Pharmacy Check-in: Randilynne Urslak

Randilynne Urslak, BScH, PharmD, RPh (she/her)
Pharmacy Resident, The Ottawa Hospital
Ottawa, ON

Randilynne Urslak graduated from the University of Waterloo (UW) School of Pharmacy in August 2023. During her studies, Randilynne worked at numerous pharmacies and completed unique co-operative education placements at the Canadian Pharmacists Association, The Ottawa Hospital and a rural community pharmacy in Northern Alberta. Stepping outside of her comfort zone in Northern Alberta was the ultimate way to challenge her clinical knowledge, gain confidence in her ability to deliver exceptional patient care and improve access to health care.

Randilynne has been extensively involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer service throughout her academic career. She has held numerous leadership roles, including the President of Community Action Now (CAN) and the Senior Education Representative for the UW CSHP executive council. She continues to be involved in research alongside 2 faculty members at the School of Pharmacy about peripartum mental illness in women and the role of the pharmacist.

Randilynne is currently a Pharmacy Resident at The Ottawa Hospital, where she hopes to expand her clinical knowledge and practice as a patient-centred pharmacist. She is also working on a research project about planetary health in pharmacy education, as well as precepting students. In the future, Randilynne hopes to be a hospital pharmacist while also pursuing other areas of pharmacy that she finds fulfilling, including advocacy, research and teaching. In her words, “I can say with absolute certainty that I am prouder than ever to be joining the profession of pharmacy, and I look forward to continuing learning and advocating for this profession that is so close to my heart.”

Q&A with Randilynne

We caught up with Randilynne to talk about the power of pharmacy and some of the things that she’s most passionate about as she begins her pharmacy career.

This year’s Pharmacy Appreciation Month (PAM) theme is “The power of pharmacy.” What does that mean to you?

For me, the power of pharmacy is limitless. It resonates deeply, signifying boundless potential and profound impact. Although I have only been a part of this profession for 5 years, and some may call me naïve, I have witnessed an extraordinary journey of evolution and resilience within pharmacy.

Amidst the challenges and demands of the past 5 years, the profession has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and strength. We've embraced change, leveraging our expertise to meet the evolving needs of patients and the health-care system. Yes, there are moments of exhaustion and burnout, but it's crucial to pause and acknowledge the collective achievements that have transformed countless lives. Every day, pharmacists make a tangible difference in the lives of patients, earning their trust and gratitude through our unwavering dedication. As the Canadian health-care system stands at a pivotal crossroads, I'm inspired by the belief that we, as pharmacists, possess the ability to drive positive change. With innovation and collaboration, we can continue to push boundaries and elevate the standard of care for our patients and the broader health-care ecosystem. The power of pharmacy resides within each of us.

Lastly, the power of pharmacy can also mean prioritizing self-care and taking intentional breaks. Then, when we are working, we are at our best and able to fully show up for our patients and profession. I aim to do this daily, so that I can be the best pharmacist I can be and the best version of myself. 

What makes you proud to be a pharmacist?

I started pharmacy school in January 2020, and as we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically changed our lives just 3 short months later in March 2020. Although I was new to the profession, I was profoundly inspired by the courage and dedication displayed by pharmacy professionals worldwide. In the face of unprecedented challenges, pharmacists fearlessly stepped onto the frontlines, selflessly volunteering their time to procure and distribute essential personal protective equipment (PPE) and continuing to serve their communities with unwavering commitment. Everyone shared the same passion and goal—to restore a sense of safety and security within our communities.

This initial experience was just the tip of the iceberg, igniting a profound sense of pride within me as I embarked on my journey as a pharmacist. Since then, pharmacy professionals have continued to exemplify resilience and innovation, exceeding all expectations. Whether it is administering thousands of COVID-19 vaccines and other injections, assessing and prescribing for minor ailments or expanding point-of-care testing, pharmacy professionals have showcased their versatility and expertise, transcending the traditional role of mere dispensers. We are medication experts working in a huge variety of clinical roles, confidently exercising our full scope of practice to provide high quality care to our patients.

And this is just the beginning. As a new practitioner, I am prouder than ever to be joining this dynamic, innovative profession. I am eager to witness the continued evolution and growth of pharmacy that will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter future for all of us. 

As a recent pharmacy graduate, what are you most looking forward to as you start your career?

As a new practitioner, I look forward to the endless possibilities and opportunities that pharmacy has to offer. I have several passions and goals that I hope to explore throughout my career, and pharmacy allows me that opportunity. Whether it be working as a clinical pharmacist in a collaborative hospital setting, working in research to contribute to the ever-changing health-care landscape, advocating for the profession of pharmacy, breaking down barriers for women’s health or teaching the younger generation of pharmacists, anything is possible.

I decided to complete a pharmacy residency at The Ottawa Hospital, which has allowed me to work in several different clinical areas, solidify the knowledge I learned in pharmacy school and challenge myself to continue learning and growing through journal clubs, case presentations, precepting, research and more. But I believe one of the most valuable lessons I have learned from my residency thus far is the realization that learning and growth, both personal and professional, are perpetual. And embracing a mindset of continuous learning is exciting! I am looking forward to being part of a profession where I can continually challenge myself, learn something new every day and truly make a difference in the lives of my patients and my community. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am constantly eager to grow and challenge myself in hopes of becoming an exceptional pharmacist.