November 20, 2020
Fall convocation background image of students in robes

Class of 2020 Pharmacy graduates celebrate virtual fall convocation

Twenty five Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy graduates will join 2,500 University of Toronto graduates at Saturday’s virtual convocation ceremony.

From adapting to online classes to identifying alternative rotations, the fall class of 2020 has met a number of challenges presented by COVID-19. But the disruptions caused by the pandemic should not take away from the years of hard work and dedication invested by pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences students.

“You have worked incredibly hard, pushed the boundaries of your comfort zones, and made connections that will last a lifetime,” said Professor Lisa Dolovich, Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. “Every ounce of you should be brimming with pride and satisfaction from graduating from one of top Faculties of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the world.”

Click here to read Dean Dolovich’s message to the Class of 2020.

The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy spoke with a few graduating students from the PharmD for Pharmacists program to find out how they plan on celebrating their convocation, career paths, and favourite LDFP memories.

Catherine Cheung

Catherine Cheung
PharmD for Pharmacist Graduate

Could you share any personal 2T0 memories, favourite moments, or lessons learned during your time at LDFP?

Not being able to do my last course/rotation at UHN in 2020 due to COVID-19, but our faculty quickly accommodated and arranged an alternative rotation in time for my graduation.

Lessons learned: Perseverance can really pay off. Stay positive and never ever give up!

Is there anything that surprised you about LDFP after you started your student journey in the Faculty?

I was surprised by how friendly and helpful everyone is (from support staff to professors and preceptors) despite the Faculty being such a big place (I’m from B.C.). Everyone was always willing to help when I needed it.

How will you be celebrating graduation with your peers/family?

There are very limited options right now due to COVID-19, but we are planning to go for a nice dinner after the virtual graduation ceremony.

What are you most excited about post-graduation? What are your future career plans/goals?

I’m most excited about being done – no more school after four university degrees! I hope to become a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Kidney Transplant one day and use my newly acquired skills to help more patients.

Do you have a message or any words of encouragement to share with your fellow graduates?

Never feel bad to invest in yourself and your education. It is critical to maintain good work-life balance for your physical and mental well-being. And stay positive even when it looks grim… things will always turn around!

Marian Shafik

Marian Shafik
PharmD for Pharmacists program

Could you share any personal 2T0 memories, favourite moments, or lessons learned during your time at LDFP?

There are definitely so many to choose from, but the most exciting moments for me happened during the first introductory week on campus. The PharmD for Pharmacists program is offered mainly online, but that first week met so many inspiring colleagues some of whom became friends. Our thirst for knowledge is something we had in common. It created a foundation for what I believe will be life-long friendships. 

Is there anything that surprised you about LDFP after you started your student journey in the Faculty?

Given the reputation LDFP has regarding how rigorous its programs are, I was intimidated at first and concerned about my ability to keep up with the course load.

Shortly after I started however, I was surprised that I had nothing to worry about. I had plenty of support from my professors and colleagues. I received so much understanding and help when needed, making the last three years extremely rewarding. 

I am immensely proud to belong to such a supportive community.

How will you be celebrating graduation with your peers/family?

I have to admit a virtual convocation was not what I had imagined but this year has definitely been full of surprises! Most of my immediate family live abroad so they will be watching the convocation with me. 

One thing is for sure, I am wearing my cap and gown!

What are you most excited about post-graduation? What are your future career plans/goals?

I have always been passionate about school and learning and so I am extremely excited for this accomplishment.

I joined the PharmD for Pharmacists program to hone my skills as a clinical pharmacist. I intend to pursue a career in hospital pharmacy with a long-term goal to specialize in Nephrology. I am definitely going to continue pursuing any necessary education that will help me achieve my goal.

Do you have a message or any words of encouragement to share with your fellow graduates?

Graduation day has been our goal for quite some time now and the journey getting there has definitely been full of challenges. But we made it!

The knowledge we have acquired thus far will propel us further into a future filled with numerous possibilities. My advice is to always aim high!

Michael Dunne

Michael Dunne
Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD program

Could you share any lessons learned during your time at LDFP?

Sometimes your supervisor is right. Now that I’ve finished grad school, I think it’s probably a safe time to admit that. Not about science – hopefully they’re often right about that – but that’s kind of expected of them.
 
I mean when they talk about life. Yes, I know I’m fortunate to have worked with a supervisor that did talk about things other than science, and I’m glad I listened to her (even if she might sometimes doubt that).
 
One thing she taught me is that your grad school colleagues have the potential to form a big part of your personal and professional networks for the rest of your life. I have seen this firsthand as people have graduated and gone on to work with other people from the department; others have asked me for references; and a job with big pharma made my partner more popular than ever.

Why do you think building community and inclusion is important?

I met some of my closest friends during grad school and this network has helped my transition to a new country. While technology has made the world smaller and I appreciate a video call as much as anyone, I can’t overstate how much of a relief it was to finish my two weeks of pandemic-mandated solitary isolation to have lunch with a friend with whom I had shared so many hours in the lab.

Do you have a message or any words of encouragement to share with your fellow graduates?

Be kind to each other. Be a force for positive change. That’s what people will remember.

Even though it doesn’t always seem like it, in the end you’ll get out of your grad school experience what you put into it, in every respect.

Tune in to U of T's virtual convocation on Saturday, November 21, 2020

All members of the LDFP community are invited to watch the Fall Virtual Convocation celebration on Saturday, November 21 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Visit the U of T Convocation Hub for the ceremony video premiere.

The video will also be made available on the official U of T YouTube channel. In the days after the ceremony premiere, the video will be posted to the U of T Facebook Page.

If you’re sharing pictures or posts on social media, consider including #UofTGrad20.

More News