Shannon Taylor (PharmD) loves to learn. This passion helped her earn the ACP Gold Medal Award for achieving the top academic standing in the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Class of 2021.
Learning is one of the reasons why she decided to become a pharmacist.
“There’s always the opportunity to keep learning with new advances in research, always something new to learn every day,” explained Shannon. “I’ve always been drawn to that.”
Being awarded the ACP Gold Medal was a bit of a shock.
“I was very surprised; I didn’t expect to,” recalled Shannon. “My classmates are all so smart, so driven to become pharmacists and be the best they can be. I’m very proud to be part of that class. It’s been a great four years with that cohort.”
Shannon is now back home in Wembley, completing structured practical training, and getting ready to practise in nearby Beaverlodge. She made up her mind long ago to head north after graduation and practise in the area where she grew up.
“I’ve always wanted to give back to the community,” said Shannon. “The community has given me so much and I just wanted to return, and that’s where my family is from as well.”
Shannon has been practising for about three weeks now, embracing her new role as a provisional pharmacist in her hometown.
“I am really excited to be starting as a pharmacist,” said Shannon. “I have been looking up to my professors and preceptors over the last four years, and I’m grateful to them for sharing all of their experiences with me. And to the rest of my class: I’m so excited to be part of the profession with so many brilliant people.”
