Canadian pharmacy students and interns unified for excellence, advocacy and academics in pharmacy.

About Us

Who We Are

CAPSI is an association of pharmacy students and interns that are invested in their professional development and the issues affecting their profession. Together, we are the voice of over 4000 members nationwide.

Our CAPSI National Council is comprised of Executives and Locals, all proud ambassadors for the profession of Pharmacy. Each Executive position is annually filled by an elected candidate from any Canadian Pharmacy school, and two Local candidates are elected to represent their respective Pharmacy school. Click here to meet the council!

We invite you to get to know us and our work through our newly revamped website, via email, by courier, or in person at our annual conference, Professional Development Week.

Mission

Our mission is to advocate for the interests of pharmacy students in Canada in the 11 pharmacy schools in Canada. Our association strives to facilitate excellence of pharmacy students in academia and professionalism through provision of educational and practical experience outside of the pharmacy curricula.

Vision

A national community of pharmacy students and interns empowered to advocate for the advancement of the profession towards excellence in patient-centered care.

Values

Unity: Create a national community of pharmacy students and interns
Professionalism: Exemplify the highest standards of conduct as set by the regulated profession of pharmacy
Advocacy: Provide a voice for pharmacy students and interns
Academics: Facilitate learning opportunities for pharmacy students and interns
Excellence: Inspire pharmacy students and interns to achieve greatness

History

1967 – The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) brought one third year from each pharmacy school in Canada to their annual CPhA Conference with the creation of the Centennial Scholar Award.

That year, the conference was held in Toronto and students from University of Toronto’s pharmacy student council met with the scholars and proposed the formation a national pharmacy student council.

1968 – CAPSI is created! First issue of the CAPSIL is published.

1984 – Every pharmacy school joins CAPSI and has CAPSI representation at their school.

1987 – The first electronic version of the CAPSIL is published.

1997 – CAPSI hosts its first IPSF Congress in Vancouver, British Columbia.

1998 – CAPSI hosts its first Professional Development Week, “Pharmacation – promoting life-long learning”, with the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Taking place from February 4-7, over 500 delegates attended the conference.

2011 – CAPSI is invited to sit on the Blueprint for Pharmacy Steering Committee.

2013 – CAPSI publishes national position statement on Early Entry PharmD curriculum.

2014 – CAPSI maintains registration with federal legislation for not-for-profit.

2016 – CAPSI publishes national position statement on Quebec pharmacy student crisis

2017 – CAPSI celebrates its 50th anniversary

2018 – The 30th Professional Development Week (PDW) was hosted by the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta.

2018 – CAPSI publishes response to National Pharmacare Consultation

Jan 2020 – Wellness Position Statement was published

2020 – CAPSI voted PARO Best Association (2019-2020)

2022 – PDWebinars: Bridging the Gaps

2022 – New membership portal launched

2023 – UOttawa joins CAPSI

2023 – CAPSI voted IPSF Best Partner Organisation (2022-2023)

What We Do

CAPSI is an association of pharmacy students and interns unified for excellence in advocacy, academics, and the profession of pharmacy. We strive to provide our members with personal and professional benefits. Our values guide our work, so below we’ve listed what we do, but if you want to know what CAPSI can offer just to you, check out CAPSI Membership Benefits!

CAPSI Values

Unity

CAPSI promotes the unification of pharmacy students both nationally and internationally.

Provides a platform for pharmacy students and interns to express their thoughts and concerns to over 4,000 student colleagues through the CAPSIL.

Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

 

Academics

CAPSI provides opportunities for professional advancement through innovative extracurricular education, locally and nationally:

  • Local and national CAPSI competitions
  • Local symposia/educational seminars
  • Preferred CAPSI member pricing for textbooks, apps/resources, and CAPSI events
  • Local and national health fairs/trade shows

Professionalism

Professional Development Week (PDW) is the largest pharmacy conference held in Canada. This 4-day whirlwind of learning, networking and developing as a pharmacy student and as a young professional takes place every January. A different school of pharmacy hosts this conference each year.

Advocacy

CAPSI provides a strong voice for pharmacy students in issues that concern both students, and the profession as a whole.

Attend our Annual General Meeting and communicate with your CAPSI team so that your concerns are heard and addressed

CAPSI’s advocacy initiatives

Excellence

CAPSI promotes peer interaction and exchange of ideas through conferences, social networks and symposia.

Guy Genest Passion for Pharmacy Award

CSHP-CAPSI Hospital Pharmacy Student Award

CAPSI Award of Professionalism

Future of Pharmacy Excellence Award

Student Recognition Initiative