'Current, evidence-based and inspirational’

By Heidi Wicks | July 22, 2014

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 Aug. 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.

“Education provided by the speakers is always of high quality: current, evidence-based and inspirational,” said School of Pharmacy faculty member Dr. Tiffany Lee, who has attended several previous sessions. 

“Summer Educational Sessions is a unique conference in that it also offers delegates a series of social events, providing delegates from across the country with an opportunity to network and collaborate. I think all pharmacists can benefit from attending the sessions, 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, School of Pharmacy will present on the topic, Pharmacotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

“This disease was once a disabling, progressive disorder for which there were no adequate treatments,” he said. “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. J.M. Gamble, assistant professor with the School of Pharmacy, 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 said. “Using a case-based approach, we will review why statistical literacy is critical for pharmacists and other health-care professionals in order to understand and communicate risks in health care.”

Dr. Scott Edwards, who is 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,” he said. “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 www.cshp.ca/events/ses/2014/index_e.asp.

For frequent updates and to join the conversation online, follow them on Twitter @SES2014 or Facebook (www.facebook.com/SES2014NL).  


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