Thomas Cameron, PharmD'19. Dr. Cameron is a PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Lions Gate Hospital Pod, Lower Mainland Pharmacy Services.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
My work and projects at Pier Health Resource Centre are the most influential and progressive accomplishments to date. While working there as a student pharmacist, I developed a community pharmacy hand-held ECG monitoring for QTc prolongation, helped assemble the procedures for community pharmacy injectable opioid agonist therapy, and responded to an opioid overdose with naloxone injection. After residency, I hope to practice in a similar environment with a team that fosters innovation.
How do you stay involved in the community you live in?
Being from small town like Cumberland, BC offers the perfect opportunity to get involved in outdoor activities. I volunteered last winter with Mt. Washington Ski Patrol – the first pharmacist on patrol. Ski patrol is a great way to ski while working with physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, physiotherapists, paramedics, and others on the hill. I’m also a member of the United Riders of Cumberland mountain biking club and play softball in the local league.
What UBC moment are you still talking about?
Meeting my fiancé who is also a UBC Pharm Sci alumna. She was in the same class and faculty-student support group in our first year of pharmacy school – I’m not sure I would’ve survived without her! I proposed to her two months ago while we were mountain biking. We hope to get married following the pandemic and when our families can join us to celebrate.
Who has been the biggest influence in your career to date?
There are many people who have shared their experience and advice with me. John Shaske stands out as someone who has been instrumental in my career right from the first year of pharmacy school. My grandmother pointed him out at my white coat ceremony as her local Sunshine Coast pharmacist. Since then, he has helped me in school, provided feedback on my clinical projects when I served as a student pharmacist, mentored me in community pharmacy practice, encouraged me to apply for pharmacy residency, and more. I hope I can provide a similar relaxed and supportive mentorship to others in the future so they can experience the benefits that were available to me.