PDW - TORONTO, ON THE ANNUAL PHARMACY STUDENT CONFERENCE HELD BY CAPSI
WHITE COAT CEREMONY CLASS OF 2027
BPSA FEATURE
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PQ +2
FEBRUARY 2024
Table of Contents PDW Highlights Class of 2027 White Coat Ceremony APSA President Feature Black History Month Student Services Feature Medication Match PAM Preview/Calendar Pharmacy Student Discounts Baking Column Meme Contest Announcement
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By: Amy Phung
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WEEK 2024 by: Sara Housh
University of Toronto, January 3-6 PDW is an annual pharmacy conference held by CAPSI meant to unite all ten pharmacy schools across the country. This year, the conference was held by the University of Toronto from January 3-6th, and UAlberta was in attendance with 70 students, making us the largest congregation from any one school! The conference was held at the Sheraton in the heart of downtown. This provided an opportunity for students to explore the city between sessions, which was convenient. The format of the event included a couple of mandatory events such as the introduction motivational speech, CAPSI elections and the closing ceremony. Aside from the mandatory sessions, delegates had the opportunity to cater their PDW experience by selecting five sessions of varied topics. Speakers worked in a variety of fields, including hospital, community and industry settings. Dr. Dillon Lee, who was featured in PQ+2’s December 2023 edition, presented on her unique experiences as she has completed both a hospital and industry residency. She is currently employed as an internal auditor at Sanofi, and was able to give students an insight into potential alternatives to community pharmacy.
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Opening Ceremony The opening ceremony took place the first evening of the conference, involving an overview of CAPSI and an introduction to the national CAPSI team. Delegates were required to attend the CAPSI annual elections the following morning, so the opening gave attendees the opportunity to better understand roles and responsibilities for each executive member. Several awards were presented at this opening ceremony as well, and UAlberta’s very own Kevin Ta was the winner of the CAPSI Annual Student Literacy Challenge. This essay writing contest challenges students to compose a 1000 word paper on a relevant topic in pharmacy that interests them and Kevin’s paper was centered around “the poor working conditions and other factors that contribute negatively to pharmacists’ mental health and career outlook.” When asked about what inspired his paper, Kevin expressed that he “had a riveting lunch hour discussion about how a [big chain pharmacy] location was going up in flames and had their entire staff quit all at once. [Kevin] was inspired by the grievances that were passionately presented and that made [him] want to explore potential avenues for improving pharmacy practice”. Kevin's paper will be published in the next edition of the Canadian Pharmacist Journal! Good job Kevin, UAlberta is insanely proud of you :)
January 4 The following morning, the day began with motivational speaker Dr. Cheyenne Matinnia, a pediatric hospital pharmacist. She gave a noteworthy speech on the power of reflection that I think would do even our skills lab coordinators proud! For the remainder of the afternoon, CAPSI competitions, including a compounding challenge, were run concurrently to speaker sessions. I personally attended speaker sessions with lawyer Joelle Walker, and Dr. Cooper Bailey, a residency coordinator who also works extensively with NCODA, an international organization focused on medically integrated oncology professionals. Once speaker sessions were concluded, the remainder of the night was set aside for sociocultural night, providing attendees the chance to explore Toronto.
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January 5th began with a speech from Dr. Jaris Sidrovich, the founder of the Indigenous Pharmacy Professional in Canada. This is the first national organization for Indigenous pharmacy professionals in the world, and as a true trailblazer, Dr. Swidrovich is also the first and only indigenous faculty member in pharmacy in North America. He spoke of his own personal connections to the residential school systems, and gave an insight as to how we can be deliverers of culturally sensitive patient centered care. It was truly a privilege to attend his talk! The remainder of the afternoon was spent either attending the health fair or looking at research posters. The health fair featured wellknown corporations such as London Drugs, Rexall, and Shoppers, but also some unique booths such as L’Oreal Dermatological Beauty and McKesson Canada. Following the health fair, the much anticipated Canada’s Next Top Pharmacist event was held. This event allowed pharmacy schools to send their best and brightest talent to compete for this title. If you were in attendance at APSA’s Movember fundraiser event, RxFactor, there is no way you could have forgotten our very own Makayla Caterer’s amazing singing performance. As winner of RxFactor, Makayla was selected to perform at Canada’s Next Top Pharmacist. She blew the crowd away with her rendition of Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood, doing both our province and our school proud!
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The final day began with a talk from Dr. Karen Argo, whose research centered around the implications of music on the brain. She shared how your heart rate gradually syncs with the music you're listening to, and that different kinds of music can manipulate your mood and focus to optimize tasks. According to Dr. Argo (and science), there are not many things that stimulate the brain as intensely as music, making it a powerful tool for mediation, productivity, exercise and really any other task you need to accomplish. For example, as I learned in her speech, it takes happy music about 13 minutes of continuous listening to elevate your mood. Ideally when studying, a song with a beat of 60 beats per minute is best, as it does not elevate or slow your heart rate. She recommended an interesting read called This is Your Brain on Music by Daniel Levitin, if this topic interests you. Pharmafacts, a quiz-like event featuring teams of four from all ten pharmacy schools was held on the last day of the conference. UAlberta selected a student from each year of the program to represent, and we had Max Albreacht, Sara Housh, Maddie Tole and Dan Frid who held their own making it through the first round of the quiz bowl.
The final evening was dedicated to the closing gala, which was a Great Gatsby themed soiree. Third year, APSA VP Student Services Cassandra Luong was recognized for her dedication to pharmacy with the Guy Genest Passion for Pharmacy Award, which recognizes one individual from each School of Pharmacy in Canada for their notable passion for, and dedication to, the profession of Pharmacy. If you have ever met Cassandra, you will personally be able to attest to her tenacity and rigour in bettering the pharmacy school experience for our APSA community, and I personally could not think of a better recipient for this award. It was an excellent way to conclude PDW with accolades and pride. Congratulations to all those who participated and won awards! If you are interested in attending PDW next year, we highly encourage you to take part in the numerous CAPSI competitions that can guarantee you a spot, or speak to our local CAPSI Senior and Junior representatives: Zach YopekStabel and Angela Zhao.
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Issue ‘27
WHITE COAT CEREMONY CONGRAULATIONS CLASS OF 2027
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REFLECTING: with our APSA President
What did being APSA president teach you? One valuable lesson I’ve learned in this role is to confidently assert my abilities and opinions in professional settings. Speaking up and taking up space in learning environments is one of the best ways to grow. It also taught me to engage in conversations with who you meet on your way through life there are so many cool individuals with inspiring stories that you will remember in your journey. I was also able to learn how to practice selfkindness and set boundaries as a way of selflove. It’s uncomfortable to do, but practicing it will give you a lot more energy that you can put into places that serve you. What was your favorite part of being APSA President? The opportunities it has given to me to get to know such interesting individuals - whether that’s my peers or folks that are well settled into the profession. I’ve been a part of such engaging conversations that have allowed myself to be curious and see aspects of pharmacy and even just life from a different perspective. I’ve also loved getting to know the APSA team. Their collaborative spirit has made this role so fulfilling and I’m forever grateful that I’ve gotten to work with such talented, intelligent, and fun individuals. 11
OUR NEW APSA PRESIDENT-ELECT
GAUHAR How did you get involved with APSA and what made you decide to run for APSA president? My initial involvement with APSA began as the Class Representative for the Class of 2026. Over the past year, this role has allowed me to actively engage with and understand the diverse needs of our class, fostering meaningful dialogue with faculty and representing our collective concerns. Subsequently, serving as the interim class representative for the Class of 2027 deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by students at different stages of their pharmacy education. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my decision to run for APSA president. I was driven by a desire to expand my impact, providing a broader platform for student advocacy and engagement. The opportunity to be a catalyst for positive change and to represent the wider student body at an organizational level was a compelling motivation for my candidacy. What are your priorities for the upcoming academic year? The upcoming year presents several priorities that I am passionate about addressing: 1) Enhancing student engagement: Fostering better interaction and collaboration within and across cohorts, as well as strengthening our connections with faculty and student services. My aim is to create a more unified and engaging academic environment where every student feels heard and supported. 2) Mental health and well-being Advocating for accessible support services and initiatives that address the diverse mental health needs of our students. 3) Improving communication channels between students and faculty Ensuring that student feedback and concerns are effectively incorporated into our 12 academic and extracurricular activities.
Where do you see opportunities for growth for APSA? There is a significant opportunity for APSA to enhance its advocacy role by ensuring that as future pharmacists, we actively contribute to policy-making both within key organizations like the Alberta Pharmacists Association (RxA) and the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP), and more broadly within the university and community. Strengthening our relationships and increasing our influence in these spheres allows us to be a part of crucial decision-making processes that will shape our future careers and the pharmacy profession. This dual focus on internal and external advocacy is essential for APSA to remain a dynamic and influential entity, effectively representing the interests and aspirations of future pharmacy professionals in the broader healthcare and educational landscape. What do you look forward to the most entering the next academic year? Looking towards the next academic year, I am most excited about the opportunity to work alongside the APSA council. I am confident that this exceptional team of individuals will bring a diverse array of experiences and perspectives, which will be invaluable in achieving our shared goals. Collaborating on initiatives that will have a tangible positive impact on our student community is an aspect I eagerly anticipate. I am particularly excited about implementing new ideas that emerged during my campaign, as well as those arising from ongoing discussions within our student body. The prospect of seeing these ideas come to fruition and the positive changes they will bring to our community is both inspiring and motivating.
APSA general and executive elections will be coming up in the following week so keep an eye out for announcements if you're interested in running!
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BPSA Feature Interview with Aisha Ibrahim and Camala Soliman, Black Pharmacy Students’ Association Co-presidents By: Nick Yamamoto and Haleema Pannu
The Black Pharmacy Students Association (BPSA) is a student-led group founded in 2021 with the primary aim of providing a supportive environment and empowering current and prospective PharmD students. Our overarching vision is to enhance Black representation and involvement within the pharmacy field while advocating for the integration of cultural competency and health equity across all facets of the profession. Our initiatives encompass various activities geared towards achieving our goals. These include hosting educational webinars to disseminate pertinent information, collaborating with faculty to incorporate Black representation within the curriculum and faculty body, and organizing fun events tailored to the Black Pharmacy student body. Through these endeavors, we strive to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment within the pharmacy profession.
Last year, in collaboration with Rejuvenation Clinic and
POP-UP DERMATOLOGY CLINIC
one of our professors, we orchestrated a highly successful pop-up dermatology clinic. The objective behind this event was to offer valuable assistance to people of color in identifying and managing prevalent skin conditions. Our motivation largely stemmed from the observed lack of representation in the curriculum regarding Black skin conditions. During the event, we had students, pharmacists and dermatologists conduct interactive booths and presentations on topics like acne, sun safety, hyperpigmentation, etc. We also provided attendees with free samples of dermatological products. We received very positive feedback pertaining the event, with participants expressing genuine appreciation
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for the invaluable information imparted.
During Black History Month we hosted a collaborative event with the Black Medical Students Association (BMSA) and Black Law Students Association (BLSA) titled the “Black Futures Forum.” This event showcased a panel of students from pharmacy, law, and medicine who shared insights into their application experiences within their respective fields. Additionally, the event provided a platform for Black undergraduate students to engage in networking opportunities with peers in professional programs aligned with their interests. Throughout the month of PAM (Pharmacy Appreciation
MOVING FORWARD
BPSA EVENTS
Month), we are organizing a webinar series spotlighting Black clinical pharmacists specializing in neurology. This initiative aims to showcase the expertise and contributions of professionals in this field while providing valuable insights to our audience. Looking ahead to April, we are in the planning stages for a Minor Ailments + Dermatology Clinic. Building upon the success of last year’s pop-up dermatology clinic, this event will be expanded to encompass a broader range of health conditions. Through this clinic, we seek to offer educational opportunities to our community.
We hope our association continues to grow and evolve. In the future, we see BPSA broadening its outreach initiatives to engage with a wider audience within the pharmacy community, including professors and practicing pharmacists. We also hope to continue to collaborate with other student organizations, both within the pharmacy faculty and within other healthcare fields. We hope BPSA can continue to further advocate for diversity and inclusion within the pharmacy profession by actively promoting policies and practices that foster equitable opportunities for Black Pharmacy students and professionals. We also hope to continue to amplify Black voices and showcasing Black excellence. Lastly we hope BPSA can strengthen its commitment to community engagement with events such as our Minor Ailment clinic, and educational campaigns.
Stay updated with BPSA and get involved with their initiatives! @bpsa_uofa @BPSA_uofa bpsa@ualberta.ca www.uabpsa.com
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MEET YOUR STUDENT SERVICES TEAM LESLIE
TEAM LEAD, PHARMD ACADEMIC ADVISOR My main role is to support the PharmD students as they move through their degree program. This can include things like providing support through one on one advising meetings, connecting students to resources on campus, doing degree checks and confirming students for graduation, supporting students with accommodations, putting on fun events, completing academic standing each year and more! Outside of work, I spend time with my family. I have a 2 year old son that keeps me very busy. I also have a chocolate lab named Bo and I love taking him to the dog park. I really like to ride my bike through the Edmonton river valley trails, paved and single track. I also love to rewatch The Office.
GRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR I am the Graduate Studies Coordinator and the Indigenous Liason for the Faculty. I have been in my role as the Graduate Studies Coordinator since 2018. I support the graduate students who are taking their MSc and PhD in Pharmaceutical Science or Pharmacy Practice. A little about me, I have lived in Edmonton primarily for the last 25 years. I also love to travel! I am hoping to travel to Thailand this year, which is one of my favorite places to travel to.
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DISERAY
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS MANAGER My name is Trent Nabe and I'm the Manager, Academic Programs and Student Services. I provide oversight to the administration of the PharmD and graduate program in the Faculty. I lead a team of student services, experiential, lab, and support staff to provide academic and support services to our students. I'm involved in strategic initiatives that are student focused or will enhance the academic programs in the Faculty. I've been involved in the expansion of the student services team, collaboration with our student groups, enhancement of financial support, advocacy for equity and access for all of our students, and the recruitment of two psychologists to support our students.
TRENT
In my free time, I enjoy spending my time away from work with my spouse, our two kids, and our dog Bailey. When I'm not with them, I'm often thinking about mountains, cooking, college football, and golf. If you see me around campus, please don't hesitate to stop and say hello.
ANDREA & LINH
EXED COORDINATORS Once upon a time, there were two lovely All Star ExEd Coordinators, Linh and Andrea. But they had an enhancement upon them of a fearful sort which could only be described as Matching. They lock themselves away in the Student Services Office guarded by a terrible fire-breathing dragon named CORE. Many brave students had attempted to get their first choice placement, but few prevailed. Andrea and Linh waited in the dragon’s keep, in the highest room of the tallest tower, for all students to be matched… It will eventually happen.
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FIND YOUR PERFECT MEDICATION MATCH
Valentine's Edition
1. Which of these best describes your ideal Valentine's Day plans? a) A cozy night in with a good book or movie b) A romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant c) An adventurous outdoor activity like hiking or skiing
2. How would you describe your energy level on a typical day? a) Low energy, I prefer things calm and relaxed b) Moderate energy, I enjoy a balance of activity and rest c) High energy, I thrive on excitement and stimulation 3.When facing a challenge or difficult situation, what is your usual approach? a) I like to take things slow and steady, analyzing the situation carefully. b) I tackle it head-on with determination and perseverance. c) I seek out new perspectives and solutions, embracing change. 4. How do you typically handle stress? a) I prefer to unwind with relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga b) I confront stressors directly and find practical solutions c) I distract myself with hobbies or activities to take my mind off things
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5. Which of these qualities do you value most in a partner? a) Stability and reliability b) Confidence and assertiveness c) Spontaneity and adaptability 6. In your ideal relationship, what role does communication play? a) It's essential for understanding and connection b) It's important for resolving conflicts and expressing needs c) It's spontaneous and flows naturally in different ways 7. What's your favorite way to express affection? a) Through acts of service or thoughtfulness b) Through physical touch and closeness c) Through surprises or spontaneous gestures 8. How do you feel about taking risks? a) I prefer to play it safe and avoid unnecessary risks b) I'm willing to take calculated risks for potential rewards c) I enjoy taking risks and embracing uncertainty
Mostly A's: You're a perfect match for a medication like sertraline (Zoloft). It provides stability and calmness, helping you navigate life's ups and downs with ease. Mostly B's: Your ideal medication match is something like Adderall. It offers focus and determination, helping you tackle challenges with confidence and clarity. Mostly C's: You would vibe well with a medication such as bupropion. Its spontaneity and energizing effects align with your adventurous spirit and love for new experiences.
19 Courtesy of: ChatGPT (Please email pqplus.2@gmail.com for full information on inputted prompt)
PHARMACY STUDENT DISCOUNTS LOOKING FOR SOME LAST MINUTE DATE** IDEAS ON A STUDENT BUDGET? ** with a partner, friends, family, or yourself-- we don’t judge :)
LET US HELP: Sit-down Meals Aloha Poke Bowl: 10% off Sepp’s Pizza: 10% off Chianti: 10% off Canadian Brewhouse: 20% food, 10% drinks
For Your Pharmacy Needs RxFiles: $105 for physical copy St. John Ambulance: 20% CPR courses and first aid kits RxA Wellness Program: 3 hrs of professional psychological services per year RxA: Dell 10% off
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Quick Bites Yelo’d - BOGO ice cream scoop White Rabbit: 10% your order Ace Coffee: 10% off Nuttea Milk Tea: buy one get one 50% off
Others Crankpots Alberta Art Gallery U of A Botanic Garden Free admission! Telus World of Science GoodLife: free enrolment and 30% off membership
Remember to scan the QR code on your APSA discount card for a full list of student discounts (pharmacy and general student deals!)
MARCH
PAM Preview
2024
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
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28 Journal Club (Vincent Chiang)
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4 5 Top Clinical Trials w/ Joey Ton & Betsy Thomas
6 Bayer IUD Lunch & Learn
7 8 Innovation @ Trudell Lunch & Rexall (2nd years) Learn
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11 BPSA PAM Speaker Series
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18 19 Rexall Relief Rxperts Empowering Your Lunch & Learn Pharmacy Career (3rd years)
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25 Pharmasave Lunch & Learn
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26 Neighbourly Lunch & Learn
12 13 IPC Lunch & Learn Journal Club (Vincent Chiang + LGBTQ+PhSC)
SAT
1 2 PAM Kick Off Blue & Gold (5pm1:30am) 9
14 Pie Day CSHP EBM Competition (68pm)
15 16 Medi-scribe Lunch & Learn
20 Immunize.io Lunch & Learn
21 CSHP Career Night (6-8pm)
22 RxA/CPhA Lunch & Learn
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26 Loblaws Lunch & Learn
27 Journal Club (BPSA)
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29
30
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3
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5 Haleon Lunch & Learn
Hi APSA! March marks our annual Pharmacy Appreciation Month! This month highlights the vital work that pharmacists do in the community, hospital, government, and so much more! As pharmacy students — this is your month too! With the support of the PAM Committee, a March full of learning, celebration, and fun is in store for you! Things you can look forward to include: an incredible PAM kick-off, PharmaFacts Trivia Night, BPSA and LGBTQ+PhSC Undergraduate Pharmacy Journal Club collaborations, the Vampire Cup Blood Drive, and over ten Lunch & Learn sessions hosted by our guest speakers!
Thanks to the creatives in the pharmacy program, there will be PAM pins and buttons to grab again this year. Make sure to drop by the kick-off to make sure you secure yours! Our PAM Calendar and Booklet will be available for you to check out, as well as a PAM Passport to sign up to the month’s events ahead of time, fussfree! Do not hesitate to reach out to Zach or Jin if you have any questions about PAM or CAPSI, or if you’re interested in running as a CAPSI representative in the upcoming APSA elections! See you soon, Zach Yopek-Stabel (CAPSI Sr.) and Jin He (VP External)
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Red Velvet
CHEESECAKE SWIRL BROWNIES
Disclaimer: we attempted to make them and unfortunately they were underbaked. I think we also should’ve spread out the top cheesecake part into a thin layer. So enjoy these photos from the creator and learn from our mistakes! Pro tip: use a deep heart shaped cookie cutter to make your brownies look cute, even if they don’t taste great. Remember, it’s the thought (and aesthetics) that counts!
VS REALITY
Baked by: Laura Huynh and Nick Yamamoto Recipe: Sally’s Baking Addiction
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Ingredients
Red Velvet Brownies 2 large eggs 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 and 1/2 teaspoons red gel food coloring* 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Swirl 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1 egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) 2. Brownie: In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs together. Melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until melted. Stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix each of those ingredients into the batter in that order. Whisk in the eggs, then fold in the flour until completely incorporated. Pour the brownie batter into prepared baking pan. 3. Cheesecake Swirl: With a handheld mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl until completely smooth – about 1 minute. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the prepared brownie batter. Glide a knife through the layers as best you can, creating a swirl pattern. 4. Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting into squares. 23
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There’s nothing like a tasteful meme to get students through pharmacy school. Submit your best memes for a chance to be crowned a legend in the pharmacy meme game AND a $20 gift card! All participants will get their name entered into a draw for a $10 gift card. Each submission is worth one draw, to a maximum of 10 entries (but you can send in more!). The top contenders will be published in the last issue of PQ+2, and then voted upon by you, the viewers! All memes should be original and related to student life, pharmacy, classes among other relevant topics. Contest runs until Friday March 29th @ 11:59 PM. Please send submissions to pqplus.2@gmail.com.