On Saturday October 1, Waterloo Pharmacy held its first ever alumni Reunion. Run in conjunction with the University of Waterloo’s Reunion Weekend, Pharmacy Reunion invited alumni back to the Kitchener-based School for a full day of learning, laughter and old friends and professors.
The School of Pharmacy’s first cohort graduated in 2011, making 2016 the fifth year that our alumni are joining the ranks of practicing pharmacists in Canada. To celebrate this happy occasion and the diverse accomplishments of our graduates, Pharmacy Reunion was launched.
Nearly 40 alumni travelled from across the province and even outside of Ontario to partake in the day’s festivities. They participated in four continuing education discussions led by current faculty at the School. Topics for the pharmacy-focused presentations were drawn from current and dire healthcare issues.
Assistant Professor Sherilyn Houle gave an overview of the Zika virus, explaining the risks and strategies that alumni, all licensed pharmacists, could share with patients that are considering travelling to warmer climates the winter.
“The presentations were fantastic,” says Jeffrey Wong, an alumnus from the 2011 class who works in Hamilton. “They touched on current topics in pharmacy practice and gave me context for approaching these issues. Some of my patients at the family health team have had questions about Zika, and knowing that I’ve got all the facts will help me counsel my patients with more confidence.”
With the winter approaching, Professor Nancy Waite also shared recent findings from Ontario Pharmacists Research Collaboration’s investigation into pharmacists as immunizers. With nearly one million flu shots administered by pharmacists in the 2014/2015 flu season, Dr. Waite showcased how pharmacists can and are making an impact on overall vaccination rates in the province.
Alumni also heard about cutting edge online education resources in development by School of Pharmacy faculty. Dr. Feng Chang shared interactive quizzes and videos from the Opioid Education Partnership, an interprofessional project she co-leads with Dr. Tejal Patel. The online module is designed to help pharmacists and physicians collaborate to curb the ongoing opioid crisis.
The educational component of Reunion drew to a close with Dr. Kelly Grindrod’s demo of her Pharmacy5in5 learning platform.
5in5 is an evolving project that provides quick educational videos, downloadable infographics, and short quizzes that enable pharmacists and pharmacy students to stay current in their field.
The presentations generated lively discussions and were followed by a meal, a prize draw, and lively conversations between alumni and professors and staff. With alumni from every cohort of School of Pharmacy graduates present, the event was a definite success, and has started a tradition of a yearly Pharmacy Reunion.
A big thank you to our student volunteers who helped make Reunion a success