If you’re a new student in the PharmD program, welcome!
You are joining Canada's first undergraduate Doctor of Pharmacy program offered in French outside Quebec.
To help you navigate this exciting journey, two of our second-year students, Liane Hurtubise and Stephanie Perron, have agreed to share their experiences and offer some valuable advice.
What advice would you give to a new PharmD student?
Liane Hurtubise: Take care of your mental and physical health, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and do exercise that you enjoy! Don't be intimidated by your teachers. They are here to support you and want to see you succeed. Don't hesitate to ask them questions. Form a small study group for guided discoveries; it's nearly impossible to handle everything on your own. Learn how to manage your time effectively and prioritize your tasks.
Above all, don't get discouraged!
Stephanie Perron: I agree with Liane’s tips, and would add: right from the start, find a methodology that works for you. It’s important to prepare well before each class. Create strong bonds with classmates as helping and supporting each other will be crucial. Remember, the PharmD teachers want us to succeed, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
“Remember, the PharmD teachers want us to succeed, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.”
Stephanie Perron
— 2nd year PharmD student
Can you suggest a great place to study, to meet with friends and to focus?
LH: To study, I really like the rooms available in the Roger Guindon Hall (RGN) library. To meet with friends, I recommend the cafeteria, the campus cafés, or the PharmD facilities. To focus, the study booths in the RGN library or the Saint Paul University library are perfect for quiet time.
SP: To study, I agree with Liane that the RGN library is excellent, especially the desks by the windows. To meet with friends, the cafeteria is good choice, and I would also recommend the PharmD student rooms. The wellness room has very comfortable chairs. To focus, I like to take short walks and explore the outdoor courtyard between RGN and the hospitals. There are several benches where you can enjoy a peaceful nature break.
Do you have a favourite subject, class, or teacher? Why?
LH: I have two favourite classes. The first one is Anatomy and physiology: I am fascinated by the human body and how all systems interact seamlessly. The second one is Therapeutic management: this course integrates everything we learn from other classes, focusing on medical conditions and recommended drug treatments.
As for the teachers, I find them all incredible!
SP: I have a particular interest for compounding formulas. Our course on non-sterile compounding preparations was much more interactive than our other courses. The teachers were excellent, and it was fun to prepare creams, capsules, and suppositories!
What off-campus activity do you recommend?
LH: I recommend engaging in activities that help you take a break from studying and homework. This could include intramural sports, arts, music, reading, yoga, etc.
SP: I suggest following Instagram accounts that highlight events happening in Ottawa. This way, you can enjoy various festivals and activities throughout the year, such as Poutine Fest, shows, Christmas Market, Winterlude, and music festivals. I also love the Level One Game Pub for games or trying escape rooms at one of Ottawa’s many locations!
“I recommend engaging in activities that help you take a break from studying and homework. This could include intramural sports, arts, music, reading, yoga, etc.”
Liane Hurtubise
— 2nd year PharmD student
Do you have a memorable experience to share about your first year?
LH: The final OSCE mock exams were a memorable experience for me. We had to navigate through various stations with simulated patients, each with only seven minutes to complete patient interview and provide a care plan. It was stressful but incredibly rewarding and a great way to prepare for our future licensing exams.
SP: For me, it was attending the CAPSI's Professional Development Week in Toronto. I loved learning and interacting with future pharmacists from schools across Canada.
Is there anything you wish you had known before starting your journey at the Faculty of Medicine?
LH: I wish I had more information about the internships. We were provided with limited details which meant we had to figure out a lot on our own. I had to rely heavily on my previous pharmacy experience.
SP: I wish I had known how challenging it would be, but also that we are capable! It’s important to understand that we can’t do everything perfectly, and that’s normal. It’s important to prioritize what matters most for you, and seek support from loved ones.
Do you have one last thing to tell us about your experience at the Faculty of Medicine?
LH: Enjoy the learning process! If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out, I am happy to help!
SP: Our PharmD program is still very new at the Faculty of medicine. Step by step we are finding our place. We are in an exciting phase of development, and I am excited to see how the program will grow and develop in the coming years!
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