Dr. Sheila Ng with Dr. Lavern Vercaigne, professor and associate dean academic in the University of Manitoba's College of Pharmacy, at the 2025 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Pharmacy students honour outstanding educators at annual awards
Three educators who go above and beyond to inspire future pharmacists were celebrated for their teaching excellence at the College of Pharmacy’s 2025 Academic Awards Ceremony.
Each year, undergraduate students from the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program anonymously select instructors for the Outstanding Teacher Awards. The educators with the most votes from first-, second- and third-year classes were recognized at the ceremony.
Year 1: Dr. Sheila Ng
Dr. Sheila Ng, a senior instructor, teaches first-year students in the applied pharmacy practice lab. She also teaches in other practice lab and clinical courses across the PharmD program.
“Sheila has always been caring towards our class and showed how much she wants us to succeed,” said one student.
“She gave us tons of opportunities to improve and practice … as well as offered great feedback. Sheila has always been approachable, especially when it came to asking for additional help.”
Ng, who joined the college in 2011, said being recognized by students is “incredibly meaningful”.
“It tells me the learning environment we work so hard to create is making a positive impact,” she said. “I am inspired to help students develop a strong foundation for delivering compassionate, person-centred care in our communities.”
Year 2: Kristi Watson
Dr. Lavern Vercaigne with Kristi Watson.
“Kristi not only empowers her students through her engaging teaching style that pushes us outside of our comfort zone and allows us to grow, she also cares so deeply about each and every student. The program is lucky to have her,” said one of the students who nominated Kristi Watson for the award.
Watson teaches second-year PharmD students in the applied pharmacy practice lab, as well as first- and second-year students in courses such as clinical therapeutics, toxicology and pharmacology for dental hygiene.
She joined the College of Pharmacy in 2022 after an 18-year career as an oncology pharmacist – a specialist in medications used to treat cancer – at CancerCare Manitoba.
“Knowing that I have made an impact on a student’s journey to become a pharmacist is truly special,” said Watson. “It’s a long, tough road for them and we hold them to high standards. I hope they know how much we’re cheering them on and want to see them succeed – not only in school but in their future careers.”
Watson said she values seeing students engaged in learning and realizing it’s about more than completing assignments or passing exams.
“They’re preparing to help someone understand a new medication, prevent a life-threatening drug interaction, manage a debilitating side effect or find a dosage form that will allow a child to take a medication,” she said. “I love when that connection to real-life practice is made and it starts to mean a lot more to that student.”
Year 3: Joanne Johnson
Joanne Johnson, who teaches third-year students the pharmacy management course and first-year students in the applied pharmacy practice lab, received the award for the first time.
Joanne Johnson with Dr. Lavern Vercaigne.
“Joanne is a dynamic instructor who engages the classroom with relevant, thought-provoking discussion,” said one of the students who nominated her.
“Joanne is one of the pharmacists we are lucky to have in our faculty because of how she inspires people both personally and professionally. Having Joanne as an instructor was a gift!”
Johnson joined the College of Pharmacy in 2022 after spending 26 years in rural community pharmacy practice.
“This recognition was incredibly meaningful because it affirmed that the time, care and energy I put into teaching is resonating with students,” said Johnson. “I’m deeply grateful to them for taking the time to nominate me, and I see this award as a shared reflection of the learning relationships we build together.”
Johnson said transitioning from practice to teaching allowed her to bring real-world experiences into the classroom.
“My goal as an educator is to share my passion and joy for pharmacy and help students feel confident and excited about the impact they can have as pharmacists.”