The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for innovation in education and research throughout the community. More than ever, patients are turning to their pharmacist as a trusted, front-line care provider for advice on a wider spectrum of health and wellness concerns. There's also a significant need for diagnostic and therapeutic options to the contain and treat the novel coronavirus.
It's an exciting time for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists to seize this opportunity while amplifying our collective impact. As we navigate the post-pandemic world, the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy remains committed to moving science and health, while showing the world what pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists are capable of.
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Since the early days of the pandemic, many Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy faculty members were called upon by the media to explain key issues related to stockpiling, diagnostic testing, drug policy, and more.
Here’s a summary of media coverage featuring our faculty member from March 2020.
Assistant Professor (Status) Mina Tadrous receives IQVIA Institute Award to lead research on the effect COVID-19 has on drug supply chains and shortages, as well as the effectiveness of drug shortage policy.
via UPMC
Professor Zubin Austin discusses the importance of expressing cultural humility in pharmacy practice.
via Pharmacy Today
Fourth year PharmD MBA Candidate Peter Zhang writes op-ed discussing the prospect of seasonal influenza overlapping with COVID-19.
via Toronto Star
In collaboration with Canadian biopharmaceutical Avicanna, Christine Allen's lab has received a Mitacs Grant to develop a new treatment for lung-inflammation associated with COVID-19.
via Forbes
Keith Pardee and his lab have been awarded a second CIHR grant to support another set of diagnostic tools for the fight against COVID-19.
via Canada.ca
Assistant Professor (Status) Mina Tadrous discusses the spike in drug shortages due to COVID-19, and the added pressures it has on the health care system.
via CTV News
Assistant Professor (Status) Linda Dresser talks about the risks associated with self-medicating with an unproven therapy.
via Toronto Star
Associate Professor Jamie Kellar talks about proper medication storage, the right type of thermometer to use and more.
via CTV News
Associate Professor Alison Thompson discusses the ethics of immunity passports in wake of COVID19.
via The Current (tune in at the 42 minute mark to hear her interview)
Professor (Status) Muhammad Mamdani made The MaRS list of "10 Canadian Health Innovators you need to know" for his AI-powered forecasting tool that predicts patients volume and needs.
via MaRS
Professor Zubin Austin weighs in on Canadians stockpiling medication during COVID-19, and why talking to your pharmacist can make a big difference in preventing drug shortages.
via Toronto Star
Professor Christine Allen explains how the Canadian women leading the charge against COVID-19 could inspire a new generation of women in science.
via Toronto Star
Assistant Professor (Status) Mina Tadrous comments on concerns of Canadians stockpiling drugs after seeing how the U.S. and other regions respond to COVID-19.
via CBC News
Associate Professor Alison Thompson discusses the ethical guidelines for resource planning if the spread of COVID-19 continues to increase.
via CBC News
As fears surrounding COVID-19 peak, Associate Professor Alison Thompson explains the ethics surrounding stockpiling and pandemics.
via National Post
Assistant Professor Keith Pardee was among several U of T researchers to receive CIHR funding for work related to COVID-19. Pardee is part of a research team involving experts in four countries collaborating on low-cost and easy-to-use diagnostic tests.
via Globe and Mail
Professor Zubin Austin said the role of pharmacies in an outbreak like this is heightened since part of people’s preparation involves visiting pharmacies to buy over-the-counter items like masks, gloves or hand sanitizer.
via Huffington Post
Professor Jillian Kohler discusses potential distribution of expired medication in Ethiopia.
via Global News
