The University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy helps support student goals through tailored co-op placements
Kayla Genereux (Rx2026) was able to strategically tailor her co-op experiences to align with her long-term ambitions of working in her hometown in Northern Ontario as a pharmacist.
“I strongly believe that the best way to learn is to apply classroom knowledge to real-world practice, and Waterloo Pharmacy offers the perfect opportunity to do just that,” Kayla says.
A strong interest in math and science led Kayla to envision a future in healthcare. Growing up in Thunder Bay all signs pointed to medical school – it was close to home. But as she explored other options, pharmacy as a career stood out for her. It was the direct impact that pharmacists make on their patients, paired with the expanded scope of practice and the opportunity to complete her co-op work terms back home and build roots early on in her career, that drew Kayla to the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.
“I was fortunate to return to my hometown to work at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) for my first co-op work term. This experience provided a diverse range of learning opportunities - from direct patient interactions to interdisciplinary collaborations right where I wanted to work in the future,” says Kayla.
Her primary role as a pharmacy student at TBRHSC was to conduct Best Possible Medication Histories to develop comprehensive medication lists for reconciliation. She also had the opportunity to shadow pharmacists across various specialities, including oncology, nephrology, cardiology and surgical units.
“These immersive opportunities not only expanded my clinical knowledge but also allowed me to network with experts in their field and explore potential career paths within hospital pharmacy,” adds Kayla.
Photos L-R: Kayla Genereux at the top of Kamview Nordic Centre, view from the top of Mount McKay, Mount McKay located on the Fort William First Nation. Photo credits: Kayla Genereux.
For her second co-op, Kayla continued with her plan to work, learn and live at home. She secured employment at Evergreen Pharmacy, a 20-minute drive from Thunder Bay. Evergreen Pharmacy services patients from Rosslyn, Ontario and Kakabeka Falls.
“As this was my first exposure to community pharmacy, I gained a deeper appreciation for the operational and technical aspects of dispensing, inventory management and workflow efficiency,” says Kayla.
This co-op experience gave Kayla the opportunity to apply her therapeutic knowledge to counsel patients, perform MedsChecks and administer COVID-19 and flu shots. Her time at Evergreen Pharmacy strengthened her immunization skills and reinforced the vital role pharmacists play in public health.
Sea lion at the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park
Lake Superior “blue ice” at Silver Harbour
Kayla returned to TBRHSC for her third co-op work term to further pursue her passion for clinical pharmacy.
“This opportunity will enable me to directly interact with Indigenous Peoples to gain a deeper understanding and respect for their culture, traditions, and healthcare practices. Cultural competency is a key component for eliminating barriers to care that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Being an active listener and having excellent communication skills are crucial for ensuring Indigenous patients feel heard and understood by their healthcare provider,” Kayla says.
Kayla reflects on her formative years growing up in a rural northern community and the perspective it gave her of the unique challenges patients face. During her co-op work terms she experienced the barriers that contribute to these unique challenges. Managing chronic conditions, the impact of limited resources and the essential need for culturally sensitive care gave Kayla a deeper understanding of how pharmacists can help in these rural and remote communities.
“One of the most impactful shifts in my career trajectory has been my growing interest in working in rural and northern communities. Through my co-ops and coursework, I have developed a deep appreciation for the unique challenges these communities face,” says Kayla.
“These experiences have ignited a passion in me for improving healthcare accessibility in underserved areas, and I am now, more than ever, committed to returning to my northern hometown to work as a pharmacist to make a meaningful difference by advocating for better healthcare access, building strong connections within the community and finding innovative solutions to overcome the challenges we face,” adds Kayla.
Following the completion of her patient care rotations in Thunder Bay and her PharmD, Kayla is looking forward to practicing as a pharmacist in her hometown of Thunder Bay, Ontario.