Diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases on the planet, with an estimated 830 million people having the condition worldwide. Most commonly, diabetes is managed through lifestyle changes and/or insulin therapy. However, novel approaches in diabetes research may shape new ways in which this disease is managed. In this episode, we welcome Dr. Nicole Krentz, an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and recent recipient of the Breakthrough T1D Career Development Award. She explains how expanding research into protecting insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas might help us achieve better outcomes for diabetes patients in the future, along with uncovering hidden ties between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

To learn more about Nicole's work, visit https://pharmsci.ubc.ca/news/april-04-2026/dr-nicole-krentz-receives-breakthrough-t1d-career-development-award-advance-type

As generative AI becomes more ingrained in everyday life, from the workplace to the classroom, emerging opportunities present themselves for AI’s use within pharmacy education. Today, I’m joined by two educators at the faculty, Fong Chan and Jamie Yuen, who are exploring generative AI’s use within pharmacy education through an exciting project called GENRX. Together, they explain how developing a prototype using generative AI to simulate virtual consultations for pharmacy students might enhance those students’ clinic skills and educational experience.

To learn more about GENRx visit https://pharmsci.ubc.ca/genrx

This episode was recorded on August 8, 2025.

In June, 2023, BC pharmacists saw one of the largest changes in their scope of practice in decades, with the introduction of Minor Ailment and Contraception Service prescribing, also known as MACS. Now, BC residents can seek treatment for 21 minor ailments and contraception directly from pharmacists. The initiative aims to make it easier and faster for residents to get the medication they need, while simultaneously leveraging the skills and expertise that pharmacists are already trained and equipped with in BC.

In this episode, we are joined by Gilly Lau and Jon Grosshuesch, two educators in the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC, to dive deeper into the topic of MACS and focus on this expanding scope of practice within pharmacy. We also explore how MACS has changed pharmacy education and training, both for students and working pharmacists.

This episode was recorded on February 18, 2025