Future of Pharmacy Excellence Winner – Riaaz Lalani
Riaaz Lalani is a fourth year student in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia. He was elected Secretary of the UBC Pharmacy Undergraduate Society (PhUS) in first and second year and continued on as the Year Representative for his class in third and fourth year. Through these roles and those he held in CAPSI UBC and other organizations, he exhibited commendable leadership and teamwork.
Riaaz demonstrated initiative by supporting first year students through creation of a subcommittee in PhUS which provided academic support through review sessions.
Outside of school, Riaaz dedicates much of his free time to his part time job at a pharmacy that specializes in optimizing the care of Canadian refugee patients fleeing persecution from across the world.
What inspired you to become a pharmacist?
I was inspired to enter the profession because being a pharmacist allows you to spend a significant amount of time with patients to educate them about their medications and their general health.
What is your favourite memory during your pharmacy studies at UBC?
What I find most memorable was when I ran the first review session for the class of 2021 – the turnout to the session was far greater than I expected and it got to the point where people were sitting on the floor to listen to me talk. I was absolutely floored at that moment.
What do you hope to achieve during your career?
I hope to help redefine the role of a pharmacist in the healthcare system – I think sometimes we get a bit too boxed into job descriptions, like being either a retail or hospital pharmacist. In reality, all of us are capable of performing a myriad of roles and I see the opportunity to branch out and apply the vast clinical knowledge from school into practice.
Any advice for current and incoming students?
Be open minded, do your best to learn from people in disciplines outside of pharmacy, and seek out mentors who are already practicing pharmacists. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from some remarkable pharmacists through work and practicum with diverse skill sets such as expertise in addictions treatment, pharmacy operations and entrepreneurship. Putting down your textbooks once in a while to gain practical experience is the most worthwhile investment of your time.
Let us know a fun fact about you!
My favourite series is Harry Potter, I’ve read the books at least a dozen times, if not more.