Rene Breault, BScPharm, PharmD

Area of Study / Keywords

Pharmacy Practice Pharmacy Education Pharmacist Prescribing Hypertension

About

I am a licensed pharmacist and educator with a clinical practice focusing on hypertension and dyslipidemia in an ambulatory clinic setting. I have an interest in pharmacy practice and pharmacy education research. In particular I am interested in translating knowledge from pharmacy practice research into pharmacy education in pharmacy patient care skills lab courses in order to better assist students in learning to use the scope of practice for pharmacists in Alberta. I am currently the Academic Lead, Practice Innovation, in which I oversee the Patient Care Skills stream (Practice skills labs) of our curriculum. 

My teaching practice is rooted in my prior experience as a pharmacist and adult/professional learner and is focused on four core beliefs: 1) the importance of active learning, 2) motivating students to learn, 3) developing problem solving/decision making skills, and 4)creating an inclusive learning environment. These beliefs inform my teaching practice for students within various learning environments including classroom-based pharmacotherapy courses, practice skills laboratory courses, and as a preceptor in experiential placements. It is important for me as an educator in all of these settings to encourage active participation, application of knowledge, and critical thinking. 

Education and Training

BScPharm - 1998 University of Alberta

PharmD - 2010 University of Toronto

Certification/Licensure

Alberta College of Pharmacists

Additional Prescribing Authorization (2007)

Academic Appointments

Clinical Professor 2024-Present

Associate Clinical Professor 2016-2024

Clinical Assistant Professor 2009-2016

Administrative Appointments

Academic Lead, Practice Innovation July 1, 2023 - Present

Director, PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists Program January 1, 2014-June 30, 2023

Director, Practice Development 2011-2013. 

Clinical Practice

Hypertension Dyslipidemia Clinic, Kaye Edmonton Clinic, University of Alberta Hospital

PLEASE NOTE: I do not supervise graduate students

Research

Research Interests:

The role of the pharmacist and their professional development needs

The pharmacists role in care planning services

Pharmacist Prescribing

Pharmacy Education

Clinical Areas of Interest

Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, Obesity, Nephrology, Primary Care, Ambulatory Care

For a current list of publications click here

Teaching

Entry to Practice PharmD Program

PHARM 420: Patient Care Skills 5 - Course coordinator and Instructor

PHARM 345: Pharmacotherapy 4: GI/Nutrition/Derm/Opthamology - Course Coordinator and Instructor

PHARM 343: Pharmacotherapy 2 (Nephrology content) - Instructor

PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists Program

PHARM 525 - PharmD Seminar - Course Coordinator

Additional Teaching

PHARM 498: Research and Directed Studies - Independent Student Projects 

PHARM 515: PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists - Specialty Elective - Pharmacy Education/Academia

PHARM 557: Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - Elective - Pharmacy Education/Academia

PHARM 423: Patient Care Skills 6

Pharm 522: Advanced Patient Care Skills and Health Assessment - Instructor

I DO NOT supervise graduate students

PHARM 343 - Pharmacotherapy 2

Students will develop fundamental knowledge of fluid/electrolyte imbalances and laboratory values, as well as renal, urinary tract, and endocrine conditions. They will apply therapeutic and pharmaceutical science knowledge to various patient care scenarios. Students will further develop their critical thinking and self-directed learning skills, along with their breadth and depth of therapeutic knowledge, as they incorporate principles of evidence-based therapeutic decision making within the patient care process framework. (Restricted to Pharmacy students.)

PHARM 345 - Pharmacotherapy 4

Students will develop the necessary knowledge related to gastrointestinal, nutritional, dermatologic, and ophthalmic conditions and will apply therapeutic and pharmaceutical science knowledge to various patient care scenarios. Students will further develop their critical thinking and self-directed learning skills, along with their breadth and depth of therapeutic knowledge, as they incorporate principles of evidence-based therapeutic decision making within the patient care process framework. (Restricted to Pharmacy students.)

PHARM 420 - Patient Care Skills 5

Focus will be on advanced practice concepts including prescribing and the application of the patient care process to more complex patient scenarios and chronic diseases. Further development of skills in patient assessment, communication, medication therapy management, and evidence based practice will be undertaken within the context of various practice environments. Peer mentoring and lifelong learning will also be examined. (Restricted to Pharmacy students.)

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