THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES ISSUE ONE • SPRING 2013
Pharmacist
Awareness Month 2013
Sex & Drugs & Reproductive Health Celebrate Research 2013
Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
wins Wallpaper*
Design Award
Creating a New Professional Pharmacy Degree at UBC
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
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IN THIS ISSUE Discover is the official MAGAZINE of the University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Released quarterly, it has the latest information about Faculty programs, research, events and Alumni.
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FEATURES Pharmaceutical Sciences Building wins Wallpaper* Design Award
Editor
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Providing More Healthcare Than You Know: Celebrating Pharmacist Awareness Month 2013
Editorial Team
Inside Story on the Story of Medicines: Role of Pharmacy
Julia Kreger
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The Paths Less Travelled: Introducing the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Journal (PSSJ)
Alexandra Warren
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EDUCATION Creating a New Professional Pharmacy Degree at UBC
Faculty’s Medication Reconciliation Interprofessional Event Connects Health Students Across the Province
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Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CP3) Program Receives Exceptional Feedback
Mogul’s Den
Jimi Galvão
Jimi Galvão Christopher Cook
Graphic Design Julia Kreger Contributors June Chow Peter Loewen Glenda MacDonald Arti Maharaj Caely-Ann McNabb Katherine Milbers
RESEARCH
Alysa Pompeo
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Faculty’s Celebrate Research 2013 Event Highlights Reproductive Health
Wayne Riggs
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Faculty Hosts Grant Planning Workshop on Personalized Medicine
Photography & Illustration
Recent Awards, Publications, Presentations and Grants
Esther Chan
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PRACTICE Introducing AGILE
Jimi Galvão Caely-Ann McNabb Ema Peter
UPDATES 15 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada - British Columbia 2013 Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair
New Student Awards
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Uniquely UBC: The Story of Medicines
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd’s Support of the Initiative for Sustainable Healthcare
UBC Pharm Sci Alumni Event in Victoria - Changing Landscape of Pharmacists Training in Canada: the UBC Perspective
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First Annual Storm the Wall Alumni Event
In Memoriam
Faculty and Graduate Award Ceremony
Upcoming Events Calendar UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Alexandra Warren To share ideas and content for future issues, please email:
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Christopher Cook
pharmsci.communications@ubc.ca
DISCOVER • SPRING 2013
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Message from the
Dean
I
t gives me great pleasure to
architecture and technology that has and continues to win
welcome you to our new
prestigious awards. Our building has brought international
e-magazine. Discover has been the official e-newsletter of our Faculty for more than three years and we’re excited to relaunch it in this dynamic new format.
acclaim to the Faculty and UBC. It is a lasting legacy that Dr. Sindelar can be truly proud of. Included in this investment was the expansion of our entry-to-practice program from 152 to 224 students. Dr. Sindelar’s legacy consists of more than bricks and mortar. His legacy is of a unified vision with the pharmacy profession,
Last year was a time of history-making changes for the Faculty, with the opening of our new building being
B.C. government, B.C. life sciences community and UNC for the future of pharmacy education, research and practice – in this province and beyond.
chief among them. As we begin a new year, we are faced with even more exciting opportunities for growth. One such opportunity is the appointment of a new Dean. On February 28, 2013, Dean Robert D. Sindelar officially concluded his term. Dr. Sindelar began his Deanship in 2002, but his connection with the University of British Columbia extends back even farther.
Image: Dr. Robert D. Sindelar inspecting the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building during it’s construction
He completed postdoctoral studies at UBC, and the State University of New York at Buffalo, before beginning a 19-year
Robert (Bob) is highly regarded for his professionalism,
academic career at the University of Mississippi in 1983. Dr.
integrity and pioneering vision. Our Faculty has benefited
Sindelar’s expertise in medicinal chemistry, computer-aided
greatly from his leadership and as we finalize our search for
drug discovery and design, pharmaceutical biotechnology,
his successor (to be announced soon), we sincerely thank him
and creating health innovation opportunities served him well
for everything that he has done for us. We also wish him every
in his 10-plus year leadership role and his accomplishments
success in the next chapter of his career.
are many.
In closing, it is an honor for me to serve as interim dean
Since joining us, he has been inducted as a Fellow, Canadian
until a new dean is in place. It is my goal to work closely with
Academy of Health Sciences, and has been an active voice
the Faculty, UBC, our practice community partners and the
for the profession of pharmacy and the B.C. biotechnology
B.C. Government to continue to advance the mission of our
community. He has worked tirelessly to enhance the health
Faculty to achieve global leadership in pharmacy education,
care system of our province and has played an instrumental
research and practice.
part in supporting the expanding scope of pharmacy practice.
Warm regards,
In 2009, Dr. Sindelar’s efforts led to a landmark investment from the Province of British Columbia of $86.4 million in the expansion of the Faculty, which lead to the construction of the new Pharmaceutical Sciences Building – a marvel of
K. Wayne Riggs Professor and Dean pro tem
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
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FEATURES
Pharmaceutical Sciences Building wins
Wallpaper*
Design Award by Julia Kreger
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UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
This page: Exterior of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building (Ema Peter Photography) Opposite (L-R): Interior of Atrium, Campaign Donor Sculpture (Ema Peter Photography) Labs (Saucier + Perrotte Architectes / Hughes Condon Marler Architects)
FEATURES
DESIGN AWARDS 2013 WINNER
“STRIKING...INSTANTLY ENGAGING...(WITH A) DYNAMIC SENSE OF MOVEMENT, TEXTURE AND A SOMETIMES DIZZYING THREE-DIMENSIONALITY.” - WALLPAPER*, February 2013
W
e are thrilled to announce that our new Pharmaceutical
first time under one roof all the teaching, learning, research and
Sciences building, designed by Montreal’s Saucier +
community outreach activities of the Faculty.
Perrotte Architectes and Vancouver’s Hughes Condon Marler Architects, has won the title of ‘Best Lab’ in the ninth annual Wallpaper* magazine Design Awards.
“(Our new building) offers much to be excited about. Students are able to utilize small group rooms, in addition to dedicated informal learning spaces. New technologies that enhance
The UK-based lifestyle magazine’s Design Awards are an
learning and collaboration, whether it be lecture capture or
“annual pat on the back to the people, places and products
the ability to use a digital screen as a whiteboard, are being
that have brightened up our world over the last year.” The 2013
embraced by the student body,” says third-year Pharmaceutical
judging panel included international experts across the fields
Sciences student, BCPhA Ambassador and President, Pharmacy
of design, art, architecture and fashion; including designer Rick
Undergraduate Society, Aaron Sihota.
Owens, Pritzker Prize-winning architect Wang Shu and visual artist Julian Opie, alongside Wallpaper* magazine staff and
“We would like to extend our congratulations to Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Hughes Condon Marler Architects on
contributors.
this remarkable achievement,” says Dr. Wayne Riggs, professor
A double-page feature article by Hadani Ditmars in the
and dean pro tem.
February issue of Wallpaper* describes the Pharmaceutical Sciences building as “striking” and “instantly engaging” with a “dynamic sense of movement, texture and a sometimes dizzying three-dimensionality.” Ditmas goes on to recognize
To download a PDF of the Wallpaper* magazine article, please click here.
lead architect Gilles Saucier’s primary inspiration of two trees entwining and his vision to “pay homage to the debt science owes to nature.” Officially opened on September 18, 2012, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building is a quarter-million square foot, state-ofthe-art learning and research facility. Made possible by an $86.4-million investment from the Province of BC and the generous support of donors, the new building houses for the
www.wallpaper.com www.saucierperrotte.com www.hcma.ca
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
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FEATURES
Providing More Health Care Than You Know:
Celebrating Pharmacist Awareness Month by Julia Kreger
M
arch is Pharmacist Awareness Month (PAM), an
For Andrea, Pharmacist Awareness Month is crucial to raising
expansion of the Canadian Pharmacists Association’s
awareness of her chosen profession. “It is an opportunity for
annual week-long campaign. Since 1998, the campaign has raised awareness of the vital contributions pharmacists make to health care, while also
past, present and future pharmacists to educate the public about what pharmacists collectively care about, and what knowledge and services they can bring to the general population.”
providing an opportunity to celebrate the profession in schools,
“Pharmacist Awareness Month represents a great opportunity
workplaces and communities across Canada.
to let the public know what today’s pharmacists can do,” agrees
Before the Pharmacy Act was passed in 1891, pharmacy practice in British Columbia was unregulated. As the scope of
fourth-year UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences student and BCPhA Ambassador JD Puri.
practice evolves, it becomes increasingly important to educate
JD was inspired to study Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC after
the public on the services their pharmacists can provide. The
conversations with his grandparents about their medications.
theme for PAM 2013 is “Providing more health care than you
“(They) would tell me that the medications were ‘improving
know: Ask a pharmacist.”
their health’ and ‘keeping them alive.’ I was curious and wanted
So what does the profession of pharmacy and Pharmacist Awareness Month mean to the next generation of practitioners? Second-year UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences student and BCPhA Ambassador Andrea Silver was attracted to the profession of pharmacy because of her desire to make a difference in her patient’s lives. “(Working as a pharmacist) will allow me to be a part of changes that a patient wants to make in terms of improving their health or knowledge of health and well-being. I believe it is very important for patients to know that someone will be able to help them navigate the health care system.”
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UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
to find out more.” “My favourite thing about studying pharmacy at UBC is understanding and applying evidence-based medicine. We learn not to simply tell a patient ‘this is your pill’ but rather to have a conversation with them and provide information about the pros and cons of a particular course of action.” “(Working as a pharmacist) will allow me to be a part of changes that a patient wants to make in terms of improving their health or knowledge of health and well-being.” - Andrea silver, pharmacy student
FEATURES “The Faculty is continually impressed by our students’ dedication and commitment to patient-centred care” says Dr. Wayne Riggs, professor and dean pro tem, UBC Faculty of
Inside Story on the Story of Medicines: The Role of Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Sciences. For more information about Pharmacist Awareness Month initiatives around Canada and to download the campaign materials, please click here. Pharmacist Awareness Month events at UBC Pharmacy Information Evening (PIE) Room 1101, UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, March 7, 5 - 7 p.m. An information session for prospective students that are interested in applying for pharmacy. This event features student leaders, community, and academia pharmacists within the faculty. Pharmacist Awareness Month Fair UBC Student Union Building, March 4 to 8, daily from 12 1 p.m.
I
nside Story on the Story of Medicines is an ongoing feature dedicated to uncovering the individual narratives that make
up our interactive Story of Medicines exhibition. In each issue of Discover, we’ll bring you an article honing in on one particular story within the Story of Medicines. In this edition,
The fair hosts a variety of booths to educate UBC students on different conditions and the role of pharmacists.
and in time for Pharmacist Awareness Month, we focus on the
Community Outreach Presentation
The Role of Pharmacy is a hands-on storytelling experience
Kerrisdale Community Centre, March 5, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Kits Community Centre, March 7, 9:30 - 10.30 a.m. South Granville Seniors Centre, March 7, 1 - 2 p.m. Target audience is adults and seniors (especially those who are on long-term medications). No reservation is necessary. The format of the session is a 30 to 45 min presentation by UBC PAM volunteers, followed by a Q&A period facilitated by a licensed pharmacist.
Role of Pharmacy exhibit. that highlights the many faces of pharmacy. By interacting with a 5.7 x 6.7 ft multi-touch screen, visitors learn about the numerous roles and career paths within the pharmaceutical sciences. The story is told through personas representing these roles and career paths. There are a total of 13 compelling personas featured within the storytelling experience. Using the life-size touch wall, visitors select a persona of interest to begin the story. Once selected, the highlighted persona moves to the foreground of the screen. Visitors then learn about that persona and their role in the pharmaceutical sciences by exploring featured fact bubbles. Fact bubbles also feature QR codes to allow learning to continue from the touch wall to related websites. Among the roles profiled are a community pharmacist from the year 1911, researcher, and government worker. We also explore what the role of the community pharmacist of 2020 would look like. The Story of Medicines is free to the public and open for viewing from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, please email us at pharmsci.communications@ubc.ca. - BY JIMI GALVãO Image: Student interacting with Role of Pharmacy exhibit (Ema Peter Photography)
Image: Story of Medicines ‘Role of a Pharmacist’ exhibit DISCOVER • • SPRING DISCOVER 2013
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FEATURES
The Paths Less Travelled: Introducing the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Journal (PSSJ) by Katherine Milbers and Alysa Pompeo
Image: UBC PSSJ Issue One cover illustration by Esther Chan, B.Sc. (Pharm) Candidate, 2015
O
n January 28, 2013, Canada’s first student-run
of pharmacy is a re-application of long-existent skills
pharmacy publication, the UBC Pharmaceutical
and potential to new areas of patient care. For decades,
Sciences Student Journal (PSSJ), officially launched its
pharmacists have incorporated patient interaction into
inaugural issue and with it, the dream of further change
practice but in seeking to improve care through a more
and discussion in pharmaceutical sciences. During a brief
effective application of knowledge, we have begun to ask
speech and presentation, students, faculty and authors
ourselves what is most effective in current practice. Such
proudly assembled to celebrate what will become a staple
introspective questions are the foundation upon which PSSJ
of pharmacy student life in years to come. Founded by
has been built.
the Pharmaceutical Sciences Class of 2012 and continued by students from all years at UBC, PSSJ seeks to “bring
Opening the Channels of Communication
research back” to student-pharmacist culture in a time
There are a number of journals that currently serve
when interprofessional communication is more important
as forums for student and professional dialogue. The
than ever.
Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy and Canadian
Pharmacy Practice is Changing
Journal of Pharmacy unite professionals across the country in discussing clinical practice, original research, and issues
Pharmacy, as a profession, is changing. As students, we are
for pharmacists. But as students, it is often difficult to
taught new clinical skills, the importance of interpreting
bridge that gap; ourselves the authors of this article, who
research to answer our drug questions, and the value of
have completed undergraduate degrees before coming
clinical research to advance both practice and general
to UBC, know the fierce competition for undergraduate
knowledge. Many of us have noted the transformation of
research positions and getting published, especially if
the pharmacist’s role within the healthcare community
you’re interested in pursuing health sciences. Once you
and the gradual shift in time use from dispensary to
get in, there are several avenues for pharmacy students
patient interaction. But in many ways, the evolution
to gain insight into the thoughts, findings and concerns
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UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
FEATURES of practicing pharmacists through rotations, shadowing,
because of the difficulties soliciting someone to write for
and professional organizations that encourage students to
a publication that didn’t yet exist. Our overarching goal
network via speakers and events. However, there are few
of starting a student scholarly dialogue with the journal
avenues through which professionals can learn how future
seemed so fragile at points when we were attempting to
pharmacists are being educated, or what we are doing.
manage software, find authors, arrange meetings to keep
Good practice starts with good education. By gaining
the student team informed, and figure out how to maintain
insight into how students are writing in a public forum
interest and organize ourselves after we eventually did
like PSSJ, everyone’s education improves, and by extension,
launch an issue. The business of finding a student team
everyone’s practice.
was easy, to our relief; students interested in writing, publishing, and supporting a journal emerged rapidly from
Bridging the gap between theoretical
the woodwork and helped combine their vision of a journal
and practical
with the chief editors’ desire to get people talking. And,
If we can envision helping practitioners stay informed on
after the launch, we certainly did. Abstracts from our first
what students are doing and what opportunities we have
eight articles remained published in poster form in the
as one direction of information flow, we also want to help
atrium of our new building and remained up for everyone
students learn applicable skills and translate what we see
to see during the week after our launch. This project would
in practice into communicable terms. In other words, we
not have been possible without the hard work and foresight
want to maintain a reciprocal information flow between
of many talented individuals. Similarly, its continued
future professionals and practicing ones. For example,
success will rely on the input of inspired individuals -
every second-year student at UBC has the option to write a
namely, you!
paper on a novel system of drug delivery as part of a course in fall term where we study drug formulations and stability; this is research and information that could theoretically be published and disseminated. As simple as this knowledge may seem sometimes, students are required to continually inform themselves on healthcare topics from patient case study courses to drug delivery classes, and sharing provides great value to those of us who could use this (potentially updated) information in practice. Our education succeeds in giving us a broad background on the medications and clinical skills we will need to be practitioners in some
We are so often warned to “watch our thoughts, for they become our words”; to “watch our words, for they become our actions.” We whole-heartedly urge you to throw that saying to the winds. Let your thoughts run wild! Explore every possibility within the framework of your mind. And then make your thoughts your words. Put down on the page what you have always wondered about, envisioned, or hoped for in pharmacy. Your words may one day become the actions that alter our practice for the better. This is our practice, and it can and will only ever be what we chose to make of it.
settings; however it is up to us to know how to show employers that there is value in letting a pharmacist review medications, for example, or come up with novel ways to prevent patients from suffering drug-related problems. We need to know how to apply theories and concepts we’ve learned in class in a practical setting, and we want PSSJ to help make this connection to students as well as connecting student education to practitioners.
“Good practice starts with good education. By gaining insight into how we, students, are applying our learning through student writing in a publiclylocated forum like PSSJ, everyone’s education improves, and by extension, everyone’s practice.”
Moving Forward UBC PPSJ is a fully online, open-access, student-run
In the inaugural issue, founders of the PSSJ and chief editors Kelvin Lou and Sandy Mok characterize the creation of the journal as a “deceptively simple” endeavor. While
journal. For more information on UBC PSSJ, including access to our first issue, visit www.ubcpssj.org
the philosophy behind this initiative is indeed a simple one, the publication process was not straightforward.
Katherine Milbers is Associate Editor and Alysa Pompeo is
Finding articles for the first issue was a long endeavour
Copyeditor of the UBC PSSJ.
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
9
EDUCATION
Creating a New Professional
Pharmacy Degree at UBC by Drs. Peter Loewen and Glenda MacDonald
T
he practice of Pharmacy has grown much more complex
UBC was the first university in Canada to offer a post-graduate
in recent years, with a larger percentage of people living
PharmD degree, and has produced 138 graduates since it
longer with multiple conditions and drug therapies. At the
started in 1991. Post-graduate PharmD programs are different
same time, the scope of what pharmacists can and should do
from entry-to-practice programs in that they are usually
to care for their patients has grown. Examples of this include
two years in length and only enrol students who are already
giving vaccinations, doing clinic consultations with patients to
pharmacists and who usually have an additional year of post-
optimize their medications, prescribing certain types of drugs,
graduate training called a residency.
monitoring drug therapy, and interpreting lab tests. Pharmacist training programs have tried to adapt to the changes, but Bachelor’s degree programs can no longer fulfill the amount of learning required by pharmacists to be competent practitioners. A different kind of degree program, one that has more time for learning these intricate skills, and more time to do practical learning with real patients, is needed. This type of degree,
Graduates of the new program will be true medication experts that care about improving the health of their patients, are competent to practice pharmacy to its full scope and adaptable as it expands, and are equipped to lead the profession in the directions it needs to go for the good of all British Columbians. What will the new program look like? Here are some essential points you should know:
already offered in all U.S. universities since the mid-1990’s, is
• It will be four years in length, the same number of years it
called an entry-to-practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
takes to get a BSc (Pharm).
In 2010, pharmacy schools across Canada agreed to offer the PharmD degree by the year 2020. The University of Montreal, Laval University, University of Toronto, and the University of Waterloo have already started their entry-to-practice PharmD programs. To ensure that patients in B.C. are cared for by the best pharmacists in Canada, providing high quality care to the full scope of
• It will contain about 20% more credit hours than the BSc (Pharm) program. • The final year of the program will have about twice as much experiential learning as the current program. There will be more experiential learning in each year of the program as well.
practice, UBC has begun the process of creating an entry-to-
• It will take two years to meet the prerequisites for the
practice PharmD program.
program versus a minimum of one year now. However,
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UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
EDUCATION about two-thirds of our current students have two or more years of pre-pharmacy coursework, and about a third already have another degree • It will feature a state-of-the-art curriculum, integrating
Faculty’s Medication Reconciliation Interprofessional Event Connects Health Students Across the Province On January 16, 2013, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical
the spectrum of foundational pharmaceutical sciences with advanced pharmacotherapeutic problem-solving and experiential learning in community, primary care, hospitals, and other settings.
Sciences, in partnership with the Faculty of Medicine, College of Health Disciplines and Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services, brought together over 360 pharmacy and medical students from across British Columbia to participate in
• The latter years of the program will provide the opportunity
an interprofessional medication reconciliation event (IPE)
for students to choose a Pathway, or focus. These may
focused on improving patient care.
include pharmaceutical care, health services and policy
Medication reconciliation is a process of identifying the
research, research in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy business, and international health. Essentially, each Pathway will be a collection of elective courses and clerkships in the third and fourth years of the program.
most accurate list of medications a patient is taking — including name, dosage, frequency and route — and using this list to provide correct medications for patient transitions within the health care system. Reconciliation
• The program will prepare those graduates who choose to do
involves comparing the patient’s current list of medications
so to continue their training in Pharmacy Practice
against the physician’s admission, transfer and/or discharge
Residency programs, and graduate degree programs such as
orders.
MSc or PhD programs.
“Studies indicate that 40-50% of patients experience
• In time, combined degree programs will be offered. These
medication discrepancies when transitioning between
may include PharmD/MBA, PharmD/PhD, PharmD/JD,
health care settings,” says Dr. Judith Soon, assistant
and/or PharmD/MPH.
professor, UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and one
• The program will align with an expanded scope of practice for pharmacy practice in B.C. The use of medications is becoming increasingly complex, making it critical that
of the event’s organizers. “This is a considerable patient safety challenge and an important topic for discussion between health care professionals.”
pharmacists work in collaboration with other health care
While over 300 students from the Faculty of
providers to ensure that drug therapy is safe and effective
Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine worked
for their patients.
on patient cases in small groups in lecture theatres and
The Faculty is working diligently and consulting with a number of stakeholder groups as it moves through this process. It is important that we hear feedback from government, industry, practitioners, educators, researchers, our alumni, and our students. If you have any questions, want more information, or wish to share your feedback, please contact us:
residents from the University of Victoria and the University of Northern BC in Prince George participated in the case work via the Faculty’s new video-conferencing system.
this event, one of the largest of its kind in Canada,” says Dr. Wayne Riggs, professor and dean pro tem, Faculty of
604-827-1814
Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Collaboration and the ability to
Dr. Glenda MacDonald glenda.macdonald@ubc.ca
Building, 54 medical students and nine pharmacy hospital
“We’ve received incredibly positive student feedback from
Dr. Peter Loewen peter.loewen@ubc.ca
seminar rooms throughout the Pharmaceutical Sciences
work effectively as a member of a patient’s health care team are essential skills for all our pharmacy graduates — and
604-822-3085
Drs. Peter Loewen and Glenda MacDonald are members of the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. Loewen is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Dr. MacDonald is a Clinical Assistant
students across all health disciplines.” While the students worked on patient cases, their progress was monitored by six medication reconciliation experts
Professor and Director of the Continuing Pharmacy
from four different Health Authorities, including Allison
Professional Development Program.
Kirkwood, Providence Health; (continued page 12) DISCOVER • • SPRING DISCOVER 2013
11
EDUCATION
“We’ve received incredibly positive student feedback from THE (MED REC) event. the ability to work effectively as a member of a patient’s health care team are essential skills for all our pharmacy graduates and students across all health disciplines.” - DR. WAYNE RIGGS, UBC PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(continued from previous)
Dr. Anita Lo, Fraser Health; Melissa Lo, Lower Mainland Regional Medication Safety Systems; Shelley Novak, Vancouver Coastal Health; Aleisha Thornhill, Northern Health Authority and Dr. Dan Martinusen, Vancouver Island
change the lab work for one of the
PHAR 400 edition.” UBC Faculty of
Health Authority.
courses called Applied Therapeutics…
Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor,
to meet the same objectives and goals
Alan Low, has been coordinating this
of (the) CP3 program. In addition, I gave
event for two years and it is a great
two lectures (about) pharmacy practice
opportunity for his students to showcase
in Canada, including how I handled some
what they have learned in their PHAR
cases in my 500-hours of practicum,”
400-Pharmacy Management course.
“Our hope is that these students walked away from this event with a new sense of appreciation for working collaboratively,” says Dr. Arun Verma, instructor, UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and another organizer of the event.
says Dr. Hassona.
The event can be described as Dragon’s
“Recognizing the various roles and the
Dr. Hassona is a registered pharmacist in
Den with a twist, and it gives students
diversity of knowledge of their other
Maryland, USA and completed his PhD
the opportunity to present Group
team members will only lead to a better
degree at Ohio State University. “The
Practice Projects. These projects
understanding of how they can work
six months I spent in the CP3 program
are business plans for developing a
together as health care professionals
affected my thought process more
sustainable and profitable pharmacist-
to provide the best possible patient-
than the four and a half years I spent in
delivered clinical service. Participants
centered care.”
the USA. I would like to thank the CP3
were given five minutes to convince
- BY CHRISTOPHER COOK
program members for their efforts and I
an audience of investors, pharmacy
strongly recommend this program to any
managers, and business executives to
international pharmacist.”
fund and implement their innovative
Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CP3) Program Receives Exceptional Feedback
The CP3 program includes 12 weeks of classroom instruction followed by
plans into a community hospital or pharmacy.
Dr. Mohamed D. Hessein Hassona,
12 weeks of an internship practicum,
The grand prize winning team,
Postdoctoral Fellow, Vancouver
providing students with valuable
Canadian Services for Innovation in
Prostrate Centre; part-time pharmacist,
Canadian pharmacy practice experience.
Pharmacy Practice (CSIPP), received a
Shoppers Drug Mart; and Assistant Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy at Helwan University, Cairo, recently wrote a letter of appreciation to the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences outlining how his experiences as a Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CP3) program student have enriched his practice. “I went to Egypt for a short period in November, 2011 (where I) started to
For more information about the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences CP3 program, please visit cpd.pharmacy.ubc.ca. - BY JULIA KREGER
gift certificate to Joey’s Restaurant to celebrate and reflect on their idea of Pharmacogenomic patient assessment. Healthy competition combined with innovative ideas has made this event
Mogul’s Den
a success and may result in exciting
In November, fourth year Entry to
community in the future.
Practice students participated in the
- BY ALEXANDRA WARREN
new programs that will benefit the
annual event, “Pharmacy Mogul’s DenImages: UBC Pharmacy and Medicine students particpating in Med Rec IPE event
12
UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
RESEARCH
Faculty’s Celebrate Research 2013 Event
Highlights Reproductive Health by Christopher Cook
O
n March 4, 2013, a special seminar entitled “Sex &
professor and dean pro tem. “These events showcase research
Drugs & Reproductive Health,” hosted by the Faculty of
that’s making a difference in people’s lives.”
Pharmaceutical Sciences as part of Celebrate Research Week, was attended by over 100 people.
Past Celebrate Research seminars hosted by the Faculty have covered topics as diverse as personalized medicine tailored
The seminar featured three internationally recognized
through patient genetic information and recent advances in
panelists speaking on women’s reproductive health. Dr.
diabetes treatment.
Cynthia Harper, an associate professor in Obstetrics at the University of California, presented a talk entitled “Pharmacy Access to Emergency Contraception and Beyond.” Dr. Joy
For more information on the Faculty’s Celebrate Research Week events, please visit www.pharmacy.ubc.ca/research/crw.
Johnson, the scientific director of the Institute of Gender and Health (IGH), and a professor at UBC’s School of Nursing, spoke about the interplay between sex, gender, and health. The third speaker, Dr. Mary Stephenson, professor and department head, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, presented on recurrent pregnancy loss, and the diverse contributions made by UBC researchers to our understanding of this topic. The half-day seminar drew UBC faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the community. “We’re proud to host seminars that deliver world-class research to the public,” says Dr. Kishor Wasan, professor and associate dean, Research &
Image: (L-R) Drs. Cynthia Harper, Joy Johnson, Judith Soon, Mary Ensom and Mary Stephenson
Graduate Studies, UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Members of our Faculty and other UBC researchers have made huge impacts on our understanding of reproductive health – and this event allows us to celebrate these achievements.” “Celebrate Research Week seminars give us the chance to open our doors to the broader community,” says Dr. Wayne Riggs,
“MEmbers of our faculty and other Ubc researchers have made huge impacts on our understanding of reproductive health - and this event allows us to celebrate these achievements.” - DR. KISHOR WASAN, UBC PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
13
RESEARCH Faculty Hosts Grant Planning Workshop on Personalized Medicine
markers predictive of a range of complex
research project. The potential genetic
diseases, from asthma to cancer.
influences leading to mental illnesses
In November 2012, 40 health researchers
genome have used lower resolution
and clinical experts from across North
microarrays and have failed to identify
“Patient education will be a huge
America attended a two-day Canadian
high-risk individuals who developed
component of this project,” says Dr. Reid.
Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
complex diseases,” says Dr. Reid. “But
“We want to engage and consult with
Team Grant Planning Workshop on
if we break these diseases down into
patients throughout our research, to
personalized medicine, hosted by
the processes that contribute to their
develop successful educational programs
UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences.
development and use genome sequencing
surrounding this approach to personalized
to pin-point the genetic variations
medicine, as well as effective practices
responsible for these processes,
for clinically applying the research.”
Organized by Faculty members Drs. Ron Reid, Corey Nislow and Wayne Riggs; as well as Dr. Thomas Grigliatti from UBC’s Department of Zoology and pharmacist
“Previous studies examining the entire
we’ll have a much clearer picture of disease development and therapy.”
are complex, and research in this area will have a vast social impact.
As a result of the workshop, several grant applications and projects involving
Mark Kunzli, owner of Kunzli Enterprises,
The workshop included presentations on
genome sequencing are underway, and
the workshop drew research leaders in
a range of topics, including biomarkers,
Dr. Nislow has set up the Pharmaceutical
fields as diverse as translational medicine
epigenetics, and bioinformatics. Through
Sciences Sequencing Centre (PSSC) in
and metabolomics. Researchers came
break-out discussion sessions, workshop
the Faculty’s new building to facilitate
together to create a proposal for a project
participants selected mental health
this work. - BY CHRISTOPHER COOK
investigating the identification of genetic
as the main focus for the proposed
Recent Awards, Publications, Presentations and Grants Awards Mah G, Mabasa VH, Chow I, Ensom MHH - recipients of the CSHP B.C. Branch Publication Award Laura Carney, Jennifer Kendrick, Roxane Carr - received a 2013 CSHP Pharmacotherapy Best Practices Award (sponsored by Pfizer Canada Ltd) for their project “The Safety and Effectiveness of Dexmedetomidine in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (SAD-PICU)”. Publications Gershkovich P, Ibrahim F, Sivak O, Darlington JW, Wasan KM. A simple and sensitive method for determination of vitamins D(3) and K(1) in rat plasma: application for an in vivo pharmacokinetic study. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2013 Feb 4. [Epub ahead of print] PMID: 23373428 Beatty L, Green R, Magee K, Zed PJ. A systematic review of ethanol and fomepizole use in toxic alcohol ingestions. Emergency Medicine International, Volume 2013, Article ID 638057, 14 pages, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2013/638057. Pawluk SA, Wilby KJ, Ensom MHH. Pharmacokinetic-Profile of Artemisinin Derivatives and Companion Drugs Used in Artemisininbased Combination Therapies for the Treatment of Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria in Children. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2013 Jan 4 [Epub ahead of print] DOI 10.1007/s40262-012-0026-5. CIHR Operating Grants BRUBACHER, Jeffrey R; BRASHER, Penelope (Penny) M; CHAN, Wing-Ping H; ETMINAN, Mahyar; MACLURE, Malcolm; ZED, Peter (Co-Investigators) Prescription medications and the risk of motor vehicle crashes: $526,268 (4 years) Operating Grant - PA: CIHR New investigators - Bridge Funding BANSBACK, Nicholas; ALMEIDA, Fernanda R; AYAS, Najib; BRASHER, Penelope (Penny) M; LYND, Larry D; MARRA, Carlo A; STACEY, Dawn (Co-Investigators) Improving adherence to treatments through behavioral economics: Testing an enhanced decision aid in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: $100,000 (1 year) CIHR DISSEMINATION EVENTS - PRIORITY ANNOUNCEMENT: INFECTION AND IMMUNITY MARRA, Fawziah; MCKAY, Rachel; PATRICK, David M (Co-Investigators) Community-Associated Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (CA-MRSA) Infections: From Knowledge to Action: $13,725 (1 year) Faculty member or adjunct faculty member’s name appears in bold. 14
UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
PRACTICE Introducing AGILE
UPDATES Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada – British Columbia
offered by pharmacists and we’re looking
embarked on an exciting new project.
The Faculty is proud to be a Regional
For more information on the 2013
AGILE (Advancing Experiential LearninG
Supporter of this year’s Sanofi
Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair,
In InstitutionaL Pharmacy PracticE)
BioGENEius Challege Canada (SBCC)
visit www.gvrsf.ca.
aims to develop recommendations
for British Columbia. SBCC is a national
- BY JIMI GALVãO
that will inform a redesign of
science competition for students
institutional experiential pharmacy
focusing on biotechnology. Competitors
education in British Columbia.
use their skills and passion for science to
In November 2012, the Faculty
“A redesign is definitely needed,” says Dr. Michael Legal, project lead. “Soon, there will be capacity challenges related
develop research projects that address challenges affecting today’s society, from health care to the environment.
forward to teaching students about it.”
New Student Awards Awards allow students to focus on achieving excellence in rigorous academic studies, clinical practice, and research. They recognize achievement
to the increased number of learners in
“We’re looking forward to working with
and offer financial aid where needed
the Faculty’s Entry-to-Practice Program
LifeSciences British Columbia in hosting
so students can continue and excel in
and B.C. Pharmacy Practice Residency
this important event in our new building,”
their education. Supporting an award is
Program. Moreover, the implementation
says Wayne Riggs, professor and dean
a very personal experience. The Faculty
of an Entry-to-Practice Doctor of
pro tem. “It’s an opportunity for us to
is grateful for the following new, donor-
Pharmacy Program means that the
support the future of scientific research
funded awards benefiting its students.
demand for institutional rotations
and engage with the community.”
will continue well into the future.”
Marion L. Pearson and James M.
SBCC for British Columbia takes place on
Orr Bursary in Pharmaceutical
According to Legal, the traditional
March 28, 2013. For more information on
Sciences
preceptor-to-learner model
the 2013 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge
Created by Marion Pearson
provides little wiggle room for
Canada, visit
(BSc(Pharm)’82, MA’08) and Professor
additional learners at a site.
www.sanofibiogeneiuschallenge.ca.
Emeritus James Orr, the bursary
- BY JIMI GALVãO
supports students of any year of the
“The pharmacist of the future needs to be a competent, capable and adept,” explains Dr. Peter Zed, associate professor and associate dean,
2013 Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair
Practice Innovation. “The pharmacist
We’re excited to announce our
of the future also needs to excel at
participation in the 2013 Greater
teaching and lifelong learning.”
Vancouver Regional Science Fair! Our
AGILE needs the ideas and feedback of the health care community to help
faculty members and students will be hosting a lab tour called “Pharmacy
BSc(Pharm) with preference for 1st year and with preference for students from under-represented regions of B.C. Read about Marion and Jim’s lifelong passion of supporting students at www.startanevolution.ubc.ca/ successstories/supporting-students-alifelong-passion/
Compounding: The Art and Science
R & Z Bailey Bursary in Pharmacy
of Making Medications.“ The one-
Established by Rodney Bailey
hour hands-on activity will introduce
(BSc(Pharm)’74), the bursary supports
participants to the compounding
B.C. students in any year of the
fundamentals of levigation, aromatics,
BSc(Pharm) with preference for students
additives, solutions and suspensions.
from outside metro Vancouver.
The dialogue is also being facilitated
“Everyone will have a chance to
Dr. Dario Alberton PharmD
online via a blog called The Conversation.
experience compounding for themselves
Scholarship
by making a cream with non-medical
Established by family, friends and
ingredients,” says Colleen Brady,
colleagues in memory of Dr. Dario
senior instructor with the Faculty.
Alberton (BSc(Pharm)’00, PharmD’06),
“Compounding is an important service
the award is given to an outstanding
shape the future of pharmacy. Since the beginning of January 2013, Legal has visited major sites in each health authority to engage in face-to-face dialogue and will continue to do so until the project concludes this November.
To learn more, and to join the conversation, visit agile.pharmacy.ubc.ca. - BY JIMI GALVãO
(continued page 16) DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
15
UPDATES (continued from previous)
able to now pay it forward? Would you
student entering the Doctor of Pharmacy
have benefited from financial assistance
program.
as a student? Do you want to support
H & H Blomquist Scholarship Created by brothers, Holger L. Blomquist (BSc(Pharm)’50) and Halvard Blomquist (BSc(Pharm)’52) through the Blomquist Charitable Fund, the award supports a student in any year of the BSc(Pharm).
the next generation of pharmacists? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please contact June Chow at 604-822-1772 or june.chow@ubc.ca or learn more about establishing student awards at
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd’s Support of the Initiative for Sustainable Healthcare We are extremely delighted to announce that Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd has recently committed a gift towards the Initiative for Sustainable Healthcare.
startanevolution.ubc.ca/category/
Our industry partners have been very
Peoples Drug Mart Award in
projects-by-area/student-awards
generous in their support of the Initiative.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
- BY JUNE CHOW. June is Associate
At this time, the search is underway for
Offered by Peoples Drug Mart for
Director, Development and
the leader in the Professorship position,
3rd-year students of the BSc(Pharm),
Alumni Engagement.
and we have had the opportunity to
the award recognizes leadership skills and an interest in community practice, with preference for B.C. students from outside metro Vancouver. Marcel St. Jean Memorial Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences Established by UniPHARM in memory of long-time friend and respected industry colleague, Marcel St.
Uniquely UBC: Story of Medicines On January 30, 2013 our Faculty hosted “Uniquely UBC: Story of Medicines.“ Organized by the university’s Development and Alumni Engagement Events Team, donors to UBC were invited to partake in an evening of thought-provoking presentation.
Jean, the award recognizes fourth-
Two of the “Six Drugs that Changed
year, graduating students who
the World“ were discussed in the
display exceptional professionalism
London Drugs Lecture Theatre: Dr.
and high academic standing.
Brian Rodrigues MSc(Pharm)’85
Calvin Sawyer Memorial Scholarship in Pharmaceutical Sciences Offered by Lap Wu (BSc(Pharm)’80) and his wife, Sharon McKenzie
PhD(Pharm)’89 spoke about insulin, followed by Dr. Brian Cairns BSc(Pharm)’86 PhD(Pharm)’97 ACPR who addressed the impact of the discovery of anesthetics.
(BSN), and their family in memory of
Guests were then invited to mix and
their son, Calvin Sawyer, the awards
mingle and tour the Faculty’s Story
recognize students entering the
of Medicines interactive exhibit with
second year of the BSc(Pharm).
the guidance of our BCPhA Student
Pharmaceutical Sciences Rural Communities Placement Award Offered by the Pharmacy Alumni Group, the award supports fourthyear students needing financial assistance in their experiential education rotation in rural B.C. Did you receive a student award and are
16
Ambassadors: Renée Dagenais, Dawei Ji, Melissa Patton, Aaron Sihota and Andrea Silver. Event-goers were
continually showcase our Story of Medicines on numerous occasions. As a readily available connection to the community, the Story of Medicines has been well received by guests, which include the public, alumni and donors. Currently, ideas are in the works to promote and expand programming. We welcome Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd to our group of industry partners for this initiative and thank them for sharing in our vision of a bright future for healthcare in B.C.! - BY ARTI MAHARAJ
UBC Pharm Sci Alumni Event in Victoria - Changing Landscape of Pharmacists Training in Canada: the UBC Perspective On February 28, 42 UBC Pharmacy alumni and friends gathered at Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, B.C. for a special evening with Dr. Robert D. Sindelar on his last day as of Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Dr. Peter
impressed by the information presented
Loewen, BSc(Pharm)’93, PharmD’96,
and our new building; it was one of
Assistant Professor and Director,
the most intriguing Uniquely UBC
Doctor of Pharmacy Programs.
presentations to-date!
Dr. Loewen gave an informative
- BY ARTI MAHARAJ. ARTI IS COORDINATOR,
presentation on the direction that
DEVELOPMENT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT.
pharmacy training is heading at UBC
UBC FACULTY OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
UPDATES followed by a Q&A session with a very
Registration: 9 – 9:30 a.m. in the
engaged audience. Guests had plenty of
Student Union Building Party Room
time to mix and mingle at the reception
In Memoriam Arthur Ho, BSc(Pharm)’52
that followed the presentation.
Wall Training Clinic: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.
July 22, 1923 - November 16, 2012
We are committed to ensuring that
Storm the Wall Alumni Races:
Anna Paskovic, BSc(Pharm)’73
our alumni are kept up-to-date on
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
1946 – December 9, 2012
Casual Lunch: 12 – 1:15 p.m. in the
Joyce Wesson (nee Clarke),
share their feedback with us. Keep your
Student Union Building Party Room
BSc(Pharm)’49
eye out for more sessions on this topic.
Sign up online at www.alumni.ubc.
developments happening at the Faculty and to creating opportunities for them to
- BY CAELY-ANN MCNABB. CAELY-ANN IS THE ALUMNI RELATIONS MANAGER.
November 28, 1926 - January 2, 2012
ca/2013/events/ubc-alumni-races-at-
Neeta Desai (nee Amin) BSc(Pharm)’00
storm-the-wall - BY CAELY-ANN MCNABB
March 21, 1976 – January 14, 2013
Upcoming Events Calendar MARCH 2013
Image: Drs. Robert D. Sindelar and Peter Loewen presenting at the Alumni Regional Event in Victoria, B.C.
First Annual Storm the Wall Alumni Event For more than 30 years, Storm the Wall has been an iconic event on the Point Grey campus. Now UBC REC and Alumni Affairs invite you to re-live the experience of scaling a 12 foot wall with four of your friends. Legs of the relay race include a swim, sprint, bike and run
Wed, March 6 12 - 1 p.m. Room 1201
Pharmaceutical Sciences Spring Seminar Series: Targeting the Incretin Hormones and Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Professor, Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Dr. Christopher McIntosh
Sat, March 9 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The 24th Annual Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development Program (CPPD) Update for Pharmacy Alumni
Wed, March 13 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Room 1201
Pharmaceutical Sciences Spring Seminar Series: OH2 Dear! How Do PRMTs Catalyze Methylation of Arginine Residues? Dr. Adam Frankel
Wed, March 20 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Room 1201
Pharmaceutical Sciences Spring Seminar Series: Epigenetic Variation in Human Health and Disease, Dr. Michael Kobor
Wed, March 27 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Room 1201
Pharmaceutical Sciences Spring Seminar Series: Design and Selection of Glycosidase Inhibitors: Towards New Therapies for Diabetes and Influenza, Dr. Stephen Withers
APRIL 2013 Wed, April 3 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Room 1201
Pharmaceutical Sciences Spring Seminar Series: Disease Mechanisms of X-linked Dyskeratosis Congenita, Dr. Naresh Thumati
MAY 2013 Wed, May 8 3 - 5 p.m.
Faculty & Graduate Awards Ceremony. Keynote speaker: Dr. Marcel Bally, department head, BC Cancer Agency. Reception in Story of Medicines.
Sat, May 25
UBC Alumni Weekend (stay tuned for more details)
perhaps you missed out on the Storm
Tues, May 28
Spring Convocation and Dean‘s Reception
the Wall experience as an undergrad.
JUNE 2013
all followed by the challenge of getting your team up and over the wall. We know it may have been a few years since you last stormed the wall or
Not to worry, you’ll have help along the way and at the wall to make sure you get over. To take part in these alumni races, your team of five must have at least
Tues, June 11 - Fri, June 14
Personalized Medicine and Individualized Drug Delivery A joint conference of: Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences (CSPS) & Canadian Chapter - Controlled Release Society (CC-CRS)
Mon, June 17
Bernie Riedel Golf Tournament
three UBC alumni. Sunday, March 24, 2013
DISCOVER •
SPRING 2013
17
FROM
BREAD MOULDS TO
ANTIBIOTICS...
DISCOVER THE STORY OF MEDICINES
A free, interactive exhibition that explores the essential contribution of pharmacy to human health.
First floor and mezzanine level, UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver. Open to the public 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. Guided tours available on request, contact pharmsci.communications@ubc.ca Image: Journey of a Drug exhibit
2405 Wesbrook Mall Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z3 Communications Enquiries: pharmsci.communications@ubc.ca
DONATE ONLINE (click)
EVENTS CALENDAR (click)
CONNECT WITH US
www.pharmacy.ubc.ca