CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PHARMACY STUDENTS AND INTERNS LETTERS

CAPSIL JACEIP
LE JOURNAL DE LASSOCIATION CANADIENNE DES ETUDIANTS ET DES INTERNES EN PHARMACIE

Winter/Hiver 2013

in tHis issue Whom Does Health Care Serve? Professionalism and the Public Perception Drug Abuse in Health Care Professionals PDW Memories ..and more!

Thank you to the translation committe for all your hard work! Merci au comit de traduction pour tout votre travail!
Bradley Adams Ellen Boyd Amber-lee Carriere Karthi Chandrakumaran Patricia Jee Michelle Joseph Jessica Karam Catherine Montminy Ashley Masys Cassandra McEwan Jereme Parenteau Marlina Paventi Natasa Radovic Camille Rayes Patricia Stefancsisc Faizath Sonya Yallou

Photo Credits: courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net Cover Photos: Tree In Snow Field by Evgeni Dinev Female Snowboarder In Powder Snow by franky242 Icicles On House Roof by Victor Habbick Snowflakes Icons by Vlado Article Photos: pg. 24 Measuring Blood Pressure by Ambro pg. 32, 34 Lady Doctor Talking Over Phone by imagerymajestic

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CONTENTS
Editors Message Mots de lediteur 3 5

Editors MEssagE
Hi CAPSI Members!
Welcome to the start of another year! With the brutish Canadian winter hitting us full force, what better way to stay comfortable than by curling up next to a fireplace and taking a look at the opinions of pharmacy students around Canada (during study breaks only, of course)? On our end, it has already been a busy couple of weeks for CAPSI! January kicked off with Professional Development Week in Montreal, Quebec. Here, students got together for a week of learning, networking, and socializing in one of North Americas most historic and cultural cities. The planning committee did a fabulous job of keeping things organized, filling the day with marvelous speakers, and providing the delegates with tons of social activities. Next years festivities in Vancouver definitely have a lot to live up to (although we are sure they wont disappoint). Since PDW, I have been working busily on my third Co-op term. This term I am working in a Medical Microbiology research lab at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark, New Jersey. The lab in which I am working is dedicated to finding mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, as well as developing novel agents to improve treatments for rare and dangerous infectious disease. I am excited to be working in an environment that has broader implications for public health, and am interested to see how this will help shape the remainder of my education in pharmacy (being twenty minutes from New York City doesnt hurt either)! If you have an interesting pharmacy experience yourself that you would like to share, feel free to let me know at capsil@capsi.ca.
6 7

Words from the President Mots du prsident

Selected Executive Updates Rapports excutifs

8 10

The Paths Less Travelled: Introducing UBC PSSJ to the World

14

La Vida Espanola: My Summer 17 in Spain

Whom Does Health Care Serve? 19 Le systme de sant, au service 20 de qui? Practice Like an Egyptian: 22

My rotation at Egypts Childrens Cancer Hospital 57357 Treating Mild Hypertension: When is High High Enough? 23

...continued on page 5
All published articles reflect the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily the opinions of CAPSIL, CAPSI or its sponsors. All comments and articles are welcome at capsil@capsi.ca

Tous les articles publis refltent les opinions de leurs auteurs et ne sont pas ncessairement les opinions de JACEIP, ACEIP ou de ses commanditaires.

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CPhA Improves Your Employability! Comment lAPhC peut amliorer vos comptences

26

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THAnk you CAPSI SPonSorS! Platinum SPonSor

Q&A: IPSF Student Exchange Programme

30

Gold SPonSorS

Professionalism and the Public Perception Le Professionnalisme et la Perception Publique Pharmacists Without Borders Canada: A Students Perspective Pharmaciens Sans Frontires

32

33

36

37

Canada: Le point de vue de ltudiant Gold, Glory, and an Olympians Story: My Most Memorable Moment of PDW 2013 38

Silver SPonSor
APAC 2012 APAC 2012 Drug Abuse by Healthcare Professionals: We Are Not Exempt La Toxicomanie chez les Professionnels de Sant National Competitions/ Awards 47 45 40 41 43

CaPSi Club

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Editors MEssagE/Mots dE lEditEur

....(continued from page 3)
Lastly, I would like to congratulate the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo for getting their programs approved as entry-level PharmD curricula! Toronto will be graduating their first PharmD graduates in 2015, while Waterloo will be modifying their curriculum, as well as provide bridging programs as necessary for current students and past graduates. Waterloo and Toronto will join Quebec schools Universit Laval and the Universit de Montral, who have been offering the ELPD since 2007.This is an amazing step for the future of Pharmacy in Canada, and a tremendous advancement in the provision of patient-focused care. Enjoy the issue!

Salut les membres de lACEIP!

Bienvenue au dbut dune nouvelle anne! La chaleur des ftes dhiver est maintenant disparue et lhiver brutal du Canada nous frappe de plein fouet. Quelle meilleure faon de se tenir occup que par sinstaller cot de la chemine avec vos Amis Phavoris de Pharmacie pour jeter un coup doeil ce que les tudiants travers le Canada disent (bien sr, seulement pendant les petits pauses dtudes). En ce qui nous concernent, on est dj trs occup lACEIP. En janvier, notre Semaine du Dveloppement Professionnel a eu lieu Montral, PQ. Montral- une des villes les plus magnifiques de lAmerique du Nord! Quelle meilleure ville pour la runion des tudiants de pharmacie de partout au Canada pour apprendre, pour la mise en rseau, pour samuser! Le comit de planification, de leur part, a trs bien organis toutes les activits en nous offrant plein de prsentations professionnelles et dactivits sociales. On a hte de voir ce qui nous attend lanne prochaine Vancouver! De mon cot, depuis la Semaine du Dveloppement Professionnel, jai commenc mon troisime semestre de co-op. Je travaille dans un laboratoire de recherche en microbiologie mdicale, lUniversit de Mdicine et de Dentistrie New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey. Le laboratoire ou je travaille est consacr trouver des mcanismes de rsistance aux antibiotiques, ainsi que le dveloppement de nouveaux agents pour amliorer les traitements des maladies infectieuses rares et dangereuses. Je suis heureuse de travailler dans un environnement qui a des implications plus larges pour la sant publique et je suis curieuse voir comment cela va contribuer influencer ce qui reste de mes tudes en pharmacie. Le fait que je sois 20 minutes de New York est trs agrable aussi. Si vous avez vous-mme une exprience intrresante en pharmacie que vous souhaitez partager, nhsitez pas me le faire savoir capsil@capsi.ca. Finalement, je tiens fliciter lUniversit de Toronto et lUniversit de Waterloo pour avoir obtenu lapprobriation de leurs programmes en tant que programme dentre de gamme PharmD. Les premiers diplms de Toronto obtiendront leurs diplmes en 2015, alors que, Waterloo, le curriculum sera modifi pour fournir des programmes de transistion pour les tudiants actuels et les diplms du pass. Waterloo et Toronto se joindra lUniversit Laval et lUniversit de Montral Qubec, qui ont dj offert le ELPD maintenant depuis 2007. Il sagit dune tape incroyable pour lavenir de la pharmacie au Canada, et un immense progrs dans la prestation de soins ax sur le patient. J'espre que vous apprcierez cette dition de notre revue!

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Words froM thE PrEsidEnt

Dear CAPSI Members, It is hard to believe we already passed the mid-way point of our academic year. As it seems to be the norm, our profession has been adapting to a rapidly changing environment in recent months. Progressive pharmacy students and interns from across the country have followed suit by continuing to push the envelope and bring about positive change to pharmacy practice. Over the course of the year, your CAPSI National Council has undertaken many initiatives that will ensure you are able to maximize the benefits of your CAPSI membership. This includes everything from hosting educational seminars to organizing academic competitions at each of the respective faculties. Continue to get involved in CAPSI activities that help spur your growth as a professional. Despite being student-run, Professional Development Week (PDW) proved to be the largest pharmacy conference in Canada. The PDW 2013 Planning Committee did an exceptional job welcoming close to 900 pharmacy students from across the country to Montreal. I hope delegates left the conference with great memories and a renewed passion to advance the profession. Thank you to the students and faculty from the Universit de Montreal who spent countless hours organizing the conference it was a job well done! During PDW, our National Council had the opportunity to host elections, conduct our Annual General Meeting (AGM) and set forth the strategic direction of our association over the next year. In an attempt to better reflect the views of our membership, CAPSIs new Entry-Level PharmD Position Statement was proposed and passed at our AGM. I want to congratulate the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto for the approval of their Entry-to-Practice PharmD curriculums in January. Despite living on student budgets, CAPSI members from across the country continued to make an impact in their community by raising money for worthy causes. On a National level, over $40,000 was raised during the Run for the Cure initiative. Congratulations to all those who participated and made this an overwhelming success. In the words of Bernard Voyer, the PDW 2013 motivational speaker, we kept moving forward, and we conquered mountains. Let us keep the momentum going and not settle for the status quo. All the best,

Jeff Wandzura
National CAPSI President University of Saskatchewan Class of 2013

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Mots du PrsidEnt
Chers membres de lACEIP, Il est difficile de croire que nous avons dj dpass le point mi-chemin de notre anne scolaire. Comme il semble tre la norme, notre profession a su sadapter un environnement en volution rapide au cours des dernires mois. Les tudiants en pharmacie et les stagiaires de partout au pays ont embot le pas en continuant pousser lenveloppe et apporter des changements positifs la pratique de la pharmacie. Au cours de lanne, votre Conseil national ACEIP a entrepris de nombreuses initiatives qui fera en sorte que vous serez en mesure de maximiser les avantages de votre abonnement ACEIP. Cela comprend tout: de laccueil de sminaires de formation lorganisation des concours acadmiques chacun des facults respectives. Continuer vousimpliquer dans des activits ACEIP qui contribuent stimuler votre croissance en tant que professionnel. En dpit dtre gre par des tudiants, la Semaine de perfectionnement professionnel (SPP) sest avr tre la plus grande confrence de la pharmacie au Canada. Le Comit de planification PDW 2013 a fait un excellent travail en accueillant prs de 900 tudiants en pharmacie de partout du Canada Montral. Jespre que les dlgus ont quitt la confrence avec de bons souvenirs et une passion renouvele pour faire progresser la profession. Merci tous les tudiants et professeurs de lUniversit de Montral qui ont pass dinnombrables heures lorganisation de la confrence - ctait un travail russi! Pendant le PDW notre Conseil national a eu loccasion daccueillir les lections, mener notre Assemble gnrale annuelle (AGA) et nonc lorientation stratgique de notre association au cours de la prochaine annes. Dans une tentative pour mieux reflter les points de vue de nos membres, de lACEIP lnonc de position PharmD a t propos et adopt lors de notre AGA. Je tiens fliciter lUniversit de Waterloo et lUniversit de Toronto, pour lapprobation de leur admission la pratique Programmes dtudes PharmD en Janvier. Bien que vivant sur des budgets dtudiants, les membres de lACEIP travers le pays continuent faire un impact dans leur communaut en amassant des fonds pour de bonnes causes. Au niveau national, plus de 40.000 dollars a t amass au cours de linitiative Run for the Cure. Flicitations tous ceux qui particip. Ce fut un success retentissant. Dans les mots de Bernard Voyer, le confrencier motivateur au PDW 2013, nous avons continu aller de lavant,et nous avons conquis les montagnes. Cotinuous sur cette lance et ne nous contentons pas du statu quo. Tous le meilleur,

Jeff Wandzura
Prsident National de lACEIP Universit de la Saskatchewan - Classe de 2013

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sElEctEd ExEcutivE uPdatEs

PAST PrESIDEnT Jillian Grocholsky
update you on the new CAPSI Evidence Based PracVP EDuCATIon tice Competition, which you will nader khattab have a chance to experience this semester. Keep an eye out for local announcements and I would like to encourage all of you to be amongst the first competitors. I truly am honoured to continue working with the CAPSI council as the Vice President of Education. I wish all CAPSI members all the best in the remainCongratulations to the PDW 2013 der of this school term, and I wish Planning Committee for holding a all the 2013 grads the best in your truly great event. The result of years PEBC licensing exams (keep an eye of hard work and preparation PDW out for CAPSIs mock OSCEs!) 2013 in Montreal was the place to be for all pharmacy students. Unfortunately, may have noticed my VP ProFESSIonAL lack of presence in Montreal as I AFFAIrS was on my hospital rotation in the Juanita Lui beautiful Interior of British Columbia; I apologize for my absence. I would like to thank the competition planning committee for their hard work to facilitate all the National Competitions held in Montreal, as well as Stephanie Miller for volunteering her time and efforts in order to help with overseeing the competitions at PDW. I would also like to congratulate all the national Welcome back! It was great meetcompetition winners at PDW 2013! ing some of you at PDW in MontreA list of all the competition win- al this year! Since my last update, ners is available on page 47 of this Ive been busy re-writing the Interissue of the CAPSIL. If you have any professional Booklet for CISN (Cafeedback about the competitions, nadian Interprofessional Student please feel free to send me an Network). I have also been in conemail at vped@capsi.ca. Also, con- tact with some of our sponsors regratulations to the winners of the garding new community outreach CAPSI Award of Professionalism, initiatives that we can bring to you! and I hope to see more entries for They seem really exciting so look next year as all pharmacy schools out for them in late April are eligible to enter. September next year! I would like to take the chance to Otherwise, Ive been updating our

Since the hustle and bustle of meetings at PDW 2013 in Montreal, most of my duties continue to involve supporting both the President and President-Elect as they prepare to transition into their new roles in the spring. I will continue to act as an advisor to all Executive Council members as my final term on the CAPSI National Committee comes to an end.
Some of my other duties currently include maintaining a steering committee seat on the AFPC-Infoway Clinicians-in-Training Program, as well as actively contributing to the Constitutional Review Committee and the Competition Review Committee. I also wish to extend heart-felt congratulations to all newly elected CAPSI National Council Members for 2013-2014! I have no doubt that you will have a great year ahead of you. Best of luck to all students in their studies this term!

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Twitter (follow us at @CAPSINational) and our Facebook (CAPSIACEIP) page! I have also been in contact with the provincial associations in hopes up keeping our CAPSI ScOPe website updated! Check it out at http://www.capsi.ca/scope to see what pharmacists around the country can do with the quickpaced changes in legislation!

CAPSIL, I took part in coordinating other translation materials, and communicating with CPhA to get monthly updates to their monthly electronic communications bulletin, ClikInfo. For the remainder of my term, I hope to start working with local CAPSIL representatives to look for ways to improve the CAPSIL, as well as to start training the 2013-2014 Editor. As always, I will be attending a teleconference feel free to contact me with any in the upcoming weeks with NaHS- ideas or submissions at SA to discuss more interprofession- capsil@capsi.ca. al opportunities for our students! As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email me at IPSF LIASon vppa@capsi.ca. Have a great term! Cassandra McEwan

etc. While each school is at a different stage in their campaign, I strongly encourage students to ask their Local IPSF Reps if there is anything they can do to help. Its a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about IPSF! On a related subject, Id just like to congratulate the recipients of the 2011-2012 Health Campaign Award for their outstanding campaign on a challenging topic (i.e. Anti-Counterfeit Drugs) drum roll please congratulations UBC! The CAPSI-IPSF chapter at UBC received a generous $1000 from our Walmart sponsors. Thats not all folks Walmart also donated $500 to the winners charity of choice (i.e. Little Travellers).

Ive also been busy promoting World Congress and updating related promotional materials. We already have 5 students signed-up to participate in this years World Congress hosted in the Netherlands! The 10-day event will consist Hello CAPSI/IPSF members! I hope of workshops, competitions, symyouve all enjoyed a well-deserved posiums, guest speakers, cultural holiday after finishing up the fall activities and nights-out! If youre Since the fall, I have been working semester! It seems so long ago interested and want to know more, busily to get this next issue of the now a fleeting moment in my check out their website at: www. CAPSIL out and ready to CAPSI not-so-distant past. Now its back ipsf2013.org/. members across the nation! This to the books (or co-op for some of includes liaising with sponsors our UW pharmacy students)! Last but certainly not least for advertisements, staying conIve started my transition from nected with local CAPSIL Repre- Your Local IPSF Reps have been IPSF Liaison to Student Exchange sentatives to get articles together, busy with this years Health Cam- Officer. Leila has been teachand getting all the necessary parts paign, which focuses on Antiing me the ropes and getting translated to ensure consistent Tuberculosis. My job has mostly me ready for the task of managbilingualism within the CAPSIL. been behind the scenes: providing ing all student exchanges next Outside of my direct work with the promotional materials, resources, year. I will have big shoes to fill,

CAPSIL EDITor niki Bajic

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but Im ready for the challenge!

FInCAnCE oFFICEr Chelsea Barr

fun to meet CAPSI members from ing it has been to be a part of across Canada! Over the fall the CAPSI National council. semester, I organized our finances and ensured that all SEP applicants received their refunds. During PDW, I prepared all the cash awards for competition winners and attended the CAPSI National general council meetings. In the next few months I will be finishing up our finances for the year and preparing a new set of transitional instructions for the next Finance Officer. Unfortunately, we did not have any applications for the Finance Officer position for the 2013-2014 year at PDW, but I encourage you to apply for this rewarding position! I cant tell you how fulfill-

Hello CAPSI members! I hope you all enjoyed PDW as much as I did. It is always so much

raPPorts Excutifs
PrSIDEnT SorTAnT Jillian Grocholsky
passation de services au printemps. Je continuerai agir en tant que conseillre auprs de tous les membres du Conseil Excutif jusqu ce que mon dernier mandat dans le Comit national de lACEIP prenne fin. er toutes mes flicitations tous les nouveaux lus du Conseil National de lACEIP 2013-2014! Je nai absolument aucun doute quune anne fabuleuse vous attend.

Bonne chance tous les tudiants Prsentement, mes responsabilits, dans leurs tudes ce semestre! sont, entre autres, de maintenir un sige dans le comit pour le projet AFPC-Inforoute Cliniciens en formaVP EDuCATIon tion. galement, je suis trs active nader khattab tant donn les multiples runions dans le comit dtude de la consti la SDP 2013 Montral, la plupart tution et le comit dtude des conde mes responsabilits continuent cours . dans la mme veine, et consistent aider le Prsident et le PrsidentJe souhaiterais galement prsentlu tout au long de la transition et la

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Flicitations au comit de PDW 2013 pour organiser un vnement vraiment spcial. Le rsultat de plusieurs annes de travail et de prparation a fait en sorte que Montral tait la destination o tous les tudiants de pharmacie voulaient se rendre cette anne ! Malheureusement, vous avez peut-tre remarqu, mais je ntais pas prsent Montral car je faisais ma rotation en hpital dans la rgion de lintrieur de la Colombie-Britannique. Je mexcuse pour avoir t absent. Je tiens remercier le comit de la concurrence pour leur travail avec la prparation de toutes les comptitions nationales organises Montral, ainsi que Stephanie Miller qui sest porte bnvole auprs de la supervision des comptitions PDW. Je tiens galement fliciter tous les gagnants des comptitions nationaux au PDW 2013! Une liste de tous les gagnants se trouve sur page 47 de cette revue CAPSIL. Si vous avez des commentaires au sujet des comptitions, sil vous plat nhsitez pas menvoyer un courriel vped@ capsi.ca. Je veux galement fliciter les gagnants du Prix de Professionnalisme de lACEIP, et jespre voir plus dapplication pour lan prochain car chaque cole de pharmacie a droit participer. Je voudrais profiter de cette occasion pour vous informer dune nouvelle comptition ACEIP sur la pratique de la mdecine fonde sur les preuves. La comptition aura lieu ce semestre pour la premire fois. Attendez lannonce dans votre ACEIP

locale. Je voudrais encourager cha- nouveaux matriels vers la fin Avril cun dentre vous dtre parmi les - Septembre! premiers concurrents. Sinon, je fais la mise jour de notre Cest vraiment un honneur pour moi Twitter (suivez-nous sur @CAPSIde continuer travailler avec le con- National) et notre page Facebook seil ACEIP comme vice-prsident de (CAPSI-ACEIP)! Jai galement t lducation. Je souhaite tous les en contact avec les associations membres de lACEIP un bon reste provinciales dans lespoir de garder de lanne scolaire et pour tous les notre site CAPSI ScOPe courant ! diplms de 2013, je vous souhaite Consulte-la au http://www.capsi.ca/ bonne chance dans vos examens de scope pour voir ce que les pharmalicence (garder un il pour les ses- ciens travers le pays peuvent faire sions de pratique ACEIP !) avec les changements de la lgislation!

VP AFFAIrES ProFESSIonELLES Juanita Lui

Je participerai une tlconfrence dans les semaines venir avec NaHSSA pour discuter des possibilits interprofessionnelles pour nos tudiants! Comme toujours, si vous avez des questions ou des commentaires, nhsitez pas menvoyer un email vppa@capsi.ca. Passer un bon semestre dcole!

Bienvenue nouveau! Jai aim rencontrer certains dentre vous au PDW Montral cette anne! Depuis ma dernire mise jour, jai t trs occup rcrire le livret interprofessionnelle pour CISN (Canadian Interprofessional Student Network ). Jai galement t en contact avec certains de nos partenaires financiers concernant les nouvelles initiatives de sensibilisation communautaire que nous pouvons vous apporter! Ils semblent trs intressants donc attendez-vous ces

rdaCtriCe en Chef de JaCeiP niki Bajic

Depuis lautomne, je travaille activement faire sortir le prochain numro de JACEIP pour tous les membres de lACEIP travers le

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pays. Cela inclut: faire de la liason avec les commandidataires pour la publicit, rester en contacte avec les reprsentants locaux de lACEIP pour obtenir les articles, et traduire les articles pour assurer le bilinguisme au JACEIP. En dehors de mon travail direct avec le JACEIP, jai particip la coordination dautres traductions. Jai communiqu avec lAPhC pour obtenir les mises jour leur bulletin mensuel de communications lctroniques ClicInfo. Pour ce qui reste de mon mandat, jespre commencer travailler avec les reprsentants locaux de JACEIP. Notre but: continuer amliorer le JACEIP en mme temps que je commence entraner le rdacteur pour lanne 2013-2014. Comme toujours, nhsitez pas me contacter avec vos ides ou des soumissions capsil@capsi.ca .

de retour au cours (ou co-op pour Lvnement dure 10 jours et comcertains de nos tudiants en phar- prendra des ateliers, des concours, macie UW!) des symposiums, des confrenciers invits, des activits culturelles et Vos Reprsentants Locaux dIPSF des soires (bien sr)! Si vous tes ont t occups avec la Campagne intress et souhaitez en savoir de Sant de cette anne, qui met plus, consultez leur site web laccent sur la lutte contre la tu- ladresse suivante: www.ipsf2013. berculose. Mon travail a surtout org/. t dans les coulisses: la fourniture du matriel promotionnel, Dernirement, jai commenc ressources, etc. Bien que chaque ma transition de la Liaison dIPSF cole se trouve un stade diffrent au Fonctionnaire des changes de leur campagne, jencourage dtudiants (SEO). Leila mentrane les tudiants dapprocher leur(s) pour pouvoir tre prt pour la tche Reprsentant(s) Locaux dIPSF et de grer lensemble demander sil y a quelque chose les changes dtudiants lan donc ils peuvent faire pour aider. Il prochain. Elle va me manquer, mais sagit dune excellente occasion de je suis prt relever le dfi! simpliquer et dapprendre plus sur IPSF!

LIAISon FIEP Cassandra McEwan

Bonjour membres de lACEIP/IPSF! Jespre que vous avez tous pass des vacances bien mrites aprs avoir termin la session dautomne! Les vacances sont quune bref mmoire maintenant, nous sommes

AGEnTE DES FInAnCES Sur un sujet similaire, je voudrais Chelsea Barr juste fliciter les rcipiendaires de la Prix du Campagne de Sant 20112012 pour leurs efforts exceptionnelles sur un sujet assez difficile (cest--dire Anti-Contrefaon des Mdicaments) ... roulement de tambour sil vous plat ... flicitations UBC! Le chapitre dACEIPIPSF lUBC a reu 1000$ grce la gnrosit de nos commanditaires chez Walmart. Ce nest pas tous les amis - Walmart a galement fait un don de 500$ la charit choisi par Bonjour membres de lACEIP! lcole gagnante (Les Petits VoyaJespre que vous avez tous geurs). apprci PDW autant que moi Ces derniers temps jai galement ! Il me fait toujours plaisir de t occup la promotion du Con- rencontrer les membres de lACEIP grs Mondial. Nous avons dj de partout du Canada! Au cours de cinq tudiants dACEIP qui se sont la session dautomne, jai organis inscrites au Congrs Mondial cet nos finances et veill ce que tous t, ce qui aura lieu aux Pays-Bas! les candidats de SEP ont reu leur

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remboursement en septembre. Pendant PDW, jai prpar tous les prix en argent pour les gagnants des concours. Jai aussi particip aux runions du conseil national de lACEIP. Dans les prochains mois, je vais rgler nos finances pour lanne et prparer un nouvel ensemble dinstructions transitoires pour lagent de la finance suivante. Malheureusement, nous navons pas eu de candidatures pour le poste dagent de la finance pour lanne 2013-2014 au PDW, mais je vous encourage postuler pour ce poste valorisant! Je ne peux pas vous dire comment jai aim faire partie du conseil national de lACEIP.

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School Highlights: The University of British Columbia

thE Paths lEss travEllEd

Introducing UBC PSSJ to the world! by: Katherine Milbers and Alysa Pompeo, Associate Editor and Copyeditor, respectively, UBC PSSJ

on January 28th, 2013, Canadas

first student-run pharmacy publication, the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Journal (PSSJ), officially launched its inaugural issue and with it, the dream of further change and discussion in the pharmaceutical sciences. During a brief speech and presentation session, students, faculty and authors proudly assembled to celebrate what will hopefully become a staple of pharmacy student life in the years to come. Founded by two LMPS residents of UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences class of 2012 and continued by students from all years at UBC, PSSJ seeks to bring research back to studentpharmacist culture in a time when intraprofessional communication is more important than ever.

ways, the evolution of pharmacy is a re-application of long-existent skills and potential to new areas of patient care. Pharmacists for decades have incorporated patient interaction into practice, but in seeking to improve care through a more effective application of our Pharmacy Practice is Changing knowledge, we have begun to asks Pharmacy, as a profession, is ourselves what works and what changing. Of that we are constant- does. Such introspective questions ly reminded as students. We are are the foundation upon which taught new clinical skills, the im- PSSJ has been built. portance of interpreting research Bridging the gap between to answer our drug questions, and theoretical and practical the value of clinical research to advance both practice and general knowledge. Many of us have not- As pharmacy students, there are ed the transformation of the phar- several avenues for us to gain inmacists role within the healthcare sight into the thoughts, findings community and the gradual shift and concerns of practicing pharin time use from dispensary to macists through rotations, shadpatient interaction. But in many owing, and professional organiza-

tions which encourage students to network via speakers and events. However, there are precious few avenues through which professionals can learn about how future pharmacists are being educated, or what we are doing. Good practice starts with good education. By gaining insight into how we, students, are applying our learning through student writing in a publicly-located forum like PSSJ, everyones education improves, and by extension, everyones practice. While The Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, and The Canadian Journal of Pharmacy aim to unite professionals across the country with clinical practice, original research, and discussing practice issues for pharmacists, it is often difficult for us as students to bridge

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what we read in journals and how to apply those concepts to our practice. Our education succeeds in giving us a broad background on the medications and clinical skills we will need to be practitioners in some settings. However, it is up to us to know how to show employers that there is value in letting a pharmacist review medications, or come up with novel ways to prevent patients from suffering drug-related problems. We need to know how to apply theories and concepts weve learned in class in a practical setting, and we want PSSJ to help make this connection to students as well as connecting student education to practitioners. Opening the Channels of Communication - A forum for students and professionals to begin a dialogue If we can envision helping practitioners stay informed on what students are doing and what opportunities we have, this will help students learn applicable skills and translate what we see in practice into communicable terms. In other words, we want to open channels of communication between future professionals and practicing ones. For example, every secondyear student at UBC has the option to write a paper on a novel system of drug delivery as part of a course in the fall term; this is research and information that could theoretically be published and disseminated. Students are required to completely inform themselves

on healthcare topics all the time, from patient case study courses to drug delivery classes, and sharing provides great value to those of us who could use this (potentially updated) information in practice. Moving Forward In their Letter from the Editors of the inaugural issue of UBCs Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Journal, founding chief editors Kelvin Lou and Sandy Mok characterize the creation of the journal as a deceptively simple endeavor. For this, we can most certainly vouch while the philosophy behind this initiative is indeed a simple one, the publication of Canadas first student-run pharmacy journal was certainly not a straightforward path. Simply finding articles was a long endeavour because it is difficult to solicit someone to write for a publication that doesnt yet exist (and which we were not certain when the first issue would be

published). Our overarching goal of starting a student scholarly dialogue with the journal seemed so fragile at points when we were attempting to manage OJS software, find authors, arrange meetings to keep the student team informed, and figure out how to maintain interest and organize ourselves after we eventually did launch an issue. The business of finding a student team was easy, to our relief; students interested in writing, publishing, and supporting a journal emerged rapidly from the woodwork and helped combine their vision of a journal with the Chief Editors desire to get people talking. And, after the launch, we certainly did. Abstracts from our first eight articles remained published in poster form in the atrium of our new building and remained up for everyone to see during the week after our launch. This endeavour would not have been possible without the hard work and foresight of many talented individuals. Similarly, its continued success will

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rely on the input of inspired indi- that alter our practice for the betviduals - namely, you! ter. This is our practice, and it can and will only ever be what we We are so often warned to watch chose to make of it. our thoughts, for they become our words; to watch our words, UBC PPSJ is a fully online, open-acfor they become our actions. We cess, student-run journal. For more whole-heartedly urge you to throw information on UBC PSSJ, including that saying to the winds. Let your access to our first issue, visit http:// thoughts run wild! Explore every www.ubcpssj.org possibility within the framework of your mind. And then make your thoughts your words. Put down on the page what you have always wondered about, envisioned for, or hoped for in pharmacy. Your words may one day become the actions

INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY RESIDENCY PROGRAM LESLIE DAN FACULTY OF PHARMACY UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO Original application forms, letters of reference and transcripts for the one-year Industrial Pharmacy Residency Program, sponsored by the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, in cooperation with participating companies, should be sent to the coordinator of the program 144 College Street, Toronto, ON. M5S 3M2 during the period September 1, 2012 to October 1, 2012. The participating companies for the 2013 2014 term are expected to be: Astellas Pharma Canada Inc., Eli Lilly Canada Inc., Hoffmann-LaRoche Ltd., Janssen Ltd.,. For further information, please contact the coordinator, J. Graham Nairn at 416-978-2881 or the assistant, Diana Becevello at 416-978-2880. Full information is provided at the website www.pharmacy.utoronto.ca

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SEP Experiences

My summer in Spain

la vida EsPaola
by: Augusto Estrada University of British Columbia, Class of 2014 bridges, and a whole host of other historical riches which made living in Granada like living in a museum. The opportunity to see the practice of pharmacy in another country made my experience even more eye opening. I learned so much through visiting training centers at the University, sitting in during pharmacy classes, visiting community pharmacies, and the touring the hottest locations. I loved the scenery, I loved the culture, I loved the lifestyle, but what really made this adventure out of this world for me, was the incredible hospitality of all my Spanish friendsespecially that of my SEP guide Luis. Because of his kindly and outgoing friendliness as well as the kindness of many others, I got to explore every awesome avenue of La Vida Espaola. Playing soccer with the guys, relaxing in the sun, touring with the students, and going on venturesome road trips, everything played out perfectly. There is so much more tale left unaccounted forvisiting the metropolitan jungle of Madrid, being enthralled in the cultural riches of Sevilla, and touring of Maalagabut I have to trim my narrative short. However the main point of my story is this: the sights, the adventures, the experiences, the learning, and the friends of my SEP experience are some of the greatest gems I now hold in my journey through pharmacy. I encourage anyone to discover for themselves the treasures that are in store when you stray a little away from home and go on exchange.

Last

summer I basked in the heat of the Mediterranean Sun, the company of age-old architecture and history enchanted me, indulged in the richest cuisine of my life, and gained a set of oncein-a-lifetime friends. Last summer I went on a student exchange program in Spain. Right from the get-go, I left the English Language behind and was completely immersed into a Spanish setting in the historic city of Granada. I really enjoyed how there was always a new experience to behold in everything I did. I stayed with two University students who showed me the ropes of their student life. They taught me how to cook amazing foods, introduced me to their amazing culture, and accompanied me to all the best bars for watching soccer, drinking cool beers, and eating plate after plate of scrumptious Tapas (appetizers that are served complimentary with drink orders). The city of Granada itself was a marvel to beholdeverywhere I stepped, there was a story to be told. There were old empire fortresses to see, Moorish designs, enormous cathedrals, centuries old

in making new friends with students and faculty. The greater part of my experience in the exchange program was in the inorganic chemistry laboratory, where my mentors guided me, and where my research project had me feeling like a genuine pharmaceutical scientist. My lab co-workers made every effort to make me feel as comfortable as possible by sharing their research with me, guiding me through lab procedures, and of course showing me around

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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Pharmacists

AHS offers endless opportunities to learn and advance your career. I found the perfect t for my interests, my skills and my lifestyle. You will too.

QUALITY CARE
As a member of the Alberta Health Services (AHS) pharmacy team, you will have the opportunity to provide high quality direct patient care while relying on support from pharmacy technicians who work to their full scope of practice in drug distribution. You will work in an interdisciplinary environment where you have the opportunity to make a difference in patients lives. Experience the diverse challenges that professional practice in acute care, ambulatory or a continuing care setting can bring. Our department places a strong emphasis on the training of student pharmacists and technicians. Professional practice development and growth is fostered through the provision of educational funding, paid educational days, and support from dedicated Clinical Practice Leaders. AHS has exciting career opportunities for Pharmacists to work in our state of the art facilities province wide. With an international reputation as a leader in research, innovation, and care, we offer healthcare professionals a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers across Alberta. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve, and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

ADVANTAGES
excellent wages & benets learning opportunities work life balance

urban & rural opportunities new & established facilities making a meaningful difference
www.albertahealthservices.ca/careers

For more information email careers@albertahealthservices.ca or search and apply for jobs on our website

School Highlights: University of Alberta

WhoM doEs hEalth carE sErvE?

by: Joshua Torrence, Class of 2014

Health care in Canada is in an in-

teresting position: the demands for the health care system continue to increase, but the economy has not recovered to its prerecession levels. Interestingly, this puts unique strains on not only the financing of health care, but also the image of the health care professionals who run the system. All the regulatory bodies across Canada make a significant effort to reassure everyone that they exist to serve the public and ensure the health and wellbeing of patients. It is a noble goal, and it aligns well with the principles of health care in Canada. Unfortunately, this image is at risk because of clashes over wages that inevitably occur when economic times are difficult. These disputes serve only to portray health professionals as individuals in it for the money and not the patients they care for. Most people understand that when economic times are demanding, expenses will have to be reduced. The biggest expenses in health care, like most businesses, are the costs of staffing. Thus, it is quite strange that many professionals cannot understand that sometimes salaries will not be increased and may even remain the same for several years until profits are generated again by the government or institution. Every time salary negotiations come up, there are the same arguments and threats.

Claims are made that health care professionals will leave for greener pastures and patient care will inevitably suffer. These are good arguments to someone looking to maintain the image of selflessness presented by their professional body, but do patients actually buy it? Wages go to the professional they do not go into hiring more staff, reducing wait times, or providing more accessible care to patients. These arguments are clearly self-centered and can often be out of touch with the reality of the financial situation. To the taxpayer, the ultimate payor of health care, this can only come across as deceitful and self-serving.

als are paid quite generously for the services they provide. So when economic times require sacrifice from some, what must these professionals look like when there is mass revolt over a proposed wage freeze? Such proposals in reality carry minimal losses in the grand scheme of things. Often, any losses can be attributed to inflation alone, an average 1-3% per year. Such losses are practically negligible and often these professions will have cost of living adjustments to recoup these losses. The argument that professionals will leave without these high wages is self-defeating. If money is the only thing ensuring that can attract health care professionals, what does that say about the professionals? If health care professionals are here for the patients, their choice of practice sites would be based on their interests and where they could make the most impact. It would not be dictated by where they can make an extra few dollars per hour. To argue that wages are necessary to keep professionals working is to admit that the focus is on money, not the care of patients. To then claim these monetary losses will drive patient care down undermines the argument even further. If these professionals are willing to leave their patients over their salary, potentially harming their patients, what kind of message is being sent to the public?

Most will agree that one should be paid for the work they do, and health care workers should be no different. There is nothing wrong with wanting to work in a job that affords you significant job security. However, most people will also agree that health care professionals are some of the best paid people in the country and that their security is rarely ever at risk. In Alberta, health care workers in more technical tasks are paid an average of almost $20.00 per hour. This puts them safely above the Low Income Cut-Offs in Canada. Those who directly manage patient care, such as physicians, nurses, and pharmacists, are paid significantly better, often making more than $40.00 per hour. When the average Canadian is living off less than $26,000 per year, it is clear that the majority of health care profession- There needs to be a significant re-

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flection by all of us professionals as to why we do what we do. Fortunately, the majority are where they are because they want to make a difference in the world they want to help others in a way that lets them support themselves. It is only a minority where money is the first priority, and this is where problems arise. Health care professionals Articles scolaires: Universit de lAlberta

have invested a significant amount of time to attain the skills needed to care for patients and this time should be rewarded. Despite what may be said, it is very clear that this investment is rewarded generously. In exchange for this, there is an expectation that the mission of every health care profession is to ensure the health and well-being

of patients. There are no mentions that salaries must continue to grow at the rates they have been. To let wages become a primary concern is tantamount to throwing away the principles of patient centered care it is saying that the patient is not the primary focus. It is the wrong answer to the question: whom does health care serve?

lE systME dE sant, au sErvicE dE qui?

Joshua Torrance, promotion de 2014 ariales qui ne cessent dmerger durant les priodes de vaches maie systme de sant canadien est gres. Ces altercations ne servent actuellement dans une position qu peindre les professionnels dlicate: la demande des soins de de la sant en tant quindividus sant ne cesse daugmenter, tandis ayant pour seule proccupation que lconomie na encore gure leur revenu, et non les patients.. repris ses tendances davant la rcession. Curieusement, cela in- La majorit des gens conviennent troduit des complications particu- sur le fait que, durant les priodes lires, non seulement au niveau de dpression conomique, une du financement du systme de rduction des dpenses est inconsant, mais aussi aux profession- tournable. Les dpenses majeures nels de la sant, qui doivent grer du systme de sant, comme le systme. Tous les corps profes- dans toute autre entreprise, sont sionnels travers le Canada font les cots du personnel. Ainsi, cela un effort considrable afin de ras- est-il quelque peu trange de consurer tout un chacun, que leur but stater que plusieurs professionnels principal est de servir la socit, ne peuvent comprendre que les et ainsi assurer la sant et le bien- salaires ne pourront augmenter tre des patients. Cest une noble certaines occasions et pourraient cause, et cela va de pair avec les mme stagner pendant plusieurs principes canadiens de systme annes, jusqu ce que les revenus de sant. Malheureusement, cette soient nouveau crs par le gouphilosophie est aujourdhui mena- vernement ou les institutions. A ce du fait des polmiques sal- chaque fois que des ngociations

salariales sannoncent, les mmes arguments et menaces se font entendre. Lon dclare que les professionnels de la sant abandonneront leurs postes pour des horizons plus favorables tandis que les soins aux patients en ptiront. Ce sont l des raisonnements censs pour ceux qui cherchent maintenir l image daltruisme prsente par le corps professionnel, mais les patients avalent-ils en ralit cette explication? Les salaires vont aux professionnels, et ne servent nullement engager plus de personnel, rduire les priodes dattentes ou offrir des services plus accessibles aux patients. Ces explications sont vraisemblablement gocentriques et sont trs souvent loigns de la ralit en terme de situation conomique. Pour les contribuables, tant les dbiteurs ultimes du systme de sant, ces comportements ne peuvent que paratre, ingrats et gostes.

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Il ny a rien de mal ce que chacun soit pay en fonction de son labeur, et cela va de mme pour les employs du systme de sant. Il ny a rien de mal vouloir travailler dans un environnement qui offre un maximum de scurit. Par contre, la plupart des gens tomberaient daccord sur le fait que les professionnels de la sant font partie du groupe le mieux pay dans le pays et ainsi, leur scurit demploi est rarement en pril. En Alberta, les employs du systme de sant, engags pour les besognes les plus techniques, sont pays en moyenne, un salaire de $20.00 par heure. Ceci les place au-dessus du seuil de faible revenu au Canada. Ceux qui sont directement en charge de ladministration, tels que les mdecins, les infirmiers/ res et les pharmacien/ennes, sont considrablement mieux pays, avec un salaire qui bien souvent, va au-del des $40.00 par heure.1 Quand le Canadien moyen vit dun salaire de moins de $26000 par an, il est clair que la majorit des professionnels de la sant sont pays trs gnreusement pour les services quils procurent. Ainsi, quand la situation financire requiert le sacrifice de certains, quelle image donne ces professionnels lorsquil y a des soulvements collectifs propos dune suggestion de gel de salaire. Ces suggestions en ralit napportent que des pertes minimes quand on considre lensemble des choses. Trs souvent, ces pertes peuvent tre attribues seulement

linflation, qui est en moyenne de 1 3% par an. De tels dficits sont pratiquement ngligeables et souvent ces professions arriveront les contrebalancer avec les ajustements du cot de la vie. Largument qui soutient que les professionnels abandonneront leur emploi moins quil ny ait une hausse de salaire, va lencontre de son but. Si largent tait le seul attrait pour les professionnels de la sant, quest ce que cela suggre sur le caractre de ces derniers? Si les professionnels de la sant sont l pour les patients, leur choix de lieux de travail devraient tre bass sur leurs sphres dintrts et les secteurs o ils auraient le plus de porte. Cela ne pourrait tre dict par la possibilit de gagner quelques dollars de plus par heure. Argumenter quil est ncessaire davoir une hausse de salaire pour garder les professionnels, reviendrait admettre que largent et non, soigner les patients, est le centre dattention pour ces derniers. Aller plus loin et ainsi proclamer que les dficits montaires conduiront une baisse du soin des patients, affaiblit encore plus cette thse. Si ces professionnels sont prts abandonner leurs patients dus aux salaires, causant potentiellement du mal aux patients, quel message est entrain dtre communiqu au public? Il est ncessaire que les professionnels rflchissent gravement la situation.. Heureusement, la majorit sest engage dans la

profession car elle voulait raliser une diffrence dans le monde- leur but est de pouvoir aider les autres de manire ce que ces derniers soient mme de se soutenir tout seuls. Il ny a quune minorit, pour qui largent est la priorit premire, et elle constitue la source des difficults. Les professionnels de la sant ont investi normment de temps pour acqurir les comptences ncessaires afin de soigner les patients et ce temps devrait tre rcompens. Malgr ce qui est communment dclar, ce temps est pourtant bien rmunr. En change, lon sattend ce que lobjectif de chaque profession de la sant, soit dassurer la sant et le bien-tre des patients. Nulle part est-il indiqu que les salaires devraient continuer accrotre aux taux prcdents. Laisser les salaires devenir le point de mire reviendrait rejeter les principes de soins ax sur les patients- cela signifierait que le patient ne serait plus le centre dattention principal. Au final, cest la mauvaise rponse la question: le systme de sant, au service de qui?

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SEP Experiences

PracticE likE an EgyPtian

My rotation at Egypts Childrens Cancer Hospital 57357 by: Insaf Ahmed, Univer- tent of my research prior to my sity of Alberta, Class of 2015 arrival to the Childrens Cancer Hospital 57357 was limited to a simple Google search. With a ast summer, I embarked on one premature vision of what to exof my most memorable journeys pect, I set out to partake in my thus far. After being elected as the SEP experience. On my first day International Pharmaceutical Stu- of rotation, my expectations dent Federation Representative were entirely exceeded by the at my University, I decided to par- mere sight of the hospital. The ticipate in my very own Student architecture alone was breathExchange Program in the hopes taking, incorporating modern of better understanding pharmacy technology with a hint of Egyppractice on an international scale. tian culture. Upon entering the Having the freedom to select my hospital, the atmosphere incountry of choice, I decided to go side was one unique to 57357. with Egypt, my country of birth. While at school weve always been My initial goal was to simply go told the importance of interdisabroad and observe the role of a ciplinary relationships, Ive never pharmacist in a foreign country, actually witnessed first hand the all while paralleling it to how the benefits that result from this type profession is featured here in Can- of collaboration. Doctors, pharada. Little did I know that my trip macists, and nurses all worked as entailed a lot more than a simple one team with a single objective: comparison between two coun- patient-centered care. This charactries that I call home. teristic was most prominently seen when I was able go on rounds with To be completely honest, the ex- the doctors, visiting patients and taking the time to talk to each of them individually. In particular, the physician that I was placed with was nothing short of exceptional. He eliminated any precon-

ceived notions of workplace hierarchy and always asked his teammates for their professional advice. In my eyes, he was the epitome of how every health care institution should be operated. On different days of the week, we would work in the dispensary, the PK lab, and the IV lab. In each of these domains, I was able to gain more insight on the different positions that pharmacists hold within their communities. Each area requires a competency in order for the task to be executed effectively, and there are no other professions that are equipped with these skills. The mentality that a pharmacist is a simple vendor is gradually starting to fade as the public is getting more educated on the role of their pharmacist. I was also fortunate enough to be able to assist in lectures given by international staff and faculty members on pharmaceutical care, the growing profession,

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and drug delivery systems. In these lectures, I found myself engrossed in the topics, absorbing as much information as I could like a sponge. I wanted to go back to Canada with revolutionary ideas that could be implemented locally as well as nationally. I was completely baffled by the notion that the entire hospital was founded and built solely based on donations. 57357 is the most successful selfsustained institution that Ive ever come across and its definitely a concept I would like to bring back to my adopted home. 57357 and its people have left School Highlights: University of Saskatchewan

an impeccable impression on me and how I view the pharmacy world. It has allowed me to become a better advocator for the profession, all while appreciating the intricacy of health care systems. I am confident when I say that this isnt the last Ive seen of 57357!

trEating Mild hyPErtEnsion

When is high high enough? By: Kristen Antunes, Class of 2014

on October 2, 2012 CBC News

released an article entitled Blood Pressure Drug Benefits Overestimated for Mild Cases. This release is likely to arouse many questions amongst patients and health care professionals about mild hypertension and its treatment. The goal of this paper is to assess current literature regarding the treatment of mild hypertension to help health care professionals in their follow-up discussions. According to current guidelines by

the Canadian Hypertension Education Program (CHEP), measured mild hypertension (140-159/90-99 mmHg) requires additional assessment of overall cardiovascular risk. This additional assessment includes laboratory tests such as urinalysis, blood chemistry, and fasting blood glucose. Non-modifiable risk factors, such as age, gender, family history, as well as modifiable risk factors like lifestyle, diet, and weight, are also an important consideration. Once mild hypertension has been confirmed, the first therapeutic consideration is lifestyle management. This includes increased physical exer-

cise, weight reduction, dietary changes, and stress management. If a patient can reduce their blood pressure without drug therapy, they would reduce their risk of a cardiovascular event without the possibility of side effects due to medication. Although guidelines state that lifestyle management is key in treating mild hypertension, doctors are often prescribing antihypertensive medications. The importance of lifestyle management was recognized and discussed in CBCs news release, and helps the public understand the use of antihypertensive

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drugs in mild hypertension. Recognition from the public can help prevent unnecessary pharmacotherapy. The article allows the public to ask more questions about hypertension therapy and promotes patient autonomy. It also reinforces the importance of considering the threshold for pharmacologic treatment and emphasizes lifestyle measures in low risk individuals. However, the news release can also be misleading, as the two populations of studies discussed were significantly different. The Cochrane review mentioned in the article analyzed individuals with hypertension, while the REACH article studied patients with coronary artery disease who may or may not have been hypertensive. The REACH article focused on the use of beta blockers, usually reserved for patients with compelling indications such as heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. When assessing and treating hypertension, it is important for health care professionals to note and account for patient-specific factors before deciding on the appropriate management strategy. In the Cochrane review which analyzed four randomized controlled trials, it was stated that individuals with mild elevations of blood pressure and no cardiovascular disease are commonly treated with antihypertensive drugs despite there be-

ing no direct evidence supporting this practice. The four trials that were reviewed shared the following characteristics: randomization, comparing treatment with placebo, and the primary outcome. Upon review of these four trials, it was concluded that treatment

such as beta-blockers, have resulted in 9% of patients to discontinue treatment. Based on available evidence the use of drugs in the treatment of adults with mild hypertension have not been shown to reduce mortality or morbidity.

Before a patient receives medication for hypertension, physicians and pharmacists should confirm that the treatment is indicated. If treatment is warranted, preferred drug choices may include thiazide diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or long acting calcium channel blockers. Although drug therapy may be convenient, a patient must be informed of the benefits of life style changes, as well as the side effects of potential medications. Health care professionals need to be diligent in prescribing and providing medications to patients, and focus on patient education. As pharmacists, we can play a large for 4 to 5 years with antihyperten- role in patient education, and ensive drugs as compared to placebo sure a patient-centered care apdid not reduce total mortality in proach is used to make treatment patients with mild hypertension. decisions. Over a 5 year period, the estimat- References: ed absolute risk reduction in the 1. CHEP Recommendations, 2012. http://hypertension.ca/ best case scenario was 0.25% for chep-recommendations CBC News. Blood pressure drug mortality and 0.78% for total car- 2. mild cases. Accessed on Octoberbenefits overestimated for 18, 2012: http://www. diovascular events. As stated in cbc.ca/news/health/story/2012/10/02/blood-pressure-milddrugs.html the CBC new article, this means 3. Diao D, Wright JM, et al. Pharmacotherapy for mild hypertension. The Cochrane Database Sys Rev 400 people would have to be treat- 2012;8:CD006742. ed for 5 years to prevent 1 death 4. Bangalore S, Steg G, et al. Beta blocker use and clinical outcomes in stable outpatients with and without coronary and 128 people would have to be artery disease. JAMMA 2012;308:1340-9. treated for 5 year to prevent 1 car- 5. Regier L, Kosar L, et al. Media muddies the water on diovascular event. In addition, side treatment of hypertension does mild hypertension need to be treated? RxFiles October 4, 2012. effects of antihypertensive drugs,

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Student membership is FREE: www.pharmacists.ca/students

Learn: Save on CPhA texts and resources Network: Join MyCPhA and attend the CPhA Conference Connect: Stay informed with e-news and updates

Join as a student member now and receive a free membership in your rst year of practice!

THE CANADIAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION SUPPORTING YOU WHEREVER YOUR PROFESSION TAKES YOU.

Sponsor Message

cPha iMProvEs your EMPloyability!

By: Michael Kani, University of Waterloo, Class of 2014

Employability skills are attributes

that make an individual an attractive candidate for a job. These skills can be developed and improved through education, training and practical applications. In the field of pharmacy, particularly in Canada, the job market for pharmacists has changed over the past few years, making an undergraduate pharmacy degree not the only requirement for desirable employment. Consequently, new pharmacy graduates need to offer more to employers to remain competitive.

macists.ca/students. Listing professional association memberships on your resume indicates to an employer that you are well-versed and in touch with the profession. Other great associations include your provincial pharmacy association, local student societies, clubs and CAPSI. Start early, as consistent yearly membership demonstrates commitment.

with potential future employers and a platform to collaborate with peers. It is free and open to all CPhA members. If youre already a CPhA member, visit www.pharmacists.ca/joinmycpha to sign up.

Competition for jobs is heightened by the number of pharmacists entering the workforce each year. Currently, approximately 1,020 pharmacy students graduate from Canadian faculties of pharmacy each year. Add to that a substantial number of International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) gaining access to work in Canada. Both of these numbers continue to rise year after year, making the job market more competitive, especially for new graduates. This article aims to offer students some pointers on how to build those employability skills that will set them apart and what CPhA opportunities can assist in that pursuit. The very first step, and perhaps the easiest way to access opportunities at CPhA is to simply become a member. It is quick, simple and free to join online at www.phar-

e-Therapeutics Highlights CE is CPhAs newest exclusive member benefit. This short weekly email contains a link to content from e-Therapeutics+, the online verGet some experience. Summer sion of Therapeutic Choices. While jobs and volunteering are both youre in school, it helps you stay great ways to gain valuable work on top of relevant Canadian drug experience. This summer, CPhA and therapeutic information and is is offering three summer student a great study resource for PEBCs. positions Ottawa. You can learn And you can earn up to 13 continumore about how you can explore ing education units (CEUs) per year a non-traditional pharmacy role once you graduate. this summer at www.pharmacists.ca/careers the application Further, enroll in CPhAs continudeadline is Thursday, February 28. ing education courses. Students If you dont get one of these sum- can register for the QUIT smoking mer positions, consider volunteer- cessation program and the The ing in different pharmacies in your How-to of Managing Diabetes... community. Think outside the box A Prescription for Pharmacists, to in terms of what you can offer. For name a few. Dedication to conexample, you could help pharma- tinuing education demonstrates cies run outreach programs for pa- to employers that you are expandtients (e.g., clinic days, medication ing your knowledge and are prereview, smoking cessation, etc.). In pared to offer expanded services. addition, whenever possible, shad- Virtually all provincial pharmacy ow different pharmacists. Youll be associations offer similar courses surprised how willing pharmacists and many are either free or deeply are to share their knowledge, and discounted for students. Do your how invaluable this experience will research on whats offered and exbe. pand your knowledge. Join MyCPhA, CPhAs new secure, dedicated social network for CPhA members across Canada. It provides great networking opportunities with the ability to connect Take advantage of the wealth of readily accessible information and practice resources offered by CPhA, your faculty and your provincial association. And learn how

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to use them! Resources such as the CPS, Pharmacists Letter, RxFiles, PharmaCheck, etc. will keep you well informed on the latest and greatest information and give you the tools you need to excel at your job. Its often said that what makes a great professional is not the amount of information one can recollect, but knowing what to look for and where to find it. Run for local and national board or council positions, including the student and new practitioner positions on the CPhA Board of Directors. These positions are great ways to get involved and show your dedication to the profession. Make an attempt to read CPhA email newsletters and updates; these keep you informed on whats happening in the pharmacy profession. The monthly ClikInfo newsletter has a dedicated student corner and it will provide you with regular Publicit

updates on the profession and how CPhA is contributing. Youll also receive monthly pharmacy practice research news (Live Links) and a variety of relevant communications that can help you prepare to answer the big questions at an interview. Finally, attend the CPhA National Conference. This conference, as well as your provincial pharmacy conferences, offers opportunities to meet peers, network with employers and learn new best practices in pharmacy. In addition, the numerous educational sessions may have particular relevance to a position you might be interested in.

nity, e.g., soup kitchens, community centers and food banks. These activities help build contacts and character while assisting those in need. Find something that sets YOU apart from everyone else and in the process youll learn, grow and develop those skills that will make you a better, and more employable, pharmacist. Best of luck attaining these skills. If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, do not hesitate to email, text or call me.

Michael Kani Student Representative, CPhA Board of Directors While this article is limited and B.Sc.|MSc.|B.Sc. Pharm RX2014 geared specifically toward CPhA University of Waterloo School of opportunities, there are many oth- Pharmacy |Waterloo|ON er ways of developing and fostering employability skills, including getting involved in your commu-

coMMEnt laPhc PEut aMliorEr vos coMPtEncEs

Par: Michael Kani, lUniversit de Waterloo, classe de 2014 es et amliores par lducation, la formation et lexprience pratique. Dans le domaine de la pharmacie, particulirement au Canada, le es comptences relatives march de lemploi pour les pharlemployabilit sont des comp- maciens a beaucoup chang au tences qui rendent un candidat cours des dernires annes, faisant attrayant pour un employeur. Ces en sorte quun diplme de premier comptences peuvent tre acquis- cycle en pharmacie lui seul nest plus suffisant pour permettre de dcrocher un emploi intressant. Par consquent, les nouveaux diplms en pharmacie doivent en offrir plus aux employeurs afin de demeurer concurrentiels. La concurrence pour les emplois est dautant plus froce quun

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grand nombre de pharmaciens entrent sur le march du travail chaque anne. lheure actuelle, 1 020 tudiants obtiennent leur diplme en pharmacie dune cole de pharmacie canadienne chaque anne. Il faut ajouter ce nombre tous les diplms internationaux en pharmacies qui viennent chaque anne travailler au Canada. Ces deux groupes continuent daugmenter anne aprs anne, ce qui rend le march du travail encore plus concurrentiel, particulirement pour les nouveaux diplms. Cet article vise offrir aux tudiants quelques conseils sur la faon dacqurir les comptences relatives lemployabilit qui leur permettront de se dmarquer et sur la faon dont lAPhC peut les aider cet gard. La toute premire tape et peuttre le meilleur moyen de tirer avantage des occasions de perfectionnement de lAPhC est den devenir membre. Ladhsion lAPhC est rapide, simple et gratuite. Il suffit de sinscrire en ligne au www.pharmacists.ca/students. En tant membre dune association professionnelle, vous prouvez aux employeurs potentiels que vous connaissez bien votre profession et que vous vous y intressez. Vous pouvez galement devenir membre dautres organisations importantes, comme votre ordre professionnel provincial, les associations tudiantes locales, les clubs et lACEIP. Commencez tt, puisque

le maintien dune adhsion annu- Ce rseau est gratuit et ouvert elle dmontre votre engagement tous les membres de lAPhC. Si envers votre profession. vous tes dj membre de lAPhC, visitez le www.pharmacists.ca/ Acqurez de lexprience. Les em- joinmycpha pour vous inscrire. plois dt et le bnvolat sont deux excellents moyens dacqurir e-Therapeutics Highlights CE est le une exprience de travail utile. nouvel avantage offert exclusiveCet t, lAPhC offre trois emplois ment aux membres de lAPhC. Ce dt Ottawa. Vous pouvez en court courriel hebdomadaire conapprendre plus sur la faon de pos- tient un lien vers le contenu de etuler ces emplois dt non tra- Therapeutics+, la version en ligne ditionnels en pharmacie au www. de Therapeutic Choices. Pendant pharmacists.ca/careers la date vos tudes, cet outil vous permet limite pour postuler est le jeudi de rester au courant des derniers 28 fvrier. Si vous nobtenez pas dveloppements relatifs aux mdiun de ces emplois dt, songez caments et aux pharmacothrapies devenir bnvole dans diffrentes au Canada et est une excellente pharmacies de votre collectivit. ressource pour lexamen du Bureau Sortez des sentiers battus pour des examinateurs en pharmacie du offrir vos services. Par exemple, Canada. Quand vous aurez obtenu vous pourriez aider des pharma- votre diplme, ce programme vous cies offrir des programmes de permettra daccumuler jusqu sensibilisation des patients (p. ex., 13 units de formation continue cliniques, examens des mdica- (UFC) par anne. ments, programmes dabandon du tabagisme, etc.). Tentez de plus Vous pouvez galement vous indobserver diffrents pharmaciens scrire aux cours de formation conau travail. Vous serez surpris de tinue de lAPhC. Les tudiants peuvoir quel point les pharmaciens vent sinscrire au cours sur le prosont prts partager leurs con- gramme dabandon du tabagisme naissances et quel point cette ex- QUIT et au cours intitul Prise en prience peut vous tre utile. charge pratico-pratique du diabte - une ordonnance lintention des Joignez-vous MyCPhA, le nou- pharmaciens, pour nen nommer veau rseau social protg et que quelques-uns. En suivant des rserv aux membres de lAPhC cours de formation continue, vous de tout le Canada. Vous y dcou- prouvez vos employeurs que vrez dexcellentes occasions de vous continuez btir vos connaisrseautage et pourrez tablir des sances et tes prts offrir une liens avec des employeurs poten- gamme largie de services. Pratiels et collaborer avec vos pairs. tiquement tous les ordres de phar-

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maciens provinciaux offrent des cous similaires et plusieurs sont offerts gratuitement ou prix rduit aux tudiants. Faites des recherches sur les cours qui sont offerts et augmentez vos connaissances.

rserve aux tudiants et vous donne des mises jour rgulires sur la profession et sur la contribution de lAPhC. Vous pouvez galement recevoir des bulletins mensuels sur la recherche sur la pratique de la pharmacie (Live Links) et diTirez avantage des renseigne- verses communications qui vous ments et des ressources pratiques aideront rpondre aux questions offerts par lAPhC, votre facult et importantes durant une entrevue. votre ordre provincial. Et apprenez les utiliser efficacement! Des res- Enfin, assistez au Congrs national sources comme le CPS, Pharma- de lAPhC. Ce congrs, ainsi que les cists Letter, RxFiles, PharmaCon- congrs de votre ordre provincial sulte, etc. vous permettront de des pharmaciens vous donnent la connatre les derniers renseigne- chance de rencontrer vos pairs, ments dans le domaine et vous dtablir des liens avec les employfourniront les outils dont vous avez eurs et dapprendre de nouvelles besoin pour exceller. On affirme pratiques exemplaires en pharsouvent quon reconnat un grand macie. De plus, les nombreuses professionnel non pas la quantit sances de formation pourraient dinformation dont il se souvient, savrer utiles pour un poste qui mais parce quil sait quoi chercher vous intresse. et o le chercher. Bien que cet article ne soit pas Posez votre candidature pour les exhaustif et soit ax sur les propostes vos commissions ou con- grammes de lAPhC, il existe de seils locaux, y compris les postes nombreux autres moyens de dvelde reprsentant tudiant ou de opper et daccrotre vos compnouveau praticien au Conseil tences relatives lemployabilit, dadministration de lAPhC. Ces y compris prendre part la vie de postes sont un excellent moyen de votre communaut, p. ex., en decontribuer lvolution de votre vant bnvole pour une soupe profession et de dmontrer votre populaire, un centre communaudvouement envers celle-ci. taire ou une banque alimentaire. Ces activits vous permettent Tentez de lire les bulletins et les daccrotre votre rseau de conmises jour que lAPhC envoie tacts et formeront votre caractre par courriel. Ils vous tiendront au laide aux personnes dans le becourant de ce qui se produit dans soin. la profession. Le bulletin Infoclic mensuel contient une partie Trouvez quelque chose qui VOUS

distingue des autres et ce faisant, vous apprendrez, grandirez et acquerrez ces comptences qui feront de vous un meilleur pharmacien, plus susceptible dtre embauch. Je vous souhaite la meilleure des chances dans votre parcours. Si vous avez des questions, des suggestions ou des rtroactions, nhsitez pas communiquer avec moi par courriel, message texte ou tlphone. Michael Kani Reprsentant tudiant, Conseil dadministration de lAPhC B.Sc.|MSc.|B.Sc. Pharm RX2014 Facult de pharmacie de lUniversit de Waterloo |Waterloo|ON

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SEP Experiences

q & a: iPsf studEnt ExchangE PrograMME

By: Nicole Lee and Stephanie Gau- Malta is a very densely populated tron - Sr and Jr Capsil Representa- country with an endless history tives and a beautiful coastline. The national languages of Malta are EngInterview conducted with Jil- lish and more predominantly Mallian James - IPSF Representa- tese. tive, University of Manitoba What was a typical day like in your exchange? I was in Malta for the month of August. I was required to work twice a week in a community pharmacy called St.Simons which overlooked the sea. The atmosphere was very relaxed. What are the differences between pharmacy practice here and there? There is no pill counting in Malta! Everything comes in boxes and you sell medication by the box. There are also no labels and the patient is expected to pull out the insert from the box and follow the directions. If the doctor has indicated special directions then often the staff will write 1-0-1 on the box which would mean take one in the AM and one at night. When patients come with a prescription they are able to keep it for themselves afterwards. Also, patients do not have patient profiles unless they are on narcotic medications. There is a lot of opportunity for double doctoring, however, the medical system is based on trust: pharmacists trust that patients will abide by the law and refrain from abusing the medical system. One

This past summer, the University

of Manitoba had its first student participant in the IPSF Student Exchange Programme. We sat down with third year pharmacy student Jillian James to discuss her travel experience and learn more about the diversity of pharmacy practice in another country. Where did you go for the student exchange? I went to the country of Malta, an island in the Mediterranean off the coast of Italy. I lived near the university and was set up in a flat with a German pharmacy student.

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of the main differences that I saw was that some medications that require a prescription in Canada were OTC in Malta. For example, domperidone was a fast OTC mover used mostly for nausea and constipation. Also diclofenac was probably the most purchased OTC medication which is much different than in Manitoba. In general, OTC medications are required to be kept behind the counter. In addition, the pharmacist was able to hand out prescription medications for acute conditions, for example, if a patient had an ear infection the pharmacist was able to give the individual an antibiotic. Often times, the pharmacist recognized the patient and they were able to get their medications without a prescription. In Malta patient counseling was not common, however all patients were required to speak with a pharmacy employee before they could purchase any OTC medications. This particular pharmacy also catered to tourists; it was not uncommon for patients to come in looking to treat a jelly fish sting or rash! Pharmacists in Malta are well respected and are first line health care workers; there were often a lot of patients waiting to speak with the pharmacist.

What did you do when not working? I spent lots of time at the beach, cliff jumping, visiting various heritage sites, exploring the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino, playing handball, swimming through caves and taking part in the vibrant nightlife and varying festivals! Along with the opportunity to work in a pharmacy, there was lots

people and share the experience with new friends. There is a very large difference between scope of practice (Canada vs Malta). It was a challenge working there because of the system differences, but I also learned that a pharmacy can be successful based on a trust system and a trusting patient-pharmacist relationship.

of opportunity to explore Malta and experience the culture and society. What did you take away from this experience? Overall it was an amazing experience! It was an incredible opportunity to learn about the culture and social conditions of another country; I was also able to meet lots of

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School Highlights: University of Waterloo

ProfEssionalisM and thE Public PErcEPtion

By: Carmen Loucks, Class of 2013

If you are a pharmacy student and

youve ever been hassled by a disgruntled patient at your pharmacy counter, then I think youll appreciate what I have to say. Even if you havent, I hope youll consider it anyway.

Awhile back, I came across a journal article entitled The Pursuit of Legitimacy and Professionalism: The Evolution of Pharmacy in Ontario which discusses how we as a profession adamantly pursue social legitimacy but find ourselves hindered by the business mentality of the profession. For example, as healthcare professionals we are expected to bestow a certain amount of interest in public well-being; and as business people, we are primarily concerned about selling our products as well as our services. But above all, we at LEAST want to be viewed as professionals, right?

explain how his time was of the Ok, Im exaggerating a bit. But let utmost importance and that bring- me ask you this: when was the last time you went to the doctors office and screamed at them incessantly for calling on you at 2:34 instead of 2:30? The answer is never. You dont do it because you value the fact that the doctor has taken what is now only 26 minutes out of his/ her day to provide a professional service to you. I just want to know why the pharmacist and I couldnt get the same respect for our professional service. After all, our pharmacist had spent that extra 4 minutes helping another patient who 1) got there first and 2) very much needed the advice of a pharmacist. Not more than a week later, I was forced to start thinking about professionalism yet again. After being rudely addressed by a patient wondering why her prescription wasnt ready yet (it had been less than 10 minutes), I responded to her by saying it just has to be checked by the pharmacist. Not realizing I had said anything wrong, I ended up regretting my statement. The pharmacist I was working with at the time brought up a very valid point. Do you really want the public to think that we are JUST checking prescriptions? Of course I dont.

ing him in for his appointment 4 minutes late was completely unacceptable and so on. Dont get me wrong, this is 100% true. His time was extremely important Recently, a certain disgruntled pa- but the thing is, so was ours. tient I met at work got me thinking. When I brought him into the coun- Prior to the appointment, the seling room for his MedsCheck ap- pharmacist had run back (literpointment, he seemed a littleoff. ally) from her lunch break. And When I asked how he was doing when I say break, Im referring today, he answered me with NOT to a time in every pharmacists very well. Emphasis on the not. day where they consume their enIn my most polite and profes- tire daily caloric intake in 15 minsional voice, I asked him if there utes only to return immediately was anything we could do to to the dispensary (again running). help. After significantly increasing his decibel, he proceeded to

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I had never even considered how a statement like that might be interpreted by the patient. In a world where we finally have an expanded scope of practice (yay!) that includes not only evaluating prescriptions for safety and efficacy but also using our professional judgment to adapt the dose, dosage form, regimen and route of administration, it is imperative that the public realize we do SO much more than just check prescriptions.

one to think about how we, as the most accessible healthcare profession, are perceived by the public. Many of them are extremely grateful for our help but there is definitely room for improvement. I think But in the end, I absolutely love my the first step in the right direction job and am proud to be entering is to be more wary of what we say the most trusted healthcare profes- to patients, including the classion in Canada, and while I want to sic, It just needs to be counted encourage all pharmacy students and It just needs to be checked. and interns to continue to strive for excellence in patient care, we Now that our professional scope of shouldnt forget ourselves either. practice has been expanded, lets Once again, I do understand Its ok to make someone wait 4 or do what we can to make sure that where these people were coming 5 or even 10 minutes for your time our value is perceived by all. from. We do need to respect their because itll be worth the wait. time. We also need to consider Its also ok to take breaks. Its betthat maybe they are just having ter than making a mistake, right? a bad day and on top of all of it, Finally, I want to encourage every-

they are obviously sick or else they wouldnt be here. However, I still dont think that being a professional in a retail setting means that you deserve different treatment.

Articles scolaires: lUniversit de Waterloo

lE ProfEssionnalisME Et la PErcEPtion PubliquE

By: Carmen Loucks, Class of 2013 comme professionnels, poursuivons la lgitim du publique mais on trouve obstacle dans la mentali vous tes tudiant de phar- it daffaires de notre profession. macie et connaissez combien certains patients peuvent tre Par exemple, tant des professionembtant, je crois que vous nels de sant cest attendu quon allez apprcier ce que jai dire. sintresse au bien-tre du pubMme si vous navez pas eu cette lique. Mais nous avons aussi un exprience, jespre que vous rle comme personnes daffaires y rflchissez quand mme. qui doivent vendre leurs produits

Quand je lai fait entrer dans le bureau pour son rendez-vous MedsCheck, il ma sembl grognon. Je lai demand comment il tait, il ma rpondu avec plein demphase : PAS trs bien. Utilisant un ton trs poli et professionnel, je lai demand si on pouvait faire quelque chose pour laider. En levant sa voix, il ma dit que son temps tait extrmement important et que ctait inacceptable quon la fait attendre 4 minutes pour son rendezvous. Jadmets, cest vrai que son temps tait vraiment im-

Il y a quelque temps que jai trouv un article intitul La Poursuite de Lgitim et Professionnalisme : Lvolution de pharmacie en Ontario qui dcrivait comment nous,

et services. Mais avant toutes choses, nous voulons tre perus comme professionnels, nest-ce pas? Cest lors dune interaction rcente avec un patient mcontent que jai commenc penser.

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portant. Mais le ntre lest aussi!

Veux-tu vraiment que le public et en plus il est vident quils sont pense quon vrifie les ordonnanc- malades parce quils ne seraient Avant le rendez-vous, la pharma- es seulement ? Bien sr que non. pas l autrement. Quand mme, je cienne est venue en courant de sa ne crois pas quon devrait recevoir pause-djeuner. En disant pause- Je navais jamais considr com- un traitement diffrent parce que djeuner je fais allusion cette ment une dclaration comme cela nous sommes des professionnels courte priode de la journe ou dans le secteur de distribution. le pharmacien avale son entire consommation calorique quotidiMais en fin, jadore mon emploi enne en 15 minutes avant de reet je suis fire de faire partie de la tourner au dispensaire en courant. profession de sant la plus fiable au Canada. Bien que jencourage Bien, jexagre un peu. Mais tous les tudiants et internes de pensez ceci, quand tait la pharmacie de continuer de pourdernire fois que vous tes alls suivre lexcellence du soin de leur chez le mdecin et hurler sans patient, il ne faut pas quon oublie cesse quon vous a admis 14 :34 nous-mme. Il est bien de faire atau lieu de 14 :30? Jamais. Vous ne tendre quelquun 4 ou 5 ou mme le faites pas parce que vous ap10 minutes parce que ton temps prciez que le mdecin prend le vaudrait lattende. Il est aussi bien temps de vous rendre un service de prendre des pauses. Cest mieux professionnel, mme si mainteque faire une erreur, nest-ce pas? nant il le fait en 26 minutes au lieu des 30 minutes prvus. Je me Finalement, je veux vous tous endemande seulement pourquoi la courager penser comment nous, pharmacienne et moi navons pas tant la profession de sant la plus pu recevoir le mme respect pour accessible, sommes perus par le notre service professionnel. public. Beaucoup deux sont trs Aprs tout, la pharmacienne reconnaissants pour notre aide avait pass ces 4 minutes sup- pouvait tre interprte par un pa- mais on pourrait samliorer. Je plmentaires aidant un autre tient. Maintenant quon a finale- crois que la premire tape dans la patient qui 1) est arriv en pre- ment un domaine de comptences bonne direction est dtre plus prumier et 2) avait vraiment be- tendu (youppie!) qui inclut non dent avec ce quon dit aux patients, soin du conseil dun pharmacien. seulement vrifier les ordonnances en particulier les phrases typiques pour leur scurit et efficacit mais comme Il faut seulement que a Moins dune semaine plus tard, aussi utiliser notre jugement profes- soit compt ou Il faut seulement jtais forc de penser de nouveau sionnel pour changer la dose, la po- que a soit vrifi. propos du professionnalisme. sologie et la route dadministration, Ayant t demand impoliment il est essentiel que le publique se Maintenant que notre domaine de par un patient pourquoi son ordon- rendre compte quon fait beaucoup comptences est tendu, il faut nance ntait pas encore prte (elle plus que seulement vrifier les or- quon fasse ce quon peut pour attendait moins de 10 minutes), je donnances. sassurer que notre valeur est ralilui ai rpondu : Il faut seulement se par tout le monde. que a soit vrifier par le pharma- Je rpte de nouveau que je comcien. Sans raliser mon erreur, jai prends la perspective des patients, fini par regretter ce que javais dit. il faut quon respecte leur temps. Le pharmacien avec qui je travaillais On doit considrer aussi que peuta soulev un point trs pertinent. tre leurs journes se passent mal

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Richness is:

You dene richness. With the Scotia Professional Student Plan, We can help with the money part. The pursuit of a professional designation can present unique nancial challenges. As a leading student nancial program in Canada, we can help manage your student debt while you plan for a bright future. And thats where were at our best. To learn more, visit your nearest Scotiabank branch or visit scotiabank.com/studentprofessional today.

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School Highlights: University of Waterloo

PharMacists Without bordErs canada: a studEnts PErsPEctivE

By: Cassandra McEwan, Class of 2014 with local communities, PFS-Canada sets out to achieve the following: Its been twenty months, one 1. Establish optimal strategies week and two days since I first to address current and anticipated joined Pharmacists Without Bor- pharmacy-related challenges ders-Canada (PSF-Canada). It all 2. Share knowledge and skills started at the CPhA National Con- with local health care workers ference 2011 in Montral I vividly 3. Engage the community in remember bouncing from table to developing a sustainable infrastructable at the trade show trying to ture for long-term management, absorb as much information as my distribution and use of medication brain (and loaded arms full of promotional materials) could handle. What does PSF-Canada do? There I was a first year pharmacy student from the University PSF-Canada currently has ongoof Waterloo seeing, for the first ing missions in Haiti and Uganda. time, my profession in all its glory! These missions are focused on the And thats when I came across a development of pharmaceutical table manned by a group of inspir- care through training, education, ing students from lUniversit de and organization of resources. Montral. They were sharing their Support networks have been esstories from missions abroad and tablished with local health clinpromoting the work of PSF-Can- ics and hospitals to ensure that ada in developing countries. BIN- all efforts are directed towards GO I had found it! Something the communities specific pharthat combined my love for phar- maceutical needs and are delivmacy with my passion for interna- ered in a manner that is respecttional development: PSF-Canada. ful of local cultures and beliefs. What is PSF-Canada? PSF-Canada strongly believes in providing tools versus medica tions. Often donations from patrons or private organizations unintentionally destabilize the fragile infrastructures already in place and fail to promote local selfsustaining development. Therefore, PSF-Canada does not accept or distribute drug donations. Why should you get involved through PSF-Canada? First and foremost, student membership is FREE! You have absolutely nothing to lose, and only a new outlook on international pharmacy to gain. You will learn more about PSF-Canada projects as they happen and be presented with opportunities to get more involved. This may even be your chance to get your foot in the door for future volunteering abroad!

PSF-Canada is part of an internationally recognized humanitarian organization with branches in countries all across the globe. Since its inception in 1994 by Hubert Brault, PSF-Canada and its dedicated members have been devoted to the advancement of pharmaceutical care in countries What does PSF-Canada NOT do? around the world. In collaboration

In sum, PSF-Canada has supported countries working towards better health care and better quality of To do this, PSF-Canada needs mo- life through better pharmaceutitivated pharmacists and pharmacy cal care for years. Join us today in students to bring projects to life. making a difference for tomorrow! This includes (but is not limited to): raising funds, recruiting new For more information, please visit members, researching project our website at www.psfcanada. ideas, understanding dynamics of org. foreign communities and sharing appropriate knowledge and tools.

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Articles scholaires: lUniversit de Waterloo

PharMaciEns sans frontirEs canada lE Point dE vuE dE ltudiant

Par: Cassandra McEwan, Classe de 2014 1994, PSF-Canada a t consacr lavancement des soins pharmaceutiques aux pays sous dveloppements. En collaboration avec a fait vingt mois, une semaine et les communauts locales, PFSdeux jours depuis que jai devenu Canada vise atteindre les objecmembre de lorganisation Phar- tifs suivants: maciens Sans Frontires-Canada (PSF-Canada). Cest commenc 1. tablir des stratgies optilors de la Confrence Nationale males pour rpondre aux besoins de lAPhC 2011 Montral. Je me actuels et ceux prvu dans la futur souviens trs bien voil com- de la pharmacie me je me dplaais entre les ki- 2. Partager les connaissances osques la salle dexposition es- pharmaceutiques avec les autres sayant dabsorber le maximum professionnels de la sant dinformations que mon cerveau 3. Engager la communaut (et mes bras chargs de matriel dans le dveloppement dune inde promotion) pouvaient grer. frastructure durable long terme Jtais une tudiante de premire pour la gestion, distribution et utilanne en Pharmacie lUniversit isation des mdicaments de Waterloo. Je voyais, pour la premire fois, ma profession dans Que fait PSF-Canada? toute sa splendeur! Et cest ce moment que je me suis retrouve PSF-Canada excute prsente un kiosque occup par un groupe ment des missions en Hati et en dtudiants venant de luniversit Ouganda. Ces missions ont but de Montral. Ils ont partag leurs de dvelopper les soins pharmahistoires des missions ltranger ceutiques travers la formation, et de leurs efforts de promouvoir lducation, et lorganisation des le travail de PSF-Canada dans les ressources. Des rseaux de soupays en dveloppement. BINGO tien ont t tablis avec les centres je lavais trouv! Ctait justement de sant et des hpitaux locaux quelque chose qui combinait mon pour sassurer que tous les efforts amour pour la pharmacie et ma sont dirigs directement vers les passion pour le dveloppement in- besoins spcifique des commuternational: PSF-Canada. nauts. Cest aussi essentiel que et de les faire raliser. Ceci inclut (mais nest pas limit ): la collection des fonds, le recrutement de nouveaux membres, la recherche des projets, la comprhension de la dynamique des communauts trangres et du partage des connaissances et des outils appropris. Quest-ce que PSF-Canada ne fait pas? PSF-Canada croit fermement que le partage de comptences, et non des mdicaments, est de meilleur bnfice au peuple. Souvent les dons dstabilisent les infrastructures fragiles qui sont dj en place et ne parviennent pas promouvoir le dveloppement durable pour la rgion. Par consquence, PSF-Canada ni accepte ni distribue les dons de mdicaments. Pourquoi devriez-vous devenir membre de PSF-Canada?

Quest-ce que cest PSF-Canada? PSF-Canada fait partie dune organisation internationale humanitaire avec des succursales travers le monde entier. Depuis sa cration par Hubert Brault en

Tout dabord, ladhsion des lves est GRATUITE! Vous navez absolument rien perdre, et seulement une nouvelle perspective sur la pharmacie y gagner. Vous apprendriez plus au sujet de PSFCanada et de ses projets. Cela peut mme vous guider vers un ces services soient livrs dune avenir dans le domaine de volonmanire respectueuse et con- tariat ltranger! sciente des cultures et des croyances du peuple. Rejoignez-nous aujourdhui pour changer le demain! Pour ce faire, PSF-Canada a besoin Pour plus dinformations, sil vous plat visdes pharmaciens et des tudiants itez notre site web : www.psfcanada.org. motivs pour mener ces projets

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School Highlights: University of Toronto

gold, glory, and an olyMPians story: My Most MEMorablE MoMEnt of PdW 2013
By: Erin Ready, Class of 2014 I believe in the power that comes / From a world brought together as one / I believe together well find / I believe in the power of you and I. he Vancouver 2010 Olympics marked the first time that an Olympic Games were hosted by Canada during my lifetime. Despite being across the country, at the time studying at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, it felt as though the Games were in my backyard. It seemed the whole country had been hit with Olympic fever. Pride swept across the nation as the Olympic torch travelled from coast to coast. I was completely swept up in it: the excitement of the Games engulfed me like my red Olympic mittens engulfed my icy hands on a cold winters day. I went out and cheered as Sidney Crosby ran the Olympic Torch through Halifax. A month later, I watched the CTV live feed with a tear in my eye and pride in my heart as my mom ran that same flame through Cobourg, Ontario. When the flame finally reached the west coast, I sat glued to the TV as some of my Canadian heroes completed the torchs journey and officially opened the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Fast forward 3 years. Im now a third year pharmacy student at the University of Toronto, taking a minute to forget about the flurry of exams and assignments and reflect back to the incredible time I had in Montreal at PDW 2013. I have heard more or less the same thing from everyone else I know who attended: it was an amazing conference week. All of us Canadian pharmacy students in one hotel, at one conference, it really did feel as though we were a world brought together as one. To the PDW 2013 Organizing Committee, thanks for doing an outstanding job and putting together a fantastic event. While the theme nights and evening festivities were filled with laughter and fond memories made with new and old friends, I enjoyed the daytime conference events just as much. Hearing Diane Lamarre, current president of Pharmacists Without Borders-Canada speak about her experiences in Mali, Haiti, and Uganda was fascinating; it left me itching to further explore pharmacy opportunities abroad. I also very much enjoyed listening to the presentation given by a patient living with HIV; it is this perspective of the disease that can easily be forgotten about in the midst of learning about antiretroviral agents. However, if asked to identify my most memorable moment of PDW 2013, a certain song comes creeping into my head. Along with the lyrics of this song, I Believe, come memories of watching freestyle skier Alexandre Bilodeau make history by winning the first gold medal on Canadian soil, memories of watching skeleton gold medalist Jon Montgomery celebrate his win by chugging a post-race victory beer in true Canadian fashion, and memories of cheering as Sidney Crosby scored Canadas winning goal in the gold medal game against the USA. Yes, my most memorable moment of PDW 2013 has to do with meeting a Canadian who was among these sporting stars in Vancouver. It has to do with meeting an athlete who skated his way to Olympic victory in the long track speed skating team pursuit. It has to do with meeting a fellow pharmacy student whose gold medal performance helped put Canada in the record books as the nation with the most gold medals ever won by a host country at a Winter Olympics. My most memorable moment of PDW 2013 was meeting Mathieu Giroux. As a varsity athlete, I can appreciate how tough it can be to balance the demands of pharmacy school with team practices, offday workouts, and races. However, I cant even imagine how tough it must be to balance the demands of pharmacy school with life as an Olympic athlete. That he is able to do so at all, let alone achieve such excellence on the world stage, is absolutely phenomenal and it made me so happy to not only be

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able to attend his presentation at veloped through sport are appliPDW, but to also get the oppor- cable to all aspects of life, includtunity to meet him afterwards. ing pharmacy. I really believe this to be true. The more one puts into Having already accomplished so sport, the more one will get out much both on and off the ice, I of it, just like in pharmacy. Excelthink people would understand if lence in sport, like excellence in he spoke with a bit of arrogance. pharmacy, cannot be achieved on However, this wasnt the case at ones own. An athlete needs to all. Mathieu addressed the crowd with such a humble presence; it was as if he was speaking to friends, which made his presentation all the more enjoyable. It was great to hear him speak about how he manages the balance between his athletic and academic worlds, and I also found it interesting to catch a glimpse of the sorts of training he does from the video he showed work together with teammates, us. His messages were simple, yet therapists, and coaches, in order to they resonated with me: dont be achieve a common goal. A pharafraid to take big risks, but at the macist needs to collaborate with same time, remember to be re- patients, members of the healthalistic. Set high, yet attainable care team, and other colleagues goals. Work hard to achieve them. in order to reach un but commun. The overall theme of Mathieus Mathieu stayed long after his prepresentation was that skills de- sentation, snapping photos and

chatting with PDW delegates. After seeing his crazy training and academic schedule, Im sure he had another training session to fit in, readings to do, study notes to get back to. However, he stayed. He shared his medal with us. He shared a piece of Canadian history, pride, and glory, with us. Thank you, Mathieu! Fast forward 1 year. Ill be on rotation somewhere in Ontario, completing my 4th year experiential placement. Ill be in Canada, but my eyes will be on Sochi, Russia, taking in the magic, excitement, and glory of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. If all goes according to plan, Ill be cheering on our colleague, Mathieu Giroux, as he takes to the ice to take on the world yet again. From the crowd at his presentation at PDW 2013, I know I wont be the only one.

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School Highlights: Dalhousie University

aPac 2012

By: Amy Robertson, Class of 2015

This

year, Dalhousie College of Pharmacy was host to the Atlantic Pharmacy Advancement Conference, better known by Dalhousie and Memorial University pharmacy students as APAC. APAC is held every year, alternating between Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, as a means of getting the maritime pharmacy students in one room and thinking about the future pharmacy.. This year was the 6th Annual conference and the theme was Collaborate Today for a Healthier Tomorrow!, with an emphasis on expanded scope of pharmacy practice, and working together with other healthcare professionals and governments to achieve our goals in the profession of pharmacy. APAC was held last fall during the November 1-3 weekend at the beautiful Harbourfront Marriot Hotel and Conference Center, a fabulous downtown venue sitting directly on Halifaxs beautiful waterfront. Students from Memorial and Dalhousie were treated to not only a weekend full of excellent speakers, but also had a schedule

full of activities and ample op- and Dr. Mackinnon have worked portunities to mix- and -mingle. together to explore safe and effective care and the challenges To kick of the conference with pur- that face the Canadian health-care pose, Mark Black, a motivational system. Together, they examined speaker, let us into his life and gave the benefits and challenges of those in the room the inspiration collaborative practice and providto never lose sight of hope. Mark ed insight into where it is going. Black is the best-selling author of the acclaimed self-help book Live Dr. Olavo Fernandes, Mrs. Pam Life from the Heart: 52 Weeks to a McLean-Veysey, Dr. Anne Marie Life of Passion and Purpose, and Whelan and Mr. Roy Cairns also spoke to his experience with hope rounded out the speakers this year while navigating the healthcare at APAC and covered a wide varisystem and waiting to receive his ety of topics in government-relatheart and double-lung transplant. ed pharmacy issues: the controThis was a meaningful message for versial generic drug pricing model, pharmacy students, as our patients the reimbursement of pharmacists are dependent on us to make their for expanded services , the role of lives more comfortable by the the pharmacist in evidence-based interventions we make, not just medicine, collaboration of health with pharmacotherapy, but also care in a hospital environment, by identifying potential barriers to medication requisition and medifulfilling their health care goals. cal errors, and research performed by pharmacy residents at the UniThis years keynote address was versity Health Network, just to from Dr. Neil MacKinnon and Dr. name a few. There was even an Rhonda Church, who spoke to- interactive educational workshop gether from personal experiences brought to APAC by the Pharof collaborative practice and work- macy Association of Nova Scoing together to enhance health tia and featured a panel of pharcare. Co-authors of the national macy recruiters from Walmart to best-selling book Take as Di- Shoppers Drug mart to speak to rected: Your Prescription for Safe students in small groups about Health Care in Canada, Dr. Church what they are looking for when

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selecting a pharmacist for the job. DAL and MUN were also able to fit in some socializing in between the educational events! Maritime pharmacy students got to know each other at the many social activities, organized by the APAC steering committee. Students took part in trivia night, held at the popular tourist destination, Murphys on the Water, beautiful boathouse-styled restaurant featuring unobstructed views of the Halifax waterfront. Students mingled with fellow delegates while testing their knowledge and winning prizes and taking in the live music and dancing! The following evening encouraged students to get their laugh on with Yuk Yuks comedy brought to the Harbourfront Marriott, and after the final day of conference speaker presentations, DAL and MUN students were able to have a tourists taste of Halifax with or-

ganized excursions to the Discovery Center, Historical Peir 21, and Maritime Museum, and took in a lunch full of local fare at the architecturally acclaimed Halifax farmers market. The conference came to a close with the Grand Gala dinner that included a 3-course meal, local entertainment, and a lot dancing the night away! Overall, APAC 2012 was a huge success and achieved the goal of bringing Atlantic pharmacy students together to learn about how collaboration can work to advance the profession of pharmacy. A special thank you to all of the speakers that were involved in APAC and who shared invaluable knowledge with us. Also, thank-you to the APAC 2012 planning committee and sub- committee volunteers whose organization and dedication really brought everyone together. Finally, thank-you to Director of Pharmacy at Dalhousie College of Pharmacy Rita Caldwell and Fac-

ulty liaison, Dr. Jennifer Isenor for their assistance in making this conference a success for yet another year. I look forward to seeing all the DAL and MUN students at APAC 2013 held in St. Johns Newfoundland! APAC 2012 planning Committee Chairs: Emily MacAdam, Lisa Barr (4th year students) VP Professional Development: Amy Robertson (2nd year student) VPs Logistics: Kristen MacKinnon and Ken Pyke (4th and 3rd year students) VPs Social: Andrew Veysey, Brett Jackson and Jared MacTavish VP Finance: Ellen Boyd VPs Administration: Alexandra McGrath and Heather Phelan (3rd and 2nd year students)

Articles Scolaires: Universit Dalhousie

aPac 2012
Amy Robertson, promotion de 2015 sieurs lves la Atlantic Pharmacy Advancement Conference, autrement connu sous le nom de ette anne, le Collge de phar- APAC par les lves de Dalhousie macie de luniversit Dalhousie a et de Memorial. Ayant lieu chaque chaleureusement accueillit plu- anne, en alternant entre Terre-

Neuve-et-Labrador et la Nouvellecosse, cette confrence comme but dunir les tudiants en pharmacie provenant des provinces de lAtlantique pour que ceux-ci puissent penser, en unisson, au futur

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des professions pharmaceutiques.

de recevoir une transplantation cardiaque et une double-transAvec comme thme Collaborate plantation pulmonaire. Il sagissait Today for a Healthier Tomorrow, dun message porteur de sens pour cette anne fut la sixime con- les tudiants en pharmacie. frence annuelle APAC. Lemphase de la confrence fut mise sur Les autres confrenciers, Dr. Olavo la porte largie de la pratique Fernandes, Mme. Pam McLeanpharmaceutique ainsi que sur le Veysey, Dre. Anne Marie Whelan travaille dquipe des profession- et M. Roy Cairns, ont parl aux nels de la sant et des gouverne- tudiants de plusieurs choses ments ceci ayant comme but portant notre profession includatteindre de futurs objectifs dans ant les nouveaux modles de prix le domaine pharmaceutique. gnriques gouvernementaux, les taux de remboursement pour APAC a eu lieu lautomne dernier notre pratique largie, le rle du durant la fin de semaine du 1er au pharmacien moderne, la collabora3 novembre lhtel Marriott Har- tion avec les autres professionnels bourfront situe directement sur le de la sant lhpital, les erreurs magnifique front de mer dHalifax. pharmaceutique et la recherche Les tudiants de Memorial et de par les rsidents en pharmacie Dalhousie ont eu droit non seule- la University Health Network. . ment un week-end comprenant la fin de la confrence, il y avait dexcellents orateurs, mais aussi aussi une interaction commandit un programme complet dactivits par lassociation pharmaceutique et ainsi de nombreuses occasions de la Nouvelle-cosse, qui mettait pour socialiser entre confrres de en vedette plusieurs recruteurs de travail. pharmacies maritimes, pour parler aux tudiants de ce quils doivent Pour bien commencer la con- rechercher lors dun processus frence, Mark Black, un confren- dengagement. cier No-Brunswickois, fut part de quelques pripties de sa vie, Les lves la confrence ont ausdonnant ainsi aux personnes dans si eu la chance de participer des la salle, linspiration de ne pas ou- vnements sociaux, organiss blier lespoir de la vie. Mark Black, par le comit organisateur dAPAC lauteur du best-seller Live Life 2012. Une soire de jeux de quesfrom the Heart : 52 Weeks to a Life tions divers eu lieu Murphys of Passion and Purpose, a parl on the Water, un restaurant situ de ses expriences, tout en nav- directement sur le front de mer de iguant dans le systme des soins la ville dHalifax. Il y avait plusieurs de la sant et de son attente fin prix pour les gagnants, suivi par de

la musique jou par des musiciens No- cossais. Lors de la soire suivante, plusieurs humoristes de la troupe Yuk-Yuks Comedy, ont particip un spectacle, prsent aux tudiants lhtel Marriott Harbourfront. Le samedi, les participants avaient la chance de participer des activits touristiques Haligoniennes, comme le fameux Pier 21, le muse Maritime et la Discovery Centre . midi, les tudiants ont eu la chance de visiter le march agricole de la ville et de manger leurs dners sur scne. La confrence sest termine avec un grand gala, complment par un repas de 3 couverts et de la musique interprt par un artiste local. De ce fait, APAC 2012 eu un grandsuccs. Un gros remerciement tous les confrenciers qui ont prsent APAC 2012 et au comit organisateur et les bnvoles qui ont assist la confrence. Nous aimerions aussi remercier la directrice de la facult de pharmacie Dalhousie, Mme Rita Caldwell et la liaison de la facult Dre. Jennifer Isenor pour leur assistance la ralisation de cette confrence. Nous avons trs hte la confrence APAC 2013, qui aura lieu St. Johns, Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador cet automne!

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School Highlights: Memorial University of Newfoundland

drug abusE by hEalthcarE ProfEssionals: WE arE not ExEMPt

By: Natalie Holden, Class of 2013 tients. Counseling points on how to avoid tolerance and drug misuse are always a feature when learning urse Jackie works in a New York about the different applications for City hospital as a head nurse in benzodiazipines and pain killers. the emergency department. She However, the majority of the time works long hours with few com- these clinical pearls are reserved plaints, shes quick on her feet, for the judgements we make about and she knows her patients better our patients. What about each oththan anyone else on the floor. She er? is a champion in advocating for her patients, as she puts the patients Drug abuse and diversion is well needs above and beyond her own documented in outpatient setat all times. tings. However, the nature of pracwhen healthcare professionals are assigned to administer opioids or sedatives to patients during specific procedures. In a colonoscopy procedure, depending on the policies of the institution, it would be relatively easy to substitute prefilled fentanyl syringes with saline-filled syringes and administer those to the patient, while pocketing the painkiller. As well, improperly discarded sharps containers can sometimes hold syringes and vials that contain residual amounts tice in hospital and institutional of drugs. These sharps containers, settings also provides ample op- which are meant to help protect portunity for diversion. In particu- people, might actually be a liability lar, anesthesiologists have more when left unattended or discarded access to hypnotic drugs than any (Berge et al., 2012). other physician, and the rates of addiction in this speciality are un- The consequences of these acts paralleled by any other special- are horrific and can affect not only ty type (Berge et al., 2012). In a the healthcare professional, but novel called Oxygen by real life also patient safety. Patients are at anesthesiologist Carol Cassella, risk of receiving substandard care she tells the story of a anesthe- in these situations, as they may siologist friend who charismati- not be receiving the full dose of a cally bewitches his coworkers, and painkiller. They might experience manages to elude everyone. He is insufficient analgesia or sedation, addicted to fentanyl and betrays causing them to potentially be his coworkers, as well as his own partially alert during a procedure professional identity, when he be- for which they are meant to be fulcomes completely engulfed by his ly unconscious. Another possibility addiction. might be that the patient receives an adulterated or contaminated Some examples of drug diver- form of a drug, in the place of the sion in hospital settings might be diverted drug. Perhaps most imwhen healthcare staff misplace or portantly however, is the fact that lend their keys to other cowork- patients are simply not safe when ers in order to access patient con- they are being cared for by an imtrolled analgesia devices (PCAs). paired healthcare worker (Berge et This provides a window of oppor- al., 2012). tunity. Another example might be

Nurse Jackie is also an opioid addict. She routinely pockets opioid analgesics while on the job. She also has an organized system for disguising her drug use by crushing her various tablets into fine powders, concealing them in sugar packages, and adding them to her coffees throughout the day. She has also outsmarted the roboticized contraption that dispenses medications. She has found a way to swindle unlimited supplies of narcotics, in a moderate way, thus avoiding suspicions. Although she is the nurse you want on your team, shes also a highly functioning addict. She regularly attends work with pinpoint pupils. However, no one seems to notice. Nurse Jackie is actually a fictional character in a comedy series on the Showtime Television Network. However, is this story a reflection of a dark reality in healthcare? In pharmacy school, part of the curriculum naturally addresses the red flags for drug abuse in our pa-

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In addition to these examples, there are countless other ways that drug diversion introduces risks to other healthcare workers and employers. Although policies for avoiding drug diversion are institution specific, there are loopholes throughout as is evidenced by the fact that diversion by healthcare professionals in not extinct behaviour. Furthermore, while it appears as though medication processing in the outpatient setting seems to have a great deal of checks and balances in place to avoid diversion, it too has its gaps. There are policies for sending and receiving narcotic drug orders, as well as frequent cycle counting of all the drugs in a community pharmacy with the aim of loss prevention. However, these and other methods for loss prevention are not always enough. In the past year, a local community pharmacist in St. Johns was sentenced to 2 years and 31 days in prison after pleading guilty to five charges, including possession for the purpose of trafficking. She is now notorious for having attended her first court appearance in a bathrobe, slippers, and shackles. It was reported in the media that she was also struggling

with an addiction to alcohol and may have a firm grasp on how the the potent pain killers Oxycontin drugs work and how destructive and Percocet. they can be, we cannot automatically dismiss one another as poIn the case of this pharmacist, the tential drug misusers. We need to system for loss prevention failed. be vigilant in our surveillance of our work surroundings. If not, you may someday discover that either you, or your fellow pharmacist was a Nurse Jackie all along.
References for article: Berge, K., Dillon, K., Sikkink, K., Taylor, T., and Lanier, W. (2012). Diversion of Drugs Within Health Care Facilities, a MultipleVictim Crime: Patterns of Diversion, Scope, Consequences, Detection, and Prevention. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 87(7):674-682 Author unknown, Board failed with addicted pharmacist: lawyer, published on Nov. 3, 2011 on CBC website. Access on Oct 26th, 2012 from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ newfoundland-labrador/story/2011/11/02/ nl-burke-pharmacy-board-complaint-1102. html

It not only failed her in particular, but also temporarily brought the business down with it, including other staff pharmacists, and the hundreds of patients that depended on that pharmacy. After pharmacy school, we enter into our profession armed with knowledge and a specific skill set. We are highly trained drug experts. Although we receive training on how to detect and monitor drug abuse in our patients, perhaps we also need to focus on misuse amongst our peers. Knowledge is not always power. Although we

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Articles scolaires: Memorial University of Newfoundland

la toxicoManiE chEz lEs ProfEssionnEls dE sant : nous nE soMME Pas ExEMPts

Natalie Holden, promotion de 2013 Showtime. Cependant, lhistoire est-elle une rflexion dune sombre ralit dans les services de sant? Dans lcole de pharmacie, une partie du programme adresse naturellement les signaux qui nous alarment la toxicomanie chez nos patients. Les points de conseil qui enseignent comment viter la tolrance et lusage abusif des drogues sont toujours des points demphase lorsquon tudie les diffrentes applications pour les benzodiazpines et les analgsiques. Mais la plupart du temps ces principes cliniques sont rservs pour les jugements ports nos patients. Quen est-il lun de lautre? Labus et le dtournement de drogues sont bien tablis dans lenvironnement ambulatoire.

Infirmire Jackie travaille comme

infirmire-chef aux urgences dans un hpital de la ville de New York. Elle travaille de longues heures avec peu de plaintes, elle possde de la prsence-desprit, et elle connat ses patients mieux que nimporte qui dautre dans le dpartement. Elle est championne dans la dfense de ses patients parce quelle place toujours les besoins de ses patients avant les siens. Infirmire Jackie est aussi une opiomane. Elle empoche des analgsiques opiodes systmatiquement lorsquelle travaille. Elle a aussi un systme organis pour dguiser sa toxicomanie, en rduisant en poudre ses divers comprims, les cachant dans des paquets de sucre, et les ajoutant ses cafs tout au long de la journe. Elle a aussi djou lengin robotique qui distribue les mdicaments. Elle a trouv une faon descroquer une rserve sans limites de narcotiques, dans une manire modre, ainsi vitant le soupon. Bien quelle soit linfirmire que vous voudriez sur votre quipe, elle est aussi une toxicomane extrmement fonctionnelle. Elle arrive rgulirement son travail avec pupilles contractes. Cependant, personne ne semble sapercevoir.

Cependant, la nature de lexercice dans lenvironnement hospitalier et institutionnel fournit aussi de nombreuses occasions pour le dtournement. En fait, les anesthsistes ont plus daccs aux drogues hypnotiques que quelconque autre mdecin, et les taux daddiction dans cette spcialit est sans pareil compars ceux dans quelconque autre spcialit (Berge et al., 2012). Dans un roman intitul Oxygen par anesthsiste relle Carol Cassella, elle raconte lhistoire dun ami anesthsiste qui enchante ses collgues et russit luder tout le monde. Il est dpendant sur fentanyl, et il trahit ses collgues ainsi que sa propre identit professionInfirmire Jackie est en fait un per- nelle, lorsquil devient compltesonnage fictif dans une srie de ment englouti par son addiction. comdie sur le rseau de tlvision

Quelques exemples de dtournement de drogues dans lenvironnement hospitalier pourraient tre quand un personnel de sant gare ou prte leurs cls dautres collgues pour avoir accs aux pompes PCA (le patient contrle lanalgsie). Ceci fournit un crneau. Un autre exemple pourrait tre quand les professionnels de sant sont assigns administrer des opiodes ou sdatives aux patients durant certaines procdures. Lors dune colonoscopie, selon les politiques de linstitution, a serait relativement facile de remplacer des seringues de fentanyl pr-remplies avec des seringues de solution saline et administrer celles-ci au patient, et ainsi empocher lanalgsique. De plus, des botes aiguilles jetes incorrectement peuvent parfois contenir des seringues et ampoules tenant des quantits rsiduelles de drogue. Ces botes daiguilles, censes protger les personnes, pourraient en fait causer du tort si elles sont jetes ou laisses inattendues (Berge et al., 2012). Les consquences de ces actions sont horrifiques et peuvent affecter non seulement le professionnel de sant mais aussi la scurit du patient. Les patients sont au risque de recevoir des soins pitres dans ces situations, car ils pourraient ne pas recevoir la dose complte dun analgsique. Ils pourraient recevoir de lanalgsie ou de la sdation insuffisante, et ainsi ils pour-

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raient tre partiellement veills lors dune procdure qui require quils soient compltement sans connaissance. Une autre possibilit pourrait tre que le patient reoit une forme de la drogue qui est adultre ou contamine au lieu de la drogue dtourne. Mais peuttre plus important est le fait que les patients ne sont tout simplement pas en scurit quand ils reoivent des soins de la part dun employ de sant avec facults affaiblies (Berge et al., 2012). En addition ces exemples, il y a dinnombrables autres faons dont le dtournement de drogues introduit des risques aux autres employs de sant. Bien que les politiques pour viter le dtournement de drogues soient spcifiques linstitution particulire, il y a toujours des failles; ceci est justifi par le fait que le dtournement par les professionnels de sant nest pas un comportement teint. Bien que le procd de mdicaments dans lenvironnement ambulatoire semble avoir de nombreux freins et contrepoids en place pour viter le dtournement, ici aussi il y a des failles. Dans lenvironnement commu-

nautaire, il y a des politiques pour lenvoi et la rception les ordonnances de narcotiques, ainsi que des comptes-cycle frquents de toutes les drogues dans la pharmacie. Cependant, ces mthodes

Dans le cas de cette pharmacienne, le systme pour la prvention de pertes a chou. Il a non-seulement du la pharmacienne en particulier, mais a aussi temporairement frein le commerce cette pharmacie, incluant les autre pharmaciens-personnel et les centaines de patients qui comptaient sur cette pharmacie. Aprs lcole de pharmacie, nous entrons dans notre profession arms dune connaissance et de comptences particulires. Nous sommes des experts de mdicaments bien qualifis. Bien que nous recevons de la formation sur la dtection et la surveillance de la toxicomanie chez nos patients, peut-tre que nous devrions aussi diriger notre regard envers nos pairs. La connaissance nest pas toujours le pouvoir. Bien que nous ayons une excellente comprhension de la faon dont les drogues fonctionnent et de la manire dont elles peuvent tre destructrices, nous ne pouvons pas automatiquement rejeter lide que nous pourrions devenir toxicomanes nous-mmes. Nous devons tre vigilants dans notre surveillance de nos environs de travail. Sinon, vous dcouvrirez peut-tre un jour que vous ou votre collgue tait une Infirmire Jackie tout au long.

et dautres ne sont pas toujours suffisants. Lanne passe, une pharmacienne communautaire Saint Jean a t condamne la prison pour 2 ans et 31 jours aprs avoir plaid coupable cinq accusations incluant possession pour lobjectif de trafic. Aujourdhui elle est mal fame pour avoir assiste son premier comparution devant le tribunal portant un peignoir de bain, des chaussons, et ses chanes. Ctait rapport par le mdia quelle se dbat aussi avec lalcoolisme et une addiction aux analgsiques puissants comme lOxycontin et le Percocet.

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national coMPEtition WinnErs

CAPSI-CPJ Student Literary Challenge 5th: Vincent Wong (University of British Columbia) 4th: Sarah Way (Memorial University of Newfoundland) 3rd: Ross MacLean (Dalhousie University) 2nd: Kacie Lunn (University of Waterloo) 1st: Jennifer Ma (University of Toronto) CAPSI Patient Interview Competition 4th: Vincent Wong (University of British Columbia) 3rd: Pascale Lanthier-Labonte - (Universit de Montral) 2nd: Moataz Daoud ( University of Toronto) 1st: Basel Alsaadi (University of Alberta) Pfizer Consumer Healthcare OTC Competition Tie for 3rd: Nancy Zhou (University of British Columbia) and Mitch Zorzit (University of Waterloo) 2nd: Jessica Guy (Memorial University of Newfoundland) 1st: Clarissa Chow ((University of Alberta) Medisca Compounding Competition 4th: University of Toronto 3rd: University of Alberta 2nd: University of Saskatchewan 1st: University of Manitoba (Megan Scott, Devin Ross, Jessica Cheung, Alicia Dash) Pharmafacts Bowl Winning Team: Universit de Montral

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national aWard WinnErs

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Guy Genest Passion for Pharmacy Award University of Alberta University of Saskatchewan University of Manitoba University of Waterloo University of Toronto Universit de Montral Universit Laval Dalhousie University Memorial University of Newfoundland CSHP-CAPSI Hospital Pharmacy Student Award University of Alberta Emily Li Walmart IPSF Health Campaign Award University of British Columbia CAPSI Award of Professionalism Winning School: University of British Columbia Stephanie Miller Ashley Ewasiuk Chelsea Barr Amber-Lee Carriere Anton Soucy-Faulkner Alexandre Cote and Maxime Dube Bryan Gray Deidre Clark

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