The cohort welcomed 55 new students to the PharmD program, with students coming from 12 countries across four continents. They were cloaked in their first white coats — a symbol of their entry into the profession.  

College of Pharmacy dean Dr. Hope Anderson addressed the students in her opening remarks, telling them they are not alone in their journey at the institution. 

First-year PharmD students at the Frederic Gaspard Theatre, pictured alongside other guests.

“We’re committed to your wellness … we’re here to support you,” Anderson said. “You have begun a journey that will demand your best but will also reward you with the opportunity to make a lasting impact. I hope that you wear your white coat with pride, carry its responsibilities with grace and know that you are part of a community dedicated to positive impact.” 

Dr. Lavern Vercaigne, professor and associate dean (academic) at the college, also addressed the students, and said it’s an exciting time to be in pharmacy.   

“Pharmacists across Canada are taking on expanded roles and contributing extensively to the care of all of us — our family and friends, all Manitobans and beyond,” Vercaigne said. 

Today’s PharmD students will do much more than dispense medication when they graduate as pharmacists.  

Vercaigne said they will help patients understand their prescriptions, adjust dosages based on medical conditions, give vaccinations, prescribe for certain illnesses, spot potential drug interactions and more.  

Meet the students 

Leif Robak served as a pharmacist assistant at a local pharmacy in his hometown of Gimli, Man. The pharmacists he worked with inspired him to pursue the PharmD program. After graduation, he hopes to become a rural pharmacist and continue supporting his small-town community. 

“Small-town health is the most neglected part of health care, especially in Manitoba where so many elderly and young people don’t get immediate and proper health care,” Robak said. “I’ve had to wait nine months to see a family doctor because there’s only one or two of them in my town. So, pharmacists play a huge part in rural health as they’re the most accessible health care for a lot of families and a lot of people.”

Yves Earielle Pua Robleza, a Filipino immigrant raised by a single mother, is the first in her family to attend university in Canada. She pursued a pharmacy technician program at the Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology while working at local pharmacies in Winnipeg. After completing the program, she practiced as a pharmacy technician at the Health Sciences Centre pediatric pharmacy. 

“My experiences in both community and hospital settings showed me the deeper purpose of my work — helping people in their healing, building meaningful connections and seeing lives improve,” she said. 

Encouraged and inspired by mentors, colleagues and pharmacists, she fell in love with pharmacy and decided to continue her journey through the PharmD program. 

“I owe everything to my mom,” Robleza said. “Without her sacrifices, I would not be where I am today.” 

Cherry Nguyen moved to Winnipeg from Vietnam when she was 10 years old. Through volunteering at local hospitals, engaging with her local community and serving in student government, she discovered her passion for helping others. Working alongside community pharmacists she admired led her to pursue a career in pharmacy. 

“It’s truly a dream come true — one that I never imagined would be possible,” she said. 

Nguyen looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her patients and classmates, and making her PharmD journey impactful and memorable. 

“I am excited to continue doing the work I love — putting others first and advocating for both the profession and patients,” she said. 

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Watch highlights from the PharmD white coat ceremony on Instagram: instagram.com/p/DOoM9MhkRHQ

The Class of 2028 includes 14 Indigenous students and 48 students with rural attributes, meaning they have rural roots or rural work, volunteer or leadership experience. Two French-speaking students are enrolled in the bilingual stream.

Here is some of the media coverage from the ceremony: 

CTV Winnipeg: U of M welcomes the largest class of medical students at white coat ceremony

CBC Manitoba: University of Manitoba holds white coat ceremony for its largest class of medical students

Winnipeg Free Press: U of M welcomes largest-ever incoming medical-school class