Dr. John A Bachynsky Lecture in Pharmacy
Responsible adoption of AI in pharmacy practice: Whose job is it anyway?
Dr. Zubin Austin, BScPhm, MBA, MISc, MEd, PhD, FCAHS
Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, and Murray Koffler Chair of Pharmacy Management,
University of Toronto
Nov 3, 2026 I 5:30 - 9 p.m. in-person OR 7 - 8:30 p.m. virtual
The Derrick Golf and Winter Club, Jasper/Banff Room
3500 119 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6J 5P5
Free parking
Schedule
5:30 p.m.- Check-in opens
6:00 p.m. - Buffet dinner
7:00 p.m. - Lecture and panel
8:15 p.m. - Dessert reception and networking
The lecture:
- Review of different types of AI
- Discuss risks, benefits, and uses of different types of AI in pharmacy practice
- Review Canadian and international trends with respect to regulation and responsible adoption of AI in professional work
- Identify future gaps and opportunities for education/training in AI in pharmacy
- Reflect upon how our professional and personal worlds will rapidly change as AI continues to proliferate
Key takeaways from the lecture:
- Distinguish between different kinds of artificial intelligence
- Reflect upon the current and potential impact of AI on patient care and pharmacy practice
- Discuss risks and benefits associated with adoption of AI in pharmacy
- Describe regulatory principles to support responsible adoption of AI by the pharmacy profession
- Consider personal impacts associated with rapid and underregulated spread of AI in the profession and society
Dr. Zubin Austin is a leading authority on health workforce education, competency assessment, and professional regulation. Dr. Austin’s research examines how health professionals adapt to systemic practice shifts. Recently, his work has focused on the ethical integration, professional identity implications, and regulatory governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in community pharmacy practice and education.
Recognizing that healthcare quality depends on the psychosocial and educational needs of clinicians, Dr. Austin explores how technology impacts critical clinical decision-making, professional autonomy, and patient safety. A Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the current President of the Academy, he is the only faculty member in U of T history to receive both the President’s Teaching Excellence Award and the President’s Research Impact Award. He has delivered over 150 international keynotes and been voted by students Professor of the Year 20 times.
Register for in-person dinner and lecture or 7 p.m. lecture only (in-person or virtual).
Registration is free and open to the general public, including Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences grads, students, faculty members, preceptors of U of A students and pharmacist community members are welcome to attend or tune in.
Questions? Contact:
Jodi Richter
Office of Alumni Relations
facalum@ualberta.ca
We proudly celebrate the lasting legacy of Dr. John A. Bachynsky with the launch of this new lecture series, hosted by the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
This lecture is named in honour of Dr. John A. Bachynsky.
During his tenure as dean, Dr. Bachynsky's leadership and vision established the faculty as a national and international leader in pharmaceutical education. He advanced the pharmacy curriculum, integrating research and practical training to meet modern challenges. Beyond the U of A, his influence extended to provincial and national policymaking, earning him a respected reputation in numerous advisory roles.
Find out more about Dr. Bachynsky here.
This lecture series is made possible through the generous support of The Class of 1985 – Dr. John A. Bachynsky Endowment. To support the lecture series, you can donate directly to the endowment fund.
Past Lectures
Presenter: Karen B. Farris, PhD
Senior Associate Dean, Charles R. Walgreen III Professor of Pharmacy, University of Michigan
Lecture overview:
Technological tools are transforming many sectors, including healthcare. As pharmacists, we know that medications work for individuals who take them and for those who generally adhere to their medication regimens. Traditional ways of measuring and improving medication adherence are being informed and transformed by technology, including patient-facing apps and AI algorithms in our healthcare and payer systems. However, many gaps still exist for these technologies to be implemented so they support the effective, equitable, and safe use of medications.
Hear how technology is transforming our approaches to medication adherence, with implications for patients, pharmacists, providers, and payers.
Presenter: Derek Jorgenson
Professor, College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan
Lecture Overview:
I started my pharmacy journey as a shy, "wimpy" pharmacy student who just wanted to do a good job in a small town on the prairies. My biggest ambition was to be a community pharmacist. I’m proud of that. We need those people. But what I've learned since is that it's often the "wimpy kids" who go on to make the biggest waves.
There is no shame in mediocrity. However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone. In this lecture, I’ll share how I went from being a comfortable, community pharmacist to a leader, offering practical advice for anyone — in pharmacy or beyond — looking to make a bigger impact.