Abdullah Aboukarr

1T7 PharmD

Medical Scientific Advisor at Bayer Inc.

What do you do in your role?
I am responsible for driving the localization of the global medical and brand strategy, fostering Medical Affairs relationships with Thought Leaders, and advising cross-functionally using medical/scientific expertise. 

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I have more than five years of industry experience in various roles/functions; APPE preceptor for several students, many of which have gone on to complete industrial residencies and now work in the pharmaceutical industry.

Did you participate in any clubs, sports, or activities while at U of T?
I was the Monograph Representative for the class of 1T7 from 2015-2016. I was also the lead male vocalist for two bands, performing at both Arts Night and Phollies. 

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Marie-Helene Irvine

0T9 BScPhm,
1T2 PharmD

Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Amgen

What do you do in your role?
As an MSL, my main role is to develop and maintain relationships and engage scientific experts on a national level. I serve as a scientific resource for internal and external customers. I attend high-profile, external events, such as national and international conventions and symposia. I discuss scientific evidence with specialists (rheumatologists, dermatologists and gastroenterologists). I also provide scientific support and training to the sales force. I regularly give scientific presentations, engage in scientific data discussions, and provide scientific education. In addition, I provide support for clinical trials and research projects, and I provide congress and advisory board support.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I have excellent communication skills, I am a very hard worker and I have exceptional work ethic. I love teaching - whether it be related to therapeutic/medical content or related to process. I am dedicated to learning and growth and thus I always take the time to discuss with students/mentees. I have a very strong network in various pharmacy sectors (hospital, community, industry) and this is a huge asset in my role.

Did you participate in any clubs, sports, or activities while at U of T?
I had a very active student life. I was CAPSI representative for 2 years and then served as VP Education on the National CAPSI council. I was in the pharmacy choir. I also performed in acting, dancing and singing skits during the pharmacy Phollies. I was involved with UPS events planning. While I didn't play sports with my classmates, I taught fitness classes at local gyms while I was a student at U of T.

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Amy Lau

Entry-to-Practice 1T5 PharmD

Epic Pharmacist Application Specialist at SickKids

What do you do in your role?
I support clinical workflow by configuring the back-end build within the Epic system used by SickKids.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
My pharmacy journey has been unconventional and I have been fortunate enough to have been involved in many different areas of the profession - from the more traditional like community, inpatient, and ambulatory settings, to the more atypical like health plan analytics and now EHR technical support. These experiences lend me a unique viewpoint into what pharmacists can accomplish and where we can go.

Did you participate in any clubs, sports, or activities while at U of T?
Monograph Co-Editor, (1T5), Monograph Rep, (1T5), Faculty Rep, CAPSI-CAPSIL Editor, member of SOAPE.

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Jessie Singh

Hon. BScPhm R.Ph, 0T8

Clinical Pharmacist, Geriatric Medicine Clinic at William Olser Health Systems

What do you do in your role?
Having worked in varying areas in Pharmacy , industry (as consultant), government (Ministry of Health), community and now hospital (hospital pharmacist in both inpatient and outpatient setting) I have now found my self as outpatient clinical pharmacist for the Geriatric Outpatient Clinic at William Osler Health Systems. My role is to conduct medication assessments for all clinics (Memory, Parkinson's, Polypharmacy, Incontinence, Osteoporosis and BPSD) to identify any medication related issues. I liaise and am consulted for various drug information questions and monitor any medication changes (especially high risk medications) that are made in clinic setting. Recently I have become the consultant for cannabis dosing when prescribed in clinic for issues of pain, PD and behaviours.

What skills do you posess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I love to teach (I take on APPE students and residents for many years and have won the teaching award in hospital setting). I have vast experience in different areas of pharmacy but also different areas of practice within the hospital program (I have worked in HIV clinic, cardiology, neurology, medicine, ICU/CCU and now outpatient geriatric medicine). I remember what it was like being a student and being anxious about next steps and how I would get to where I wanted to be.

Rimona Natanson

BPharmacy, SYNNY Buffalo (1996)

Clinical Pharmacist at Sunnybrook Sciences Center

What do you do in your role?
Clinical Pharmacist with liaison responsibilities to Burn Unit, Level 2 Neuro ICU, Acute Pain Service.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
Past students have told me that I have been the best rotation they have had, I have been supportive and have taught them well, that they will remember what I have taught for a long time. Students seem to have enjoyed my style of mentoring.

Sylvia Kong

PharmD, 1T9

Pharmacist at Scarborough Health Network

What do you do in your role?
I am a hospital inpatient pharmacist. I rotate clinical floors every week: surgery, general medicine, stroke and mental health.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
Inpatient and retail experience (I have worked full time in both settings), skills on resume and interview preparation, and guidance on how to engage in meaningful extracurricular and leadership activities.

Did you participate in any clubs, sports, or activities while at U of T?
UPS Jr/Sr Athletic Director (2016-2018), Pharmacy dragon boat team, many pharmacy intramural sports: co-ed and women basketball, women floor hockey, co-ed dodgeball, softball, and flag football, MC for pharmacy talent show (2016), and UPS student counsel.

Jasjit Garcha

Masters in Pharmacy (1999)
Part of the IPG Program (2003-04)

Associate Owner at Shoppers Drug Mart

What do you do in your role?
I am Associate Owner at two Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Windsor, ON. I am a CDE and have been pharmacist in Ontario since January, 2005. I manage the two locations and am actively involved in the community. I have mentored SPT Technicians and am a PACE Assessor as well.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I am organized and have lot of experience working as pharmacist in community setting in very busy pharmacy.

Saba Tabassum

BScPhm, 9T9
CDE, CPS

Pharmacist at Shoppers Drug Mart

What do you do in your role?
Working as full time pharmacist with some managerial and leadership tasks.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I am very well experienced and working in pharmacy setting from last 11 years continuously. I am confident that I have all the skills which would be needed to work as mentor.

Adrian Leung

BScPhm, 1T1
MHSc, 2T1 Program

Manager, Digital Health at Ontario Health

Adrian Leung is a Program Manager of Digital Health at Ontario Health. Adrian's healthcare experience spans the full care continuum from acute to community care with over half a decade focused on long-term care, pharmacy operations, and quality improvement. Most recently, Adrian worked in public health to engage and provide clinical guidance to the primary care, pharmacy, and public health channels in York Region's COVID-19 vaccination campaign. He formed and co-chaired the region's pharmacy council in a concerted effort to grow the profession's representation at various tables. Adrian graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 2011, and a Master of Science in Health Administration in 2021.

What do you do in your role?
I am currently part of a new team at Ontario Health that fosters collaboration between Ontario Health Teams and stewards their digital plans toward one that aligns with the provincial vision and strategy for digital and virtual care.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I bring a breadth of exposure to different areas of the health system that I would be happy to share.

Did you participate in any clubs, sports, or activities while at U of T?
Highlights include Professional Development Week (PDW) 2010 Planning Committee. Global Medicine Initiatives, and University of Toronto Peer Tutoring.

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Georgina Rizik

9T4 BScPhm,
MBA, Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA Program (Joint Program with Kellogg School of Management & Schulich School of Business)

Executive Director at SC1, Leading London’s Life Sciences Innovation District
Global Healthcare & Biotechnology Executive

Georgina Rizik is a Global Healthcare and Biotechnology Executive with over 25 years of experience across the private, public and non-profit sectors.  Georgina is currently the Executive Director (Chief Executive) at SC1, the new Life Sciences Innovation District in central London, UK.  Georgina brings international commercialization expertise, with a career in Biotechnology that spans leadership roles in global product/portfolio strategy, lifecycle management, business development, launch planning & operations.  Georgina had the privilege to contribute to the local and global success for the following transformative Oncology medications: Femara®, Gleevec®, Zometa®, Xeloda®, Herceptin® and Avastin®.  An advocate for global health equity, Georgina is also a pioneer in the development of innovative Go To Market strategies for Oncology Biosimilars.

Most recently, Georgina has been quite engaged in the start-up ecosystem in Canada and globally as an Advisor to Health Tech and Biotech companies.  She is Mentor (Associate) at the Creative Destruction Lab for several Health Streams and a Strategic Advisor at VoxCell BioInnovation.

Georgina is a globally minded business leader with strategic and cultural agility having worked in Canada, Switzerland, Germany and the UK with deep knowledge of the Canadian, European, US and international health care ecosystems. Experienced in leading teams, these diverse roles have fostered Georgina’s entrepreneurial and collaborative skills, generating global best practices.

Georgina holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Toronto.  In 2009, she earned her executive MBA from the Kellogg-Schulich EMBA Program (Chicago & Toronto).

Georgina is a purpose-driven leader who is passionate about transforming the global approach to the commercialization of innovation in order to drive personalized care and health equity.

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Nikhil Gandhi

BScPhm, 1T4

Clinical Pharmacist at First Nations Health Authority

What do you do in your role?
I provide consultative support for First Nations health organizations in BC for implementing mental health, substance use, and harm reduction programs. I also provide clinical and administrative support for rural and remote nursing stations and health centres. I liaise with government, regulatory bodies, health agencies, and pharmacy partners to improve health outcomes for First Nations peoples and promote decolonization, reconciliation, self-determination for First Nations communities in BC.

What skills do you possess that will add value to your Mentee's experience in this program?
I have strong communication skills. I help mentees reflect on their interests and values as individuals, in order to pursue an enjoyable and meaningful career.