Earlier this month, seven students from Waterloo attended Professional Development Week (PDW) 2018 in Edmonton, Alberta alongside 580 other pharmacy students. PDW is an annual conference hosted by a different Canadian pharmacy school each year. It brings students from across the country together to network, apply practical skills, and expand knowledge of current health care topics. This year was the 30th PDW, hosted by the University of Alberta Faculty of Pharmacy.

Students holding signs celebrating University of Waterloo

The conference theme was ‘Fueling our future’ and this year’s presentations and events focused on showing how pharmacy students have the potential to shape the development of the pharmacy profession across Canada. High-quality speakers presented on a range of health topics, and other events included a Western Carnival, the Canada’s Next Top Pharmacist competition, and a Health Fair.

Waterloo Pharmacy students competed in the Student Literacy Challenge, the Over-the-Counter Interview and the Patient Interview competition. The International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) Health Campaign on Lung Health & Tobacco Awareness, hosted back at the school in Fall of 2016 placed 3rd in the competition against all other pharmacy schools. 

New to PDW 2018 was a Blood Pressure Clinic for the public: Chris Voss from Rx2019 represented Waterloo at the clinic. Alongside pharmacy students from across Canada and Alberta pharmacists, Chris interacted with members of the public at Edmonton City Hall.

Pharmacists who ran blood pressure clinic standing

PDW continues to be a rewarding experience for Waterloo Pharmacy students.

I will never forget the early morning CAPSI meetings and the even later nights spent with friends that I have made attending conferences like PDW. This will always be the highlight of my time in pharmacy school.

Emily Cowley, the CAPSI Senior representative from Rx2018

PDW 2019 will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland by the Memorial University of Newfoundland School of Pharmacy. Prepare to ‘Explore New Depths’ in one of Canada’s oldest cities from January 9-12th.