Deer

RED DEER REGIONAL HOSPITAL CENTRE, UNIT 33

Red Deer Regional Hospital is the largest hospital in the Central

plays a significant role in the medication management of acute stroke

Zone of Alberta, and with 370 acute care beds, it is the sixth largest

patients, especially with secondary stroke prevention.

hospital in Alberta. Daniel Leung (BSc Pharm 2017) works as an

optimizing antithrombotics, antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents,

unit there and, because of the hospital’s size, sees a wide variety of

antihyperglycemics, and smoking cessation in collaboration with the

patients ranging in acuity and complexity.

neurologist. He also works to optimize medication administration for

Leung’s unit consists of general internal medicine patients as

dysphagic patients as well as manage acute stroke complications such

well as a dedicated acute stroke and neurology service, and includes

as venous thromboembolism, post-stroke seizures, and infections.

two pharmacists—one covering the medicine patients and the

In addition, the team plays a role in assessing and optimizing

other covering the neurology patients. The multidisciplinary team

pharmacotherapy for general neurology patients such as those with

also includes a neurologist, nurse, physical therapist, occupational

seizures/epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.

therapist, speech and language pathologist, and dietician. As the

4

Leung focuses primarily on vascular risk reduction with

acute inpatient hospital pharmacist on a neurology and medicine

“It’s clear that pharmacists are respected and valued within

pharmacist caring for the medicine patients, Leung collaborates

the hospital, and the staff—both pharmacy and otherwise—are

with the physicians in optimizing the patients’ acute and chronic

incredibly supportive of each other,” says Leung. “There is a lot

medications, therapeutic drug monitoring, and antimicrobial

of camaraderie within the team.”

stewardship. When he is on the acute stroke/neurology team, he

5

Calgary

SANDSTONE PHARMACIES

Sandstone Pharmacies is based in Calgary and operates about 20

smoking cessations or geriatrics, and to make sure the rest of the

locations across Alberta, from Hythe down to Medicine Hat. In his

team understands and utilizes the professional resources Sandstone

leadership role, Bruce Winston (BSc Pharm 1985), Co-founder and

has developed within the group.

President of Sandstone Pharmacies and President of the Alberta

“I feel honoured to be a part of this noble profession,” says

Pharmacists’ Association, is responsible for the overall management

Winston. “Aside from our obvious role in medication management,

and financial controls of the company and to execute on the strategic

I think pharmacists play a vital role in chronic disease management

plan that the board of directors sets down.

for complex patients. Pharmacists are in a unique position as

Sandstone Pharmacies has a central fill service for its own group

frontline health care professionals in that we can help our patients

of pharmacies, filling both blister packs and strip packaging, a full-

to avoid becoming overwhelmed with information they are receiving

service compounding pharmacy, including sterile compounding,

from multiple sources, like specialists, primary care physicians, allied

that has been upgraded to meet the current standards, and a clinical

health practitioners, laboratory results, and more. Within a care plan

team to service seniors’ lodging and personal care homes. Winston

process, pharmacists can work with their patients to achieve agreed

says it is important to him that he supports individual pharmacists’

to goals of therapy. My satisfaction comes from supporting my team

areas of interest too, whether that is travel, diabetes, respiratory,

in achieving individual successes with their patients.”

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

25


FEATURES

6

High River

NUAID PHARMACY INC.

NuAid Pharmacies Inc. are clinical medical pharmacies situated inside medical clinics across Alberta, including High River and Calgary. On top of their in-clinic work,

6

they offer mobile services for their patients, including flu shots, COVID-19 tests, and delivery and counselling services at home. As Vice President of Operations, Ali Oonwala (BSc Pharm 2002) says that in each community, building relationships with patients and neighbours, and learning more about them, are the highlights of pharmacy practice.

7

Lethbridge

CHINOOK REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Karen Hagen (BSc 2001, MSc 2003, BSc Pharm 2014) spends most of her time on the stroke and peritoneal dialysis unit at Chinook Regional Hospital. She assesses stroke secondary prevention as well as post-stroke depression and traumatic brain injury behavior management. The pharmacists on her team split dispensary and clinical duties. When Hagen is on clinical days, she attends multidisciplinary rounds and, once a week, participates in neuro/stroke rounds.

“Being a pharmacist in Lethbridge is fantastic! Our team is supportive, our managers are amazing and we know all of our doctors on a first name basis -- and often run into them at the mall or grocery store!”

“I really like being able to make a difference for my patients,” says Hagen. “I was able to be involved in the pharmacotherapy management of a patient with a traumatic brain injury who made significant improvements and was able to go to a brain rehabilitation unit partly because of our interventions. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than that.”

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

7


FEATURES

8

“While you’re in town, visit Rob and Melissa’s brewery, Travois Ale Works, which celebrated its third anniversary in November!”

8

Redcliff

REDCLIFF PHARMASAVE #304

At Redcliff Pharmasave, Rob Hozack (BSc Pharm 2001), Pharmacy

in this industry under Melissa’s leadership—her 1100 patients

Manager, oversees the dispensary, and routinely does care plans

have lost over 43,000lbs through the past seven and half years. Together, Rob and Melissa are respected members of their

and follow-ups, injections, training on naloxone, flu shots, and asymptomatic COVID-19 testing. He is well known in the

community when it comes to providing naloxone kits and training,

community for going the extra mile to make sure patients get advice

flu shot clinics, epipens for local school districts, and teach

and medication at all hours of the day or night, even if it means

regularly at the Medicine Hat College in both business and nursing

coming in at midnight. Not to mention, the pharmacy is also well

presentations, the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank Baby & Me

known as the biggest board game supplier in town with a unique

functions, the Women’s Shelter, and the Nurture Pregnancy Center. “We love that we can work together every day, bounce ideas off

selection of British foods, drinks, and candy! Also available at the pharmacy is a low carbohydrate, therapeutic

each other as to how we can make our pharmacy a health destination

nutrition protocol to help deprescribe or decrease medication for

for every aspect of our patient’s lives,” says Melissa. “We love that

patients, run by Melissa Hozack (BSc Pharm 2001). Her patients

pharmacists are among the most trusted professionals and that we

are consultation-based only, and she sees them on a weekly basis—

can assist in so many aspects of people’s lives. We love what we do.”

virtually, during the pandemic. Redcliff Pharmasave #304 is a leader

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

27


FEATURES

DIABETES PREVENTION

Dr. John Ussher

mice that had this enzyme but they maintained healthy blood sugar control and weren’t getting

A NEW APPROACH

diabetes,” he said.

BY GILLIAN RUTHERFORD (ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY UALBERTA NEWS)

muscles’ ability to burn ketones as a fuel

A University of Alberta scientist has identified

“This suggested to us that if you prevent

Dr. Ussher’s laboratory focuses on how

a drug that can prevent diabetes in obese

the process of gaining weight can cause

individuals by interfering with the way

malfunctions in the body’s ability to burn fuel

the muscles metabolize ketones. Dr. John

for energy. While much research has focused

Ussher, associate professor in the Faculty of

on the three fuels found in food—fat, sugar

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and

and protein—there is a fourth source of fuel

Canada Research Chair in Pharmacotherapy

produced by our liver—ketones—that are less

of Energy Metabolism in Obesity, recently

well understood.

published findings that show pimozide—a

Dr. Ussher pointed out that ketones are

drug originally prescribed to treat Tourette’s

produced by the liver during fasting or

syndrome—inhibits an enzyme that is key for

starvation, when following a low-carb or

the metabolism of ketones and is elevated in

“ketogenic” diet, or when diabetes interferes

people with obesity-induced diabetes.

with the function of insulin to metabolize

“We know that worldwide more than 600 million people are clinically obese with a BMI

carbohydrates. “When you’re starving or fasting and

(body mass index) greater than 30,” said Dr.

you have low sugar, the body compensates

Ussher, who is also a member of the Alberta

by having the liver burn fat and turn it into

Diabetes Institute. “These individuals are at a

ketones, which can be metabolized by the

greatly increased risk for diabetes, particularly

brain,” Dr. Ussher said.

source, that might be an exciting new way to treat diabetes with a potential new drug that can improve blood sugar control.” Next, the lab used computer-aided molecular modelling to search databases and identify potential drugs that might inhibit the enzyme. Once they found pimozide, they treated diabetic mouse models with the drug and found their blood sugar levels improved. Dr. Ussher said inhibiting ketone metabolism represents a new approach to treating diabetes that could be used in combination with existing therapies that act on insulin. The next step will be to move to testing in humans. Pimozide is known to cause sideeffects including drowsiness and dizziness, so Dr. Ussher’s lab will pursue the development of new drugs that inhibit ketone metabolism without side-effects. 

Type 2 diabetes, and for various heart diseases.

Dr. Ussher’s laboratory first used genetic

“If we can fix the way our body burns this

tools to isolate the major enzyme responsible

on this technology, which is being

fuel, then we can reduce the risk of diabetes

for ketone metabolism and then turn it off in

commercialized with the assistance of

and heart disease in people who are obese, and

animal models.

its newly formed Technology Transfer

improve their quality of life,” Dr. Ussher said. 28

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

“Those mice gained weight just like regular

The U of A has filed a provisional patent

Services office.


LOOKING BACK

LCol Frank Dunn

The DUNN GENERATION

He set off for England on June 2, 1916, and was promoted to Temporary Captain shortly after his arrival on July 1, 1916. Dunn was injured in battle as he travelled from the 89th Battalion 35th Horse on transfer to the 9th Battalion on October 17, 1916. After he recovered, he reverted back to a temporary rank of Lieutenant for the purpose

1923-1943

of proceeding to France on May 15, 1917. In France, Dunn became

BY EDDY GAETH

subsequently a Lieutenant with the 10th Infantry Battalion Canadians

the Sergeant-Major of the Canadian Field Ambulance and then (The Fighting 10th). He was wounded during direct combat on August

Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Ambrose Stewart Dunn was born on

15, 1917, at Hill 70 at Loos, France. At the time of his injury, he was

February 26, 1887, in Deal, Kent, England. He spent his early years at

Second-in-Command of B Company.

Sir Roger Manwood’s school in Sandwich, England, and then attended

Dunn was sent to England to recover on September 6, 1917, and while

London University. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

in convalescence, he became Captain, and then Adjutant, of the 21st

and was also a member of the Imperial Officer Training Corps during

Reserve Battalion in Bramshott, England. It was at Bramshott, where he

his five years of study.

was teaching, that he met the daughter of Colonel and Mrs. O’Farrell,

Dunn immigrated to Canada by himself in 1911 and spent just

Miss Kathleen Grace Patricia O’Farrell, who soon after became his wife.

enough time in Toronto to obtain his Pharmaceutical Chemist (PhC)

O’Farrell and Dunn were married on November 9, 1917, and on

designation from the Ontario College of Pharmacists. He then moved

January 17, 1918, he left Bramshott for the Imperial Adjutants School

west to Alberta and became a dispenser for the Findlay Drug Company

at Cambridge where he studied and taught while still in the Canadian

of Calgary from 1912-1914.

Military. This led to an appointment on December 19, 1918, to the

On January 12, 1915, he enlisted as a Staff Sergeant with the No. 1

Headquarters Staff of the Canadian Educational Services in London

Field Ambulance Depot in Calgary. He was promoted to Sergeant Major

where Dunn was put in charge of military administration. It was here

on July 13 of that year, and became Lieutenant of the 89th Battalion on

where Dunn met the first President of the University of Alberta, Dr. Col.

November 1, 1915.

Henry Marshall Tory, who was on leave from the University of Alberta at “Khaki University.” THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

29


LOOKING BACK

The education of overseas Canadian military forces was being

In 1925, Dunn was finally promoted to Professor and Director of

organized and planned by Dr. Tory who became President of Khaki

Pharmacy, Materia Medica, and Toxicology of the School of Pharmacy.

University in 1917. Khaki University was a place that enabled war

That same year, there was a petition to award the PharmB designation to

veterans to continue their education while serving in the army at the end

diploma students, as this was being done by other universities at the time

of World War I. Dunn was officially appointed Adjutant to the Khaki

to elevate the diploma status of the program. This petition was carefully

University of Canada on December 19, 1918, and on June 19, 1919, he

reviewed, however, a PharmB was never implemented or conferred in

became the temporary Captain and Adjutant of the Khaki University.

Alberta. In 1926, the degree program remained at four years with an

After the demobilization of military troops occurred on September 25, 1919, Khaki University was shut down and Dunn returned to Alberta with his wife and began operating a pharmaceutical laboratory in

improved form of the diploma program to be issued after the two-year licentiate course. The depression years of the 1930s slowed the pace of development and

Edmonton. The laboratory was named after his wife—

growth all over the country, but the standard of student efficiency was

Patricia Pharmacal.

improving at the Pharmacy School. By 1935, as academic requirements

It was shortly after his return that Dunn joined the staff of the School

became more rigorous, full Grade 12 matriculation was required to

of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta. He remained a faculty member

enter the pharmacy program and only two years of apprenticeship of the

for the next 23 years (1919-1942), making great strides and setting new

licentiate (diploma) course. At this time, the four-year degree program

standards during his long tenure. He worked as a Lecturer of Pharmacy

was also reduced to three years.

his first year on staff, adding a course in toxicology his following year,

During his time at the University, Dunn remained active with

and he was promoted to an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy from

Canadian Officers Training Corps (COTC), and he rose to Major, and

1921-1924. On December 14, 1923, the current Director of the School,

then to Lieutenant-Colonel with the University of Alberta Contingent of

Professor Gaetz, died suddenly, and Dunn stepped in as Acting Director.

the Canadian Officers’ Training Corps. The Company Quarter-Master

Pharmacy Under Director Dunn

Sergeant was Mr. J. Randy Murray who was on the pharmacy faculty. During the 1934-1935 term, the command of the unit, which included Professor Dunn as Commander in Chief, changed hands to Lieutenant-

When Dunn became Acting Director in 1923, there was significant consternation amongst the pharmacy students who were requesting that

Colonel Strickland. At the time, Professor Dunn decided to take a year-long sabbatical

they be educated in business skills. As a result, a course in accounting

and journeyed to China. He was very interested in Chinese herbal

was added to the curriculum (it was dropped in 1937 due to the

medicines, receiving a Master of Science from the University of Alberta

course being too much added work for students). The following year,

for his thesis entitled: An Investigation of Chinese Materia Medica in 1931.

a committee from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences was appointed to

He spent time at both Lingnan University on Honan Island in Canton

review the pharmacy apprenticeship program with the Educational

Province and Sun Yat Sen University while in Hong Kong. There is a

Committee of the Alberta Pharmaceutical Association. The regulation

record of Professor Dunn leaving Hong Kong on September 12, 1935,

respecting apprenticeship in the BSc Pharm course was not changed at

and returning to Victoria on October 8, 1935, travelling first class on

that time.

the cruise liner Lxion.

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


LOOKING BACK

He penned an emotional farewell letter to the students:

During his absence, Dr. Arnold “Whit” Matthews—who had spoken on the education of the pharmacy apprentice at the 1935 Canadian Pharmaceutical Association (CPhaA) Conference—stepped up and showed his academic leadership as Acting Director of the School of Pharmacy. Mr. William D. Goldberg was appointed as a Graduate Assistant. Professor Dunn returned to the helm of the School in 1936 and decided to add a course instructing the pharmacy students in Veterinary Materia Medica. Dr. P.R. Talbot VS MDV, a veterinarian, was hired to teach the course. The School of Pharmacy at the University of Alberta was the first program in Canada or the USA giving such courses in veterinary medicine to pharmacy students. By 1936, the School of Pharmacy boasted a state-of-the-art drug manufacturing plant. It included cutting-edge equipment such as a Wiley Mill and percolator and a steam jacketed evaporator that was

School of Pharmacy, I wish On the 25th anniversary of the last class of students at the to say to my twenty-third and enjoyed knowing you. And University of Alberta that I have always be very happy ones. I my recollections of this class will pleasant and successful, at any trust that your futures will be rate, after the war is over. as I do, I am confident that In the meantime, knowing you ch of His Majesty’s Forces, many of you will join some bran are freshmen, juniors, or as soon as possible, whether you d is facing the worst crisis in its Graduating Students. The worl t do your bit to help win this history at present, and you mus any of you. war or there will be no future for well message, but I appreciate This may not be a cheerful fare and feel it is my duty to pass it the seriousness of the situation on to you. Good-bye and good luck, Yours very sincerely,

used for liquid preparations. There was also a Eureka Tablet Machine, used primarily for aspirin tablet production, and an ointment mixer and smoother consisting of a rotating drum and separately moving vertical

F.A. Stewart Dunn, Lt-Colonel y Director of the School of Pharmac

arms that made preparations bought by the University Hospital. In fact, the majority of ointments, pills, etc. used by the University Hospital were produced in the School of Pharmacy laboratories. Tough financial times and shrinking budgets were offset by the School of Pharmacy generating revenue through Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. In 1938, jurisdiction over degree students in pharmacy was transferred

Remembering Professor Dunn

back to the Faculty of Medicine as it had been prior to 1917. It was

Professor Dunn was known as a warm-hearted chap and for his

suggested that special courses for hospital pharmacists might be

authentic nature and high standard of efficiency with students. He

provided, including X-Ray and Pathology. Professor Dunn felt it was

was also well-respected by his peers. His issues with alcohol, which

time that the pharmacy program included postgraduate courses, and

ultimately led to his dismissal, may have been due to his years in active

a committee was set up to examine this in depth. A report was created

military service and what we would now recognize as post-traumatic

in 1939 that proposed setting up post-graduate courses in Bacteriology,

stress disorder.

Pathology, X-ray, and Biochemistry during the summer months. In 1940, the University of Alberta records indicate that Whit

He passed away May 23, 1960, in Edmonton at the age of 74, leaving behind his wife and no children. He never returned to England,

Matthews and Professor Dunn were still the only two permanent

becoming estranged from his British family, and he never claimed his

staff teaching the entire curriculum with Louis Rudolph assisting as a

share of the inheritance of his father’s estate and trust after his death

Sessional Instructor.

on July 12, 1939.

In 1942, Professor Dunn was present for the 25th Anniversary

The Dunn Room in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical

celebration of the School of Pharmacy. He was not known for his

Sciences is a permanent reminder of his contributions to the

temperance towards alcohol, and after 20 years at the helm, he was

establishment of Pharmacy education in Alberta and the great challenges

unceremoniously dismissed.

that were overcome through the war and the Great Depression. 

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

31


LOOKING BACK

OVER THE COUNTER ALUMNI PRODUCTS CREATED THROUGH THE YEARS Have you looked in your medicine cabinet lately? Many of the products in there, or on the shelves of your local pharmacy, were created by alumni of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Since the School of Pharmacy’s opening in 1914, many spin-offs and products have emerged from its hallowed halls and pupils, including these eight over the counter treatments.

George’s Cream In 1997, a local dermatologist and western Canada’s harsh weather inspired George Doherty (BSc Pharm 1965) and Skip Gibson (BSc Pharm 1965) to concoct a skin cream treatment for chapped hands, cracked feet, and itchy legs. In 1998, they incorporated George’s Cream Inc. for lasting dry skin relief. George’s Cream is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, and does not contain urea, lanolin, or parabens.

Helikit In the mid-1990s, Dr. Robert Foster (BSc 1979, BSc Pharm 1982, PharmD 1985, PhD 1988) developed and obtained regulatory approvals for a commercially available breathalyzerbased diagnostic test for stomach ulcers that byspasses the need for a biopsy. Though he sold Helikit in 2006, it is still sold around the world today.

Lipsorex Previous Professor, Dr. James Rogers, who has since passed on, founded J.A.R. Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and in 1992, developed Lipsorex, which he licensed to Vexco Healthcare and was further licensed by Ceapro. Lipsorex promotes the healing of cold sores, prevents infection, and offers quick relief of pain and itching.

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THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021


LOOKING BACK

Vicks Formula 44 & Intermezzo Alumnus Dr. Nikhilesh Singh (PhD 1986) is the primary inventor on the international patent for Vicks Formula 44 for long-lasting dry cough relief. He also invented and spearheaded the development and FDA approval of the middle-of-the-night insomnia drug, Intermezzo.

Techamex®

ProFlexa

Faculty psychiatrist and researcher,

Previous Professor, Dr. Yun Kau Tam co-founded SinoVeda Canada

Dr. Kevin Morin (BSc Pharm 1991, PhD

Inc. in 2006 along with his wife Dr. Nuzhat Tam-Zaman (PhD 1996).

1997, MD 2001), created Techamex®, a

SinoVeda’s consumer health portfolio includes ProFlexa™, a botanic-

chamomile extract, which was made

ally based topical cream to relieve muscle and joint aches and pain.

available on the Canadian market in 2018. It is an apigenin-containing product with Health Canada approval as an over the counter sleep aid and for anxiety.

SMHeartcard In 2019, Dean Dr. Neal Davies (BSc Pharm 1991, PhD 1996), along with Dr. John Mackey (MD 1990), James Stewart (MEng 1989), and cardiologist Dr. Ian Patterson, created SMHeartCard. SMHeartcard™ aims to reduce the time between the onset of heart attack symptoms and a patient’s access to a combination of Nitroglycerin (NG) and Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)—commonly known as Aspirin—that work to break down clots, open up the blood vessels, and help restore blood flow. The credit card sized pill holder holds four tablets of ASA and three of NG, ensures the stability and performance of the drugs over time regardless of the environment, and eliminates the need for patients to carry around large bottles of medication.

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | ualberta.ca/pharmacy

33


FAST FACTS

FAST FACTS 2020 STAFF MEMBERS

ALUMNI

5,868

Living Alumni

36 Faculty

14 Support Staff

4,597

Living Alumni in Alberta

PRECEPTORS

686+ Preceptors

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 129

Class of 2021

PPP 72 PharmD

for Practicing Pharmacists Students

128

Class of 2022

GRADUATE STUDENTS

135

Class of 2023

139

Class of 2024

13 26

MSc Students

23

PhD Students

Countries represented by Grad Students

RESEARCHERS

4 Research Associates 34

11 Research Technicians

THE MORTAR & PESTLE | WINTER 2021

10 Post-Doctoral Fellows


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UNSUNG HEROES IN THE WORLD OF PHARMACY TELLS THE STORIES OF PHARMACISTS WHO HAVE CHANGED OUR WORLD. Davies brings to life the unrecognized tales of the well-respected but humble pharmacist across the spectrum of human activity.

heroesofpharmacy.com


Plant a seed for the future of pharmacy. With your donation, you leave behind a beautiful and lasting legacy that will support the next generation of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. For more information on leaving a gift for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in your will or estate, please visit ualberta.ca/givetopharm or contact Ellen Doty at edoty@ualberta.ca or 780-492-3819.

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


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