Interview with Rebecca Romanishen
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Bio-Medical Science at the University of Guelph?
My name is Rebecca Romanishen, I am currently a Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate at the University of Waterloo, and I graduated from U of G in 2023 with my BSc in Biomedical Sciences. I decided to study Biomedical Sciences, as it had almost all the prerequisites needed to apply for post-graduate school throughout the degree but also had lots of room for electives so I could still try learning new things. I also adored Guelph’s campus, especially in the fall time! Guelph had a very tight-knit community, and as I progressed throughout the degree, the class sizes got smaller, which was really helpful when getting to know professors.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
Throughout my degree, I genuinely felt like I was being supported by the professors. I really appreciated how open so many professors were to research opportunities or connecting you to other professors. Especially when applying to post-grad programs in the health sciences (whether that be pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, etc.), getting research experience is essential and I found there was so much opportunity to find it. I also made so many lifelong friends who are also Biomedical Science grads, who I am still very close to today.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am in my second year of pharmacy school at the University of Waterloo, about to start my first role in the field. I am working for the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy, which is an association that strives to optimize all patient outcomes by advancing pharmacy practice and to be the voice of pharmacy within a variety of health care systems. However, without the experiences I gained throughout my time at the University of Guelph, I would not have been able to obtain this position.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
I believe the best thing I did throughout my degree at the University of Guelph was becoming a Peer Helper and realizing how greatly I enjoyed giving back to U of G students and the community. Although my coursework was very important and the practical labs and assignments helped me not only realize I enjoyed pharmacy and helped me gain acceptance to my top program, but the communication and organization skills I gained from being a Peer Helper is something I would have never gotten anywhere else. As a pharmacist, especially with the new expanded scope, being able to communicate with patients is essential, and being a Career Education Peer Helper gave me experiences communicating with a variety of students. I learned how to give feedback constructively but kindly, gained strong active listening skills, learned how to properly tailor a resume and cover letter and how to work in a team efficiently. My only regret throughout my degree is that I didn’t apply to be a Peer Helper sooner!
What advice would you give someone considering the Bio-Medical Science program or applying to the University of Guelph?
It can be really overwhelming trying to decide which school to go to. Personally, I would advocate for anyone to come to U of G, especially if you are pre-pharmacy, medicine, dentistry or considering any other competitive post-grad program. Many of my friends (myself included), have gotten into dentistry, pharmacy, medicine, nursing and veterinary programs because of the experiences we gained by going to the University of Guelph. If you change your mind and no longer want to pursue a health field, the university has so many other great programs with co-op options as well, so you are not stuck. Keep an open mind and remember to do what you enjoy!
Bonus Question
Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?
Any of the Starbucks on campus!! Not only are the staff so friendly and kind, but there’s nothing like a hot coffee on a cold day when you’re walking to class.
