Dean's Message

Dr. Shawn Bugden, June 2018

I have often thought of a move to Atlantic Canada from Manitoba and was delighted when I was able to make that happen when I joined Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy in April 2018.

The priority of many pharmacy deans in Canada is the successful implementation of an Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. My priority is no different – the successful implementation of EPPD program requires multiple years of curriculum reform and development over the five years of the program. Seeing this process through will be an important component of my first term as Dean.

I am proud that the School of Pharmacy begins its PharmD for Working Professionals in the Fall 2018 semester. We are the first small school in Canada to offer this type of program, which not only allows us to offer a program to the working pharmacists of Newfoundland and Labrador, but also provides an opportunity to be a national leader in pharmacy education.

It is important to recognize the research steps taken in the last few years. As is indicated in our 2018 – ‘22 strategic plan, Foundation for the Future, I hope we can continue to build our research capacity and productivity and look forward to working to supporting our faculty and graduate students in their research.

The school has always enjoyed strong relationships with its alumni and the pharmacy community (many of whom are alumni). Our alumni very often remain connected to the school, by serving as preceptors, volunteering during admission interviews, contributing to our scholarships and awards or through other donations. I aim to continue to foster these relationships and will consider further involvement in of the school in the provision of professional development as an added service to our alumni.

And finally…space. The final frontier. I am committed to the continued quest to enhance and improve our teaching and learning and research space, so that we can provide a 21st century learning environment for the future pharmacy practitioners and researchers of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. We continue to work with the university and beyond to develop a long-term space plan that ensures the development of a suitable single-site home for the School. And lastly, during my time here, I vow take in as many Sea-Hawks basketball games as possible.

Find out more about Dr. Bugden’s research areas.