A brand-new doctoral scholarship from the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, valued at $1,000 annually, will help nurture the next generation of oncology pharmacists.

“It is important to the Foundation that we invest in the next generation of leaders in Cancer Care in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Lynette Hillier, executive director of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation, “The Foundation has a long history of investing in education initiatives that will benefit our cancer patients and their families.

“Pharmacy plays a pivotal role in cancer care and we hope that this award will entice MUN’s best and brightest to consider a career in Oncology.”

Donor support has enabled the foundation to partner with the school and offer the award for the next 10 years.

The new award, presented recently to fourth-year student Taylor Skinner in the school's 2020 virtual celebration, is granted to a PharmD student at Memorial University who has demonstrated an interest in oncology and completed experiential learning in the area of oncology.

"Oncology pharmacy and oncology pharmacists have a huge impact on the health care team and on the lives of cancer patients," said Ms. Skinner who saw them in action during her hospital placement this past summer. "They really inspired me and showed me the importance of oncology pharmacy."

“We are extremely grateful for the investment in our pharmacy students by the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation,” said Dr. Scott Edwards, a clinical assistant professor with the School of Pharmacy, and clinical oncology pharmacy specialist with the Cancer Care Program at Eastern Health.

“This scholarship from the Foundation provides an opportunity to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, teamwork and compassion for oncology patients,” said Dr. Edwards. “It will help to inspire these future leaders to continue a career in oncology and keep improving the lives of cancer patients.”

The cancer care program offers opportunities for pharmacy students to join the oncology team and provide care to oncology patients.

If you'd like to contribute to the education and higher learning of pharmacy students, read more about ways you can give and make a difference.