Learners

Ella Gray

My name is Ella, and I am a third-year student in the Entry-to-Practice PharmD program at UBC. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of collaborating with Jamie Yuen (Assistant Director) and Arwa Nemir (Research Coordinator) at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic on several research initiatives as both a Directed Studies student and a Work Learn student. Under their mentorship, I've had the opportunity to develop essential skills related to pharmacy research including creating and submitting research ethics applications, conducting interviews with research participants, performing qualitative analyses, and writing abstracts for research conferences. My time with the Pharmacists Clinic has been incredibly rewarding, and I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and professional growth I have gained.

Kitty Cheung

Through my directed studies project with the Pharmacists Clinic, I explored how brief exposures to primary care can shape pharmacy students’ professional identity. I was involved in the qualitative analysis of student reflections from a third-year primary care elective, where students shadowed primary care pharmacists in the Pharmacists Clinic, and looked at how these experiences influenced their confidence, career interests, and perceptions of their future professional roles.

Overall, this project really strengthened my interest in primary care pharmacy and showed me the importance of developing strong patient-centered skills, like empathy and communication, being able to multitask and smoothly navigate patient conversations, and staying adaptable when managing complex patient cases.

Harleen Hans

This past fall, I had the privilege of completing my PHRM 473 rotation at the Pharmacists Clinic, where I witnessed firsthand the exceptional impact pharmacists have in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care. The Clinic fosters a highly supportive, collaborative, and intellectually enriching environment that empowers learners to grow with confidence while contributing meaningfully to patient care. Under the mentorship of my preceptor, Adrian, and alongside a dedicated team of pharmacists, I was entrusted with conducting patient interviews to explore concerns, establish therapeutic goals, and assess medication-related needs. I completed thorough medication reviews, identified and resolved drug therapy problems, and developed evidence-based, individualized care plans.

The Clinic places a strong emphasis on collaboration, and I had the opportunity to communicate my recommendations directly with physicians and other healthcare professionals, contributing to seamless and effective interprofessional care. What stood out most was the Clinic’s commitment to both patient outcomes and learner development. I was consistently supported, challenged, and encouraged to think critically, which greatly strengthened my clinical reasoning, communication, and decision-making skills. This experience not only enhanced my confidence in managing complex patient cases but also solidified my passion for advancing the role of pharmacists within collaborative healthcare teams.

Rachel Glick

Hello! My name is Rachel. I had a great experience on my 8-week direct patient care rotation at the Pharmacists Clinic. The Clinic is a unique practice environment where the workflow allows time for in-depth patient work-ups and follow-up. During my rotation, I had the opportunity to shadow each Clinical Pharmacist, discuss their approaches to patient care, and apply that learning through leading my own patient appointments. I also had many opportunities to practice documentation, interprofessional communication, and facilitation. Throughout my practicum, I appreciated being able to progress at my own pace with the support, guidance, and feedback of all the amazing Clinic staff. I would recommend spending time at the Clinic to any pharmacy student who loves digging into cases, learning from experienced pharmacists, practicing clinical reasoning, and interacting with patients.

Subin Mun

I worked with three UBC Pharmacists Clinic supervisors on a directed studies project focused on virtual pharmacist prescribing for minor ailments and contraception in Indigenous rural and remote communities. As a Work Learn student, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with Clinic members on various projects, including writing a research paper, revising EHRs & patient cases, creating posters, and preparing presentation slides.

All clinicians and faculty members are always willing to help, prioritize students' learning, and foster a supportive environment. They are approachable and keep their doors open to questions, demonstrating what it means to be a caring clinician. Having them as my role models and being part of the Clinic greatly supported my learning and growth, allowing me to reflect on my future role in the profession.

Nathan Perillat

My experience with the Pharmacists Clinic began in my first year during a student orientation, which introduced me to the role of pharmacy in primary care. I later volunteered with the Travelling Health Fair, where I had the opportunity to connect with clinicians and like-minded students while gaining hands-on experience in patient education. 

Through these early experiences, I built relationships that led to a directed studies project in my second year, which I am currently completing. I am grateful for the mentorship and opportunities I have found through the UBC Pharmacists Clinic. Early exposure to practice has played a meaningful role in shaping my career trajectory and has helped me better understand the kind of pharmacist I hope to become.

Even for students who may not see themselves in primary care, I would strongly encourage exploring what the Clinic has to offer!