PharmD to be: Welcome class of 2023

The practice of pharmacy is an ancient profession with roots tracing back to Babylonia. As trusted health and medication experts, pharmacists today play an important role in improving the health of individuals and broader communities. Last week, first-year students from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy embarked on their journey within the pharmacy profession marked by the annual Induction Ceremony.

“By entering the pharmacy program here at the University of Toronto, you are on the path to become a valued health professional who significantly impacts the health of Ontario citizens” said Jamie Kellar, acting director of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.

“We are confident you will embrace this vital role and recognize its importance from this day forward.”

As part of the ceremony, students don their professional white coats for the first time. Since 2011, the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) has generously sponsored the white coats for Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy students. The OPA is also committed to enhancing student experience throughout the academic year and is the Presenting Sponsor for the Student Support Fund for 2019-2020.  

"The Undergraduate Pharmacy Society would like to thank OPA for their continued partnership throughout the years,” said Shreeya Thakar, senior external affairs director, Undergraduate Pharmacy Society (UPS). “Their generous contributions have bettered various aspects of student life, whether it be educating pharmacy students on advocacy or supporting student initiatives. We are grateful and always look forward to working with the OPA team!"

Allan Malek, Executive Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer for the Ontario Pharmacists Association attended the 2T3 Induction Ceremony and congratulated the students. “The White Coat Induction Ceremony symbolizes the professionalism, confidence and passion expected of all healthcare providers,” said Malek. “The OPA is extremely proud to welcome the newest PharmD candidates into the noble profession of pharmacy and knows they will honour this rich tradition and ensure that the trust patients place in their pharmacists is well-founded.”