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Heidi Wicks

A number of faculty members and alumni from the School of Pharmacy are involved in planning the 2014 Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP) Summer Educational Sessions, which will take place from August 9-12 at the Delta Hotel and Convention Centre. The event hasn’t been held in St. John’s since 2003.

Known in the pharmacy community for its high-quality educational events, CSHP partners with one of its branches each year to offer registrants across the country the opportunity to participate in problem-based workshops.

School of Pharmacy faculty members Drs. Amy Conway, Erin Davis, Jason Kielly, Tiffany Lee and Justin Peddle, as well as alumni Jaclyn Aucoin, Lorie Carter, Sarah Strong, Sarah Fennell and Meghan Mior - were eager to serve on the event’s Host Task Force (planning committee).

“Education provided by the speakers is always of high quality: current, evidence-based and inspirational,” said Dr. Lee, who has attended several previous SES’.  “SES is a unique conference in that it also offers delegates a series of social events; it provides delegates from across the country with an opportunity to network and collaborate. I think all pharmacists can benefit from attending SES, not just hospital pharmacists.”

A number of faculty members from the School of Pharmacy are also presenting at the conference, showcasing the array of research being done at the school.

Dr. Carlo Marra (dean) will present on “Pharmacotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)”.

“This disease was once a disabling, progressive disorder for which there were no adequate treatments,” Dr. Marra explained. “However in recent years, treatment strategies have emerged which have drastically changed the outcome of RA. The goal of therapy is now remission and not merely alleviation of symptoms.”

Dr. JM Gamble will discuss “Communicating Health Statistics to Patients and the Health Care Team”.

“The discussion will appeal to those who wish to better understand health statistics and which ones to use when speaking with patients and clinicians,” he relayed. “Using a case-based approach, we will review why statistical literacy is critical for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in order to understand and communicate risks in healthcare.”

Dr. Scott Edwards (cross-appointed with Eastern Health and the Faculty of Medicine) will discuss “Drug Interactions in Oncology for Non-Oncology Pharmacists”.

“The purpose of the session is to provide the hospital pharmacist with an overview and review of drug interactions in oncology,” said Dr. Edwards. “Cancer patients are at a high risk for drug-drug interactions, and are commonly prescribed medications that can further increase the risk.”

The School of Pharmacy has sponsored an exhibit at The Rooms, which will take place during the Opening Reception. The exhibit showcases Newfoundland and Labrador’s unique culture, history, and art, and will provide delegates with the opportunity to learn more about the province.

For more information on the CSHP’s SES 2014, visit .

For frequent updates and to join the conversation online, follow them on Twitter @SES2014 or Facebook ().