Grand River Hospital and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy hosted an appreciation reception January 10 at the hospital. The event celebrated and acknowledged the teaching and research partnership between the two organizations.
Grand River Hospital is a strong supporter of Waterloo Pharmacy’s co-operative education and patient-care rotation programs, and has been since the School first opened. For every term since the fall 2008, the hospital’s pharmacy program has accepted between one and 10 students to gain clinical experience in a hospital setting. Grand River has offered a total of 105 co-op student positions in the past eight years, and next term they are hiring a record-setting 13 co-op students.
Student Kristina Kozlovsky spoke about how her co-op term at Grand River helped her develop independent problem-solving skills.
Pharmacy students are highly appreciative of the opportunity to work at the hospital. As proof of this, Esther Lee, a Grand River co-op supervisor, was the first recipient of the Outstanding Co-op Employer award. This award is bestowed based on nominations from students.
This partnership is mutually beneficial for the hospital and Waterloo Pharmacy. Grand River provides an engaging atmosphere with an experienced team of pharmacists to mentor and train students, while the students bring renewed energy and eagerness to learn.
Beyond providing a location for pharmacy student co-op and rotation placements, the hospital is also an invaluable research partner. They collaborate with School of Pharmacy researchers like associate professor Shawn Wettig, who examines the use of irradiated gold nanoparticles to target prostate cancer, and clinical lecturer Tom McFarlane who is studying the applications of telemedicine in oncology care.
Jane Martin, Integrated Director of Pharmacy from Grand River and Judy Linton, VP of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Executive accept a School of Pharmacy Teaching Site plaque from School Director David Edwards.
The School of Pharmacy looks forward to continuing this partnership with Grand River Hospital and is excited for future research projects and student learning opportunities.