Allen Cheuk-Ho Tam (above) reflects on the MPharm program and his experiences so far
In fall 2021, Waterloo Pharmacy launched the Master of Pharmacy in Advanced Pharmacy Practice, one of the first advanced pharmacy training programs in the country. It’s been six months since the program launched, and we check in with Allen, Katie and Faisal, the first three students to join this new program.
See Allen’s profile here or follow the links below to read about Katie and Faisal:
- Katie Conroy: full-time MPharm student, 2020 PharmD graduate, drug investigation consultant at Manulife
- Faisal Rauf: full-time MPharm student, 1999 BPharm graduate, community pharmacist
Allen Cheuk-Ho Tam
Allen is a two-time University of Waterloo graduate with degrees in biomedical science and a PharmD (2021). He continued directly from his PharmD program into the MPharm and continues to work part-time at local community pharmacies. He has diverse co-operative education experiences in hospital, research, and community settings and completed his fourth-year rotation in the Greater Toronto Area region. He’s completing the MPharm program full-time.
UW: What made you consider the MPharm right after completing your PharmD?
ACT: I knew I was interested in advancing my clinical skills and also exploring leadership and teaching opportunities. For my career, I see myself working in a lot of areas, not necessarily focusing on just one type of pharmacy practice. I like the challenge finding new projects and see myself continuing to work in a blend of research, clinical practice and other leadership roles. The MPharm offered a chance to explore these areas and gain experience in skills in them.
UW: What have you enjoyed about the program so far?
ACT: This program has offered such a great balance of opportunities. It’s allowed me to stay connected and become involved with the School, giving me the chance to pursue research, clinical specialties and teaching and academic pharmacy pursuits. I’m able to explore my own interests and work with faculty members with specialties that align with those interests.
Also, with small class sizes there are more people making this program happen than students in it. You can’t get that kind of personalized education in a lot of places.
UW: Who would make a good candidate for the MPharm?
ACT: The MPharm is for you if you’re looking to drive change in the profession – to become someone who will be in a leadership position or making contributions through unique clinical practice or research. It may also be of interest if teaching is a passion of yours, as you get the opportunity to deliver lectures and contribute to the education of pharmacy students.
UW: What advice do you have for applicants?
ACT: MPharm applicants should have a balance of academic excellence, clinical practice experience and proven history of engagement, whether that’s through leadership positions, work with clubs or advocacy. I’d also say don’t be discouraged if you think you’re missing a piece – I personally didn’t check all the boxes, applying right after my PharmD instead of after a few years of post-grad experience, but applied anyway. You get a chance to make your case in an interview and I think, ultimately, it was my strong desire to continue learning, and my references, that helped me get accepted.