PQ+2 April 2026 Issue

Reflecting with the APSA President: Nathaniel Fernetti

What has been your greatest success as the APSA president?

Not breaking my ankle, iykyk…

But seriously, during my time as President, APSA has held many events and strengthened connections with the broader university community resulting in our increased involvement in important discussions and initiatives. However, to say that these successes belong to me would be to deny the proper acknowledgement that the entire APSA Council deserves. None of this would ever be possible without the fantastic team that I was lucky to work alongside over the last year; APSA’s success belongs to them, the councillors who have devoted countless hours to our events, initiatives, meetings, and everything we do.

What areas of pharmacy school or student life can still be improved?

With the cost of everything continuing to rise, it’s important to be there for students. Many students face financial and emotional stressors that may become barriers to their progress in the program without appropriate support. Advocating for more support while on placements, providing more events that look after the mental and physical wellbeing of students, and developing further initiatives to combat food scarcity are some of the areas that I hope to see continue to grow.

What

is one piece of advice you want to leave the pharmacy

students?

Enjoy your time here. There’s nothing quite like the pharmacy program and it truly can be whatever you want it to be; make friends, create memories that will last a lifetime, and study every now and then. The time flies by and then, one day, you ’ re approaching your last day on campus and realizing that the events and the classes that you ’ ve grown accustomed to are soon to be things of the past, the people you ’ re used to seeing everyday will soon be setting off on their own adventures, and you’ll realize how bittersweet it is to be moving on.

What was your best memory as the APSA president?

From getting to interact with students at events to co-hosting the PharmDent hockey game, having whipped cream thrown at me for charity to speaking at the Class of 2029 White Coat Ceremony, it’s hard to choose just one moment as my best memory. I am extremely grateful to have been given the chance to act as APSA President over the last year and every minute has been truly unforgettable; I’ve enjoyed the time I got to share with you and getting to know you all a bit better.

Get to Know the APSA President-Elect: Chase Fedak

Why did you want to be the next APSA president-elect?

I believe that everyone should have a say in the matter I ran for APSA President because I want each and every one of you to feel heard, represented, and understood I realized during my time as Class Representative the difference that I could make by encouraging my peers (aka all of you <3) to speak up for what you feel is right… and I learned that I enjoy doing it ;)!

To summarize, I ran for President-Elect because I see great potential in you all, and I’d love to be the catalyst to bring that potential to light <3

What will be your primary focuses during your presidency?

During my presidency, my number one priority is to strengthen the Student-Faculty feedback loop that already exists. I will utilize the Student Advisory Council to its maximum potential and ensure as many students know of its purpose and benefits. Encouraging connection via increased social media utilization is another focus for me. Discord is fabulous, do not get me wrong, but by collaborating with our Social Media Director I want to implement APSA Position Introductions, Event Reels, and potentially Day in the Lives (to be determined…) using Instagram. As well, I hope to connect with all of you so much more <3 <3

What are you most looking forward to in your upcoming term?

The part that I am the most excited about is how much networking will come with the position! To be given the opportunity to collaborate with so many important individuals in the pharmacy profession is an honour, and I will always remember that I believe that through these connections I am fortunate enough to build, I will be able to bring great change based on what the student body needs from me Also, I am just a chatty guy, so a little more connection is always welcome in my heart!

What is something interesting about you that most people don't know?

That I love the outdoors!! If I could help it, I would spend the entirety of my days living in a homestead in the Rocky Mountains. Never say never, and I will hold this vision in mind for my future, but for now I find peace in outdoor runs and walks in the River Valley :).

Behindth PagesGoodbye!

And just like that, the academic year comes to a close! That wasn’t so bad, right?

Thank you so much for reading and supporting PQ+2. It’s been fun sharing stories, events, and voices that make PharmD such a lively program. In fact, because there were so many things that happened this year, we were able to put together a timeline of events we weren’t able to cover in previous issues (wink wink…see page 18).

We’re grateful to everyone who contributed along the way, and we can’t wait to see what the future brings. If you ’ re interested, be sure to join the magazine as an Editor next year.

Good luck on your rotations, and have a wonderful break!

Yours truly,

The PQ+2 Team :)

INCLUSIVE CARE INCLUSIVE CARE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE

QUEER HEALTH IN MEDICINE

The Inclusive Care Conference is an annual conference hosted by the Sexuality & Gender Advocacy Committee (SGA) of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine. This studentled group is dedicated to highlighting the LGBTQ+ experience in healthcare, as well as promoting queer and trans health education

Amongst the wide range of guests, pharmacy students were also invited to attend

Here’s what they had to say...

My favourite part of the conference was listening to the perspectives of the attendees. There were physicians (of course), but there were also nurses, social workers, researchers, health care students, and local community members We all have a role to play in queer healthcare, and we are stronger when we work together

I really enjoyed the evidence for pregna see more informatio

I learned a lot about what inclusive care and training looks like across the different disciplines.

Research Spotlight

As women in Canada continue to live longer, reaching an average life expectancy of 83.9 years, many may spend up to 40% of their lives in menopause, without the protective effects of estrogen and progesterone. “This hormonal decline significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease,” explains Dr. Ayman El-Kadi, professor and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Cardiovascular disease remains the second leading cause of death in Canada and affects more women than men.

Dr. El-Kadi’s research, supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, focuses on identifying safer and more effective alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for preventing heart disease in postmenopausal women. Although HRT can offer benefits, its use has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, highlighting the need for alternative treatment strategies.

In addition, the lab is exploring the potential to repurpose existing medications and evaluate new compounds that regulate CYP enzyme activity. Ultimately, the goal is to develop innovative, evidencebased therapies that can improve cardiovascular health and quality of life for postmenopausal women.

His laboratory investigates the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes in cardiovascular health, particularly their involvement in cardiac hypertrophy, a thickening of the heart muscle that can eventually lead to heart failure. The team has identified several CYP-derived metabolites that may either protect or damage the heart. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Texas, the group is working to develop stable compounds that enhance the protective effects of these metabolites.

In addition, the lab is exploring the potential to repurpose existing medications and evaluate new compounds that regulate CYP enzyme activity. Ultimately, the goal is to develop innovative, evidence-based therapies that can improve cardiovascular health and quality of life for postmenopausal women.

MuslimPharmacy StudentAssociation IftarEvent

ANINTERVIEWWITHTHEMPSC

TEAM

WrittenByMuadhAlqubaisi

1.WhatisRamadanandEidal-Fitr,and whyaretheyimportanttoMuslims?

Ramadanisthe9thmonthoftheIslamicLunarCalendar,anditisatime whenMuslimsworldwidefastfromdawntosunset.Beyondabstaining fromfoodanddrink,Ramadanfocusesonspiritualgrowth,charity,and strengtheningfaithandrelationships. Eachday,thefastisbrokenatsunsetwithamealcallediftar,oftenshared withfamilyandfriends.Atnight,Muslimsgatheratlocalmosquesforthe Taraweehprayers.ThemonthconcludeswithEidal-Fitr,acelebration markingtheendoffastingandatimeofjoyandgratitude.Eidal-Fitrstarts withalargemorningprayerinaMosque,followedbycelebrationsand visitstofamilyandfriends.Additionally,thereisasecondEid,knownas

Eid l Adh

2.WhatdoesFastinginvolve,andwhatareits implicationsinthesettingofPharmacy?

Fastinginvolvesabstainingfromeating,drinking,andmore,fromdawntosunset, whichisjustover13hourshereinEdmonton,asofthetimeofwriting.Fasting duringthemonthofRamadanisoneoftheFivePillarsofIslam,thecoreprinciples oftheFaith.Thepurposeoffastingistodevelopself-discipline,gratitude,and empathyforthosewhoarelessfortunate.However,itisimportanttonotethat therearesomeexemptionsfromtheobligationtofast,suchas illnesses/conditionsthatwouldmakefastingharmful,and pregnancy/breastfeeding. Duringthefastingperiodoftheday,patientswhoarefastingtypicallyavoidtaking oralmedications,whichcanaffectmedicationadherence.Additionally,some medicationshavetherapeuticbenefitsorsideeffectsthatcanbealtered, especiallythoseaffectedbyfood,antihyperglycemic,andantihypertensive medications.Forexample,Levothyroxinewouldideallybetakenonanempty stomach,butthiscanbetricky,aspatientswouldbeeatingduringthetimethey areawakeandnotfasting(e.g.,7:30PM-6:00AM).

Therefore,itisimportanttodiscusswithfastingpatientsduringRamadanhow theirmedicationregimenscanbeaccommodated.Whilesomemedications,such astopicalcreams,canbetakenduringfasting,patientsshouldavoidtabletsor capsulesduringfastinghours.Askhowtheirmedicationusechangesduring Ramadancomparedtoothertimes.Thisapproachidentifiesbarriersto adherenceandenablesshareddecision-makingtomaintaintherapeuticgoals whilerespectingfasting.Forexample,adrugrequiringfourdailydoses,suchas Cephalexin,couldbeswitchedtoalessfrequentoption,likeCefuroxime(twice daily),ifappropriate.

3.InterestingFactsaboutRamadan

1.Ramadan,alongwithothermonthsintheIslamicCalendar,beginswhen thenewmoonisspotted.

2.TheIslamicCalendarisbasedonthelunaryear,whichisaround11days shorterthantheGregoriancalendar,whichisbasedontheSolaryear.

3.Ramadan‘movesback’around11dayseachyear, andwillrepeatitselfevery33years.

4.SincethetimeofyearatwhichRamadanoccurs varies,thelengthofthefastinghoursvaries significantly,especiallyhereinEdmonton,where wearefarfromtheequator.

5.In2030,therewillbe2Ramadans,withthefirst beginninginEarlyJanuaryandthesecond beginninginLateDecember.

6.Thelasttimetherewas2Ramadansinayearwas in1997.

7.Laylat-al-Qadr(theNightofPower)occursduringthefinal10nightsof Ramadan,andisconsideredtheholiestdayoftheyear(Laylatal-Qadr isbetterthan1000months-Quran97:3)

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/598323/why-is-laylat-al-qadr-honored https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC521001/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/15/ramadan-2026-fasting-hours-suhoor-and-iftar-times-around-theworld

SPONSORED

BY

PHARMDENT PHARMDENT

HOCKEY GAME HOCKEY GAME

ADVILANCHE ADVILANCHE

VS

MOLAR BEARS MOLAR BEARS

P riumphed over Dentistry at the annual game in support of Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. It was a friendly match, but Advilanche was unstoppable, scoring 5 goals in the first period, 4 more in the second, and rounding out the last period with 6 goals.

Congratulations to both teams and the players!

All proceeds from both faculties towards the hockey game, including tickets, the 50/50 raffle, fundraising, and concessions, raised over $2000 for the foundation. 15 1

Stollery Children’s Hospital serves 500,000 km² and provides in-person and virtual care to kids and teens. To enhance the care provided to these younger patients, a new standalone Stollery will be built on UofA’s South Campus.

Thank you to Elise Forsyth, Nathaniel Fernetti, and Advilanche team captain Max Albrecht for organizing the event, and to Co-op for sponsoring.

$2000 + RAISED $2000 + RAISED

CSHP Hospita Career Night

The annual Hospital Pharmacy Career provided pharmacy students with a v opportunity to explore the diverse dynamic world of hospital pharmacy. T small-group rotations, students connected with pharmacists across a wide range of specialties, from inpatient and ambulatory care to infectious diseases, critical care, health informatics, and administration.

areer paths. Pharmacists shared ngs, transitioning into leadership lving models like virtual care and ts highlighted that hospital aped by flexibility, continuous connections! In a relaxed ed practical insight, and s and colleagues. These knowledge matters, but m are what makes that

an an introduction elationships you you become!

“If you could give one key piece of advice to your younger self when starting out in hospital pharmacy, what would it be?”

Stay open-minded:

don’t limit yourself to one specialty too early, as broad experience builds stronger, well-rounded clinicians

Invest in learning tools and resources that make your workflow more efficient

Your reputation matters: clinical knowledge is key, but so are communication and teamwork, and how you come across to others

Say yes to opportunities: they often open leads to new experiences, connections, and unexpected career paths

Know when to say no: be realistic about your time and commitments

Tips for Rotation

Written by: Omnia Rajab

Terrified for your rotation? Afraid you ’ re going to somehow trip over nothing in front of your preceptor on your first day? Been there, done that. Read these rotation tips to make your experience the best it can be!

Dress appropriately. The attire you wear to your rotation can make or break your learning experience, so always make sure you ask what the dress code of the workplace is before your first day.

Introduce yourself. Whether this be to your patients, new colleagues, or other healthcare professionals, it is very important to declare your role before jumping into conversation with a new person.

Ask questions, but make sure you check your resources before asking. Your preceptor is a fantastic source of knowledge, but learning how to find information on your own with credible resources is an invaluable skill.

Pace yourself. Consider investing in compression socks, or wall sits, or perhaps upping your leg day regimen at the gym. Hospital rotations specifically can include standing still for prolonged periods of time, and if you ’ re not used to that, you will end up awkwardly leaning on whatever you can find, which isn’t the greatest look.

AYEAR IN REVIEW

2 0 2 52 0 2 6

Blink and you’ll miss it! What have students been up to this year?

SEPTEMBER

> WELCOME BACK BBQ

OCTOBER

> MINT MONSTERS COMPETITION

NOVEMBER

> PIE IN THE FACE

DECEMBER

> FINAL EXAM CRAM (NOT PICTURED)

JANUARY

> SPICY RAMEN CHALLENGE

FEBRUARY

> BREAKFAST CLUB AND READING WEEK

MARCH

> PAM PAM PAM! (AND DID I MENTION PAM?)

INDIGENOUSPHARMACYSTUDENTSCLUB

ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

THE INDIGENOUS PHARMACY STUDENTS CLUB (IPSC) WAS FOUNDED BY REAGAN AND MORGAN FROM THE CLASS OF 2029, BORN OUT OF A DESIRE TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH AND REPRESENTATION IN THE PHARMD PROGRAM.

BOTH REAGAN AND MORGAN HAVE SEEN THE KEY ROLE PHARMACISTS PLAY IN SMALLER COMMUNITIES OUTSIDE OF THE CITY, AND HAVE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE WORKING IN PHARMACIES AS WELL. IN HER FIVE YEARS AS A PHARMACY ASSISTANT, REAGAN WATCHED HOW STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION PREVENTED HER INDIGENOUS PATIENTS FROM RECEIVING THE CARE THEY NEEDED.

BRIDGING THIS GAP IS A MULTIFACETED, LONG TERM PROCESS, BUT STUDENTS CAN STILL MAKE AN IMPACT. MORGAN RECOGNIZED A LACK OF INDIGENOUS REPRESENTATION IN THE PHARMACY STUDENT COHORT--- SHE CONNECTED WITH REAGAN AT THE START OF THE YEAR THROUGH THEIR SHARED IDENTITY, BACKGROUND, AND EXPERIENCE.

NINE SPOTS IN THE PHARMACY PROGRAM ARE RESERVED EACH YEAR FOR INDIGENOUS APPLICANTS OF FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS, OR INUIT ANCESTRY WHO MEET THE MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS.

THE IPSC WILL BE WORKING TOWARDS HIGHLIGHTING THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR PROSPECTIVE INDIGENOUS STUDENTS, AND TO ACT AS AN ADVOCATE FOR INDIGENOUS HEALTH. SO FAR, THEY INVITED PHARMACIST AMBER RUBEN TO PRESENT HER RESEARCH ON INDIGENOUS EXPERIENCES IN THE CANADIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM. THEY ALSO HELD THEIR FIRST BEADING WORKSHOP. STUDENTS GREATLY ENJOYED THEIR EVENTS FOR PAM.

AMESSAGEFROM THEIPSC

THE INDIGENOUS PHARMACY STUDENTS CLUB IS SEEKING A TALENTED ARTIST TO DESIGN A LOGO FOR OUR NEWLY FOUNDED CLUB AND WE WOULD LOVE FOR IT TO BE YOU! IF YOU HAVE ARTISTIC SKILLS AND ARE INTERESTED IN CONTRIBUTING YOUR CREATIVITY TO OUR COMMUNITY, WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT. PLEASE CONTACT US AT IPSCUALBERTA@GMAIL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Can you find all the hidden eggs?

Each egg design appears twice.

EGG EGG EGG HUNT HUNT HUNT

Background: