Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a series of personal stories and testimonials from Pharmacy students about their experiences studying at UBC Pharm Sci. To learn more about our program, register for the upcoming information session. The deadline to apply for our new Entry to Practice PharmD program is February 2nd, 2015.

“When I began my journey in pharmacy, I really didn’t know what to expect. Sure, I had visited pharmacies and spoken with professionals about the roles and duties of a pharmacist, but by the time that I was accepted, I still had a lot of unanswered questions. Nevertheless, bright-eyed and excited, I happily accepted my offer from the University of British Columbia, and – despite offers from my hometown – left Edmonton, Alberta to begin my training independently as a future healthcare professional.

To my great surprise, I quickly learned that pharmacy was nothing like the media made it out to be. How was I going to translate this joy back to my friends and family? I was sure that they would never believe the experiences that I have had in my short time here as a first year pharmacy student. I have had exposure to bed-side environments at several hospitals, participated in exciting pharmacy research, started my own research project and have become a member of several student organizations. In addition, we have learned in our classes that the scope of pharmacy practice is currently expanding faster than ever before, and that we may be entrusted with new responsibilities in the near future.

My classes involve problem based learning environments where we study and solve real life problems that I am instantly able to translate back into my everyday life. I am personally challenged everyday to learn more about medications, disease, and patient care as I am faced with it at school, and in my exposure to clinical practice at the hospital. I feel that the cutting edge research and volunteer opportunities at UBC are extremely unique, and that an excited prospective healthcare student should be thrilled to get started.

Despite my obsession (for lack of a better word) with my studies and opportunities, I believe that the factor that most justifies my decision to leave my home would be my mentors, professors and colleagues. Aptly dubbed our “Pharmily,” the group of people that we surround ourselves with everyday inspire me to become better, while helping ease the stress of such a competitive program. I can look forward to keeping these friends for the next four years and onward, and eventually becoming a fellow professional to my professors.

I wouldn’t have chosen anything over pharmacy, and would recommend it to anyone who is up to the challenge.”

– Jackson Stewart, First Year BSc(Pharm) Student

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