The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is pleased to share its 2024 Year in Review, showcasing key achievements in education, research, and practice. This report highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence.
Highlights from this past year include celebrating alumni achievements at a special event at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. Suzanne Solven (BSc(Pharm)’87) was named Alumni Agent of Change, and Dr. Sumreen Javed (PhD’22) was honoured as Alumni Future Agent of Change for their contributions to the profession.
Sustainability remained a focus, with faculty members Drs. Robert Pammett and Karen Dahri contributing to nation-wide efforts to integrate planetary health into pharmacy education and practice. Their work emphasizes the role of pharmacists in addressing environmental challenges.
In May, we marked the graduation of the first Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences cohort, and in September, we launched Canada’s first Graduate Diploma in Pharmacy Leadership, equipping students with skills for the evolving healthcare field.
June marked one year since expanded prescribing authority allowed BC pharmacists to diagnose and prescribe for minor ailments and contraception, improving healthcare access. Our Faculty has played a key role in supporting this initiative. Also in June, we showcased our work at the Canadian Pharmacy Education and Research Conference in Quebec City, reinforcing our leadership in pharmacy education.
In October, we launched TRxending, a new podcast exploring key topics in pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences, covering education, research, practice, and emerging trends.
We also continued to drive equity, diversity, inclusion, and Indigeneity initiatives, including AI advancements, Indigenous student support, faculty mentorship, and specialized training in gender identity awareness.
None of these achievements would be possible without our faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and partners.