PharmD ambassadors: a bridge to the future of Francophone pharmacy

The uOttawa Faculty of Medicine's Doctor of Pharmacy program, inaugurated on August 28, 2023, marks a significant milestone in French-language health education outside Quebec. Rooted in a unique bilingual context, this innovative program aims to train competent pharmacists who are ready to meet the needs of Francophone minority communities.

But beyond the academic aspect, one of the strengths of this program lies in the human interactions. And this is where the roles of Liane Hurtubise and Stephanie Perron, ambassadors of the program, take on their full meaning.

A PharmD student since the program's inception in 2023, Liane immediately saw the role of ambassador as an opportunity to build strong connections with her peers, faculty, and health professionals. Originally from Ontario, she is passionate about sharing her student experience with those who wish to follow in her footsteps. 

Being an ambassador for the undergraduate program goes far beyond mere representation: it is about offering an authentic and personal insight into the challenges and opportunities that mark the lives of pharmacy students.  She sees her role as building critical connections between prospective students and the university community, emphasizing the importance of direct interaction with those already in the program.

It allows Liane to actively participate in events such as PharmD open houses and information sessions, where she leads discussions and answers questions from prospective students. "I myself attended many events to better understand the programs that interested me" Liane says. "Now it's my turn to share this valuable information".

Stephanie brings another perspective as an ambassador. Excited to share her journey and experiences, Stephanie sees this role as a way to support those who, like her, had many questions before making their career choice. 

Originally from North Bay, Ontario, she completed a bachelor's degree in biopharmaceutical sciences before joining the PharmD program at the University of Ottawa.  Stephanie participates in events where she has the opportunity to speak directly to students and their families, demystifying the admissions process and providing insights into university life through a student's lens.

"One of my most impactful interactions was with a family from another province," Stephanie recalls. "We talked for half an hour, and I was able to answer all their questions. It was a rewarding moment."

The University of Ottawa's PharmD program, the first of its kind in French outside Quebec, is distinguished by its innovative pedagogical structure. By combining active learning, spiral progression, and interprofessionalism, the program provides a comprehensive and hands-on training. With its 144 credits and 40 weeks of internships, it allows students to master the skills needed to work in a variety of environments, ranging from community pharmacies to hospitals.

"This program responds to a critical need for Francophone pharmacists in Ontario," says Dr. Christine Landry, Director of the PharmD program. "One of our priorities is to train professionals capable of practicing in Francophone minority communities, where access to care in French is essential."

This Francophone dimension of the program is essential not only for students like Liane and Stephanie, but also for the community they will serve in the future.

The role of ambassadors goes far beyond just attending university events. They promote the program and create links between future students and the uOttawa Faculty of Medicine. For Liane, being an ambassador also means getting to know yourself better and developing communication skills, both in French and English. "I've always loved helping people, and this role allows me to do that in a meaningful way," she says.

Thanks to committed ambassadors like Liane and Stephanie, the University of Ottawa's PharmD program continues to stand out as a training program of excellence. Their passion and dedication perfectly exemplify the spirit of the program, which aims to develop competent and empathetic professionals who are ready to meet the needs of their communities.

For future students, meeting such passionate ambassadors is not only a source of information, but also a source of inspiration. They embody the enthusiasm and commitment needed to succeed in a demanding program, while demonstrating that learning can be a collective and rewarding experience. "This program has given me so many opportunities," says Stephanie, "and I'm happy to be able to share this experience with others."

Thus, through their role as ambassadors, Liane and Stephanie show the way for others who wish to follow a pharmacy path at the University of Ottawa, while strengthening the links between current and future students and the university community.