Denise Kreutzwiser specializes in the management of HIV infection.
Where They're Working
In July 2015, Denise started a 12-month HIV specialty pharmacy residency based in the Toronto General Hospital and McGill University Health Centre.
But her travels have taken her farther afield than Canada. Because HIV disproportionately affects several geographic regions and subpopulations, Denise hit the road in pursuit of opportunities “to become a more well-rounded and culturally competent pharmacist.” Denise has valued an expansive array of experiences including the following work:
- Residency at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario -- Ottawa, Ontario
- Residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital -- Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Rotation with a pharmaceutical company in order to learn more about drug information and marketing services in the industry field
- Work with diverse populations with various needs, in Zimbabwe, Prince George, and Hamilton
Denise's interest in HIV pharmacotherapy started in co-op. "While on my 3rd co-op work term, I had the opportunity to shadow the HIV pharmacist in London, Ontario. This was the most memorable day of my pharmacy career and it played an instrumental part in shaping my future as a pharmacist."
Reflections on the Program
"The 4th year symposium class reinforced my interest in HIV drug therapy management, as well as revealed that there is a topic I am passionate about... Symposium also introduced me to the concept of self-directed learning, which I have since discovered becomes more important when you are in the workforce and responsible for identifying and addressing your own learning needs."
"The complexity of the medications for HIV infection and the clear need for pharmacist involvement to ensure effective and safe drug therapy management is what first drew me to this clinical area. As I gained more experience in this clinical area I realized it was actually the unique interaction with patients that made me look forward to going to work everyday."
Alumni Answers
UW: What are some of your biggest lessons from your travels?
DK:
Zimbabwe: “I saw HIV infection in epidemic proportions, the consequences of advanced HIV infection, and learned about the logistical issues of providing care to large numbers of patients with limited medications and few healthcare providers.”
Prince George: “It was in Prince George where I learned about HIV management in the setting of Aboriginal culture and injection drug use.” The northern community of Prince George, British Columbia, has one of the highest rates of HIV infection among injection drug users in Canada.
Hamilton: "In Hamilton, I expanded my experience working with refugees from countries with endemic levels of HIV infection, haemophiliac patients who contracted HIV from tainted blood transfusions, as well as one of the first subpopulations to be impacted by HIV infection: men who have sex with men.”
UW: How did your experiences change your approach to pharmacy practice?
DK: Interaction with the various subgroups impacted by HIV infection has taught me more than you could ever learn about HIV infection from a textbook or in a classroom. The opportunity to practice in various locations has enhanced my communication skills and cultural awareness.
I have been exposed to new ideas of practicing based on the locally available resources and learned how to think outside the box in order to do what is best for the patient. I am a better pharmacist because of these unique experiences.
What advice do you have for students currently in the PharmD program?
DK: My advice for current pharmacy students is to seize all the opportunities that come up and don’t shy away from challenges. Embrace the experience of being a student and learning from others. You never know which experience it will be that changes or directs your career path until it has happened.
What to know where else pharmacy can take you? Read more Five Years in the Field profiles.