CoverVF
7/14/08
4:37 PM
Page 2
PostScript Albany College of Pharmacy Magazine
ALUMNI GIVE BACK BY EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHARMACISTS 18
+ The Evolution of Pharmacy 23 + Commencement 6 + Reunion 30
Su 08 Vol. 19 No. 1
CoverVF
7/14/08
4:37 PM
Page 3
LETTERS /
PostScript Summer 08 Vol. 19 No. 1 PostScript provides an on-going review of Albany College of Pharmacy, featuring news of the faculty, students, alumni, programs and activities of ACP. Published for alumni and friends of the College by the Office of Institutional Advancement, the magazine welcomes letters and story ideas from all members of the ACP community.
EDITOR
Christine Shields EDITORIAL BOARD
James J. Gozzo Ph.D. PRESIDENT Medhi Boroujerdi Pharm.D., Ph.D. DEAN Vicki A. DiLorenzo VP INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Robert J. Gould VP FINANCE & ADMIN OPERATIONS Packy McGraw ASSOCIATE VP STUDENT SERVICES CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Stephen Esker ’08 James J. Gozzo, Ph.D. Gil Chorbajian John M. Marraffa Jr. ’03 Patrick Rathbun Christine Shields David Zdunczyk CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Gil Chorbajian Don Elliott Photography Victor Grant Kris Qua/Qua Photo Patrick Rathbun Christine Shields DESIGN
Coppola Design www.coppoladesign.com
To the Editor:
OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Vicki A. DiLorenzo
“Big Whompa” was an unofficial, unsanctioned co-ed social organization founded by Bill “W” Jones and David “Stitty” Stitt, Class of 1976. The initiation into the group was simple. All pledges were required to attend a “rush” dinner, generally consisting of rigatoni, and had to drink several shots of tequila before the end of the evening. In addition to the annual dinner, Big Whompa hosted several events during the year, including parties for Halloween, the holidays and New Year’s, a spring camping weekend, and a Clam Bake at the end of the school year. Photographs of Big Whompa events can be seen in each of the yearbooks from 1972 through 1976. Event organizers also included Dave “Ole” Oles, Mark “Rubes” Roberts, Dave “Clunk” Clark, Dave “Gia” Giarrusso, Tom “Fiorinal” Fiore and the late Frank “Garm” Giamartino, all 1976 graduates. We believe Bill Jones took this photograph at a homecoming game against Junior College of Albany that was played at Christian Brothers Academy [the old CBA gym is now owned by ACP and has been renamed the Albert M. White Gymnasium]. The student holding the banner is Bill Schuman ’76. Seated at left are Mark Roberts and Dave Oles. The student with the white cap is Frank Giamartino. The names on the right hand side of the banner are all student athletes: David Clark, David Krazinsky (ACP Athletic Hall of Fame member) and Mike Calveric, all Class of ’76. The tally represents Big Whompa point predictions: 25 points for each respective player and one point for Big Whompa. BILL “W” JONES ’76 WILLIAM I. SCHUMAN ’76
VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
David Zdunczyk ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Donna Beebe DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
Michael J. Buckley MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER
Gil Chorbajian EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Lynne M. DellaRocca SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATOR
Deanna Ennello-Butler DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT RESEARCH
Patrick Rathbun ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Deborah S. Reutter COORDINATOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Christine A. Shields DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE PUBLICATIONS
Christina Spinelli COORDINATOR OF DONOR RELATIONS AND STEWARDSHIP
Patty Tompkins EVENTS MANAGER
Please send story ideas, comments, letters and suggestions to: PostScript Albany College of Pharmacy 106 New Scotland Avenue Albany NY 12208 1.888.203.8010 / alumni@acp.edu
STAY CONNECTED visit us online at www.acp.edu
© 2008 Albany College of Pharmacy
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:49 PM
Page 1
Oc 03
ON CAMPUS
Fs
+ New B.S. Degree + 128th Commencement + Pharmacy Summit
18
+ SpringFest 08
FEATURE STORIES
+ ACP Academy Science Fair
+ The Evolution of Pharmacy A Dialog with ACP Alumni
+ NIH Grant for PRI
+ A Good Return Faculty Alumni Give Back
Fn
Ad
08
26
FACULTY NEWS
ADVANCEMENT
+ Faculty News + Notes
+ Scholarships + Awards
+ Mac Bonafede on a Mission + New Faculty + Research Awards + Polimeni Busts a Myth
Aa
+ Feleder Scores Grant
27
ALUMNI AFFAIRS + From the Alumni Council President
Sn
+ Calendar + Online @ ACP + Life Elevated: Utah Alums Speak Out
12
+ Hall of Famers
STUDENT NEWS
+ Alumni Events
+ Student News Foundup
+ Reunion Weekend
+ The FDA Chronicles
+ Class Notes
+ Summer Research Awards
+ In Memoriam
+ Pharmaceutical Sciences Awards + Rho Chi Goes for the Gold + Phi Delta Chi Fundraiser + Diving into Adventure + Relay for Life
PostScript
1
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:49 PM
Page 2
PRESIDENT’S LEDGER /
James J. Gozzo Ph.D.
Our Dynamic Growth Continues
O
On May 11, 2008, 196 graduates with Pharm.D. degrees or B.S. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Biomedical Technology, embarked on many varied career paths with virtually limitless opportunities. The pages of this magazine highlight some past and future directions for ACP graduates. Start with Geno Germano, this year’s commencement speaker. Geno began with Wyeth in 1984, one year after graduating from ACP. He quickly rose through its ranks, taking on positions of increased responsibility in areas that have spanned sales, marketing, business development and general management. Today he oversees Wyeth’s U.S. commercial organization, which is comprised of 3,600 employees and approximately $10 billion in annual sales. He is also responsible for the global commercialization of products in neuroscience, gastroenterology, women’s healthcare, infectious diseases and transplantation. Some graduates will move into positions in academia. One of the features in this issue looks at ACP alumni who are giving back to the profession by helping educate future generations of pharmacists as faculty members here at the College. They continue a tradition that includes such College alumni as Dean O’Brien ’20 and Dean Singer ’48. Or perhaps they will pursue a slightly different path and follow in the footsteps of John Mauger ’65, who is now dean of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy. You can read more about John and other ACP graduates who have made their homes out West on page 32. The cover story of this issue looks at the most popular destination for this year’s class, community pharmacy, and its evolution over the past 40 years. The roundtable discussion features five graduates ranging from the Class of ’68 to the Class of ’96 and
2
PostScript
discusses a number of topics, including opinions on if/how the public perception of the pharmacy profession has changed over the years. Just as this time of year represents a new beginning for our graduates, in many ways, it is also one for the College. As you look through the magazine, you will notice that PostScript has a new design and a fresher and more contemporary look. As for what’s new on the campus, the 320 students in the 2008 incoming class represent one of the most distinguished groups in the College’s history and include: 12 valedictorians, 8 salutatorians, an average GPA of 92 and an average SAT score of 1750. These students will pursue degrees in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Technology (which includes concentrations in Cytotechnology and Clinical Laboratory Sciences) and the new Health and Human Sciences program. The College is expanding its residence options with the opening of Princeton Suites, further boosting our capacity to house students on campus. Finally, John Marraffa ’03 has been named chair of the Alumni Council, the organization which functions as the representative body of ACP alumni. John has been instrumental in helping put together College events in the Utica/Syracuse area, and I have no doubt that he will be successful in getting the Alumni Council off the ground this year. John has outlined his plans for the Council on page 28. As you can see, the College continues to grow in many dynamic ways. I invite you to be part of our progress.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:50 PM
Page 3
ON CAMPUS /
Halting a Deadly Killer PRI RECEIVES $368,445 NIH GRANT FOR PANCREATIC CANCER RESEARCH Shaker A. Mousa, Ph.D., executive vice president and chairman of the Pharmaceutical Research Institute (PRI) at Albany College of Pharmacy, has been awarded a $368,445 research grant from the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Mousa, along with a team of PRI investigators that includes Dr. Lawrence Lansing, Dr. Lakshman Sehgal, Dr. Murat Yalcin and PRI technical staff, will study new methods for limiting the spread of pancreatic cancer in the body to allow for better treatment of the disease. The research will take place over a period of 22 months. Cancer cells survive and spread (metastasize) by attaching themselves to platelets in the bloodstream. Research has shown that the blood thinner Heparin is effective in preventing the bonding of cancer cells and platelets, but the dosages required to affect this result lead to increased bleeding or blood loss in patients. Dr. Mousa and his team will focus their research on modifying low molecular weight Heparin compounds in a way that will still inhibit the bonding of the cancer cells and platelets, while minimizing or eliminating the bleeding and other negative side effects associated with high levels of Heparin. “Pancreatic cancer is not only hard to diagnose, but it is an extremely aggressive form of cancer. Surgeons rarely operate on patients with pancreatic cancer when metastasis is taking place as the surgery tends to accelerate the spread of the cancer,” said Dr. Mousa. “If we can keep the cancer cells from attaching to the platelets, we can isolate them in the body. They can then be killed
fairly easily by the patient’s own immune system or through low levels of chemotherapy. Once that happens, physicians will have a significantly better opportunity to treat the cancer and extend the patient’s life.” “While this research is focused on pancreatic cancer, our findings will ultimately be applicable to all forms of cancer. That’s what makes this particular project so exciting,” added Dr. Mousa. The Pharmaceutical Research Institute at ACP is dedicated to cutting-edge research, pharmaceutical services and education in partnership with pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and academic and research centers. PRI’s drug discovery efforts focus on angiogenesis, thrombosis and vascular disorders, and the Institute is also playing a leading role in the development of nanopharmaceutical technology.
Health + Human Sciences Joins the Roster at ACP NEW B.S. DEGREE REFLECTS CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY Albany College of Pharmacy is adding a new a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences beginning this fall. Graduates of the program will be prepared to enter the workforce in a range of health related fields or pursue graduate/professional school options. The Health and Human Sciences program blends a curriculum grounded in the natural sciences with course work in the humanities, social sciences and health fields. It’s designed to give students, in consultation with their advisors, the flexibility to tailor their studies to their individual needs. “This program is ideally suited for the student who is interested in a liberal arts degree with an emphasis on the health sciences,” said David Clarke, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Arts and Sciences at ACP. “Students who have an interest in both the humanities and the sciences will find the program particularly appealing.” Graduates of the new program will be equipped to enter careers such as science and health writing, policy analysis and research for government organizations, consumer groups and scientific research institutes. Students will also have an excellent foundation for postgraduate work in law, health services and administration. They may
also choose to pursue graduate programs in nutrition, public health, health administration, anthropology, sociology or other related fields. “The role played by cultural, social and psychological factors in health and illness is an area of emerging emphasis in the health care industry. This program will help address the need for professionals with an understanding of these diverse areas, while leveraging the College’s strong history in the biological sciences,” said Albany College of Pharmacy Dean Mehdi Boroujerdi, Pharm.D., Ph.D. “The Health and Human Sciences program will serve as a strong complement to our other degree offerings.” The traditional student will complete the Health and Human Sciences program in four years, though the program may also be completed part-time. Students will be encouraged to participate in an alternative learning experience similar to the experiential educational component of the College’s Pharm.D. program. New courses being added for the Health and Human Sciences program include: Public Policy, Health Advocacy, Global Health and the Legal Aspects of Health Care. These courses will also be available as electives for students in ACP’s other programs. FOR MORE INFORMATION contact the Office of Admissions at 888.203.8010 or visit www.acp.edu
PostScript
3
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:50 PM
Page 4
ON CAMPUS /
Meeting of the Minds ACP HOSTS INAUGURAL SUMMIT OF NYS PHARMACY SCHOOLS
Math + Science ACP ACADEMY WINDS UP YEAR TWO
Albany College of Pharmacy initiated and hosted an historic summit of New York State
In an effort to promote interest in math and
pharmacy schools in January. Representatives from the University at Buffalo, Long Island
science among local elementary school stu-
University, St. John Fisher, St. John’s University and Touro College joined ACP administrators
dents, the College formed ACP Academy in
and faculty in Albany to discuss various issues impacting pharmacy education and practice.
early 2007. Students from the nearby Delaware Community School come to the
The addition of the St. John Fisher’s program, which began in 2006, and Touro, which will open its doors in 2008, gives New York six pharmacy programs. Only California, with seven, has more pharmacy schools. As the number of pharmacy programs in the state has expanded, ACP Dean Mehdi Boroujerdi, Pharm.D., Ph.D., felt the time was right to organize a meeting. Administrators and faculty from the schools have met informally at industry conferences and other events, but there has never been an organized forum,” said Dean Boroujerdi. “We reached out to the other five schools regarding their interest in such a meeting, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We were happy to take the lead on arranging the first summit.”
campus twice a week each semester and receive one-on-one mentoring from ACP students as they explore math and science concepts in new ways. On April 24, the 17 fourth grade students enrolled in the Academy graduated from their second year in the program, marking the occasion with a Science Fair in the Student Center atrium. Both ACP President James J.
Widely ranging topics were discussed at the meeting, including: Experiential Education— The group discussed the need for a set of core competencies to define the experiential education experience. This effort would also include guidelines for preceptors, to ensure they were clear on the expectations of the program. Professional Advocacy— The schools agreed to work together more closely to influence legislative issues impacting pharmacy practice and pharmacy education. Grassroots efforts were also discussed to educate communities about the critical role played by pharmacists in ensuring positive health outcomes.
Gozzo and Albany Superintendent of Schools Dr. Eva Joseph attended the event and addressed students and their families. This year’s ACP Academy class will return next year as fifth-graders and continue in the program through graduation from high school. A second class of students is expected to begin the program in the fall.
Faculty Shortages— According to a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, pharmacy programs across the country have an average of 5.6 faculty vacancies. Discussions examined various ways to encourage pharmacy students to pursue careers in academia and how to attract prospective faculty to move to/stay in New York. At the end of the day, all of the participants walked away energized by the discussion and agreed to continue their dialogue at industry events and future summits. “The discussion was very constructive, and any competitive issues that exist between the programs were ‘left at the door’ in the interests of the overall betterment of New York State pharmacy education,” said Dean Boroujerdi. In addition to Dean Boroujerdi, Associate Dean Angela Dominelli ’78, Director of Experiential Education Laurie Briceland ’83 and Associate Professor Macary Marciniak participated. Selig Corman ’58 (Pharmacists Society of the State of New York), Deb Feinberg ’81 (New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists) and Larry Mohkiber ’71 (New York State Board of Pharmacy) also attended.
4
PostScript
Fourth grade students test out buoyancy principles.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:50 PM
Page 5
ON CAMPUS /
SprıngFest Springfest 2008 was a rousing success with gorgeous weather and a plethora of opportunities for fun and sun! The day featured music from ACP’s own See Side Panel and activities that ranged from rock climbing to rodeo riding to bungee jumping. Hungry students and staff finished up the day with plates from Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Many thanks to Kinney Drugs for sponsoring this great event!
5
PostScript
PostScript
5
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 6
ON CAMPUS /
Commencement 2008
WYETH EXECUTIVE GENO GERMANO ’83 RETURNS TO ACP AS KEYNOTE SPEAKER Geno Germano ’83, President U.S. and General Manager Pharmaceuticals for Wyeth, was back at his alma mater 25 years after his own graduation to address the Class of 2008 during ACP’s 128th commencement ceremony held May 11. Germano also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from the College. Germano started with Wyeth in 1984, just one year after graduating from ACP. He quickly rose through its ranks, taking on positions of increased responsibility in areas that have
6
PostScript
spanned sales, marketing, business development and general management. Over his 20 plus year career, Geno has managed businesses across Wyeth’s pharmaceutical, biotechnology and vaccines portfolios, both domestically and abroad. In his current role, he is responsible for Wyeth’s U.S. commercial organization, overseeing 3,600 employees and approximately $10 billion in annual sales. He is also responsible for the global commercialization of products in neuroscience, gastroenterology, women’s healthcare, infectious diseases
and transplantation. “The years that I spent at ACP played an invaluable role in preparing me for my career. I hope that my experiences and insights can help this year’s graduates achieve their own professional goals—regardless of the career path they may choose.” “Graduates of Albany College of Pharmacy have many attractive career options available to them once they complete their education. Geno is an excellent example of someone who used his degree in pharmacy to embark on a
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 7
dynamic career with one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers. He is a terrific role model for our students, and we are thrilled that he came back to campus to address the Class of 2008,” said James J. Gozzo, Ph.D., president of Albany College of Pharmacy. This year’s graduates have landed jobs in community and hospital pharmacies, higher education, pharmaceutical companies and research facilities spread across 20 states and Canada. The largest class in ACP’s history
included 194 graduates who earned Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. Two bachelor’s degrees in pharmaceutical sciences and one in biomedical technology also were awarded. Although many of the graduates are New Yorkers, countries represented in the Class of 2008 include Canada, Cameroon, India and South Korea. The ceremony also included awards for the student-nominated Teachers of the Year for 2007–2008. Student Government Association President Neil Tierson presented
the Traditional Teacher of the Year award, which recognizes an outstanding faculty member in the first two years of the curriculum, to Department of Arts and Sciences faculty member Ray Chandrasekara, Ph.D. Andrew Flynn ’87, of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was named Professional Teacher of the Year, recognizing an outstanding faculty member in years 3–5.
PostScript
7
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 8
FACULTY NEWS /
Faculty News + Notes Kenneth J. Blume, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Arts and Sciences, has several entries included in the recently published reference book The Age of Imperialism (Greenwood Press). His articles/entries include those on the Anglo-American Treaty, Rush-Bagot Treaty, Adams-Onis Treaty, WebsterAshburton Treaty, Oregon Treaty, Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Alaska Purchase, Burlingame Treaty, Hay-Herran Treaty and Hay-BunauVarilla Treaty. Jen Cerulli ’93, Pharm.D., BCPS, AE-C, has been appointed an associate editor of the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association (JAPhA). As associate editor, Dr. Cerulli will review manuscripts on medication therapy management and make accept/release decisions. An associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Dr. Cerulli served as the College’s Coordinator of Community Pharmacy Practice Experiences through last semester, working with more than 200 student pharmacists and 75 preceptors each year. She
8
PostScript
has written or coauthored numerous publications, served on APhA’s Books and Electronic Products Editorial Advisory Board and was guest editor for a community pharmacy supplement to the American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. Dr. Cerulli is also the recipient of the 2008 American Pharmacists AssociationAcademy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Distinguished Achievement Award in Clinical/ Pharmacotherapeutic Practice. The award was presented at the APhA Annual Meeting in San Diego in March. Currently, Dr. Cerulli is on sabbatical and will return to ACP in 2009. President James J. Gozzo, Ph.D., has been elected as an officer of the AlbanyColonie Regional Chamber of Commerce for 2008. The organization is the largest chamber in the Albany area. Nicole Lodise ’02, Pharm.D., has been named Pharmacist of the Year by the New York State Council of Healthsystem Pharmacists (NYSCHP). She was honored at the New York State Council’s Annual Assembly
held in May 2008. The award is given to a pharmacist who has been recognized by his or her peers for achieving significant accomplishments towards the progression of pharmacy practice and services. Dr. Lodise’s areas of interest include therapeutic work in tobacco cessation and women’s health. She has developed a groundbreaking Tobacco Cessation program at Albany Medical Center now available to staff as well as patients. Macary Marciniak, Pharm.D, BCPS, an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and the current ACP Fellow at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, is the recipient of the 2008 Albert B. Prescott Leadership Award. This national award is given by the Pharmacy Leadership Institute to honor a young pharmacist who has demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities in the field of pharmacy. The award was presented at the APhA annual meeting held in San Diego in March. Sarah Scarpace, Pharm.D., BCOP, an assistant professor
in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, has received the 2008 Carol Powell Cancer Research Award. The $3,100 award was created by Carol Ban Dyk Powell ’60 in memory of her husband, who passed away in 2004 from brain cancer. Dr. Scarpace’s research deals with the use of glucocorticoids during chemotherapy and their impact on diabetes outcomes. Terry Towers ’68, Pharm.D., coordinator of community pharmacy practice experiences, has been named the recipient of the CAPS (Capital Area Pharmacists Society) Mario M. Zeolla Memorial Leadership award. Towers was described in his nomination letter as “an extraordinary pharmacist who has delivered advanced patient care in an exemplary way.” Alex Steiner, Pharm.D., Ph.D., has been named to the Editorial Review Board of The American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology. AJP is the leading journal in the field of experimental physiology.
Paradoxically Speaking JOHN POLIMENI’S BOOK BUSTS THE MYTH OF RESOURCE EFFICIENCY A new book recently published by Assistant Professor of Economics John Polimeni, Ph.D., strives to demonstrate and elucidate the curious phenomenon that increased energy efficiency leads to increased demand and consumption of energy. Jevons’ Paradox and the Myth of Resource Efficiency Improvements (EarthScan, 2008), co-authored by Dr. Polimeni in conjunction with Kozo Mayumi, Mario Giampetro and Blake Alcott, delves into the work of British economist William Stanley Jevons and its implications for the modern world. In 1865, Jevons published a book called The Coal Question which promoted the theory that an increase in efficiency in using a resource leads to increased use of that resource rather than to a reduction. This is the first book to provide a historical overview of Jevons’ Paradox, give evidence for its existence and apply it to complex systems. Robert Bryce, the managing editor of Energy Tribune who reviewed the book in its latest issue, credited Polimeni with writing “the most compelling essay” and said the book “deserves wide attention.” In researching his book, Dr. Polimeni reviewed numerous studies from around the world on the effects of energy efficiency. He uncovered the astonishing fact that, between 1960 and 2004, U.S. energy intensity decreased by 113 percent, but consumption increased by 100 percent. “Energy-efficiency is promoted by politicians as the silver bullet for our energy problems,” says Dr. Polimeni, “but in reality such a strategy is counterproductive as it leads to further increases in energy consumption.”
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 9
FACULTY NEWS /
WHEN THE SPLEEN INCREASES, THE BODY DIMINISHES. —Spanish proverb
Carlos Feleder Receives $231,000 from the NIH to Study the Spleen Carlos Feleder, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has been awarded a three year research grant totaling $231,000 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dr. Feleder, with the assistance of ACP students, will study the effects of the spleen in managing fever. Fever plays a critical part in the body’s natural healing process by helping fight germs and infections. Prematurely lowering body temperature to normal levels through medication and other measures can interfere with the body’s ability to eliminate pathogenic agents. However, fevers must be closely monitored because when body temperature exceeds a certain level (approximately 39° C / 102° F), the harmful effects of high fever, such as delirium, convulsions, seizures, dehydration or other disorders, increase dramatically. Dr. Feleder’s research indicates that the
spleen plays an important role in managing fever by releasing a chemical that effectively sets the fever’s upper limits, thereby ensuring the beneficial effects of mid-range fevers, while preventing body temperature from escalating to dangerously high levels. The goal of the research grant is to identify the chemical or “factor” being produced by the spleen during fever and study its mechanism of action. “Most research in this area has focused on the liver as the key to managing fever,” said Dr. Feleder. “Our initial findings show that the activity of cells in the liver during fever is, in fact, influenced by chemicals produced in the spleen. If we understand how the body sets upper limits on temperature and learn to influence this process, we can allow the body to enjoy the benefits of fever and minimize the potential threats, thereby accelerating the recovery process.”
“NIH funds approximately 10 percent of applicants seeking this type of grant, a fact which underscores the scope of this accomplishment and the potential implications of Dr. Feleder’s research,” said Dean Mehdi Boroujerdi, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Dr. Feleder has also obtained a $70,000 fellowship for a Ph.D. candidate from China to manage the day-to-day research activities related to the grant. Xiujuan Yao, a student at the China Pharmaceutical University in Nanjing, will arrive on campus in September and stay for a period of two years. She will work closely with both Dr. Feleder and ACP students. The fellowship is being funded by China’s Postgraduate Scholarship Program which aims to improve scientific collaboration between foreign institutions and Chinese universities.
Discovery + Excellence CONGRATULATIONS TO FACULTY MEMBERS WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED 2008–09 SCHOLARSHIP OF DISCOVERY AND EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE GRANTS FROM ACP’S OFFICE OF GRANTS ADMINISTRATION. Department of Arts and Sciences
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department of Pharmacy Practice
Assistant Professor Ray Chandrasekara, Ph.D. — Water and natural resource security issues in Southeast Asia
Assistant Professor Luciana Lopes, Pharm.D., Ph.D. — Use of campul-based microemulsions as topical delivery systems
Associate Professor Leon Cosler, Ph.D. — Regional variation in cancer-care treatment and outcomes
Assistant Professor Daniel d’Oney, Ph.D. — “A Whisper to the Living: Public Representations of the Houma Indians”
Assistant Professor Alex Steiner, Pharm.D., Ph.D. — Leptin as a pro- inflammatory Cytokine
Assistant Professor Marion Jacobson, Ph.D. — “Stomach Steinway: The Popularization of the Piano Accordion in America, 1917–2007”
Associate Professor Jeffrey Voigt, Ph.D. — Regulation of VDUP-1 expression in human tumor cells Assistant Professor HaiAn Zheng, Ph.D. — Computer 3-D molecular modeling and animation for pharmaceutics and pharmacy education
PostScript
9
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 10
FACULTY NEWS /
DEAN MEHDI BOROUJERDI, PHARM.D., PH.D. HAS ANNOUNCED THE ADDITION OF THREE NEW FULL-TIME FACULTY MEMBERS TO THE COLLEGE
New Faculty Faces
10
Jeanine Abrons, Pharm.D.
Susan Ludeman, Ph.D.
Sean Mirk, Pharm.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PHARMACY PRACTICE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PHARMACY PRACTICE
Jeanine Abrons, Pharm.D., has joined the Department of Pharmacy Practice this past semester as an assistant professor. Dr. Abrons received her Pharm.D. from Drake University College of Pharmacy in Des Moines, Iowa. In addition, she holds a Master of Science in Social and Administrative Science and her teaching certificate from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. She has significant work experience in both community and institutional pharmacy.
Susan Ludeman, Ph.D., will join the college as an associate professor of organic chemistry. Dr. Ludeman received her B.A., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in chemistry from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She previously served as associate professor of chemistry in the Department of Chemistry at Trinity University in Washington, D.C. and assistant professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins Oncology Center. Her most recent position was as associate professor in medicine in the Division of Medical Oncology at Duke University Medical Center. In addition to teaching, Dr. Ludeman has authored more than 54 publications and six book chapters. She holds five patents and will join the College with two active grants.
Sean Mirk, Pharm.D., will begin his position as assistant professor of pharmacy practice effective August 1, 2008. Dr. Mirk received his B.S. from Central Michigan University and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Mich. He completed his Pharmacy Practice Residency in Education/Ambulatory Care Focus at Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy, in Downers Grove, Ill.
PostScript
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
2:51 PM
Page 11
FACULTY NEWS /
Mission Possible BONAFEDE JOINS MEDICAL MISSION TO HONDURAS
Last summer, Machaon “Mac” Bonafede, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, traveled with his wife and their infant daughter to Pinalejo, Honduras to work in a rural medical clinic in an impoverished area. Though the clinic was well-built and designed, it was often without power and running water and had a permanent staff of only one community health care worker (with only six days of training!). Mac’s wife, Kate, who just finished her fourth year of medical school at Dartmouth, was the senior medical professional. Dr. Bonafede went to work in the pharmacy, filling prescriptions and writing instructions for patients. They were also accompanied by an obstetrics nurse from Maine. During their stay, the team saw more than 350 patients. “We received a lot of support from Medical Bridges Inc., who literally provided thousands of dollars worth of medications,” said Dr. Bonafede. “They are a not-for-profit group that collects and re-distributes surplus medications and supplies from hospitals, pharmacies and doctors’ offices. We sent them the formulary we would be working with, highlighting our critical shortages, and they sent us exactly what we needed.” The most common complaints the team came across were of joint pain and indigestion. Diabetes was also very common and poorly monitored. By far the most common prescriptions were for vitamins and Ibuprofen. “This is an
area where vitamins can save someone’s life,” said Dr. Bonafede, who went on to add that there was also a need for lots of scabies cream, worm pills and antifungal cream. “Honduras doesn’t have the labeling and marketing requirements of the U.S.,” Dr. Bonafede explained. “Products containing honey are marketed for infants, and there is no shortage of products claiming to help improve memory, looks or sexual prowess. What’s worse is that every corner store sells some pretty potent antibiotics over the counter so they are often used as a cure-all.”
“Still, this is an area where a little bit of pressure in the right area can do a lot of good. Among other things, we counseled patients on things like how to take their medications appropriately, how to re-hydrate a baby with diarrhea and the importance of not taking an antibiotic for everything. We also handed out a lot of toothbrushes.” The Bonafedes hope to maintain a relationship with the clinic in Honduras and continue to help provide services and medical care to the community of Pinalejo.
DR. BONAFEDE FILLS PRESCRIPTIONS BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE CLINIC. THE TEAM SAW MORE THAN 350 PATIENTS DURING THEIR STAY IN HONDURAS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT medicalbridges.org
PostScript
11
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:06 PM
Page 12
STUDENT NEWS /
Student News Roundup Margaret Stack ’08 and Amy Renaud-Mutart ’08 finished in the top Ten at the 2007 Clinical Skills Competition Finalists at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ (ASHP) 42nd Midyear Clinical Meeting held in Las Vegas in December. During the competition, administered by ASHP’s Pharmacy Student Forum and sponsored by the ASHP Research and Education Foundation, students demonstrate their clinical skills by assessing patient information and current therapy, identifying and prioritizing drug therapy problems, identifying treatment goals and recommending a pharmacist’s care plan. Nearly 4,000 students and a record-setting 91 teams, who won preliminary competitions at their individual pharmacy schools, participated this year.
Sixth-year student Sarah Gruber was featured in an Albany Times Union profile about her career as a two-sport athlete at ACP. Sarah has played both soccer and basketball for each of her five years at the College. She is a center-midfielder on the soccer team and the fourth leading scorer in ACP history, with 65 goals. An off-guard in basketball, she has helped the Lady Panthers win the Northern Independence Conference for each of the past four years. In addition to those accomplishments, she carries a 3.92 average, the second highest in the Class of 2009. In May, Sarah began a year of rotations, making this past year her last playing sports at ACP, but she plans to continue competing after graduation, even if just in a recreational league.
Students toured Pfizer in Groton, CT with Steve Hansel ’85.
12
PostScript
Pharm.D. candidate Daniel A. Malone ’08 has been awarded the Robert J. Bolger Scholarship from the National Association of Chain Drugs Stores (NACDS). The scholarship, which is awarded to “exceptional students of the highest achievement,” is given to just two students each year. There were more than 450 applicants for the NACDS scholarships this year. The goal of the NACDS Foundation Pharmacy Student Scholarship Program is to support the development of future leaders in chain community pharmacy and to recognize pharmacy students who have a strong interest in pursuing a career in chain community pharmacy. Four sixth-year students have been awarded post-graduate fellowships through the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy Institute for Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowships at Rutgers University. The fellowships offer an opportunity to gain specialized and indepth training within the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of disciplines, including clinical pharmacology, clinical research, regulatory affairs, medical information, medical affairs, market research and marketing. They are also extremely competitive — each year several hundred students nationally apply for approximately 60 open-
ings. Congratulations go to ACP awardees Maria Berkhin (Roche), Stephen Esker (Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Medical Strategy Fellow in Virology), Shawn Leland (BristolMyers-Squibb: Medical Affairs Oncology) and Michael Nashat (Bristol-Myers-Squibb: Medical Strategy Fellow in Neurosciences). Amber Kraynak ’08 has been accepted for a Drug Information Residency at Eisai, Inc. in Woodcliff Lake, N.J. The company is the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Co., Ltd. of Japan, a research-based health care company that focuses its efforts in three therapeutic areas: neurology, gastrointestinal disorders and oncology/critical care. Michael Dobis ’08 coauthored a paper entitled “A Theoretical Approach to Reduce Discarded Pharmaceuticals in the Environment,” with Department of Pharmacy Practice Assistant Professor John M. Polimeni, Ph.D., Associate Professor Leon Cosler, Ph.D. and Department of Arts and Sciences Assistant Professor Ray Chandrasekara, Ph.D. The paper will be published in The International Journal of Environmental, Cultural, Economic, and Social Sustainability.
Three ACP student-faculty pairs have received American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Scholarships for the 2008 Wal-Mart Annual Conference Scholarship Program. The following ACP collaborators were selected to receive scholarships: Leona Blustein ’09 and Pharmacy Practice Assistant Professor Sara Dugan, Pharm.D., BCPP; Whitney Caron ’09 and Pharmacy Practice Associate Professor Gina Garrison ’94, Pharm.D.; Fellow Katie Pallotta ’06 and former Department of Pharmacy Practice Chair Sue Bruce ’99, Pharm.D., BCPS. The scholarship evaluation team sought “evidence that both parties [students/mentors] had a strong interest in enhancing their preparation for a career in academic pharmacy.” The scholarships will be used to fund travel to the AACP annual meeting in Chicago this summer. Congratulations to the newly elected members of the 2008–2009 Student Government Association Executive Board: President Neil Tierson ’11, Vice President Christina Hage ’12, Secretary Sherif Rizk ’13, Treasurer Erica Pascale ’10, Programming Chair Courtney Magill ’10 and Publicity Chair Colleen Lawless ’11.
Tasmina Hydery ’11 and Alex Villanueva ’09 have been awarded American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) Gateway to Research Scholarships to conduct research with Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty during 2008–2009. AFPE grants only 15 awards nationally. Tasmina will work with Robert Levin, Ph.D., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, on a project titled, “Mechanism of the protective effect of coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid on obstructive urinary bladder dysfunction.” Alex will work with Carlos Feleder, Ph.D., Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, on “The preoptic anterior hypothalamic area neuronal network mediates endotoxic hypotension.” The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), part of the Dept. of Health and Human Services, has named sixth-year student Lindsay Bell a winner of an Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice award. The award recognizes pharmacy students who are working to address public health issues in their communities. Lindsay serves as the Cancer Education Chair for ACP’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter as well as co- chair of the “Operation Immunization” committee of APhA.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:06 PM
Page 13
STUDENT NEWS /
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Awards
Gamma Gamma Goes for the Gold ACP’S RHO CHI CHAPTER WINS TOP AWARD ACP’s Gamma Gamma chapter of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society has been selected for the organization’s annual Chapter Achievement award (beating out 87 chapters in the nation!). The award recognizes the chapter’s many campus, local community and regional initiatives and was presented at Rho Chi’s annual meeting held in San Diego in March. “This marks the first time that Gamma Gamma has won a Chapter Achievement Award in the 32 years since our student chapter was chartered at ACP,” said Gina Garrison ’94, Pharm.D., who serves as faculty co-advisor to the group with Sara Dugan, Pharm.D. “We’re very proud of our students. Despite the high academic demands in the rigorous pharmacy curriculum, they have successfully taken this chapter to a new level.” Whitney Caron, a sixth-year student and immediate past president of Gamma Gamma, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter. In addition to receiving the engraved plaque, she will now serve as a member of Rho Chi’s national Executive Council. “The award is truly a reflection of the dedication of the entire Gamma Gamma chapter,” said Whitney, adding that the group’s goal for 2007 “was to increase our visibility on campus and in the Albany community.” One of Gamma Gamma’s most unique projects was “Kapsules for Kids.” The chapter created a spaceship board game for HIV-positive children at Albany Medical Center to provide them with a fun way to practice taking their medications and learn about treatment compliance. The 60 game kits they created will serve the hospital for another five years. Members also set up appointments for ACP students to meet with legislators to discuss bills pertinent to the practice of pharmacy in New York State. Many Rho Chi students participated in Albany’s Pharmacy Legislative Day at the Capitol in 2007, where more than 95 students spoke with lawmakers from their home districts.
The chapter’s work did not stop over the summer; several Rho Chi members volunteered as counselors at the Circle of Life Diabetes Camp in the Albany area monitoring insulin doses and blood sugar for young children. Back on campus, chapter members also met with incoming students and their parents during summer orientation sessions and provided input on how to succeed at ACP. Lastly, the chapter organized the very first Rho Chi Region I meeting, held in Albany this past fall. They hosted a reception at the Desmond Hotel in conjunction with the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists Midyear Regional Meeting. More than 40 students from seven of the nine Region I Rho Chi chapters attended. “The national office really commended our efforts as few regions are able to organize regional events,” said Dr. Garrison, who also serves as Region I Councilor on the national level. “This award has really energized our chapter. We are all thrilled to receive national recognition of the many initiatives we have undertaken on the local and regional level.”
The Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program presented “Excellence in Research” awards to seven students at an April luncheon. The Senior Research Award went to Jacilyn Basle ’08. Other award recipients were Tasmina Hydery ’11, Neil Mandalaywala ’09, Joshua Marlow ’10, Florian Radu ’10, Alexandra Rehfuss ’09 and Shaarika Sarasija ’09.
Jacilyn Basle in the lab with Jeffrey Voigt, Ph.D.
Diving Into Adventure The Outdoor Club, led by Associate Professor Mike Raley of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, visited Honduras over semester break to become certified scuba divers. A group of 10 ACP students participated in the “FTA” (fun, travel, adventure).
Whitney shows off Rho Chi ’s award.
PostScript
13
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:06 PM
Page 14
lth hea f o s tute i t s l in iona t a N the e d i outs
The FDA Chronicles THE LIFE OF A SIXTH YEAR PHARMACY STUDENT INTERNING AT THE FDA
Stephen Esker ’08, Pharm.D.
14
PostScript
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:06 PM
Page 15
Sunday, January 6
Welcome to Maryland Today is the day before the start of my five weeks here at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in Silver Spring, Maryland. Located just a few miles from the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, this branch of the FDA is brand new and its campus is expected to be completed sometime in 2009. Known as the “White Oak” campus, this area represents the FDA’s plan to consolidate its multiple buildings into one central headquarters. Until recently, the FDA had branches in several cities in Maryland, including Shady Grove and Rockville.
(DMETS), Todd works within a larger branch known as the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. To put it simply, his job revolves around the concept of reducing the number of errors that occur with regards to the labeling and packaging of medications. For example, he looks at potential “look-alike/sound-alike” medications (e.g. Celebrex vs. Celexa). He sits on a committee that reviews potential problems before they come to the market and also reviews MedWatch reports that are sent to the FDA to determine if bad labeling/packaging may be leading to patient harm. I’m definitely excited to be getting involved in some projects!
Monday, January 14 Monday, January 7
How to become a secret agent Today is Day One on my road to become a secret agent for the U.S. Government. While I’m exaggerating a bit, I must admit that gaining security access into the buildings is no easy task! However, two forms of I.D. and several pages of paperwork later, I now have my very own FDA Identification Badge. My first day has really been awesome. I got a tour around the White Oak campus from my preceptor, Todd Bridges, a young pharmacist who graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Pharmacy. As a Team Leader in the Division of Medication Errors and Technical Support
Interested in prison pharmacy? Today we traveled into the heart of Washington, D.C. to the United State Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to learn about the unique career opportunities that exist for pharmacists in the federal prison system. In each major metropolitan area in the U.S. there is at least one federal prison in which there is a great deal of medical care, including clinical pharmacy and the distribution of medications. The presenters gave personal testimonials and the one lasting impression I gained was that for the first time ever, these prisoners felt like somebody truly cared for them.
Wednesday, January 16
A great way to serve your country Today we learned all about the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). The USPHS Commissioned Corps is a team of more than 6,000 trained public health professionals dedicated to delivering the nation’s public health promotion and disease prevention programs while advancing public health science. As one of America’s seven uniformed services, the Commissioned Corps fills essential public health leadership and service roles within our federal government agencies and programs. The Corps has officers in many professions, including pharmacists, physicians, nurses, dentists and more. More specifically, we listened to several great stories from a pharmacist who served in the USPHS for more than 31 years, working in different branches of the organization including the FDA, BOP and Indian Health Service. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of his career was his role as the Senior Public Health Advisor to Afghanistan for the United States Department of Health and Human Services for several years. His story was truly amazing, and he opened up our eyes to the range of career opportunities for pharmacists.
PostScript
15
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:06 PM
Page 16
Thursday, January 17
Who says government work can,t be fun? One of the best things about this rotation has been meeting all of the other pharmacy students who have traveled from different regions of the country to come to the FDA. Besides fellow ACP student Mike Nashat ’08, Pharm.D., there are quite a few other students including: Mike from Wisconsin, Andrew from Chicago, Avni from Minneapolis, Amy and Kristen from St. Louis, Anna from Boston and several others. Sure, we see each other each day for Professional Student Lectures, but we really get to know each other after the office closes. Tonight we decided to start the weekly tradition of Thursday night Happy Hour on Capitol Hill. It was a great time, we made some great friends, and ate some delicious falafel (if you haven’t tried it, you’re missing out!)
Thursday, January 24
ASHP headquarters Unlike our friends across the road at Albany Medical College who can join and have one unified voice in the American Medical Association, we as pharmacists have a variety of different professional organizations to join. One of those is the American Society of HealthSystems Pharmacists (ASHP) and this morning our group traveled to the ASHP headquarters in downtown Bethesda, Maryland.
16
PostScript
Essentially, ASHP is an organization through which pharmacy students and pharmacists alike can advance their careers through clinical residencies as well as research and industry fellowships. In fact, ACP just recently chartered its ASHP chapter which provides a great opportunity for students to learn more about the organization.
Monday, January 28
We get the warhead and hold the world ransom for... one million dollars! I know what you’re thinking… why is he quoting Dr. Evil from Austin Powers? Remember in the movie when Dr. Evil is talking on the big screen to all of the international leaders of the world? That’s kind of what I did today, except it was as a member of the FDA speaking with members of the major health care regulatory bodies in Europe, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. I just sat there like a deer in the headlights as the committees from each of these countries spoke about pressing (and confidential, sorry) issues concerning medications. Perhaps the neatest part about it all was the fact that I actually knew quite a bit about what they were talking about in their debates! It was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge about the medication problems currently affecting the globe and a wonderful learning experience!
Friday, February 8
Time to say goodbye Today is my last day here. I had a lot of people tell me that it was wonderful to have me in the office. Not only is the experience at the FDA unparalleled, but the people are also very welcoming. My recommendation to any and all students here at ACP is to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you. While you may not find the FDA as interesting as I did, I am sure that there are many opportunities for you to grow in the pharmacy profession. The worst thing you can do is shortchange yourself on the experiences available to you in this career.
The Experiential Education component of the Doctor of Pharmacy program is the opportunity for students to step out of the classroom and academic laboratory and into a variety of realworld practice settings, putting the knowledge they have gained to use in hands-on pharmacy experiences. Practice sites include community pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory care clinics, research laboratories, managed care facilities, academia, government agencies and the pharmaceutical industry. Select opportunities for international rotations also are available.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.acp.edu or e-mail experientialed@acp.edu
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:07 PM
Page 17
STUDENT NEWS /
HOPE INAUGURAL RELAY FOR LIFE A BIG SUCCESS Albany College of Pharmacy held its first-ever “Relay for Life” event on Friday, April 18. The event, organized by ACP’s Colleges Against Cancer chapter, raised $31,000, far exceeding their goal of $20,000. Students, faculty, administrators and members of the local community walked around the school’s track from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to celebrate cancer survivors, remember those lost to cancer and raise money to help fight the disease. “Relay for Life” is one of the American Cancer Society’s signature events. It is held overnight to represent the fact that cancer never sleeps.
Summer Research Awardees Ten students split evenly from the Doctor of Pharmacy program and the B.S. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences have been named as Student Summer Research awardees for 2008. Congratulations go to the following students who will be working with faculty mentors from across the College during the highly competitive eight-week program. A stipend and housing are provided for participating students.
Leona Blustein, Pharm. D. ’09, with Sara Dugan, Pharm.D. Assessment of Substance Use and Abuse among Pharmacy Students Amanda Dihmess, Pharm.D. ’13, with Thomas Lodise, Pharm.D. Molecular and Clinical Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Jacklyn Hosmer, Pharm.D. ’12, with Luciana Lopes, Pharm.D., Ph.D., and Adwoa Nornoo, Ph.D. Development of Microemulsions Containing Paclitaxel for the Topical Treatment of Kaposi’s Sarcoma Pamela Leonardi, Pharm.D.’10, with Jeffrey Voigt, Ph.D. The Role of VDUP-1 in Regulating the Growth and Differentiation of Tumor Cells Elaine Liu, BSPS ’11, with Alexandre Steiner, Pharm.D., Ph.D. Will the Shift from Fever to Hypothermia during Severe Systemic Inflation Aid the Host? Neil Mandalawala, BSPS ’09, with Shaker Mousa, Ph.D. Role of VDUP-1 in Tumor Growth, Angiogenesis and Metastasis Jessica Phelps, BSPS ’11, with William Millington, Ph.D. Is Arecoline Addictive? Anjoli Punjabi, BSPS ’11, with Arnold Johnson, Ph.D. Preventing Septic Shock as it Relates to the Lungs—Hypothesis: Activation of the Wnt-pathway Will Promote the Increase in Permeability and Edema Caused by the Tumor Necrosis Factor Alexandra Rehfuss, BSPS ’09, with Robert Levin, Ph.D. Ischemic Etiology of Incontinence in Women Peter Youssef, Pharm.D. ’11, with Martha Hass, Ph.D. Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Phospholipids by TLC-ATRFTIR
The luminaria ceremony says it all.
PHI DELTA CHI FUNDRAISING Six Brothers from ACP’s Alpha Theta chapter of Phi Delta Chi attended the annual St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital Telethon hosted by WRGB-TV in March. Worthy Correspondent Neil Tierson ’11, Worthy Chief Counselor Tim Henderson ’10, Worthy Alumni Liaison Owen Foley ’10, Grand Vice President for Student Affairs Stephen Esker ’08, Matthew Covich ’09 and Whitney LaPier ’11 appeared live on the broadcast to support St. Jude’s. Neil and Stephen spoke about Phi Delta Chi’s involvement in the Prescription for Hope campaign and presented St. Jude’s with a check for more than $4,700. Prescription for Hope is a nationwide fundraising effort launched by PDC in 2007 that has committed $200,000 to St. Jude’s over a four-year period. Upon completion, one of the hospital’s patient pharmacies will be named in honor of the fraternity. The campaign has ties to ACP in more ways than one. Working with the development staff at St. Jude’s, Sean Greene ’00, who holds a position in Phi Delta Chi’s national office in addition to his full-time job at Wegman’s, was instrumental in coming up with the idea for the program. “I was inspired by Jeff Jellin, the founding editor of The Pharmacist’s Letter and a fraternity brother of ours, who made a personal commitment to St. Jude’s from the proceeds of his very successful journal,” said Greene. “He challenged me to find a way to increase PDC’s support. With this campaign, we went from raising $8,000–$12,000 a year to bringing in $75,000 in just the first semester.”
PostScript
17
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:08 PM
FEATURE STORY /
18
PostScript
Page 18
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:08 PM
Page 19
ALUMNI GIVE BACK BY EDUCATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF PHARMACISTS
From its very early beginnings, Albany College of Pharmacy has consistently utilized the expertise of its alumni when looking to enhance the faculty roster. Just a little over a decade after its 1881 founding, ACP added to its faculty Frank Richardson and De Baun Van Aken, both graduates of the Class of 1884, to teach Materia Medica and Chemistry. Launching a trend for faculty alumni to become involved in other aspects of life at the school, Van Aken later went on to become secretary of the College and president of the Alumni Association. Beloved, long-time dean Francis J. O’Brien ’20 joined the faculty shortly after his graduation and helmed the school for more than 20 years until his retirement in 1967. He was replaced that year by Walter Singer ’48 who led the College until 1982. The tradition of ACP
graduates returning to educate and mentor future pharmacists continues to this day. A long-standing member of the current faculty is Professor Rinaldo DeNuzzo ’52, M.S., a fixture at Albany College of Pharmacy for more than 50 years. When Professor DeNuzzo began teaching at the College, the faculty consisted of just 17 people under the leadership of Dean O’Brien, with whom he worked closely for 25 years. For more than five decades, “Prof” has served the College in a range of capacities, complementing his role as an educator with dedicated service as director of public relations, placement director, coordinator of alumni affairs and editor of the alumni news.
PostScript
19
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:08 PM
Page 20
FEATURE STORY /
At the 2001 commencement, “Prof” was honored with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree in recognition of his longtime service to the College and his exemplary lifetime achievements. In the 1950s, when he first began teaching, longtime staff member Katherine Glavin was registrar and one of the few members of the administration other than Dean O’Brien. The library was in a classroom, with Loella Dobbins presiding as head (and only) librarian, and the gym doubled as the cafeteria with bleachers used as dining surfaces. Once the Diamond Jubilee Wing was added in 1957, a new cafeteria was added and the “Panther’s Den” in the basement provided a much-needed space to unwind with pool and card games. There were just two programs of study at ACP—pharmacy and medical technology; in 1960, Prof was there to witness the creation of the five-year pharmacy degree. He also reminisced about the first freshman dorm,
transfer some of the passion that I have for pharmacy to our future pharmacists.” “The difference between the College from when I graduated to today is like night and day. We had just had one building—the present-day O’Brien building—which was much smaller than it is now.” The Blythe Wing, containing the library and administrative offices was added in 1981. This spring, Towers was awarded the Capital Area Pharmacists Society’s Mario M. Zeolla Memorial Leadership award created in memory of faculty member Mario Zeolla ’97. Towers was described in his nomination letter as “an extraordinary pharmacist who has delivered advanced patient care in an exemplary way.” Though Bob Hamilton ’77, Pharm.D., came back to ACP in 1982 as an assistant professor after earning his Pharm.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University, he continues to find his position to be a source of new and exciting challenges.
long commitment to pharmacy education.” Angela Pasquariello Dominelli ’78, Ph.D., took a different path after her graduation from ACP, heading off to Union College for her MBA and a Ph.D. in Administrative and Engineering Sciences. When she came back in 2000 as a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, she could not have imagined that she would one day be named associate dean for academic affairs and assessment—a perfect fit for someone whose research and teaching interests include pharmacy education. “As a student at ACP, I felt that faculty members knew who I was and took a genuine interest in me as a person,” Dr. Dominelli says. “I believe it’s key to maintain that same level of concern and consideration for our students.” In addition to her administrative and teaching duties, Dr. Dominelli has published in the areas of total quality management, the influence of pharmacy education on stu-
I came back to ACP...to give something back to my profession. I wanted to be able to transfer some of the passion that I have for pharmacy to our future pharmacists. —Terry Towers ’68 As a student at ACP, I felt that faculty members knew who I was and took a genuine interest in me as a person. I believe it’s key to maintain that same level of concern and consideration for our students. —Angela Pasquariello Dominelli ’78
opened in 1985. Alumni House, located on Holland Ave., was very near to the most recently opened housing option at ACP— Holland Suites—added last year. “ACP now has a large campus, looks like a university, offers a myriad of courses and has a large student body,” notes Dr. DeNuzzo, who encourages alumni to visit when in the Capital District so that they can see firsthand all of the exciting changes at the College. One of the newest additions to the ACP community is Terry Towers ’68, B.S., who in December was named coordinator of community practice experiences. Towers brings a wealth of experience to the job. The majority of his prior work has been in the community arena, most recently, as a diabetes care and medication management specialist with Rite Aid. He also oversees quality assurance, checklist development, student placement and site expansion for community pharmacy. “I came back to ACP because I thought that I could give back something to my profession,” says Towers. “I wanted to be able to 20
PostScript
“I have enjoyed working at ACP because it has provided me with great opportunities to grow and explore,” says Dr. Hamilton. His roles have included department chair for pharmacy practice, director of the professional experience and Pharm.D. programs, and, most recently, director of continuing professional development. In his research, Dr. Hamilton has worked with the New York State Office of Medicaid Management to assess and improve the use of drug therapies in the Medicaid population and also worked for several years with the New York State Drug Utilization Review Board. As the newly appointed founding dean of ACP’s satellite campus in Colchester, Vermont, Dr. Hamilton faces one of the most exciting opportunities of his long and successful career and is excited to be heading off to the Burlington area with his family. “I am honored to head Vermont’s first pharmacy school,” Dr. Hamilton says. “I look forward to assembling a team and working with Vermont students to offer a premier academic program, consistent with ACP’s
dent perceptions of pharmaceutical advertising, the personality traits of medical technologists and the comparison of service quality preferences of consumers and web surveys. The best part of her job is the people, from students to faculty to administrators, says Dr. Dominelli. “People are the core of every organization. Working with intelligent and caring people makes a huge difference.” After graduation from ACP, Melinda Reed ’79, MBA, completed a residency at the National Institutes of Health and worked for several years in hospital pharmacy. “It was there that I taught students on rotations and found that I really loved teaching,” she says. Soon after, she was back at ACP, this time as an instructor in the Pharmaceutics Laboratory. In 1985, she received her MBA from the University at Albany. Over her 25 years at ACP, she has also worked as an instructor in the Professional Practice Laboratory and taught accounting before returning to the Pharmaceutics Lab. “The College differs so much from when I
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:08 PM
Page 21
FEATURE STORY /
attended ACP—even in the number of students per class. I’m glad that now there are no bells that ring between classes and that every professor does not seat the students alphabetically!” Now an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Leon Cosler ’82, Ph.D., teaches courses including pharmacoeconomics and health outcomes, epidemiology and public health at ACP. In 2007, Dr. Cosler was named director of ACP’s newly-created Research Institute for Health Outcomes (RIHO), formed to address the need for high-quality, scientifically sound medical and financial data in health outcomes and pharmacoeconomic research. Through RIHO, Dr. Cosler has been involved with interdisciplinary teams of faculty who conduct outcomes research relating to cancer, HIV, infectious diseases and environmental issues. He also represents ACP in the Upstate New York Consortium for Health Care Research and Quality and was influen-
tial in establishing a new master’s degree program in health outcomes research. More than 25 years after his graduation, Dr. Cosler reflects on life at ACP “back in the day.” “Everyone lived off campus from the beginning so the scramble for housing and compatible roommates was a huge part of the experience,” says Dr. Cosler. “I was very lucky in that the roommates I found on Day One are still my very best friends.” Then a member of and now advisor to Rho Pi Phi, Dr. Cosler notes differences in life outside of class as well. “The drinking age was 18 back then, and it made for a much different social environment,” he remembers. “Several times each semester, organizations sponsored ’mixers’— essentially large, well-attended dinner dances.” “The experiences I gained at ACP remain the most significant in my life,” Dr. Cosler goes on to say. “Faculty encouraged me to pursue graduate training, for which I am
Left to Right: Aim ee Strang, Ange Leon Cosler an la Dominelli, d Bob Hamilto n
very grateful. Teaching here is like ’giving back’ to the faculty members who took a special interest in my future. Now I try to pass that on to my students.” A member of the Class of ’83, Laurie Briceland, Pharm.D., followed up her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from SUNY Buffalo with a fellowship in antimicrobial management at Hartford Hospital. She returned to ACP in 1987 as a faculty member in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and has risen through the ranks to become a full professor. Now in her 21st year at the College, Dr. Briceland serves as director of Experiential Education. Over those years, she has seen many changes at the College and in experiential education in general. “The program has evolved from an inpatient-focused post-baccalaureate program to an entry-level program which encompasses community, hospital, ambulatory care, public health and elective rotations,” explains Dr. Briceland. “Additionally, ACP now offers
back’ e ‘giving k li is e r e h took a Teaching bers who m e m y lt u ow I to the fac y future. N m in t s e r te dents. special in to my stu n o t a h t s tr y to pas 2 osler ’8
—Leon C
en ege has giv ll o C e h t t inued My time a y for cont it n u t r o p ievement. me the op h c a l a n o s d per growth an 1
ennett ’9
—Ellen K
son, ina Garri linda Reed, e wers, G Terry To Anna Obos, M Vadala , n n ly F e dy Le nya ight: An e Rose, y Lubowski, Ta Left to R Young, Jeanin rr ie iams, Te Stephan nett, Ellen Will n Ellen Ke r Evans nife and Jen
PostScript
21
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:08 PM
Page 22
Alum ni fac ulty a t the 2 008 C omm encem ent ex ercise s.
en me My ACP education has giv e career the flexibility to choose th for me in pharmacy that is right —Andy Flynn ’87
introductory practice experiences in the community and hospital settings to introduce students to the practice environments early in the curriculum.” “When I first began coordinating the experiential education offerings at ACP, the program had just four students from the Class of ’91; now more than 200 students are involved,” Dr. Briceland says. “While the experiential curriculum has changed over the years, there is a constant that remains—the concept of experiential learning—that students are placed in a number of optimal learning environments to be precepted by dedicated professionals, working in teams to provide the best level of patient care possible.” Andy Flynn ’87, B.S., has a special bond with his students. An instructor in the pharmacy practice lab since 2002, he has gotten lots out of his experiences as both a student and faculty member. “I really enjoy interacting with my students the best,” says Flynn. “It’s so rewarding when one of them thanks you for teaching a concept they didn’t understand.” For his dedication to his students, Flynn was named Professional Teacher of the Year at this year’s Commencement. The award
22
PostScript
recognizes an outstanding faculty member who teaches in years 3–5. Flynn’s years at the College have had other benefits—both career-wise and personally. “My ACP education has given me the flexibility to choose the career in pharmacy that is right for me,” he says. “I also made many friends here as a student that I still keep in close contact with. Most importantly, I met my wife Kelly [Letawa Flynn ’89] at ACP.” Ellen Kennett ’91, B.S., has been back at ACP since 1993. Initially, she worked as a part-time instructor in the pharmaceutics lab. Over the ensuing years, her role at ACP has expanded along with the growth of the College and, beginning in the fall, she will coordinate a whopping 14 laboratories. After serving for 10 years on the board of directors for the ACP Alumni Association, including three as president, she recently completed a two-year term on the Faculty Senate. “I have had many positive experiences at ACP,” says Kennett. “The faculty has been very supportive, and I have enjoyed my interactions with them as well as the students. My time at the College has given me the opportunity for continued growth and personal achievement, and I can honestly say that I look forward to the experiences that each day offers.” Two years after graduation, Lee Anna Obos ’91, B.S., began her career at ACP as a Pharmaceutics Laboratory instructor and coordinator. Over the years she has also taught in the Professional Practice I lab, Home Health Care course and coordinated the Professional Practice II course. Eventually, her job responsibilities grew to include planning for the renovation of the Throop Pharmacy Museum, an historic drug store that had been moved lock, stock and barrel from its original home in Schoharie, N.Y., and installed at the College in 1938. As curator of the Throop since its renovation and reopening in 2001, Obos has created
displays of historic artifacts throughout the College, written grants, chaired the Throop Pharmacy Museum Scholarship Endowment Committee and hosted tours of the museum. In addition, she has curated exhibits on the Throop and the history of pharmacy for Albany International Airport, the Ten Broeck Mansion and the Schenectady County Library. She has been recognized with a Certificate of Commendation from the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy for her dedicated service and contributions to the field of the history of pharmacy. Her articles on the Throop have been published in the Institute’s Apothecary’s Cabinet as well as PostScript. In 2006, Obos received the Outstanding Service to the Profession of Pharmacy Award from the ACP Alumni Council. “I like having a job that allows creativity both in the laboratory and the museum,” says Obos. “I have made many contacts throughout the world due to my museum work, and I am continually learning myself.” Gina Garrison, Pharm.D., graduated from ACP with a B.S. in Pharmacy in 1994. After working in community and hospital pharmacies, she returned to ACP for the two-year post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy program, graduating in 1998. She went on to complete a primary care residency at the Buffalo VA Medical Center and joined the faculty at ACP in 1999 as the first assistant professor of pharmacy practice in the nontenure track. Promoted to associate professor at ACP three years ago, she is also a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Medicine at Albany Medical Center. With a clinical practice at Latham Internal Medicine and Pediatrics Group of Albany Med, Dr. Garrison and her students work collaboratively with physicians and nurses to collect patient medical history information, discuss medication benefits or side effects and recommend drug therapies. Her practice site is an excellent example of the expanding role that pharmacists play in prevention and management of disease. Her teaching and research is focused on primary prevention of disease, including cardiovascular risk management for common conditions such as dyslipidemia, hypertension and tobacco abuse. In addition to several professional memberships, Dr. Garrison serves as a faculty coadvisor to ACP’s chapter of the Rho Chi National Pharmacy Honor Society, which she belonged to as a student (see article page 13). Stay tuned for more about our faculty alumni in the fall issue of PostScript.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:09 PM
Page 23
FEATURE STORY /
The Pharmacy Profession An Evolution Over Time 1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
PostScript recently sat down with five alumni ranging from the Class of ’68 to the Class of ’96 to survey their thoughts on the evolution of the pharmacy profession over the last 40 years. Participating in the discussion were: w Jane Wells Fox ’68, who works in the New York State Office of Medicaid Management and whose background includes experience in both institutional and community pharmacy. w Tom Golden ’71, who along with his wife, Mary Hunter Golden ’73, works as a pharmacist in the Apple Pharmacy in Malta, NY. w Mary Garry Giamartino ’78, who owns, operates and practices at the Hotel Pharmacy in Brattleboro, VT. w Steve Hansel ’85, who is senior director of the Department of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics, and Metabolism (PDM) at Pfizer. w Heather Bartle Ferrarese ’96, who is a clinical pharmacist at Bartle’s Pharmacy in Oxford, NY, which was founded by her father, Brian Bartle ’62. Here’s what they had to say.
PostScript
23
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:09 PM
Page 24
FEATURE STORY /
Why did you choose ACP and what was your experience like? Tom: My grandfather graduated from ACP in 1918 and my father graduated in 1950. Once I decided on pharmacy as a career, it was shoo-in that I would go to ACP. I was particularly proud to be in one of the last classes handpicked by Dean O’Brien. Jane: It was the 60s, and there were limited career opportunities for women. I thought about teaching, but my heart wasn’t in it. My father and I did a tour of ACP. I walked away thinking “this is the place for me.” It was a great decision. Steve: I was always interested in health related professions. I enjoyed science. I was intrigued by pharmacists and how they interacted with patients. I eventually became interested in pharmaceutics. There was very little research then at ACP. Now, there are fantastic research-based opportunities for students. I’m jealous!
pursue something I knew I would enjoy rather than searching for something that I might enjoy. Plus, the Kirkpatricks were good friends of the family—my father worked for them when he was going to school—and I loved the idea of having them as my guardian angels in Albany.
What was the biggest difference between your expectations as a student and the reality of being a practicing professional? Tom: Your entire educational experience back then was pretty sterile. Once you began working and you realized that someone’s life could be affected by something as small as a missing dash or period, it hit you quite hard, the gravity of what we do. Jane: That’s very true. One of the earliest and most important lessons that I learned was the last prescription of the day is as important as the first. Mary: When I started, you could walk into a pharmacy, get any prescription that your
What has been the most significant change to your field over the course of your career? Steve: The biggest changes certainly are on the technology front. There are scientific disciplines today that did not exist 15 years ago. Jane: First and foremost for retail pharmacy has been automation. You enter information into a computer and the next day someone is at the door at 9 a.m. with everything you need. Tom: Automation is it. Back when I graduated, our prescription logs were in a large binder, and there were no patient profiles, per se. If they lost their bottle, they might be out of luck on refilling their prescription. When the first computer systems arrived, they automated patient profiles, so that looking for things like drug interactions, allergies and billing information all became easier to manage and handle. The rise in the number of prescriptions being filled on a daily basis has been another big change. I remember in my grandfather’s store, a busy day was 65–70
Tom Golden at the Apple Community Pharmacy demonstrating the Parata Robotic Dispensing System, working with ACP student intern Patty Snider ’09 and speaking with a customer.
Jane: When I was at ACP, it was either med tech or pharmacy. There weren’t many choices. You didn’t even get to choose where you sat. From the first day through graduation I sat in Section 4. And since my last name was Wells, I always sat at the back of the room. I got married in college and my name changed, but that didn’t seem to matter. I still stayed in Section 4! Mary: I’m originally from Brooklyn, so for me it was a toss up between ACP and St. John’s. Russ Denegar, who was then dean of students, played the pivotal role in my decision. I had a great experience at ACP. It wasn’t really even a campus back then, but none of us cared. Heather: I knew that I wanted to work in health care and patient care. I thought about nursing and other possible avenues, but nothing seemed to be a good fit. My father is an alumnus (Brian Bartle ’62), and I grew up in a family pharmacy setting. I decided to 24
PostScript
doctor wanted you to have, and life was good. Today, there are many other complicating factors that need to be negotiated. We can spend up to five or six hours to get one claim paid for a patient. And that’s quite often someone who is sick or dying. Heather: In school we emphasized patient care and patient education, and I was taken aback by the restrictions placed on pharmacists that prevent us from doing what we are fully capable of doing. I had big dreams following graduation of all the things we were going to change at the pharmacy, but it has taken years to help make these a reality. Steve: I’m now involved in drug development and research, but regardless of your field of expertise, you need to be able to connect with people, establish trust and communicate. That’s what I learned from my early experiences as a pharmacist at the VA, and those lessons have really carried through my entire career.
prescriptions. In 1980, it was 150–200. Today, 300–400 is considered a busy day. We have a specialty pharmacy for nursing homes across the street from us, and they can fill more than 1,000 prescriptions in a day. Mary: Insurance companies and PBMs are playing a much larger role in determining what medications patients can have, regardless of whether patients pay their premiums. In my opinion, that’s not right. On the plus side, we’ve seen the advent of medication therapy management, which is a good thing. We have always prided ourselves on taking care of our patients and counseling them, and MTM gives us greater freedom to do just that. Contrary to what some people might think, pharmacists are not robots. Heather: I would say it’s the implementation of Medicare D. It’s given greater access to health care and more people are now taking the medications they need because they are better able to afford them.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:09 PM
Page 25
FEATURE STORY /
What would you like to see happen to make the profession of pharmacy even better?
How have your customers’ needs changed since you began your career?
Steve: The first thing that comes to mind is an increase in the number of students pursuing research-based careers. Research is an art, and it takes time to develop those skills. But it’s getting increasingly difficult to find talented individuals who are willing to commit to research for an extended period of time. That is why we are seeing research increasingly done outside the U.S. where resources and labor are both plentiful and less expensive. This shift is changing the face of pharmaceutical research from an academic-oriented endeavor to a production-oriented one.
Mary: Years ago we had a lot of people who smoked. We see many less smokers now, but the obesity rate has become a real tragedy. Obesity has surpassed smoking and heart disease as the number one health related cost for employers. If people are interested, we sell them a pedometer at cost. We tell them to walk 10,000 steps a day. We even set and regulate it for them. Beyond the obesity issue, drug therapy today is so complex that if you don’t take the time with each patient to go over their medications, they are going to be confused. That’s a lot of time, but that’s what we’re there for.
Heather: We need to remove the regulatory barriers that prevent pharmacists from doing things like drawing blood or sending a fax to alert the patient’s doctor to a recommended change in therapy. We are medication therapy experts. That’s our specialty. Unfortunately, we are not trusted to do that. To not be able to practice at your fullest capabilities is a disservice to the entire profession, not to mention the patients.
Jane: When I worked in a community setting, you had a certain group of people you dealt with. At the state, there is a whole different profile. The patient is not someone you meet face to face. So you make the best decision you can. Heather: Customers have definitely changed.
that information as a detailed roadmap from the earliest points in the drug discovery effort. Our biggest research challenge is to then quickly deliver effective, safe new medicines that meet those needs.
Has the public perception of pharmacists changed since you graduated? Jane: I don’t think there has been a change. I think people have always recognized the knowledge we have to offer. Tom: I believe yes, it has changed. I think we are held in higher regard than when I first got out of school. We’re now seen as more of a health care professional, not just a technician to fill a bottle of little red pills that grandma needs. Steve: The view of the pharmaceutical industry has done a 180 degree turn from 20 years ago. That’s due largely to the fact that some drug companies have made very big profits, plus there have been some high profile recalls which have tainted the industry.
Drug therapy today is so complex that if you don’t take the time with each patient to go over their medications, they are going to be confused. That’s a lot of time, but that’s what we’re there for. —MARY GARY GIAMARTINO stomer.
Mary: I just want to take care of my patients to the best of my ability. That’s what makes my day, and I think I should be able to do that. But that’s not always the case. Jane: We need to be better at tracking what our patients are doing. It is extremely difficult to manage the profiles of our [Medicaid] patients, and the net result is lost money and patients not following their prescribed drug therapy regimens. Tom: Certain drugs are prone to overuse. You have to be vigilant to make sure they are being used in the proper manner. It comes down to trust. The more personal the relationship, the better you are able to work these things out. Jane: It puts us in an awkward position. How do you say to someone that they can’t have their heart medication?
They are savvier and more educated. They ask more questions than they used to 12 years ago. The barrier that “we know more than they do, and they don’t want to appear silly by asking” is gone. If it’s on their mind, they’ll ask it. Tom: Another thing that connects with that is internet access. Patients will come into the pharmacy with information about some new breakthrough that might be ten years down the road, and they want to know what we have heard about it. Demand starts before anything ever hits the retail side. Ever since Walter Kronkite promoted Motrin, they are looking for the next silver bullet to come down the pike. Steve: Our customers are ultimately patients, physicians and payers. I would have to say the one fundamental shift over the last 20 years—and it’s a good one—is that today we invest much more effort in understanding what represents a legitimate breakthrough for patients and physicians and then use
However, I’ve found that this shift in public opinion does not dampen researchers’ desires to contribute to improved public health care through our chosen occupations. Mary: There are some very rural people who still do not believe that women can be pharmacists, but they are the minority. I would guess that probably 95% of the people today have no problem speaking with a female pharmacist. I’ll add that, generally speaking, doctors are more willing to call pharmacists for advice than was the case years ago. Heather: When I was in college, pharmacists were regularly voted as America’s most trusted profession. That’s not the case any longer, and I’m not sure why. Overall, I think we are very valued. I have been able to help the children of people whom I went to school with. I love that they want my advice before they see the doctor or go to a clinic. I think there is respect for the knowledge we have and the assistance we provide people. PostScript
25
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:09 PM
Page 26
ADVANCEMENT /
2007–2008 Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to ACP’s 2007–2008 scholarship recipients and many thanks to the donors and corporations who gave so generously toward these awards. The achievements of these outstanding scholars are made possible by your continued support. We couldn’t have done it without you! ALBANY COLLEGE OF PHARMACY DEAN’S ENDOWMENT FOR EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
Douglas Maleh Nora Morgan Emily Napper Kristin Whitaker ALLEN BARNUM ’24 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Steven Leggett JACOB G. BAURLE ’31 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Elizabeth Burke MILTON BERNSTEIN ’31 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Selena Manzer OREN O. BIGELOW ’42 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Aislinn Early Penny Gross Stephanie Haynes Cortney Komenda Nathan Rogers ELLEN WIDENMANN BOYIAN SCHOLARSHIP
Job Edwards Joshua Vinson
DEMERS FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
E. CHARLES LEIGHTON ’59 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Elena Napper
David Sanderson
H. RUSSELL DENEGAR ’43 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
RITA E. LEIGHTON ’86 SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Aimee Moses
Stefanie Alger
BERTRAM RAPOWITZ ’58 SCHOLARSHIP
RINALDO V. DENUZZO ’52 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
GEORGE C. LEWIS ’28 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
RITE AID SCHOLARSHIP
Robin Carville Donald Lansing Allison Reyngoudt Margaret Stack Joshua Vinson Lisa Wu
Magdalene Assimon Shakil Farooqui Rebecca Hohenforst
BARBARA M. DILASCIA ’55 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Brian Matthews DONOVAN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP
Maya Murilo HARLAND R. ECKLER ’20 ALUMNI FUND SCHOLARSHIP
Salvatore Bottiglieri JOHN E. FLYNN SCHOLARSHIP
Hamed Abouzeid
Anthony Debboli Nicholas DiPirro EDWARD MALKONIAN ’34 ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
Craig Laing DONALD MCANDREW ’62 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Nicholas DiPirro Brittany Higgins JAMES MCGUINESS ’71 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Yu Jin Lim Suzanne Visser DR. KENNETH W. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP
DEBRA BRAMER ’87 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
HAGGERTY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Katherine Frank
Kathleen Dopp
Daniel Fortier Katrina Van der Kloet
JAMES J. MORRISSEY JR. ’65 SCHOLARSHIP
Jennit Raju
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB SCHOLARSHIP
HENNING SCHOLARSHIP
Aimee Moses
Emily Mozingo
CLASS OF 1988 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
KENNETH G. HUNTER ’25 SCHOLARSHIP
Ryan Madison
Nora Morgan
Jessica Blanchard Anna Vasyukhnevich
ALFRED J. COLLINS, JR. ’53/ WARNER-LAMBERT/ JC PENNY SCHOLARSHIP
PAUL A. JABLON SCHOLARSHIP
FRANCIS J. O’BRIEN ’20 ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Kamalpree Dhami Mina Ilia John Nahas Aniwaa Owusu Obeng Emilia Smal
Solomon Chang Vanessa Ebosiem Keith Freeman Kathryn Hogle Svetlana Kanaeva Sunjeev Konduru Evan Kujawski Karen Lam Victoria Matos Michael McCarthy Jeffrey Meredith Phuong Nguyen Yuliya Pokhylko Gurmukh Singh Joan Westcott
Daniel Duffy THOMAS CUTBUSH ’68 SCHOLARSHIP
Karen Holmes CVS SCHOLARSHIP
Laura Fox Greg Holmes
BURT ORRIN KINNEY ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Megan Jensen Rahne Minckler KIRKPATRICK SCHOLARSHIP
Joseph Carreno
26
ELI LILLY SCHOLARSHIP
PostScript
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHAIN DRUG STORES SCHOLARSHIP
HENRY A. PANASCI JR. PHARMACY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Samantha Nolan
Maya Murilo Holly Chaknis ’09, left, accepts the James J. Roome ’79 Award from Shannon Rivers Miller ’04, Pharm.D., BCPS
Krista Kelly Samantha Nolan ELLIS H. ROBISON ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP
Selena Manzer CAROL LEE SOWEK ’74 MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Tania Hobbs ALBERT M. WHITE SCHOLARSHIP FUND
John Adamchick WOMEN’S CLUB FUND OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
Sarah Gruber MICHAEL P. AND ELSIE K. YUDA SCHOLARSHIP
Peter Avery Jessica Blanchard Edmund DeCarlo Nicholas DiPirro Laura Fox Thomas Giovinazzo Steven Leggett Nicole Montanaro Amanda Siddon
Awards + Prizes In addition to the scholarships, 20 prizes and awards, totaling almost $6,000, were presented to 26 students. Holly Chaknis ’09, entering her final year in the Pharm.D. program, was the recipient of this year’s James J. Roome ’79 Award. A native of Gloversville, N.Y., Holly is eagerly looking forward to a fulfilling career in pharmacy in the near future.
“I would like to complete a residency and one day work in a hospital helping patients manage their medications. I hope to be able to play an active role in the community and help make patients’ lives easier. Learning about pharmacy and the new and innovative things that are happening in the field has really been enjoyable for me.”
HOLLY CHAKNIS ’09 JAMES J. ROOME JR. ’79 AWARD RECIPIENT
For more information about how you can contribute to scholarships and awards at ACP, contact Donna Beebe at 518.694.7125 or email beebed@acp.edu
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:09 PM
Page 27
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
Dear Alumni, My name is John M. Marraffa Jr., and I am honored and excited to be serving as chair of Albany College of Pharmacy’s Alumni Council. I graduated from ACP in 2003 and have played an active role in the College community ever since I first stepped on to campus more than ten years ago. I am currently employed as a Pharmacy Manager for Walgreens Co., in New Hartford, NY. w Right now is a time of tremendous growth at the College. I see this as a unique opportunity to transform our alumni association and your relationship with ACP into a relevant part of your professional life. As major developments reshape our profession, we need to support ACP in maintaining its position as a leader in providing quality education. w There have been a lot of changes on campus in the last decade, yet so much has remained the same. It is one thing to hear about change, but it’s even better to see it firsthand. I want to bring alumni back to campus during the upcoming year and encourage you to visit facilities such as the Pharmaceutical Research Institute and the stunning Student Center. I need you to rediscover ACP and help support its mission. w As chair of the Council, I would like to redefine the alumni association. I plan to serve your interests while building new and improved relationships with alumni. My goal is to make the Alumni Council an active partner in executing the vision for the College. The Council can be a catalyst for change, when and where that is appropriate, while building trust at each step of the way. w I’d like to provide a strong alumni network for students as well. I believe that mentoring will make a significant difference to our future colleagues and that this network can foster an environment which will encourage students to grow, both personally and professionally. w I am grateful to be working with such a talented and committed team. w So here it comes, the call to action part. YOU are what’s needed to create a college community that matters. I invite you to become (or stay) involved, to help me carry out this vision. We need you to be a part of our future as well as our history.
John M. Maraffa Jr., ’03 ALUMNI COUNCIL CHAIR
PostScript
27
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:10 PM
Page 28
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
EVENTS CALENDAR SEPTEMBER Saturday, September 13 Syracuse Alumni Event Syracuse University Football Game Sunday, September 14 Continuing Education Program: Annual Cardiology Update 4 credit hours
t s e B r u o Put Y rward! Face Fo
ted mni-rela ith all alu rough the w te a d Stay up to ities and news th ctiv p events, a ook Grou
ni Faceb
m ACP Alu
Alumni” Pharmacy ollege of in today! C y n a a lb om nd jo r “A cebook.c Search fo a F f o n io ups sect in the gro
Sunday, September 21 DC Alumni Event Stay tuned for details.
Tuesday, September 23 Continuing Education Program: Annual Geriatric Symposium 3 credit hours
Friday, September 26 White Coat Ceremony The traditional ceremony marking the start of the professional curriculum for third-year Pharm.D. students.
OCTOBER Friday, October 3–Sunday, October 5 Family Weekend 2008 Stay tuned for details.
Thursday, October 9 Continuing Education Program: Pain Management Symposium 3 credit hours
Classes of 1940–1959 Luncheon Stay tuned for details.
Sunday, October 26 Continuing Education Program: Barbara DiLascia Lecture + Annual Oncology Symposium 4 credit hours
NOVEMBER Friday, November 7 Career Fair Open to all ACP students Albert M. White Gymnasium 2:00-5:00 pm
Saturday, November 8 Interview Day An opportunity for all graduating ACP students to meet with prospective employers. 9:00 am–4:00 pm
FOR A COMPLETE LISTING of all ACP events visit www.acp.edu
28
PostScript
E-mail for Life! ACP is excited to announce that the College is rolling out a new service that will allow you to acquire an ACP alumni e-mail address. The Office of Institutional Advancement has contracted with Google to offer all alumni an ACP e-mail account that will literally last a lifetime. This e-mail account—which will have an email address of username@alumni.acp.edu—will provide an excellent way to keep in touch with your fellow classmates and other alumni through the years. It’s also a unique way to maintain a connection to the College. To acquire your ACP alumni e-mail address, please send an e-mail to alumni@acp.edu with the following information: • Full Name • Class Year • Telephone # • E-mail address, if available
Once your information is received, the College will set up your new email account and follow up with instructions on how to get started. We will also establish a link to the login page via the Alumni Relations tab on the ACP Web site to make it as convenient as possible for you to use. All @alumni.acp.edu accounts share the same features as Google’s popular G-mail service, including: • 6+ GB of e-mail storage • 20 MB attachment limit • Instant messaging with Google Talk • Ability to have e-mails automatically forwarded to another existing e-mail account
There are no costs associated with establishing or maintaining an ACP alumni e-mail address. Neither ACP nor Google have access to individual accounts, other than to reset passwords or delete them altogether.
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:10 PM
Page 29
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
Alumni Events
Alumni gathered in St. Peterburg, Fla. for a tour of MTS MedicationTechnologies, Inc., an international provider of medication compliance packaging systems designed to improve medication dispensing and administration. Pictured left to right are Dominick Matarrese ’62, Dave Sellis ‘xx, VP for Automation Services at MTS; Dick Cornell ’65; Todd Siegel, CEO of MTS; Kelly Letawa Flynn ’89; Lucy DeNuzzo, Bob Stote ’60; Rinaldo DeNuzzo ’52 and Andy Flynn ’87.
Career panels featuring ACP alumni and faculty were held each semester this academic year. Featured speakers at the November event were Leigh Bricsoe Dwyer ’87, John Marraffa ’03, Steven B. Hansel ’85 and James Hopsicker ’91. The February panel featured faculty member Jeanine Abrons, Ed Dombrowski ’75, John George ’81, Dale Lewis ’93 and Scott Terrillion ’85.
HIRE CALLING Last fall’s Career Fair drew a record-breaking 50 companies and 125 participating representatives, including many ACP alums. More than 400 students attended, and more than 80 sixth-year students interviewed with potential employers on the following day.
w This year’s Career Fair will be held on November 7, 2008
Board of Trustees member and nationally recognized investment strategist Hugh Johnson presented a workshop on “Investing Today for Tomorrow” at the College in March. Attending were Neil Tierson ‘11, Lou Morandi, pharmacy supervisor for Walgreens, ACP President James J. Gozzo, Hugh Johnson, Colleen Lawless ‘11 and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Vicki DiLorenzo.
FOR MORE INFORMATION or to reserve a booth for your company, call Patty Tompkins at 518.694.7123 PostScript
29
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
REUNION WEEKEND
30
3:11 PM
08
PostScript
Page 30
Reunion 2008, held June 6–8, was a whirlwind three days of fun, friends and fireworks. Highlights of the weekend included 1958’s 50th Reunion Dinner at Wolfert’s Roost, which featured a humorous overview of the class history and a record setting class gift of more than $107,000; unveiling of the Robison Dining Hall in the Student Center; Class of ’83
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:11 PM
Page 31
brunch; dedication of the Kirkpatrick Suite, in honor of the beloved Margaret and Ozzie Kirkpatrick, and of the Class of 1957 Garden; an afternoon of reminiscing at Ralph’s Tavern; a showdown on the courts between the classes of ’57 and ’58 and an evening barbecue topped off by a spectacular fireworks display. For more Reunion photos, visit www.acp.edu and click on Alumni.
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
PostScript
31
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:12 PM
Page 32
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
Life Elevated UTAH’S STATE SLOGAN IS “LIFE ELEVATED” AND FOR ALUMNI WHO RESIDE THERE THAT HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY FITTING. THOUGH THEIR JOBS KEEP THEM BUSY, THE STATE IS
For Tom Kametz ’99, the opportunity for
splits her time between there and the Rite
adventure made all the difference when it
Aid in Orem.
came time to decide where to settle once his
“We’ve all been out here for several years
diploma was in hand. He quickly adapted to
now skiing and hiking the Rockies together,”
life in his adopted state and over the years
says Tom. “In the winter we ski some of the
and has acted as an unofficial booster for
best terrain at the 11 ski resorts here in town.
Utah, recruiting many other ACP alumni to
In the summers you’ll find us hiking the
move west and take up pharmacy positions.
National Parks nearby including Zion, Bryce,
Tom himself was attracted to the state by
the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches and
Rite Aid employee Al Rivlin ’62 who, during
Canyonlands. We all also mountain bike in
an Interview Day at ACP, told him about the
the Wasatch National Forest quite a bit and
high demand for pharmacists in Salt Lake
find time to rock climb, river raft and camp
City prior to the 2002 Winter Olympics.
as well.”
Now a staff pharmacist at Harmons Grocery in Draper, Utah, Tom has worked as
Along with wife Angel and their new son,
KNOWN AS A PARADISE FOR
a recruiter in both his current position and
Tom lives in a house he bought unfinished
in his previous job at Rite Aid.
and completed himself. He says he hasn’t
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS AND
“I recruited two other guys from my class
“had the guts” yet to try the hang glide
ITS MANY NATURAL ATTRAC-
to come with me and, after graduation, Rick
launch at the end of his street but that can’t
Sillato, Ken Cudney and I took the Utah
be far off! The couple also has a rental and a
TIONS ARE AN ADDED BONUS.
boards and moved out here,” says Tom. “Over
cabin property up on Bear Lake in Northern
the years, I’ve recruited other ACP grads.
Utah and own a business, Cascadia Indoor
Many have come and gone; Tom Forrest ’97,
Water Features, which creates water features
Jen Dipasquale ’00 and Robert Haddad ’97
for businesses and homes.
have all lived out here for some time.” “We now have a pretty adventurous set of
Photos Left to Right: Tom Kametz rock climbing in Brentwood Canyon in Salt Lake City/Colin and Sarah Price hit the slopes/Paul Webler and Jen Smith hiking in Arches National Park/Jen Smith in Millcreek Canyon
PostScript
“Salt Lake City has been a good place for opportunity,” says Tom, who adds that it’s
ACP alums out here in Salt Lake City,” says
also the youngest city in the U.S., with an
Tom of the group that currently includes
average age of 28.
Colin ’02 and Sarah Caroll-Price ’02, Paul
32
“I enjoy variety in life,” explains Tom.
The ACP influx continues. Come July, Jeff
Webler ’97 and Jen Smith ’03. Paul is a
Graves, Matt Smollin and Pete Davey, all
floater at Harmons Grocery, Colin is
2008 Pharm.D. graduates, will be moving to
employed at Rite Aid in Draper, while Sarah
Utah to start their careers in the Salt Lake
is pharmacy manager at the Orem Rite Aid.
Valley and life adventures out west.
Jen is now in med school in Chicago and
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:12 PM
Page 33
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
SPORTS SHORTS
Hall of Fame Inducts Three
John W. Mauger ’65 Though he grew up in upstate New York, another transplant to Utah is John Mauger ’65, dean of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy in Salt Lake City. To John, life in Mountain West has meant a more relaxed living style, a solid economy and beautiful scenery. “Utah offers competitive salaries, excellent health systems, world-class music and arts, several university and professional sports attractions, skiing, hiking and other outdoor sports, all in a beautiful setting,” says John, who resides in SLC with his wife Karen. That setting is particularly important to John, an accomplished watercolorist who specializes in small studies of landscapes and flowers, some of which feature the local flora and fauna. One of his paintings, “Winter Whisper” was featured on the cover of the Journal of Managed Care Pharmacy. A state resident since 1994, John came to Utah via Nebraska, where he was based for several years at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He has enjoyed a long career in higher education; previously he spent more than 10 years at the coordinator for graduate studies in the pharmaceutical sciences at West Virginia University. “Like most every state, Utah has a pharmacy shortage,” says John, who goes on the explain that, while a majority of the pharmacy graduates of the College of Pharmacy remain in Utah, the Ph.D. graduates are dispersed nationally and internationally after graduation. A professor of pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry, John has a research interest in drug standards for medicines that affect public health world-wide. In particular, his work concerns convective mass transport principles applied to drug delivery problems. In keeping with his interest in drug dissolution, he has served on the USP Biopharmaceutics Expert Committee. He has published extensively in both journals and books and holds a patent related to masking bitter tastes for pediatric drug formulations. Dr. Mauger was recently elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and also currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of the United States Pharmacopeia. He also is past president and vice president of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Two former players and a current coach were inducted into the Albert M. White Sports Hall of Fame this spring. Kristen Renaud Scanio ’98, Jim Holmes ’92, and Rich Komulainen were honored at the event, which also celebrated the achievements of the 2007–08 ACP athletic teams. Two of the inductees continue to exert a direct influence on ACP athletics. Known as the “father of ACP soccer,” according to former men’s basketball coach and current Associate Vice President for Student Services Packy McGraw, Komulainen has coached the men’s team for the past 23 seasons and has won an historic 139 games. His 1990 team, which belonged to the Colonial States Conference as well as the Northern Athletics Conference, won both conference championships. In 2005 and 2006, Komulainen teamed with Holmes as his assistant and led the Panthers to consecutive Northern Independence Conference championships. “Rich has built great connections with his student athletes over 23 years,” said Ryan Venter, ACP athletics coordinator. “He continues to produce winning teams, on the field and in the classroom.” Holmes, in addition to being the current assistant men’s coach, was a standout soccer player at ACP, two-time team captain and 1991’s most valuable player. In that season, he led the Colonial States Conference in scoring and was named to the all-conference team. A driven, flexible and unselfish athlete, according to McGraw, Holmes has served as assistant coach for the past four seasons, helping to lead the Panthers to unprecedented success. In the 2005 and 2006 seasons, the men’s soccer team won two conference championships and compiled a record of 22-4. “Jim is an extremely talented coach and, as a graduate of ACP, knows how tough it is to play a sport and succeed academically,” Venter said. “I have proven myself in the professional world utilizing team work, commitment, hard work, situational analysis and networking—all skills that I learned playing soccer,” added Holmes. “I hope now to help teach team members how important those things can be both at ACP and in life.” Scanio, a five-year member of the women’s basketball team (1994–98), left the team as one of its finest all-time point guards. She ranks eighth on ACP’s career scoring list. Scanio was named to the Northern Independence Conference first team twice, while also being honored as the 1996-97 most valuable player. Scanio’s coach at ACP, Tom Weaver, calls his former point guard and team leader, “a true commander in chief who led by actions, not words.” McGraw described Scanio as a well-rounded player who always gave exceptional effort and could often be “found on the floor, diving for loose balls.” For her 1997-98 academic and athletic achievements, she was named by the Basketball Coaches Association of New York as one of the top scholar-athletes in the state. PostScript
33
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:12 PM
Page 34
ALUMNI AFFAIRS /
1965
Class Notes 1939 We received word from Cynthia Spagnoletti Gabriels ’60 that her uncle, Salvatore V. Massa, passed away on January 18, 2008. After his 1939 graduation from ACP, Sal joined the army and served as a medical specialist during WWII. He was wounded during the invasion of Normandy and for his heroism received three Bronze Stars, the French Legion of Honor and numerous other medals. After the war, he owned and operated Massa’s Pharmacy for 17 years. Sal is survived by his wife Betty of Naples, Fla., two sons, his grandson and several nieces and nephews.
1949 Stewart M. Brooks recently authored the book Lingua Medica: Everyone’s Guide to Understanding Medical Terminology. A graduate of ACP and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science, Stewart is the author of more than 40 basic texts in the medical sciences and, together with his wife Natalie, has written and edited a number of works and references in nursing and public health.
1951 Harold Jaffee, Hal Seitz and Dave Silverhart, long-time ACP buddies pictured left to right, met up in Boca Raton, Fla., at a reception held by ACP Dean Mehdi Boroujerdi, Ph.D.
1966
Arthur W. Muldoon wrote with sad news about the passing of his wife Wendy Vragel Muldoon, also Class of ’72, who succumbed to cancer in June 2005. Exactly one year later, on June 25, 2006, Art’s new grandson was born.
1975 Philip Rose has been retained as a sales and marketing consultant for Senetek, PLC, a life sciences company that develops technologies that target the science of healthy aging. Philip has 30 years experience in the field and in general executive management of large pharmaceutical research companies. For nine years he was vice president of corporate sales for Glaxo Pharmaceuticals and then went on to become vice president and general manager of North American operations for ICN Pharmaceuticals. Subsequently, he became president and CEO of Obagi Medical Products, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused in the fields of dermatology and plastic surgery.
Michael Lotano wrote to say that he is the father of six and grandfather of nine! Now semiretired, he works part time for the New York State Department of Mental Health. He is a resident of Glenville, N.Y.
David M. Stack has been named president and CEO of Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in sustained release injectable technologies. David is currently the CEO and founding partner of Stack Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a commercialization, marketing and strategy firm serving emerging health care companies. He is also an executive partner at MPM Capital. Prior experience includes stints as president, CEO and director of The Medicines Company and president and general manager of Innovex, Inc….Rick Hogle and wife Alana have owned and operated the Fairfax Pharmacy in Fairfax, Vt. since 1991. The Hogles are proud to announce the birth of their first grandchild, a little girl, Payton Alana, on January 4, 2007....Bill Schuman wrote to fill us in on the Big Whompa photo in the last issue (see Letters to the Editor). Bill retired from a 28-year career
PostScript
Alumni from the Class of ’77 gathered for a mini 30th Reunion at the 2007 Northeastern Drug Utilization Review program sponsored by ACP’s Office of Continuing Professional Development. Pictured left to right, back row, are Rick Lavigne, Joe Maiello and Bob Hamilton (see article page 18). In the front row are Debbie Underhill Henderson, Sharon Rochinsky and Teo Luksa Daley.
1972
1976
Harry Norman has been honored by the Fireman’s Association of New York State as well as the Hudson Valley Fireman’s Association for 50 years of service as a volunteer member of the Slater Chemical Fire Company. A resident of Beacon, N.Y., Harry is a staff pharmacist at Vogel Pharmacy.
1977
Susan D. Dahm retired in August 2007 after 42 years of working in the lab at St. Peter’s Hospital. Susan is a graduate of the Medical Technology program at ACP. She resides in Albany….Bob Hartz also retired in the fall. Bob began his career at Wheelock’s Drugstore in Hancock, N.Y. and started his own business, the Hancock Drugstore, in 1987. After he sold to Rite Aid in 1995, Bob remained on at the store until his retirement. Bob and wife Alice have two children, Nicole and Paul.
1960
1961
34
John W. Mauger was recently elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). John, who is professor and dean of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, was elected by his peers in AAAS for his leadership in academic pharmacy and for his contributions to drug standards for medicines that affect public health worldwide. He also currently serves as chair of the Board of Directors of the United States Pharmacopeia and is past president of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. For more on John, see article page 33.
in the United States Public Health Service and currently operates a pharmacy staffing company, The Capsule, Inc. He resides in Gallup, New Mexico with his family. Friends can contact him at schuman53@msn.com.
1979 Siblings Beth Graham Magin, Benjamin Graham ’71 and Bernie Graham ’71 all participated in a mission to Guatemala this past April. Beth, who is employed at Marra’s Pharmacy in Cohoes, headed up the pharmacy unit. Bernie is dean of the Nesbitt College of Pharmacy and Nursing at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. while his twin Ben, a dentist retired from the U.S. Air Force, currently practices at the Stratton V.A. in Albany. Also along to lend a hand was Bernie’s son, Bernard III. The trip was sponsored by the Glens Falls Medical Mission Foundation, which twice a year sends volunteer teams of pharmacists, doctors, dentists and nurses to provide medical care and education to this under-served area.
1980 Richard Cummings was recently named supervising pharmacist at Kinney Drugs in Lake Placid, N.Y. Richard has performed patient care services for more than 25 years and has lived in the Lake Placid area for more than 20. A strong supporter of the community, he has been involved for the past five years in the North Elba Christmas Drive which distributes food to needy families during the holidays. He has also supported the IronMan Triathlon for the last several years…Kenneth Knutti was featured in a recent article in the Nantucket Independent. Ken moved to the island in the spring of 1981 and has been employed at Nantucket Pharmacy ever since. His classmate and future wife Jill Audycki moved to the island in 1984 and was hired at Congdon’s Pharmacy, which until last year operated next door to Nantucket Pharmacy. The couple married in 1989 and in 1992 adopted their first child, Emma, from Chile. In January 1997 they had their daughter, Caroline, and the following month Ken brought home John, another child they adopted from Chile. Ken and Jill have both continued their jobs as pharmacists since
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:12 PM
Page 35
1991
moving to the island, but after Congdon’s closed last year, Jill got a job with Alan Bell, the owner of both Nantucket Pharmacy and another island drug store. Now she alternates between the two stores and, in busy periods, overlaps shifts with her husband. In their spare time, the couple spends time with their kids and tends their flower and vegetable gardens.
Manuel Ramirez became the new owner of the Dichter Pharmacy on Broadway in New York City in March. The pharmacy was Manny’s first place of employment. He began there in 1982 as a stockboy, working summers and vacations, and stayed on as a pharmacist for two years after his graduation from ACP. The store was purchased from the estate of his former boss.
Jennifer Ann Broton and Ralph Stephen Alexander were married August 25, 2007, in Syracuse with a reception following at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, N.Y.. Jennifer is a pharmacist at Wegmans while her husband is a principal of the Alexander Law Offices. The couple reside in Skaneateles.
1981 Stephen J. Hulse has been named vice president of sales for EKR Therapeutics, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on commercializing and maximizing the potential of proprietary acute-care products. Steve brings 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to EKR, including extensive management expertise at the district, regional and national levels. His most recent position before joining EKR was director of sales, Central Area, with PDL BioPharma.
1983 Laurie Briceland passed the United States Figure Skating’s (USFS) “adult pre-bronze moves” test in March. A relative newcomer to figure skating, Laurie has three daughters who skate competitively and decided to take up the sport after spending so much time at the ice rink. She prepared for the test for approximately two years, skating weekly with a coach. Laurie serves as president of the Albany Figure Skating Club. More about Laurie on page 18.
1990 Andrew Beelen, M.D., has been named senior director of clinical research in infectious diseases at Myriad Genetics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel healthcare products. In his new position, he is responsible for the overall strategy and direction of clinical development in the infectious disease field. Previously, Andrew worked at GlaxoSmithKline, where he was most recently director of clinical pharmacology and discovery medicine at their Infectious Diseases Center for Excellence in Drug Discovery. After graduation from ACP, Andrew earned his medical degree from the State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse (Upstate Medical University)…. Cheryl Ryan lives in Charlotte, N.C., with husband Mike and “two wonderful dogs.” She works for PharMerica, a long-term care company, and loves it. Cheryl ran her very first marathon, the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, on June 21, 2008. She trained with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training which raises money to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma and improve the quality of life for patients and their families. To contribute and see what she’s doing to make a difference, visit www.active.com/donate/tntwnc/cheryl.
1997
1998
1992 Salpe Archanian Tavarez gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on March 25, 2008. Kristina Elvera joins big sisters Elina, 7, and Madelene, 4. Both sisters are very excited about Kristina!! Salpe is currently working at home for Pharmerica and will be returning to consulting work in July.
Maureen O’Grady Walsh and husband Brian welcomed daughter Bailey Madigan Walsh on April 10, 2007. Bailey joins big brother Brendan, who was born in April of 2005. Maureen is an inpatient staff pharmacist at Albany Medical Center.…Marcy Hernick has completed her Ph.D. and postdoctoral work and is now an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry at Virginia Tech. She says she “absolutely loves it.”
1994 Lisa Morana Baumander has owned the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy in Liberty, N.Y., for the past 10 years. She was previously employed at Fay’s Drugs in Liberty and then at the Community General Hospital pharmacy before deciding she preferred working with the community in a retail setting. Husband Leon is postmaster at the Ferndale Post Office….Tina Valdeon and family welcomed newest addition Emilio, born June 7, 2007. He joins sisters Stephanie, 12, and Rachel, 9. Tina is a supervising pharmacist for CVS and resides in Clifton Park, N.Y.
1995 C. Michael White has been named director of a new federal center established at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. Funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the center is one of 14 Evidence-based Practice Centers nationwide. Mike and his coworkers will conduct reviews of research on health topics of vital interest to the U.S. health care system and advise federal and state policy makers, professional organizations and insurance companies to help determine the highest quality, most effective and most cost-effective treatment and delivery options available…. Carrie Fuller married Dennis Ryan on April 7, 2007. Carrie is a pharmacist at the Holland Patent Pharmacy and Dennis owns his own construction business….Diadra Halfmann and Nicholas Brogcinski ’03 are planning a September 2008 wedding. Diadra is a pharmacist at Wegman’s in East Rochester while Nick is pharmacy manager at Walgreens in Rochester. They live in Spencerport, N.Y.
Julie Wilmot accompanied a medical mission to the Dominican Republic after reading about this worthwhile effort in the last issue of PostScript. The pharmacist in charge of the CVS in Cortland, N.Y., Julie says she has “always wanted to do something like this.” Julie was one of four pharmacists on the trip, which also included Sarah Kokosa ’07. Sarah learned about the mission during her residency at Campbell University in North Carolina.
PostScript
35
PostScriptV8
6/25/08
3:12 PM
Page 36
1999
2007
James Cataldi and wife Danielle have a new addition to their family. Daughter Ella Michelle was born on July 25, 2007 and joins brother Dominic, now two years old. James is the owner of Main Street Pharmacy in Marcellus, N.Y.…Tom Kametz and wife Angel welcomed son Tyler Thomas Kametz (below) on January 29, 2008. Tyler weighed in at 7 lbs., 1 oz. and was 18 inches long at birth. For more on Tom, see article on page 32….Mary Beth McAndrews and Michael G. Kupiec ’91 were married on October 11, 2007 in a destination beach wedding ceremony at the Pink Shell Resort in Fort Myers, Fla. After a honeymoon in the Dominican Republic, the couple returned home to DeWitt, N.Y. and their jobs at Kinney Drugs.
John Animasaun was featured in an Albany Times Union article about two trips he made to Nigeria to raise awareness of AIDS. John first became interested in the subject while doing a clinical rotation supervised by ACP faculty member Christopher Miller, Ph.D., during which he worked with HIV patients at Albany Medical Center. John received a grant from Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International to travel to Nigeria and created the World Care International Organization to continue his work in the country. With the help of his church, he also was able to set up two scholarships for high school students in Nigeria....Nicole Griffiths married Michael Chudacik on June 16, 2007. Her attendants included Kara Jastemski and Jessica Knowles. Nicole is employed at The Pharmacy in Johnson City, N.Y. The couple reside in Binghamton.
IN MEMORIAM 1923 Daniel A. Spadaro
1951 Patricia Barry Carney
December 9, 2007
February 27, 2008
1931 Henry Bennett
Dorothy M. DeLafayette Jenks
February 14, 2008
May 31, 2008
1939 Salvatore V. Massa
1953 Newell “Buzz” Daniels
January 18, 2008
December 22, 2007
1940 John R. Botting May 1, 2008
1955 Earl A. Kelly January 14, 2008
1942 Fred Isabella November 28, 2007
1969 Lawrence E. Lenihan October 25, 2007
Brooks Franklin “Frank” Wood
2001 Jennifer Bowes married Steven Roy Morgan on June 8, 2007 at Belhurst Castle in Geneva, N.Y. After a honeymoon to France and Greece, the Morgans returned home to Syracuse, where Jennifer is a pharmacist at University Hospital.
To submit class notes or update your address please write PostScript Editor Albany College of Pharmacy 106 New Scotland Avenue Albany NY 12208 or e-mail alumni@acp.edu
December 25, 2007
March 5, 2008
1946 Joyce M. MynerKupper May 3, 2007
1978 Kathleen Bosworth Lucey April 8, 2007
1949 Anthony J. Conte February 13, 2008
1985 Lisa Nelson McNally May 20, 2008
Solomon Levine February 27, 2008
1990 Eric C. Mealy January 6, 2008
2000 Michael G. Bruno
2002
Nov. 25, 2007
Wayne B. Peters and Tabatha Ann Easley were married on November 3, 2007 in Hawaii. Classmate John Copeland served as best man. Wayne is a pharmacist at West Grocery in Lancaster, Pa., and the couple resides in town....Jerrod and Rachael Brady Richards celebrated the birth of their second baby on May 7, 2008. Abigail Rae weighed in at 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measured 19 inches. She joins older bother Ethan Brady Richards, who is nearly two. The family moved to a new house in Manlius, N.Y. just three weeks before Abigail arrived.
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED
2005 Joshua Schomer and Tiffany Parkhurst wed on May 19, 2007. The groomsmen included ACP buddies Mark Zlotnick, Matt Jones and Greg Jones. Josh is employed by CVS in New Hampshire.
The New PostScript We’d love to have your input, feedback and suggestions. Contact ACP’s Office of Institutional Advancement at alumni@acp.edu.
2006 Jason Donald Ford and Casey Lynn Deyo were married Aug. 17, 2007. Jason is a pharmacist for Kinney Drugs and FitzPatrick Cancer Center. The Fords reside in Plattsburgh.
36
1970 Ann Hall
PostScript
w
Look for our Alumni Survey in your mailbox this fall.
CoverVF
7/14/08
4:37 PM
Page 4
PLANNED GIVING /
“ACP made me the professional I am today.” In 1959 when he graduated, Warren Ficke was 21 and single and, in the days between Korea and Vietnam, “there was a little thing called the draft.” After receiving his NYS pharmacy license, Warren applied to the Navy’s Officer Candidate School and was assigned to the US Naval Hospital in Washington from 1960–1963. Warren subsequently attended the University of Washington for an advanced degree; then got a license to practice in the state. Heading next to California, he passed the boards there in 1966 and shortly after got a job at Longs Drugs. He started in Longs’ Oakland pharmacy, transferred to Hemet in 1974 and has been there ever since. Currently, he serves as pharmacy manager. Married to Evelyn for 41 years, the couple have two daughters, Heather and Alison—both in medical fields. Warren is looking forward to heading back east for his 50th ACP Reunion next year and eagerly anticipating playing in the Alumni Golf Tournament that weekend. “ACP made me the professional I am today,” he says. “I had the good fortune of having my mother and father put me through College; now I want to give back. I’ve been working in drug stores since I was a sophomore in high school. Even when serving in the military, I was a pharmacist—I couldn’t have picked a better career.” To make a charitable gift of value to the College while realizing significant tax benefits on his estate, Warren has generously included ACP in his estate plans as a member of the Francis J. O’Brien Society.
For more information ABOUT HOW YOU CAN ENSURE THE FUTURE OF ACP THROUGH PLANNED GIVING OPPORTUNITIES, CONTACT DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS DONNA BEEBE AT (518) 694-7125 or beebed@acp.edu
WA R R E N F I C K E ’59
CoverVF
7/14/08
4:37 PM
Page 1
Share Your
Memories... BACK IN THE DAY Get into the “wayback machine” and help us fill in the blanks in ACP’s history! Each issue of PostScript will feature a “vintage” photo from the archives. If you can supply any info on the activity, event or people pictured, we would love to hear from you!
Contact PostScript Editor Office of Institutional Advancement Albany College of Pharmacy 106 New Scotland Ave. Albany, NY 12208 or e-mail alumni@acp.edu
PostScript Magazine
Albany College of Pharmacy 106 New Scotland Avenue, Albany New York 12208
Non-Profit Org US Postage
Paid Albany NY Permit No. 349