My name is Jervin and I am thrilled to be joining the Island Health Pharmacy Residency Program. Having heard many great things about the program, I am honored to be selected as a resident and eager to continue developing my skills as a clinical pharmacist while contributing to the health and well-being of the community. Furthermore, I am greatly looking forward to making meaningful connections with my new colleagues.

I completed a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems, specializing in Brain and Cognition, at the University of British Columbia. After graduating, I worked as a Behaviour Interventionist for a year. I then decided to pursue a Pharmacy Degree at UBC, where I developed a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy practice. Throughout my pharmacy studies, I gained valuable experience working as a Pharmacy Assistant at both London Drugs Pharmacy and Vancouver General Hospital. These roles provided me with hands-on exposure to pharmacy operations, medication distribution, and patient care in diverse settings, further solidifying my passion for the profession.

Some interesting facts about me include: living in three different countries, playing soccer, being an avid Manchester United fan (probably shouldn’t admit this!), and looking forward to exploring the beautiful landscapes of Vancouver Island as I really enjoy hiking.

Hello! My name is Yucella and I am excited to join Island Health as a PGY1 Resident. I am a graduate of UBC PharmD Class of 2024. After graduation, I worked as a community pharmacist in the Lower Mainland and later joined the dispensary team at Kelowna General Hospital.

I had a great experience during my fourth year rotation at Campbell River Hospital. Additionally, I participated in the CSHP Mentorship Program, which gave me the opportunity to shadow clinical pharmacists on the island. Through this, I connected with supportive preceptors who contributed to my learning and growth.

I am excited to continue developing my clinical skills and knowledge, while also exploring new areas of interest.

My name is Marlene, and I am beyond thrilled to be joining Island Health’s Residency Program.

I was born and raised in North Saanich and have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Island Health over the past two years as a summer student, collaborating on various projects with clinical pharmacists.

Both of my UBC inpatient rotations were also on the Island, at SPH and CVH, which further strengthened my ties to these communities. Through my participation in the CSHP mentorship program and shadowing clinical pharmacists at VGH and RJH, I discovered that clinical pharmacy is where my passion truly lies. I am excited to continue developing my clinical skills right here at home on Vancouver Island.

Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy playing hockey and golf, and I appreciate all the outdoor adventures that the Island has to offer. I look forward to learning from and working with everyone this year as we embark on this exciting journey together!

Hello everyone!

My name is Elizabeth, and I am excited to be starting my residency with Island Health! I was raised in Ontario and later moved to BC. I completed a B.Sc. in Pharmacology before graduating from UBC PharmD in 2024. I've gained valuable experience working in community pharmacy and at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic in project management.

I have fond memories of the Island having visited frequently and completed two hospital practicums at Nanaimo Regional Hospital. During these rotations, I had the privilege of working alongside incredible clinicians who inspired me to pursue a residency. I’m truly honored to return as a resident and have the opportunity to give back to this wonderful community. Outside of work, you can usually find me exploring new cafes, browsing craft stores and markets, and enjoying outdoor activities such as paddle boarding, hiking, and camping!

I am eager to begin this journey and look forward to learning from and contributing to the pharmacy team.

Hello everyone!

My name is Sophia, and I am thrilled to be joining the Island Health Residency Program this year. I was born and raised in Nanaimo and studied at the University of Victoria before attending the UBC PharmD program.

Throughout pharmacy school, I took on student leadership roles in various clubs and participated in mentorship programs, both as a mentor and a mentee. My experience as a pharmacy assistant at UBC Hospital, combined with my rotations at NRGH, provided me with valuable exposure to hospital pharmacy practice and inspired my decision to pursue a career in this field.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading and exploring new restaurants. I am incredibly excited to continue building my clinical skills and connecting with my fellow residents and preceptors throughout this residency year.

Hello everyone!

My name is Mel Tsai (he/him). I am pleased to be back at Island Health, this time as part of the pharmacy residency program.

I was born in Taiwan and raised in Victoria on the territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən People. Prior to attending the PharmD program at UBC, I trained at Island Health and obtained my certification as a radiological technologist. As a pharmacy student, I worked at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic on projects related to Indigenous cultural safety as well as the PRIDE-RX project which integrated content on 2S/LGBTQ+ health into the pharmacy curriculum. I am also a fellow in the 2S/LGBTQ+ Health Hub 2024/25 cohort.

Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy running, working out, and baking. I am a big fan of music and enjoy a wide variety of genres.

Hello!

I graduated from UBC in 2018 with a BSc(Pharm) and started working in Victoria BC in the community setting. While working, I started the remote PharmD for Practicing Pharmacist Program at the University of Alberta in 2021, pending graduation in summer 2025. Currently I am doing clinical rotations for the PharmD program in Calgary AB, which will be complete by the end of March 2025. I look forward to returning to Victoria upon completion.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, knitting, and going camping in the summer. Through-hiking is something I really look forward to doing more when opportunity allows.

I look forward to learning with the VIHA team in the upcoming residency.

Hello everyone!

My name is Susan, a 2025 UBC PharmD graduate, and I am so excited to start the next chapter of my career as a PGY1 resident with Island Health.

I was born and raised in Papua New Guinea, a small island just north of Australia, which has come to influence my love for Vancouver Island. Despite moving to Canada when I was 12 years old, I hadn’t spent much time on the island until my first practicum in Victoria, where I instantly became enamoured with the city. Since then, I’ve really enjoyed exploring the island and discovering its many hidden gems!

Throughout my pharmacy career, I’ve developed a special interest in mental health and substance use. This was highlighted by a directed studies project I worked on, which focused on rapid opioid agonist therapy titration in a community setting. During my time as a Summer Student at UHNBC, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the addictions team to create tools for managing substance withdrawal in the hospital—one of the most rewarding projects I’ve been a part of.

Most recently, I completed the LivingWorks Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), which further strengthened my ability to support individuals in crisis. Moving forward, I’d like to continue advocating for mental health and substance use throughout my career.

Outside of work, I’m always eager to explore—whether it’s discovering new cafes, hiking a new trail, or checking out a different part of town. I love staying active, and my daily routine includes either running or pilates. Last year, I completed my first half marathon in Victoria, and I’m excited to run the full Royal Victoria Marathon this year.