Three siblings reflect on their University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy journeys
The pharmacy profession is known across Canada as a close-knit community, but for three University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy siblings it goes deeper than that. For them it’s a family affair.
Growing up, Nikola Cubelic (PharmD ’23), Viktoria Cubelic, a current Waterloo Pharmacy student and Anteja Cubelic, a current Faculty of Science undergraduate and Conditional Admission to Pharmacy (CAP) student, were all exposed to pharmacy from a young age.
“In a way, pharmacy was a big part of our childhood, it all started with our mom. Watching her career as a pharmacist sparked interest in all of us,” Viktoria says.
“I have early memories of visiting the hospital pharmacy where our mom was working. Pharmacy has always been a part of our family,” Nikola adds.
After hearing their mom speak highly of the profession, the idea of pharmacy as a career was always at the back of their minds.
“I am very proud of my children and their achievements,” says Susan Cubelic, director of pharmacy at Niagara Health. “Although they have chosen the same educational path, it is wonderful to watch their different career paths evolve. That is what is so great about the pharmacy profession – there are many diverse career opportunities to explore.”
Three siblings, three pharmacy paths
Nikola Cubelic
Nikola was the first in his family to complete his Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Waterloo.
“I came across the CAP program while I was in high school,” Nikola says. “The idea of transitioning smoothly from the Faculty of Science undergraduate program to Waterloo Pharmacy was very appealing to me.”
During his time at the School, Nikola attests to the relationships he has built with like-minded people and the lifelong friends he has made.
“Pharmacy school can be difficult, but learning together and growing together creates a special bond,” he says.
Nikola also participated in the Student Exchange Program, travelling to Croatia to discover pharmacy in a different country and to connect with his own Croatian roots.
Now an alum, Nikola is completing a pharmaceutical industry residency at Roche as a medical strategy resident.
“Waterloo alumni are the best pharmacists in Canada. Throughout the program we learn how to develop our professional practice, build confidence to communicate effectively for the benefit of the patient and gain the hands-on experience to be an effective pharmacist,” Nikola says.
Currently at his residency he supports the medical affairs department, which focuses on scientific exchange between the company and health-care professionals.
“I enjoy direct patient care, but I was drawn to explore more non-traditional pharmacy work, where there is positive impact for patients on a national and global scale,” he says.
Viktoria Cubelic
For Viktoria, hearing about Nikola’s experiences and co-op opportunities were deciding factors in pursuing a pharmacy degree at Waterloo. Following in her brother’s footsteps she also held CAP status and is now in her third year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
“The PharmD program itself is challenging. Juggling coursework, extracurriculars, your personal and social lives can be stressful at times,” Viktoria says. “I’m grateful for the support from my friends, family and the School. Being surrounded by a group of peers working towards similar goals makes the journey a little less daunting.”
Outside the classroom, Viktoria loves being involved in student life. “The feeling of school community is not just based on learning together, but on numerous opportunities for leadership and social interactions,” she says.
She has helped found the University of Waterloo Croatian Club (CroWat) and serves as their inaugural communications director. She is also the Society of Pharmacy Students Society (SOPhS) athletics director, the University of Waterloo Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) liaison and a Waterloo Pharmacy student ambassador.
The co-op program has helped Viktoria confirm that her passion lies in hospital pharmacy.
“I’m excited to graduate from the program at Waterloo and intend to pursue a career in hospital pharmacy,” Viktoria says. “Supporting patients, being part of the evolving pharmacy practice, and making a positive impact on people’s lives as a trusted member of their health-care team is what I most look forward to in the future.”
Anteja Cubelic
Anteja has always been interested in a career in health care and hearing her siblings’ experiences sealed the deal to choose Waterloo.
“I am excited to follow in my brother and sister’s footsteps, but to also forge my own path and explore the many opportunities a career in pharmacy has to offer,” Anteja says.
She is entering her second year of undergraduate studies with CAP status, taking prerequisite science courses for the Doctor of Pharmacy program including organic chemistry, biochemistry and microbiology. At the beginning of this year, she was paired with a current Waterloo Pharmacy student to answer any questions she had and networked with the older students to hear about their experiences.
“For anyone interested pursuing the CAP pathway, there is no need to be as nervous as I was,” Anteja says. “You’ll meet fellow CAP students and will build a support network together through Waterloo Pharmacy. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”
