Pharmacy alumna excited to begin teaching at alma mater

Pawan Gill

Pawan Gill started as an assistant clinical professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in the middle of July. A proud alumna of the PharmD program here at the University of Alberta (2018), Gill is excited to embark on her very first term of teaching in the faculty that inspired her career as a pharmacist and a researcher. 

As a new clinical professor, what do you most fondly recall about your own teachers over the years?

I always appreciated the teachers that took chances on me and my colleagues. During my undergrad, I recall having no research experience and yet Dr. Lisa Guirguis took me on as a research student and became a mentor for me. That opportunity has helped me in ways I didn’t know then and it sparked my interest in qualitative research. 

What can you tell us about your work as a practicing pharmacist?

I quickly realized how much I loved in-patient medicine after completing my schooling. I have worked in collaborative in-patient environments ever since. My primary practice areas are in pulmonary and internal medicine. 

Will this be your first time teaching in a classroom? What are you most looking forward to about that?

Yes! I’m looking forward to seeing how the students progress and grow through the program as well as how this opportunity will bring change in me. 

What draws you to teaching? 

Being a facilitator in the growth of students has always drawn me to mentorship and teaching. It’s extremely rewarding to see the progression students make over the years and I’m excited to see them eventually become my colleagues. 

What courses will you be teaching?

PHARM 243 - Pharmacotherapy I

PHARM 454 - Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience Part 2

PHARM 543 - PharmD Integrating Seminar 

PHARM 555 – Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Part 2 

What do you think makes a good pharmacist?

Having care and compassion for patients, colleagues, learners and each other is key not just to being a good pharmacist but also a good member of the community. Being open to learning has been key for me as well. I’m constantly inspired by my colleagues, friends and family to make changes in my own practice for the betterment of our profession.