Kirk Opie, College of Pharmacy
When Kirk Opie crosses the stage to receive his Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) on May 28, he will be continuing a longstanding family tradition. His grandfather began his career in pharmacy as a certified dispenser in the 1940s before going on to medical school. His father did a Masters of Science at ±«Óătv with a focus on pharmacology before beginning his career in dentistry.
Kirk’s mother graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy in 1976 and recently retired after 40 years of practice — in fact, his parents met at ±«Óătv. His aunt graduated with a BSc in Pharmacy in 1992 and Kirk’s sister, Sarah Opie, graduated with the same degree in 2010. His other sister, Esther, is a Nursing graduate from ±«Óătv.
While he is busy carving his own path, Kirk acknowledges the strong family connections to ±«Óătv and particularly, the College of Pharmacy. “I really grew up in the midst of it,” he says. “I credit my whole family for where I am today. I grew up watching them make a difference in people’s lives and this is what led me to want to enter the health field. I want to make a difference, too.”
Originally from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Kirk says his sister Sarah has been a particularly strong influence on him. “Sarah has been a role model for me, throughout my path in Pharmacy,” he says, noting that they spent time working together in a Pharmacy during his program. “She helped me to develop my skills, and I love how she can connect with people. It’s what I aspire to in my career.”
Kirk’s desire to make a difference is also what inspired him to pursue an education in Pharmacy. “I always knew I wanted to be in a field where I can interact with people and make a difference. I was drawn to the health professions, but I wasn’t sure exactly where to specialize,” he says. “I saw what pharmacists were doing and how the profession was evolving, and I liked where it was going.Ěý I wanted to do something where I was involved with patient care, could develop my skills and knowledge, and help people. Pharmacy was a good fit.”
Family history aside, Kirk was attracted to ±«Óătv’s College of Pharmacy because of its excellent reputation. “I’ve always heard that ±«Óătv is one of the top pharmacy schools in Canada. The pharmacy profession is changing; there are so many changes to drugs and medication. At Dal, there is a lot of self-learning, and a focus on critical thinking and critical appraisal. The program really prepares you for practice. It’s a well-developed program where we get the best experience possible.”
In addition to graduating from university, this year marks another major event for Kirk; he’s getting married in the summer. ĚýHis fiancĂ©e, Lyndsay Russell, is a graduate of ±«Óătv Medical School and is finishing up a paediatric medical residency at the IWK.
Kirk’s future career plans include working in a community practice. “I feel that’s where I can make the biggest difference.”
Ěý
Recent News
- Top 10 Dal Health stories of 2024
- Cards for care: Semester three nursing students collect $1,600 for MOSH
- Master of Health Administration grad continuing cancer research in PhD in Health program
- SWAB‑Rx study aims to expand sexual health services in pharmacies
- Master of Science in Occupational Therapy grad passionate about sustainability in health‑care
- MSc (Rehabilitation Research) grad explores passion for science communication
- The science of winning: Dal Health professor guides Canada’s Olympic athletes to peak mental performance
- Respiratory Therapy grad makes impact in field, cultivates her joy in healthcare during undergraduate education