My name is Gauhar Ali, and I am a second-year PharmD student at the University of Alberta. This summer, I worked with the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in Ottawa. Moving from Edmonton, I had the chance to gain a deeper understanding of pharmacy regulation while experiencing the day-to-day workings of a national alliance of regulators.

What did your daily workday consist of?

My typical workday began with team meetings, where we set the day’s priorities and discussed ongoing projects. These meetings were essential for staying on track and ensuring our efforts were aligned. My tasks varied, from conducting literature reviews and analyzing data to attending important multi-stakeholder meetings with Health Canada, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), and the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). Each day brought new challenges that required me to apply what I have learned in my studies to real-world regulatory issues.

What projects did you work on?

One of my significant projects involved a literature review for Health Canada’s consultation on potentially removing specific restrictions on diacetylmorphine from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). This work was focused on safe supply principles and the most current evidence. I also completed a review on Beyfortus (nirsevimab-alip) to assess safety signals in the literature. Additionally, I participated in a Human Drug Multilateral Meeting with Health Canada, observed roundtable discussions held by pharmacy regulatory authorities (PRAs), and attended compounding standards meetings. Working with NAPRA’s Registration and Licensure team, I explored licensure pathways for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in various international jurisdictions. I also reviewed vaccine schedules for Prevnar 20 and outlined the roles of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in Canada, linking these roles to the criteria used for scope of practice decisions in different jurisdictions.

What was your favourite part of the position?

What I appreciated most about this position was the insight it provided into the operational aspects of pharmacy regulation. For example, learning about the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) process helped me understand how drug schedules are determined, which is crucial for safe pharmacy practice. The collaborative environment at NAPRA allowed me to contribute meaningfully while learning from experienced professionals.

What has been the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of this experience was knowing that my contributions supported critical regulatory decisions affecting pharmacy practice in Canada. Participating in discussions and seeing how my work influenced decisions was particularly gratifying. This experience gave me a clearer understanding of how regulatory bodies shape the profession, which is knowledge I will carry forward in my career.

How do you think your experience will contribute to your future career in the field of pharmacy?

My time at NAPRA has significantly influenced my career outlook. I have developed stronger research and communication skills and gained a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory processes that are vital to pharmacy practice. The experience also highlighted the importance of collaboration and continuous learning, which are key to navigating complex regulatory environments.

Would you recommend doing a rotation with NAPRA?

I would highly recommend a rotation with NAPRA to other pharmacy students. It offers a unique opportunity to see the regulatory side of pharmacy practice, something that is rarely covered in-depth during formal education. The NAPRA team is supportive and creates an environment where students can actively contribute and learn. The experience is challenging, but the insights gained are invaluable for anyone interested in the broader aspects of pharmacy.