The University of British Columbia

News Archive

March 26, 2013: UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate student awarded Grand Challenges Canada Stars in Global Health internship
March 21, 2013: UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences building wins Architizer A+ Popular Choice Award
March 20, 2013: Dr. Larry Lynd joins executive council of Friends of Rwanda Forum
March 8, 2013: The Centre for Drug Research and Development appoints first Graduate Student Intern under new partnership with UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
March 1, 2013: Diabetes champions honoured with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals
February 25, 2013: Sex & Drugs & Reproductive Health: Celebrate Research 2013 at UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
February 19, 2013: UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomes Drs. Corey Nislow and Guri Giaever to the Faculty
February 12, 2013: Pharmacy Faculty Alumnus receives Royal College Medical Award
January 28, 2013: Pharmaceutical Sciences Building wins Wallpaper* Magazine design award
January 25, 2013: UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences launches first student-run pharmacy journal in Canada
January 14, 2013: UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences to host first Medication Reconciliation Interprofessional Event
January 2, 2013: Robert Sindelar appointed Associate Dean, Research and President of Providence Health Care Research Institute
December 5, 2012: Nanomedicines and Drug Delivery Group celebrates one year anniversary
November 7, 2012: Dr. Mary Ensom Receives ASHP Foundation’s 2012 Award for Sustained Contributions
November 1, 2012: Pharmacy Student Administers Immunization Clinic to President of UBC 
September 12, 2012: UBC opens new $133M Pharmaceutical Sciences Building
September 10, 2012: Funding for neglected global diseases research at UBC exceeds $20M
September 7, 2012: Faculty Announces Summer Student Research Award Winners
September 6, 2012: UBC Pharmacy Alum Receives National Research Grant 
August 28, 2012: Pharmacists Provide Additional Line of Defense for Detecting Knee Osteoarthritis  
July 12, 2012: Dr. John McNeill receives Honorary Degree
July 4, 2012: Clinical Faculty recognized for Excellence in Health Care  
July 3, 2012: Dr. Kishor Wasan receives prostate cancer research grant
June 13, 2012: Pharmacy Faculty receives new CIHR and CDA grants
June 7, 2012: Students and Faculty Honoured at Dean’s Reception
June 5, 2012: UBC drug formulation receives $1.1 million for clinical development as HIV treatment
June 1, 2012: Pharmacy Students Promote Sun Care at Alumni Weekend  
May 30, 2012: Faculty receives $450,000 from BCPhA
May 29, 2012: Faculty Celebrates Research on Grouse Mountain
May 24, 2012: Dr. Frank Abbott appointed CSPS Fellow
May 3, 2012: Pharmacy student wins Merck Canada Fellowship
April 24, 2012: Pharmacy student wins first place in video competition
April 16, 2012: Pharmacy student to attend Science Forum in Korea
March 26, 2012: B.C. pharmacist immunization initiative wins award
March 23, 2012: Pharmacy grad students win travel awards
March 8, 2012: Experts speak at Faculty event on personalized medicine
March 7, 2012: Faculty launches new building website
March 2, 2012: Pharmacist Awareness Week starts March 5, 2012

February 2012
January 2012
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011

 

February 2012

UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences members awarded CIHR grants

February 29, 2012

We are proud to announce that UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences members have been awarded over $2 million dollars of funding from the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s (CIHR) fall 2011 grant competition.

Faculty member Dr. Larry Lynd and his fellow researchers have received a $1,466,018 grant, over five years, through CIHR’s Emerging Team: Rare Diseases - Health Services Program. Dr. Larry Lynd and his colleagues have formed an inter-disciplinary research team to address the need to create funding policies regarding the development and subsidy of drugs to treat rare diseases. A formal announcement was made today by the Harper Government on the support of rare disease research. To read the full news release, click here.

Faculty member Dr. David Grierson and his collaborators have also received a CIHR grant, to fund their research exploring a new therapy for HIV/AIDS. This research project, with the ultimate goal of developing a new anti-HIV/AIDS drug, has received nearly $400,000 over three years.

Faculty members Dr. Helen M. Burt, Dr. Carlo Marra, and Dr. Ron Reid are also awardees of CIHR funding. We congratulate all of our CIHR grant recipients, and look forward to following the progress of their work.

To learn more about CIHR, please visit www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca. 

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CDRD and NGDI-UBC team up to fight TB

February 20, 2012

The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) and the Neglected Global Diseases Initiative at the University of British Columbia (NGDI-UBC) are teaming up to create better combinations of already approved drugs to treat Tuberculosis (TB). CDRD’s expertise in drug development, alongside NGDI-UBC’s interdisciplinary knowledge in global diseases issues, will allow these two organizations to propose novel treatment strategies for TB, while ensuring these treatments are accessible to developing countries. NGDI-UBC is a collaborative research initiative sponsored by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. To read the full press release, click here.

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UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences members receive four TLEF grants

February 15, 2012

Congratulations to all of the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty members who have received UBC Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund (TLEF) grants. The TLEF is a university-wide fund to support projects that explore ground-breaking approaches to learning and education. The following faculty member projects have received funding:

Developing a patient-centred Pharmacists Clinic to provide an enriched experiential learning program for pharmacy students
Tessa Nicholl, Ingrid Price, Alan Low, James McCormack, and Robson Liu
Granted $119,200

The Development and Implementation of the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Journal – A student-led initiative to promote learning around research and publishing among pharmacy students
Tessa Nicholl, Sandy Mok, Kelvin Lou, and Ingrid Price
Granted $8,095

VIP-CARES: Virtual Interprofessional Patients as Contraception & Abortion Resources for Education of Students
Dr. Wendy V. Norman, Judith Soon, Lauren Bissonnette, Christopher Ng, Evelyn Kwok, Unjali Malhotra, Leanne Currie, Saraswathi Vedam, Kellogg Booth, Juliette Link, and Charlotte Tang
Granted $86,031

Preparing students for patient-centred practice in a Type II Diabetes Clinic
Lynda Eccott, Tessa Nicholl, Tamar Kafka, Stella Yeung
Granted $15,650

For more information on the Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, visit www.tlef.ubc.ca.

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January 2012

Celebrate Research Week with UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences

January 30, 2012

 

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC is pleased to present a special seminar event as part of Celebrate Research Week 2012:

Systems Health: Taking personalized medicine beyond the genome
Monday, March 5, 2012
1:00 - 4:00 pm (Reception to follow)
Telus Theatre, The Chan Centre for the Performing Arts
6265 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1

Featuring a panel of internationally distinguished speakers, Systems Health explores how personalized medicine is evolving into a holistic view of health care encompassing a wide range of biological phenomena. To learn more, visit our event home page or contact Dr. Barb Conway at baconway@mail.ubc.ca or 604-822-2390. To learn more about Celebrate Research Week 2012, visit celebrateresearch.ubc.ca.

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New UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building wins Canadian Architect Award of Excellence

January 16, 2012

Architectural rendering of the new UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Building. Image courtesy Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Hughes Condon Marler Architects (HCMA)

We are thrilled to announce that the new UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, set to open in fall 2012, has won a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence.

Given annually since 1968, this prestigious award recognizes excellence in architectural design and “significant building projects in Canada.” In their award citation, the jury praises the building’s “unique architectural form,” recognizing “the exchange of knowledge” as the driving factor behind the design. The citation also highlights the “careful implantation of programed and public spaces,” which supports both collaborative and independent research and learning. In his comments, jury member Peter Sampson commends the design’s longevity, stating, “It will be relevant for years to come.”

We are honoured that our new building has been recognized with such a distinguished award and congratulate Saucier + Perrotte Architectes and Hughes Condon Marler Architects (HCMA) for their joint design accomplishment.

To read the full award citation, or learn more about the Canadian Architect Awards of Excellence, click here.

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Dr. Kishor Wasan to present at UBC’s Student Leadership Conference

January 9, 2012

Dr. Kishor Wasan, from UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences, will be a featured presenter at UBC’s Student Leadership Conference on January 14, 2011. Dr. Wasan will be one of six presenters in the afternoon of the daylong conference, speaking from 2:55 to 3:45 PM. The Student Leadership Conference is UBC's largest student-run conference, providing over 1,100 participants with the opportunity to achieve personal breakthroughs through engaging workshops and inspiring speakers. To learn more about the Student Leadership Conference, click here.

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Summer Student Research Program Applications Now Available

January 6, 2012

The Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) provides opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research conducted within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. SSRP participants will work full time in a research group, focusing on a particular research project, for a three month period during the summer. The program culminates with the SSRP Poster Competition in early September, with a reception and awards for top research posters. Application forms for the 2012 SSRP program are now available.  For more program details, or to download an application form, click here. 

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences postdoc wins travel award

December 9, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences postdoc Rishi Somvanshi is the winner of a travel award presented by the Postdoctoral Fellows Office (PDFO) at the UBC Faculty of Graduate Studies. This is the first time the PDFO has presented these awards, which provide travel assistance to UBC postdocs attending research conferences. To read the full news release, click here.

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Dr. Rosemin Kassam wins Lifetime Service Award

December 5, 2011

Associate Professor Dr. Rosemin Kassam from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC was recently presented with the 2011 Lifetime Service Award as part of the Pharmacy Practice and Drugstore Canada Commitment to Care & Service Awards. Dr. Kassam joined the Faculty in 1999 as the first director of the Structured Practice Education Program. Her 20 plus year career is marked by a number of notable accomplishments, including 14 peer-reviewed articles and 25 abstracts accepted for presentation at conferences, the development of a cross-cultural asthma health promotion program, and volunteer service to a variety of or health organizations. In 2010, Dr. Kasam was recognized with the British Columbia Pharmacy Association Ben Gant Award for innovative practice and Rufus A. Lyman Award for the best paper published in the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.

To learn more about Dr. Rosemin Kassam, click here.

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November 2011

NGDI-UBC Global Sepsis Initiative receives $2.8 million grant

November 29, 2011

Associates of the Neglected Global Diseases Initiative at UBC (NGDI-UBC), including Dr. Kishor Wasan from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, recieved a grant in the sum of $2.8 million for sepsis prevention in Bangladesh. Sepsis is a life-threatening form of infection in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria. To learn more and read the full news release, click here.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences unveils design concepts for Story of Medicines

November 24, 2011

Story of Medicines design concept rendering. Courtesy SmartDesign Group and NGX Interactive.

On November 22, 2011, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC hosted a special event to unveil design concepts for The Story of Medicines. An interactive exhibition experience like no other, The Story of Medicines is a hands-on interpretive exhibition that tells the story of pharmacy through multiple perspectives. To view the presentation and learn more, visit building.pharmacy.ubc.ca.

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Dr. Alan Low raises Osteoporosis awareness on Global TV News

November 16, 2011

November is Osteoporosis Month in Canada. On Sunday October 30, 2011, Dr. Alan Low from UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences was interviewed on Global TV News with respect to Osteoporosis and The Osteoporosis Book. The interview also focused on raising awareness about bone health in general and preventing fractures. Recently, The Osteoporosis Book, authored by Alan, Gwen Ellert, and John Wade was endorsed by Osteoporosis Canada. To view the interview, click here.

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Celebrate Learning Week event a success!

November 15, 2011

Marion Pearson, Director, Entry-to-Practice Program & Senior Instructor with Dr. Kevin Eva (left) and Dr. Stephen Chapman (right).

KAVE demo participant practices reading a virtual patient chart.

KAVE virtual anatomy demonstration.

The Faculty's Celebrate Learning Week event was a huge success. Held from November 2-4, 2011, it consisted of open seminars, a poster session and live demonstrations. Seminars were presented on November 3 by Dr. Stephen Chapman from Keele University and Dr. Kevin Eva from CHES, UBC Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Chapman shared his views on one of the major challenges facing all healthcare professions - embedding increased quality clinical teaching in the curriculum. He also discussed the challenges and successes of developing and implementing an active virtual learning environment and its impact on student learning. Dr. Eva explored the complexity of research in the health profession education field. He also presented on the challenges of defining quality, value and publishability of education research in academia.

Live demonstrations of the 3D Keele Active Virtual Environment (KAVE) were held from November 2-4. The KAVE provided immersive and interactive simulations of patient practice settings. This year the Faculty also took the opportunity to showcase education research projects through a Poster Session on November 3. The session generated a lot of interest and exposure for education research on curricular integration and problem-based learning being conducted within the Faculty.

The event was widely attended, including members from UBC Faculties of Medicine, Dentistry, Education, and Nursing. UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences thanks everyone who attended the event and assisted with making it successful. For more information, please contact Sharon Brown, Curriculum Project Coordinator, at shbrown@mail.ubc.ca or 604-827-5690.

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October 2011

Dr. Urs Hafeli helps bring world-class medical imaging scanner to BC

October 27, 2011

A micro SPECT/PET/CT scanner, of which there are only two in the world, will soon find itself at the University of British Columbia thanks to a partnership between the Canada Foundation for Innovation, UBC, and TRIUMF, Canada's national laboratory for particle and nuclear physics. Principal Investigator, Vesna Sossi, Head of the UBC PET Group, along with Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Urs Hafeli from UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences and Paul Schaffer of TRIUMF submitted a $990, 000 funding proposal to the Canada Foundation for Innovation in May 2011 to acquire the scanner. Recently, it was confirmed that the proposal was approved. To read the full news release, click here. To learn more about Dr. Urs Hafeli's research, click here.

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Dr. Kishor Wasan to present leishmaniasis therapy research

October 24, 2011

Dr. Kishor Wasan, from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC, will be presenting his research findings on a tropically stable leishmaniasis treatment at the 2011 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington, D.C., October 23–27. Together with his colleagues, Dr. Wasan developed the therapy using a well-established antibiotic. “There are no other tropically stable oral treatments for visceral leishmaniasis,” says Dr. Wasan. “We see a tremendous global health impact for this neglected disease, and being able to get treatment directly to those infected, no matter how remote, is critical.” To read the full news release, click here.

Dr. Wasan was also interviewed by Voice of America. For more information and to listen to the interview, click here.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences hires educational specialist to review assessment of learning

October 24, 2011

Dr. Gordon G. Page

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia has recruited noted educationalist Dr. Gordon G. Page to review and make recommendations to enhance assessments of student learning and progress. Dr. Page will conduct a detailed analysis of the Faculty’s methods of assessment in the entry-to-practice program with the ultimate goals of solidifying and refining current practices as well as developing opportunities for innovations that enhance student education.

“The what, how and when we assess are not only important questions but critical drivers of student learning and therefore the success of our educational process,” says Dr. David W. Fielding, Associate Dean, Academic. “Dr. Page has worked extensively with educators from various health professions to assist them in understanding the important role the assessment of learning has in education and to develop assessment strategies to assure that students are developing the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes as they ‘grow’ ready to practice health care.”

The focus of Dr. Page’s work will be how the Faculty assesses learning. He will be conducting a comprehensive review of all program assessment data as well as examining information gathered from the curriculum-mapping project. The Office of Educational Support & Development conducted the mapping project with data collected through Currickit, an online mapping software developed by the University of Guelph. Dr. Page will help the faculty develop a program that addresses the needs of the instructors and the students while utilizing emerging learning technologies. “Strategic investments such as these will ensure that we deliver the highest quality of education,” says Dr. Fielding. For more information, please contact Sharon Brown at shbrown@mail.ubc.ca.

Bio: Dr. Gordon G. Page is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Medicine at UBC with 30 years of experience as the Director of the Health Sciences Division of Educational Support and Development. He has worked nationally and internationally with academic and professional groups concerned with the quality of health professionals in training and in practice. He has been a visiting professor at numerous universities and colleges in Canada, Australia, USA, China, Japan, UAE and SE Asia. Dr. Page’s major research and development interests are directed toward the assessment of medical trainees and practitioners, and over the past 25 years he has obtained grants in excess of $5,000,000 to support these initiatives.

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UBC Pharmacy students get ready to compete for the title of Mr. Pharmacist

October 19, 2011

Male students from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC will be strutting their stuff in the all new Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI) Mr. Pharmacist Pageant. The event is intended to bring students from all four years together in a friendly head-to-head competition for the coveted title of Mr. Pharmacist. Points will be awarded for the most creative talents and funny costumes. Eight students have been nominated to take part in the competition by their classmates. To view a promotional video, click here. Running in conjunction with the Mr. Pharmacist Pageant is a date auction.

The event takes place Friday, October 21, 2011 from 7:00-10:00 pm in the Pit Pub. Advance tickets are $10 ($8 for CAPSI members). Tickets are also available at the door for $12. A portion of the proceeds raised with go to supporting Little Travellers, an initiative that benefits women and children living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. To learn more about Little Travellers, visit www.littletravellers.net.

For more information, email CAPSI at ubcsr@capsi.ca.

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Celebrate Learning Week with UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences

October 17, 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences invites you to attend the Celebrate Learning Seminars & Poster Session during Celebrate Learning Week at UBC!

The theme this year is, “EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION & RESEARCH: Exploring virtual learning environments and excellence in education research”. The event will take place on Thursday, November 3, 2011, from 9:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Michael Smith Labs building (Rooms 101 & 102).

Our invited speakers are Dr. Stephen Chapman, Head, School of Pharmacy and Department of Medicines Management, Keele University, UK and Dr. Kevin Eva, Senior Scientist, Centre for Health Education Scholarship and Associate Professor & Director, Education Research & Scholarship, Department of Medicine at UBC. Dr. Chapman will explore innovative virtual learning environments developed at Keele University and discuss its impact on student learning. Dr. Eva, who is also the Editor-in-Chief for the leading international Medical Education journal, will discuss the issues and challenges of promoting and implementing excellence in education research. Please click here for more information.

A Lunch Reception & Poster Session will follow the seminars. Attendees will have an opportunity to view educational research posters presented by our faculty members.

LIVE DEMO: We are also excited to announce that Dr. Chapman and his team will be demonstrating a version of the Keele Active Virtual Environment (“KAVE”).

To RSVP for this event by October 28, 2011 and for more information, please contact Sharon Brown, Curriculum Project Coordinator, at shbrown@mail.ubc.ca or 604-827-5690.

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Dr. Kishor Wasan discusses global health in Pharmaceutical Technology Magazine

October 13, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences' Dr. Kishor Wasan was recently featured in a Pharmaceutical Technology Magazine article titled "Global Healthcare on the Ground: AAPS on Why Global HealthCare is Important Now." In it, Dr. Wasan speaks to the growing seriousness of neglected global diseases and available opportunities to help combat the issue, such as the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Pharmaceuticals in Global Health Focus Group. To read the full article, click here.

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Announcement of new Director of OEE - Dr. Angela Kim-Sing

October 12, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Angela Kim-Sing to the position of Director, Office of Experiential Education (OEE). Dr. Kim-Sing holds the degrees of BSc (Chem), McMaster University; BSc (Pharm), UBC; and Doctor of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina. She also completed a CSHP accredited residency program at VGH, a frontline leadership course through Providence Health Care, St Paul's Hospital and CHARA, and teaching programs through UBC TAG and the BC Preceptor Development Initiative. In addition, she is currently enrolled in part-time studies for the UBC Certificate Program in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning.

Dr. Kim-Sing has held leadership roles for many years, first as Section Head for the Staffing and Residency Program, Providence Health Care (1995-2004) which involved St. Paul's, Mount St. Joseph and Holy Family Hospitals; Tutorial Leader, CAPS 399 (2004-2005); SPEP Coordinator, PT (2004-2010), and Acting Director, OEE (Dec 2010-Sep 2011). These roles have consistently involved ensuring a quality educational experience for students of the pharmaceutical sciences and in the pursuit of their professional degree credentials, whether at the level of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or the Doctor of Pharmacy program.

For more information about Dr. Angela Kim-Sing, click here.

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Drs. Mary Ensom, Peter J. Zed and James McCormack recognized for contributions to pharmacy

October 12, 2011

Three members of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC were recently recognized for their contributions to the fields of pharmacy practice and education. Dr. May Ensom was awarded the 2011 American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Education Award "for major contributions to advancing clinical pharmacy education." Dr. Ensom accepted the award at the Annual Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA this October (for more information, click here). Dr. Peter J. Zed was presented with the 2011 Memorial University (MUN) School of Pharmacy Alumni Achievement Award. This award is given in recognition of significant accomplishments and for exceptional human values that are an inspiration to those with whom they come in contact. It is also the highest honour the MUN School of Pharmacy can bestow upon one of its graduates. And Dr. James McCormack was awarded the Eric Elder Memorial Medal for embodying the pioneering approach to education and lateral thinking in general practice that Dr. Eric Elder would have approved of — applying Aristotlean 'practical wisdom' in inspiring as well as entertaining general practitioners on the way to providing the best possible care. Dr. Eric Elder was an inspired rural GP who lived and worked in Tuatapere for nearly 60 years.

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September 2011

Dr. Kevin Letchford appointed Assistant Professor with UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences

September 28, 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kevin Letchford to the position of Assistant Professor, part-time (non-tenure track). Kevin's educational background includes a BSc (Chem) and BSc (Pharm) that he earned at UBC. Following graduation from our Faculty he practiced as a community pharmacist in Kelowna, BC, before returning to UBC to complete his PhD under the direction of Dr. Helen Burt. His studies focused on polymeric nanoparticulate drug delivery systems and following completion of his doctoral degree, he accepted a Post-doctoral Fellowship in Dr. Burt's lab. Moreover, Dr. Letchford has acquired extensive teaching experience with the Professional Practice Lab as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Pharmacist Instructor and as a guest lecturer in undergraduate and graduate pharmaceutics/drug delivery courses.

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First expanded class inducted into UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences at White Coat Ceremony

September 28, 2011

Marion Pearson, Director, Entry-to-Practice Program & Senior Instructor, leads incoming students in reciting the pledge of professionalism.

Students signing a printed copy of the pledge.

On September 9, 2011, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC welcomed 224 incoming students as part of the Faculty's annual White Coat Ceremony. This year's expanded class represents an admission increase of 47% over previous years. "The White Coat Ceremony is one of our Faculty's most important events," says Robert Sindelar, Dean of UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences. "Each year we present students with a white coat and ask them to take a pledge of professionalism, both symbols of the commitment to exceptional patient-centred health care that our insitution exemplifies."

A reception followed the ceremony where students had an opportunity to celebrate the momentous occasion with family and friends. "We're looking forward to hosting the White Coat Ceremony in our new building next year," says Dean Sindelar. "Our students work very hard and events such as these play a significant role in recognizing the importance of what they do."

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomes students back for a new academic year

September 9, 2011

The weather was perfect for the annual First Year BBQ, hosted outside the George Cunningham Building.

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomed students both new and returning this past week as part of the beginning of the 2011-2012 academic year. This year marks the admission of the Faculty's first expanded class, with 224 incoming students. This is an increase of 47% over previous years. A number of student events, such as the annual First Year BBQ, added to the excitement.

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2011 SSRP Poster Competition Awards announced

September 8, 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Summer Student Research Program (SSRP) Poster Competition. Congratulations go to:

1st Place

Student: Muffadal Shamshuddin
Supervisor: P. Soja
Title: Carrageenan-Induced Hyperalgesia is Associated With Cortical EEG
Slowing

2nd Place

Student: Gina Cragg
Supervisors: R. Reid and W. Riggs
Title: The effect of dexrazoxane on cancer cell lines treated with the
anthracycline doxorubicin.

3rd Place

Student: Ian T.Y. Wong
Supervisor: K. Wasan
Title: Simvastatin therapy in a castration-resistant prostate cancer cell
line reduces cell viability.

The top eligible poster will represent the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences meeting in 2012. The SSRP provides opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research conducted within the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences over the summer months. For more information about the program and how to apply click here.

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August 2011

Associate Member of UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences appointed President of NHPRS

August 31, 2011

Dr. Emma Guns, Associate Member of the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was recently appointed President of the Natural Health Product Research Society of Canada (NHPRS). Dr. Guns is a Research Scientist at The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Associate Member of the Department of Experimental Therapeutics at the BC Cancer Research Centre, and also faculty member of the Department of Urologic Sciences at UBC. Specializing in ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) and pre-clinical mechanistic evaluation of anti-cancer xenobiotics, Dr. Guns heads the Analytical Pharmacology (AP) and Natural Health Product Research Programs at the Vancouver Prostate Centre.

To learn more about NHPRS, click here.

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UBC Pharmacy Alumnus recognized nationally

August 24, 2011

Derek Desrosiers, BSc(Pharm)'82 was recently presented with the 2011 Canadian Foundation for Pharmacy (CFP) Pillar of Pharmacy Award in recognition for his life-long contributions to pharmacy in Canada. A Vancouver resident and active member of the British Columbia Pharmacy Association (BCPhA), Derek has become one of the leading authorities in the economic and professional practice issues of pharmacy. To read the full media release, click here. To learn more about the BCPhA, click here.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences signs Statement of Cooperation with University of Copenhagen

August 24, 2011

Professor Stephen J. Toope, President of UBC and Professor Ralf Hemmingsen, Rektor Copenhagen University witness Deans Sven Froekjaer and Robert Sindelar signing the Statement of Cooperation.

On June 27, 2011, the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia signed a Statement of Cooperation with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Copenhagen. The Statement of Cooperation represents the first step in a long term joint venture between both faculties to collaborate in the following areas:

• The exchange of visiting students, scholars, faculty and post-doctoral fellows.
• Collaborative graduate education and research training.
• Shared endowed Faculty position(s).
• The exchange of scholarly information including research papers, indices to theses, and books on relevant subjects.
• The exchange of invitations to attend scholarly and technical meetings, forums and conferences.
• Joint conferences, seminars, workshops and exhibitions.
• Review of other possible areas of cooperation in a variety of research and academic projects.

This unique partnership was made possible through the Life Science Ambassador Programme. To read the full article and to learn more about the Life Science Ambassador Programme, click here.

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Five new Faculty Appointees welcomed at UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences in time for the 2011-2012 academic year

August 17, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences is excited to announce five new faculty appointments for the upcoming academic year. "We will be accepting an additional 72 professional degree students this September," says Dean Robert Sindelar. "This expansion in our student cohort requires additional instructors to ensure that we are effectively delivering our program."

Starting September 1, 2011, Janice Moshenko will assume the full-time tenure track appointment of Instructor 1, Cases in Pharmaceutical Sciences (CAPS). Janice’s educational background includes a BSc (Pharm) and MSc (Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Pharmacokinetics), both earned at UBC; a Certificate for Teaching in Higher Education (UBC); and completion of the Executive Coaching Program at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. She currently serves as Head of Training at the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), where, in addition to overseeing CDRD’s innovative, academic-industry hybrid training program, she has successfully developed and implemented a mentorship program for trainees.

On August 15, 2011, Katherine Seto assumed the full-time tenure-track appointment of Instructor 1, Clinical Skills, and will be working with our First, Second & Third Year instructors to expand the teaching in this area as part of our Pharmacy Skills courses. Katherine graduated from UBC in 2002 with a BSc (Pharm) (Dean’s Honour List). Following graduation, she worked as a Staff Pharmacist for Shoppers Drug Mart (2002-2008) and also for our Faculty providing part-time instruction for PHAR 401 and the structured practice education program. In 2008-2009, she completed a Hospital Pharmacy Residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto and, from 2009-2011, returned to UBC to pursue the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

Tamiz Kanji, Tessa Nicholl, and Arun Verma were each promoted from their part-time faculty appointments on August 1, 2011 to full-time tenure track Instructor 1 positions. Tamiz, Instructor 1, Pharmacy Practice Skills, Year 3, has held the position of Lecturer, PT, since 2011, serving first as a special Lecturer for the PHAR 301 and 409 courses. As a clinician he developed expertise in medication management for clients undergoing chronic pain rehabilitation as well as in community and long-term care pharmacy. Since joining the Faculty, Tamiz has gained the respect of students and colleagues alike and has strived to continually enhance the educational experience of our students through innovative methods and meaningful interaction. To read more about Tamiz, click here.

Tessa Nicholl, Instructor 1, Cases in Pharmaceutical Sciences (CAPS), Year 4, has held part-time appointments with our Faculty since 2004, first as a Lecturer and then as an Instructor since 2007. Tessa’s wide breadth of experience as a community practice and clinical pharmacist, a consultant and clinical services coordinator has provided her with a unique perspective for her academic role. During her career, Tessa has also been involved in the development and implementation of the BC NurseLine Pharmacist Line and our Faculty’s future Pharmaceutical Care Clinic. To read more about Tessa, click here.

Arun Verma, Instructor 1, Cases in Pharmaceutical Sciences (CAPS), Year 3, has been with UBC throughout his academic career and as a student. His education includes an MSc/PhD that he completed with Professor Marc Levine in the field of clinical pharmacy and a hospital pharmacy residency program at Vancouver’s St. Paul’s Hospital in 1996. His teaching experiences with the Faculty - first as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and then as a part-time Instructor/Coordinator for PHAR 498 (CAPS III) over the past six years - have positioned him well for this new full-time appointment. To read more about Arun, click here.

"The calibre of applications received for these positions speaks to the desire of many from within and external to the Faculty to join us in the pursuit of pre-eminence in the Pharmaceutical Sciences," says Dean Sindelar. "Excellence and scholarship in teaching is paramount to us in achieving this goal and we have been able to hire the very best of very competitive applicant pools."

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate students win 2011 NSERC Scholarships

August 12, 2011

Laura Bandy and Mehrdad Bokharaei, graduate students in the the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC, have recently been awarded scholarships from NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada). More than 4,500 applications were received by the Council for the 2011 Scholarships and Fellowships Competition. In the Postgraduate category, Laura won a three-year scholarship. Mehrdad won a two-year scholarship under the Canadian Graudate category. To learn more about NSERC and to see a complete list of winners, click here.

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Announcement of new Associate Dean, Practice Innovation - Dr. Peter J. Zed

August 11, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Peter J. Zed to the position of Associate Dean, Practice Innovation. Dr. Zed will be commencing his new role with the Faculty this Fall.

Dr. Zed completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (Dalhousie University), Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (Memorial University of Newfoundland); hospital pharmacy residency with the Royal Columbian Hospital; and Doctor of Pharmacy (The University of British Columbia). Following the completion of his PharmD degree in 1998, he accepted the position of Pharmacotherapeutic Specialist, Emergency Medicine, CSU Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vancouver General Hospital. He also served the Faculty as a Clinical Assistant Professor (1998-2004) and as Clinical Associate Professor (2004-2006). In addition, he held an appointment as Associate Member (2002-2006), Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine.

In 2006, he left BC to move to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he is currently Clinical Coordinator, Department of Pharmacy, and Pharmacotherapeutic Specialist, Emergency Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences, Capital Health; and holds the appointment of Associate Professor with the College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Professions, and Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University. He is also a Clinical Scientist, Department of Emergency Medicine, IWK Health Centre.

Dr. Zed is nationally recognized and respected in both pharmacy and emergency medicine. He has delivered over 140 presentations and has an impressive professional service record with numerous provincial and national committees. He is currently Chair of the CSHP National Research Committee, Chair of the CSHP Board of Fellows, member of the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee of NAPRA, and member of the Federal Drug & Therapeutics Committee. He also serves on the Editorial Board of the Canadian Journal of Hospital Pharmacy, Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine and The Annals of Pharmacotherapy.

As Associate Dean, Practice Innovation, Dr. Zed will be playing an integral leadership role in the development of a contemporary practice model in which collaborative team-based patient centered care is paramount; and foster synergistic relationships with academic and practice based pharmacy clinicians and educators.

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Announcement of new Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies - Dr. Kishor Wasan

August 10, 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kishor Wasan to the position of Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies effective September 1, 2011. Dr. Wasan will be taking over for Dr. Helen Burt, who will be assuming the role of UBC Associate Vice President, Research & International.

Dr. Wasan graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a BSc (Pharmacy) in 1985 and the University of Texas, Medical School, Houston, with a PhD (Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology) in 1993. Following his doctoral degree, he completed a 12-month postdoctoral fellowship at the Cleveland Clinical Research Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. He joined the Faculty in 1995 and, over his 16-year term, achieved promotion to Associate Professor with tenure in July 2000 and Full Professor in July 2005.

He has been an Investigator with the Centre for Drug Research & Development (CDRD) since 2006 and was named the CIHR University-Industry Research Chair from December 1, 2003 to November 30, 2008, and again from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2013. Since September 2005, he has held the title of Affiliated Investigator, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and has been an affiliated faculty member with the Centre for Higher Order Structure Elucidation since 2006. Dr. Wasan was also a strong, visionary leader in his former role as Chair of the Faculty’s Division of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics from January 2001 to December 2009.

For more information about Dr. Kishor Wasan, click here.

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AIDS-Free World Co-Director Stephen Lewis to speak at NGDI-UBC Distinguished Lectureship Seminar

August 3, 2011

Stephen Lewis, co-founder and co-director of AIDS-Free World, will be speaking at the third Distinguished Lectureship Seminar presented by NGDI-UBC (Neglected Global Diseases UBC) and co-sponsored by UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The seminar will take place this October and addresses the topic of neglected global diseases. Mr. Lewis is a distinguished academic with an impressive career involving more than 20 years with the United Nations. He holds 34 honourary degrees from universities across Canada and was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest honour for lifetime achievement in 2003.

To register, please email Jocelyn Conway at jocelyn.conway@ubc.ca or visit www.ngdi.ubc.ca. For more information about AIDS-Free World, click here.

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July 2011

UBC Pharmacy PhD student first MSFHR/Merck Post-Doctoral Fellow at CDRD

July 18, 2011

Clement Mugabe, PhD student at UB Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, is the recent recipient of a new post-doctoral fellowship jointly sponsored by MSFHR and Merck at The Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD). Clement will be working with CDRD’s drug delivery team to develop new formulations and delivery systems, contribute to collaborative research, and conduct studies in support of drug development projects. To read the full media release, click here.

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June 2011

UBC Pharmacy researchers co-author paper on new drug delivery device to treat diabetes-related vision loss

June 29, 2011

Dr. Helen Burt and research sicentist John K. Jackson from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC have co-authored a paper in Lab on a Chip, a journal profiling miniaturisation (on or off chips) at the micro- and nano-scale across different disciplines. Titled "On-demand controlled release of docetaxel from a battery-less MEMS drug delivery device," the paper describes a newly developed device for treating retinal damage caused by diabetes. Lead authors are Fatemeh Nazly Pirmoradi, recent UBC PhD mechanical engineering graduate, and UBC Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Mu Chiao. To read the full media release, click here. To read the paper, click here .

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UBC Pharmacy students profiled in AAPS Newsmagazine

June 24, 2011

The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) University of British Columbia (UBC) student chapter was recently profiled in AAPS Newsmagazine. First established in 2006, the chapter is comprised of graduate students, post doctoral fellows, and research assistants and associates. To read the full article, click here (page 38).

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Dr. Carlo Marra profiled by Canadian Institutes of Health Research for pilot project

June 21, 2011

Dr. Carlo Marra, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia, has recently been profiled by Canadian Institutes of Health Research for a pilot project examining the feasibility of using community pharmacists to determine whether or not pregnant women in British Columbia are getting safe anti-hypertension treatment. The project was launched by the Drug Safety and Effectiveness Network (DSEN), which was created by a partnership between the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Health Canada. To read the full article, click here.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences research and teaching honoured at annual Graduate and Faculty Awards Reception

June 14, 2011

The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences honoured the research and teaching accomplishments of its graduate students, faculty and staff at the annual Graduate and Faculty Awards Reception on June 1, 2011. The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Susan Porter, Dean pro tem of the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Graduate students and faculty were honoured for research, teaching, leadership and service, and staff were recognized for service to the research community.

"We feel very proud to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of our students, faculty and staff to research and graduate education in the pharmaceutical sciences," says Dr. Helen Burt, Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies. "Their contributions have created the rich and vibrant research and graduate studies programs we enjoy in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC." For a complete listing of awards, please click here.

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UBC Pharmacy Grad Charles Au wins Silver Governor General’s Academic Medal

June 8, 2011

Dr. David W. Fielding (left) with Charles Au (right).

Recent UBC graduate Charles Au, BSc(Pharm)’11, was presented with the Silver Governor General’s Academic Medal at Spring Congregation on May 31, 2011. Governor General’s Academic Medals have been awarded to Canadian students for more than 125 years in recognition of exceptional scholastic accomplishments. Medals are given to students graduating with the highest average in high school and college or university programs.

“We are very proud of Charles,” says Dr. David W. Fielding, Associate Dean Academic. “He is an exceptional young man with a bright future ahead of him.” Charles was also presented with the 2011 Head of Graduating Class (B.Sc.Pharm. Award), 2011 Dean E.L. Woods Memorial Prize, and 2011 Dr. M. Pernarowski Memorial Prize by the Faculty at the annual Dean’s Reception on May 31, 2011. In November 2010, Charles received the national Student Leadership Award as part of the Pharmacy Practice and Drugstore Canada Commitment to Care & Service Awards.

For more information about the Governor General’s Academic Medals, click here.

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Dr. Helen M. Burt newly appointed UBC Associate Vice President, Research & International

June 7, 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences’ Dr. Helen M. Burt has recently been appointed to the position of UBC Associate Vice President, Research & International, effective September 1, 2011. She will be assuming this role from Dr. Don Brooks, who served in the position for the past ten years. Dr. Brooks will continue on with UBC as the new Director of SPARC (Support Programs to Advance Research Capacity).

Dr. Burt has served with the Faculty as Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies since 2004. Her esteemed career includes a number of distinguished research and teaching awards, the publication of more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, and several patents. Her contributions to both the Faculty and the pharmaceutical sciences are considerable.

“Dr. Burt possesses all of the attributes, intellect, leadership qualities and experience necessary for this important position,” says Dean Robert Sindelar. “We congratulate her on her new role and have every confidence that she will contribute immensely to the research mission of the University.”

For more information about Dr. Helen Burt, click here.

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Best and brightest of UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences recognized at annual Dean's Reception

June 7, 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC celebrated the achievements of both students and Faculty members at the annual Dean's Reception on May 31, 2011. Held after Spring Graduation ceremonies, the event featured an awards presentation and program of speakers including Randy Konrad, Chair of the College of Pharmacists of BC, and Parkash Ragsdale, Deputy CEO and Professional Services Director of the BC Pharmacy Association. Student award highlights include the Merck Frosst Pharmacy Doctoral Prize (Head of Graduating Class, Pharm. D.), presented to Dr. Emily Kathleen Black, and the Pfizer Canada Leadership Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences, presented to Herbert Wong. Faculty member award highlights include the Killam Teaching Award, presented to Dr. Patricia Gerber, and the Bristol-Myers Squibb Award for Excellence in Pharmaceutical Teaching, presented to Dr. Mary H. H. Ensom.

"We are extremely proud of our people," says Dean Robert Sindelar. "The remarkable accomplishments of our students and Faculty members are what distinguish us as one of the top professional pharmacy programs in the world." For a complete listing of awards, please click here.

Herbert Wong, BSc(Pharm)'11, addresses fellow graduates as class valedictorian.

The 2010-2011 Pharm. D. graduating class posing for a group photo after the Spring Graduation ceremony.

Faculty Teaching Award recipients (from left to right) with Dean Robert Sindelar (right): Tessa Nicholl, Dr. K. Wayne Riggs, Dr. Patricia Gerber, Dr. Peter Loewen, and Simon Albon.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Weekend event a success!

June 2, 2011

More than 100 guests attended the UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Weekend event on May 28, 2011. This was the first ever Alumni Weekend event hosted by the Faculty. Highlights included groups tours of the new building construction site, demonstrations of student learning technologies to be included in the new facility, and interactive e-postcard kiosks where personalized "UBC Pharm Sci Alumni" greetings could be sent from. The Class of 1978 also came together with Dr. John McNeill, Professor and Dean Emeritus, for a mini-reunion. "It was a fun and enjoyable afternoon for our alumni and their families," says Dean Robert Sindelar. "We have already begun planning next year's event: a farewell party to the Cunningham building!" A sincere thanks goes out to all of our volunteers for their help in making the event possible.

A tour group views the top two floors of the new UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences building. The completed structure will be six floors high.

Dean Robert Sindelar testing the interactive e-postcard kiosks before the event gets underway.

The Class of 1978 with Dr. John McNeill, pictured second from the left.

UBC Pharm Sci alumnus Colin Holyk (left) performming live with his band Line49.

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May 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences student wins Health Innovation Award contest

May 26, 2011

Two UBC students were recognized by the Health Council of Canada for their winning entry in the Health Innovation Award contest, highlighting best practices in Canadian health care. Allison Mariko Nakanishi, an MD student, and Frank Ka-Shing Leung, a graduating student from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, were awarded first place in the team category for their entry, “Virtual Patient Teaching Tools: An Innovative Model to Enhance Canada’s Health Care Education.” To read the full story, click here.

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Dr. Carlo Marra featured in Vancouver Sun article on TIDE Research program

May 16, 2011

UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences' Dr. Carlo Marra has been featured in an article in the Vancouver Sun titled "TIDE Research program aims to diagnose treatable disorders in newborns." To read the full article on the Treatable Intellectual Disability Endeavour (TIDE) Research program, click here.

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Dr. Ellen Wasan wins 2011 BCIT Employee Excellence Award for Applied Research

May 3, 2011

Dr. Ellen Wasan, Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC, has won the 2011 BCIT Employee Excellence Award in the category of Applied Research. The Applied Research Award recognizes an individual or group of BCIT employees who have made an outstanding contribution to advancing knowledge, economic and/or societal well-being, through the development, application and/or implementation of technology. To learn more about the award, cick here.

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April 2011

Adjunct UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor featured in BCIT article for outstanding research

April 2011

Adjunct UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor Dr. Ellen Wasan was recently featured in a BCIT article for her research on visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a disease affecting the populations of 88 countries across the globe. To read the article, click here.

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Dr. Kishor Wasan wins 2011 CSPS Award of Leadership in Canadian Pharmaceutical Sciences

April 2011

Dr. Kishor Wasan from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC is this year's winner of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences (CSPS) Award of Leadership in Canadian Pharmaceutical Sciences. This prestigious honour recognizes scientists for leadership in advancing the cause of pharmaceutical research and development in Canada. Dr. Wasan has been an active member of CSPS since it was first established and this distinction acknowledges his significant contributions to understanding the relationship between plasma lipoproteins and drug action and disposition. The award will be presented at the CSPS Annual Symposium taking place in Montreal this month. For more information, please contact Dr. Kishor Wasan at kwasan@mail.ubc.ca or 604-822-4889. For more information on CSPS, click here.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences receives $250,000 equipment donation from Merck Canada

April 2011

It was a sad day when Merck Canada closed the doors on its excellent research facility in Kirkland, Quebec in Fall 2010. Although the laboratory was well known for the excellence of its research and the productivity of its scientists, the merger of Merck and Schering-Plough in 2009 prompted a review of all research and manufacturing facilities of the company across the world. In designing the new network, Merck evaluated its global resources and capabilities and focused on how to best organize research to efficiently and successfully deliver on its objectives. This unfortunately meant the closure of its Centre for Therapeutic Research (MRL).

In the midst of the difficult process of implementing the closure, Patricia Massetti (Vice-President of Public Affairs and Stakeholder Relations) and Norma Sebestyen (Director of Policy and Reimbursement for Western Canada) saw a creative opportunity to help the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC. "Merck believes in continuing support in research endeavours as well as academic initiatives," says Patricia Massetti. “That is why Merck ensured that MRL equipment was donated to major institutions across Canada, and in particular to UBC.”

The result is a very generous donation of lab equipment and supplies valued at approximately $250,000. Some of it will be put into immediate use, and a portion of it will be stored for use in the expanded number of laboratories in the new building.

In the words of Dean Bob Sindelar, “Merck has a long standing reputation for innovative research in Canada and beyond. The presence of this equipment in our laboratories will be an impetus for our Faculty to continue Merck’s legacy in fine pharmaceutical research. We are deeply grateful not only for their generosity, but also for supporting Canadian academic research in the midst of challenging times in the industry.”

For more information on how you can support our stellar new facility, please contact Janis Horne, Director of Development, at janis.horne@ubc.ca or 604-822-1328.

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Dr. Judith Soon wins Distinguished Service Award

April 2011

Dr. Judith Soon from UBC's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was recently recognized as a 2011 Distinguished Service Award Recipient for her valuable volunteer contributions as a Judge for Youth Science Canada (YSC), a not-for-profit science advocacy organization that marks its 50th anniversary this year. She has been with YSC for over 15 years, currently as the National Judge-in-Chief. To learn more, click here. For more information, please contact Dr. Judith Soon at jasoon@mail.ubc.ca or 604-822-4139.

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Dr. Fawziah Marra wins Dr. Lindsay E. Nicolle Award

April 2011

Dr. Fawziah Marra from UBC's Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was awarded the Dr. Lindsay E. Nicolle Award for her recent paper The relationship among antibiotic consumption socioeconomic factors and climatic conditions published in Volume 21, No 3 of The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology. The award is given annually to an individual (first author of a paper) who has made a significant contribution to Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology as demonstrated by the impact of their original research published in The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases & Medical Microbiology. To read an abstract, click here. For more information, please contact Dr. Fawziah Marra at fawziah.marra@bccdc.ca or 604-707-2584.

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March 2011

UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences collaborative research project receives CHRP Program grant

March 2011

A collaborative research project involving UBC’s Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the Departments of Chemistry and Materials Engineering has recently received $491,000 in grant funding from the Collaborative Health Research Projects (CHRP) Program. CHRP supports focused interdisciplinary collaborative research projects involving any field of the natural sciences or engineering and any field of the health sciences. Proposed research projects should be innovative and lead to health benefits for Canadians.

The funding will support a three-year research project focusing on the development and potential mechanisms in bifunctional lanthanide compound enhancement of deteriorating bone structures. "Our goal is to translate the results of our early stage lanthanide hydroxypyridinone discovery into drug candidates for the treatment of a number of bone density disorders," says principal-investigator Dr. Chris Orvig of the UBC Chemistry Department, and long-time associate member of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Other members of the successful team are co-investigator Dr. Kishor Wasan from Pharmaceutical Sciences and co-investigator Dr. Rizhi Wang, Canada Research Chair in Biomaterials.

The CHRP Program is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). For more information please contact Dr. Chris Orvig at orvig@chem.ubc.ca or 604-822-4449.

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UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program wins Peter Larkin Award

March 2011

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is proud to announce that it has received the Peter Larkin Award in recognition for its Graduate Program. Dr. Peter Larkin was the first Fisheries Biologist at the University of British Columbia. He went on to become the founding Director of the Institute of Fisheries Graduate Program, Dean of Graduate Studies (1975) and Vice-President, Research (1986). Dr. Larkin is also a Member of the Order of Canada (1995) and the Order of BC (1996).

The award acknowledges a UBC graduate program or department that has significantly impacted on student life and development in a positive way. “I’m thrilled and excited,” says Dr. Helen Burt, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at the Faculty. “We have developed a fantastic program and there is still great potential for us to go further.”

The Faculty sincerely thanks everyone who helped to make this honour possible, including Dr. Linda Tran, Dr. Kevin Letchford, Dr. Cindy Prescott and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Society (PharGS) for their efforts in preparing supporting nomination letters.

A reception will be held on April 21, 2011. For more information on UBC Student Development Awards click here.

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