A new chapter in student wellness

When allergies hit and sneezes start to fill up lecture halls, students at the University of Ottawa can now Think Pharmacist when looking for relief. The University of Ottawa campus was buzzing with excitement last week as Shoppers Drug Mart officially opened the doors to its latest Pharmacy Care Clinic. This new clinic – the first on a university campus in Canada – marks a significant step forward in enhancing access to healthcare services for the university's vibrant student community. 

Integrated within the university’s Student Health and Wellness Centre, the on-campus clinic offers students a unique, one-stop location to access select health care and pharmacy services, as well as expert advice from pharmacy staff. It also serves as an invaluable practical training ground for health sciences and pharmacy students, who gain hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. 

The clinic comes as part of a partnership announced in November 2024 between Shoppers Drug Mart and the University of Ottawa, which also includes a $2.4M donation to support students pursuing their Pharmacy degree, research initiatives, and targeted programming. 

Behind the scenes, this initiative is also a reflection of Shoppers Drug Mart’s broader commitment to nurturing future healthcare talent. As part of its long-standing academic relationships with institutions across Canada, the partnership with the University of Ottawa—renewed at a time when close ties are being strengthened—offers a strategic opportunity to integrate real-world research and education. This unique collaboration not only enhances student learning but also subtly positions Shoppers Drug Mart to engage with emerging professionals in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment. 

“One of our first responsibilities is the health and well-being of our university community,” said Jacques Frémont, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa. 

“This partnership with Shoppers Drug Mart helps us improve access to healthcare services we are able to offer our students. It also provides valuable work experience to many students in our pharmacy program as well as exciting opportunities to enhance our outstanding research activities in this space.”