This past January, the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) held their annual conference with exciting talks and an award ceremony. Three winners from Waterloo Pharmacy were recognized for their achievements in the pharmacy profession.
Exceptional Achievement in Research and Academia Award 2023: Dr. Sherilyn Houle
Dr. Sherilyn Houle
Dr. Houle is a pharmacy graduate of the University of Saskatchewan and completed her PhD at the University of Alberta. Since joining Waterloo Pharmacy in 2014 she has established a research program that evaluates the outcomes of pharmacy practice to full scope, with a focus on the clinical areas of immunizations and travel medicine. Having authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and three book chapters to date, her work has been presented to both national and international audiences and has been referenced in advocacy efforts to further expand pharmacists’ scope of practice and remuneration for professional services.
Recently, Dr. Houle co-led a research project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research on a new clinical service that proactively identifies individuals’ vaccination needs in consultation with a pharmacist called VaxCheck. Following a successful feasibility study, her team is exploring opportunities for expansion both within and beyond the pharmacy profession to help health professionals and the public navigate a complex vaccination environment.
She is also a regular provider of continuing professional development programs including several courses in collaboration with the Ontario Pharmacists Association such as injection training for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, offering comprehensive immunization services, and applying updated pneumococcal vaccination guidelines in practice.
Without the collaboration of other researchers, pharmacy organizations, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who contribute to practice-based research, none of this work would be possible. I am passionate about demonstrating the value that pharmacy professionals contribute to patient care and our health system and look forward to continued research to support pharmacy practice to full scope. It is an honor to receive this recognition and to be able to contribute to efforts to support and expand the quality care that pharmacists provide to their patients every day.
Student of Distinction Award 2023: Randilynne Urslak
Randilynne Urslak graduated from Waterloo Pharmacy in August 2023. During her studies, Randilynne has worked at numerous pharmacies and completed unique co-operative education placements at the Canadian Pharmacist’s Association, The Ottawa Hospital, and a rural community pharmacy in Northern Alberta. Stepping outside of her comfort zone in Northern Alberta was the ultimate way to challenge her clinical knowledge, gain confidence in her ability to deliver exceptional patient care and improve access to healthcare.
Randilynne has always been extensively involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer service throughout her academic career. She has held numerous leadership roles including the president of Community Action Now (CAN) and the senior education representative for the University of Waterloo Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) executive council. She continues to be involved in research alongside two faculty members at the School about peripartum mental illness in women and the role of the pharmacist.
Randilynne is currently a pharmacy resident at The Ottawa Hospital, where she hopes to expand her clinical knowledge and practice as a patient-centred pharmacist. She is also working on a research project about planetary health in pharmacy education, as well as precepting students. In the future, Randilynne hopes to be a hospital pharmacist while also pursuing other areas of pharmacy that she finds fulfilling – including advocacy, research, and teaching. In her words, “I can say with absolute certainty that I am prouder than ever to be joining the profession of pharmacy, and I look forward to continuing learning and advocating for this profession that is so close to my heart”.
Randilynne Urslak, Rx2023
I am so grateful to all my mentors who have been a part of my journey thus far. They have been instrumental in continuing to challenge me, teach me how to become an excellent pharmacist and how to strive for greatness. For me, leadership means paying it forward, leading by example, embracing change with enthusiasm, demonstrating unwavering dedication to patient-centred care and staying at the forefront of advancement. It’s about cultivating a culture where each team member is inspired to reach their highest potential and creating a ripple effect that propels the profession forward with passion and purpose.
New Practitioner of the Year Award 2023: Bradley Grightmire
Bradley graduated from the PharmD program at Waterloo Pharmacy in 2021. He is currently working as a registered pharmacist and designated manager at Boggio & MacKinnon IDA Pharmacy in Niagara Falls.
Bradley has been active as a presenter to seniors throughout Niagara. He has created his own presentation titled Safety Aids and Medication Safety: Falls Prevention and has presented it multiple times over the last year. Bradley has crafted another original presentation titled The Importance of Annual Medication Review, which he has presented to the Niagara Seniors Wellness group.
Bradley received his designation as a certified respiratory educator in 2023 and has operated a respiratory clinic for patients in the community. He presented on the importance of inhaler technique and proper administration at an informational event for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease alongside a local respirologist and family physician. Bradley continues to work in this area to help improve patient’s breathing.
Another major focus in Bradley’s practice is patients with diabetes. Bradley has operated multiple clinics that focused on continuous glucose monitoring devices for patients with diabetes. He has presented this topic to colleagues at events such as the McKesson Momentum Conference. Bradley has a published article in the American Journal of Medicine Open titled Peak performance: Putting type 1 diabetes management recommendations for athletes to the test. Bradley is interested in continuing to be involved in research to optimize management of diabetes.
Bradley Grightmire, Rx2021
Leadership is about bringing a team together and optimizing individual strengths to achieve a common goal. I am grateful to be considered a leader in the profession, and would not have been able to receive this honour without my peers and colleagues that I have learned from.