The Pulse - April 2010

The

Pulse

News from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Surgeon General to Address 2010 Grads 3

April 2010

Open Dialogue on Menu in Lunch with the President freely about their experiences at the College.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The President, in fact, holds these informal sessions with students several times each semester. “Changes stem from conversations like this,” Dr. Gozzo said to the students at the luncheon. “Your ideas make it possible for us to move forward.”

Dr. Gozzo and students talk in the Student Center.

On a recent Tuesday in April, 14 students sat down in the Student Center with ACPHS President James J. Gozzo to talk honestly and

Fifth-year pharmacy student Maria Tam Pham viewed the lunch positively. She said its existence displays a genuine interest in students’ opinions.

the forefront of our administration,” she said.

“I really think the lunches provide a means through which to ‘close the gap’ between students and administrators.”

During these luncheons, students are encouraged to ask the President any questions that are on their minds, and that’s exactly what they do.

At this particular gathering, Dr. Gozzo began by giving students a brief overview of the College’s vision, highlighting plans for the new Albany Campus library and research facilities, then fielded questions from students on a wide

“It does a lot for students’ confidence in the College to know their questions and concerns are being brought to the attention of those at

President Continued on page 4

Opportunities Abound in Student Professional Organizations College students occupy much of their time, understandably so, with coursework. However, students not involved with professional organizations may be missing out on another important part of their education.

professional organizations, and he works closely with the ACPHS Leadership and Professional Development Fund Committee.

The six-member student committee coordinates the funding of student attendance at leadership Student involvement in professional and professional development conferences. The organizations is widely seen as a valuable activity. committee will appropriate more than $15,000 Students, faculty and others agree it can lead to to students this fiscal year, and this is money opportunities and enrichment, and the College well spent, Green said. has resources available to enable students to get the most out of these experiences.

Jeanine Abrons, a pharmacy practice assistant professor and faculty advisor to ACPHS’s APhA-ASP chapter, sees many positives in involvement with professional organizations.

“Students get great networking opportunities, develop relationships with other students, promote the College’s name and further their searches for jobs and internships,” she said.

President Gozzo started the Leadership and Professional Development Fund in 1999, and beneficiaries have since attended many meetings nationally and internationally, including the APhA-ASP annual conferences and regional meetings, the ASHP mid-year clinical “Students get great networking meetings, cytotechonology conferences and opportunities, develop relationships the Utah School of Alcoholism and Other with other students, and further their Drug Dependencies.

searches for jobs and internships.”

“Everyone involved gets a chance to grow professionally,” he said. “The more students develop, the stronger we are as an institution.”

Daniella Reed ’11, who serves on the committee, said ACPHS offers many opportunities for Director of Student Success Martin Green agrees student development. that students can benefit greatly from joining

hosts 2 ACPHS Student Summit on the Environment

“It is very important to recognize that our institution is playing a big part in producing future leaders; which in time will be extremely beneficial for all pharmacists seeing as there are many opportunities for our field to develop.”

of Summer 2 Schedule Session Classes

ACPHS student Donato Forlenza ’11 said involvement gives students skills they don’t necessarily find in classroom or rotation settings.

“Being involved in professional organizations allows students to develop and sharpen skills that they may not be able to develop within the classroom such as collaboration, brainstorming

Opportunties Continued on page 4 Students 3 ACPHS Helping America Read

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April 2010

CLS Student Saddles Up to Busy Schedule Jonelle Miller might well believe English author Geoffrey Chaucer’s assertion that “idleness is the root of mischief.” She might not know that from personal experience though, as she barely allows herself time to think about it.

“I’ve never done well with down time,” she said. “I like to be as busy as possible.”

That’s an understatement. Miller, who is a Biomedical Technology major concentrating in clinical laboratory science, dances for the ACPHS Dance Team, serves as assistant chemical hygiene officer at the College, is on rotation at Albany Medical Center (and will begin a job there following the spring semester), teaches dance classes at a studio in Hudson, works on a horse ranch in Hunter and just finished her seasonal work as a ski instructor at Windham Mountain.

Miller has worked at Windham Mountain and Bailiwick Ranch for more than ten years. At Bailiwick, she does many activities, including feeding horses, accounting and heading up the ranch’s trail riding program. She also teaches competitive dance at Roz’s Dance Works in Hudson.

“Her drive is incredible,” Clinical Lab Sciences Coordinator and Health Sciences Assistant Professor Vickie Peters said. “She’s a sponge.

Sometimes we have to tell Jonelle to ease up.”

MAY 17 – JUNE 25 First Session Autonomic and Autocoid Pharmacology Biochemistry College Physics I Contemporary Issues in Infectious Disease Exercises in Clinical Medicine Medical Terminology Microbiology Organic Chemistry I Pharmacy Skills Lab I Pharmacy Skills Lab II

College Physics II Functional Anatomy Organic Chemistry II

Peters thinks Miller will make an excellent health professional – one who will receive acclaim for her work and serve as a resource for her peers. Miller is similarly complimentary about the Health Science faculty at ACPHS.

Jonelle Miller at the Bailiwick Ranch.

“They are phenomenal,” she said of the group. “They help every step brightest students to pursue of the way. I’ve never had careers in the laboratory. professors so concerned about my well being.”

Miller said she hopes to find a Miller graduated from Stony permanent home at AMC, but Brook University with a bachelor’s Miller has already been recognized said she won’t commit to just one for her accomplishments by in health science and a thing. She wants to keep pursuing Albany Medical Center (AMC) concentration in environmental her interests, and one day thinks health. She thought about going to and Siemens, a healthcare she might be a part-time teacher in information technology provider, medical school, but decided it the Health Sciences, following in wasn’t for her. She sees the medical whose annual Scholarship the footsteps of her mentors at technology profession as admirable program encourages the best and ACPHS. and appealing.

Summer Sessions Schedule

JULY 5 – AUGUST 16 Second Session

“I think it’s so much fun to see what a test result means and what it proves,” she said.

ACPHS Hosts Student Summit on the Environment Some politically charged topics were recently discussed in Albany, despite the New York State Senate not being in session. The Environmental Consortium, a group of Hudson Valley colleges and universities that focuses on advancing environmental teaching and learning, held its fifth annual student summit at the ACPHS campus on April 9.

“The only way to save the planet is to get young people to mobilize and impact policy,” he said.

Chair of the Department of Health Sciences Hassan El-Fawal, who has been a member of the Environmental Consortium’s steering committee for many years, moderated the panel discussion which featured: Director of The summit, titled “Population, Environment, the Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries Health: Where do we go from here?” included a and Pace University’s Senior Fellow in roundtable discussion and breakout sessions.

Environmental Affairs John Cronin, New York Michelle Land, the Consortium’s director and State Department of Health’s Bureau of Water an adjunct professor at Pace and New York Supply Protection Section Chief Lloyd Wilson Universities, said participating students and a Pace 2011 Masters of Environmental epitomize what the organization aims to do – Science Candidate Theresa Pellecchia. Cronin, bring together a diverse group of people to Wilson and Pellecchia covered topics such as effect change. population stabilization, social engineering and air and water pollution.

In addition to ACPHS, attendees came from 18 college and universities in New York, New Jersey and Vermont and represented more than ten areas of study, including Environmental Studies, Social Work, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Architecture, Government, Biology, Philosophy, English, Business, Education, Nursing and Economics.

In his introductory remarks, ACPHS President James Gozzo said that students have to spread the word and act on some daunting environmental problems.

Pace student Theresa Pellecchia holds a sign representing the current world population.

April 2010

The Pulse 3

U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin to serve as 2010 commencement speaker U.S. Surgeon General Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A., has agreed to serve as the College’s 2010 commencement speaker. Dr. Benjamin is the 18th Surgeon General of the United States.

“As an institution committed to the advancement of health, it is a tremendous honor to have Dr. Benjamin, the woman who each day places the nation’s health as her top priority, agree to serve as our 2010 commencement speaker,” said President Gozzo.

In her role as the Surgeon General, Dr. Benjamin helps protect and advance the health of the nation through educating the public and advocating for effective disease prevention and health promotion programs. The Office of the Surgeon General is also responsible for elevating the quality of public health practice in the professional disciplines through the advancement of appropriate standards and research priorities.

“As Surgeon General, I want to provide the nation with the best scientific information available on how to live healthier lives,” said Dr. Benjamin. “I will also try to bring clarity and understanding to the overwhelmingly confusing conversations about health and healthcare.”

“Institutions such as Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences play an important role in this process, by educating tomorrow’s pharmacists and other health care professionals,” she said.

Dr. Benjamin is Founder and Former CEO of the Bayou La Batre Rural Health Clinic in Alabama and immediate Past Chair of the Federation of State Medical Boards of the United States. In 1995, she was the first physician under age 40 and the first African-American woman to be elected to the American Medical Association Board of Trustees.

Dr. Benjamin also has strong ties to higher education. She was the former Associate Dean for Rural Health at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine in Mobile. She earned her B.S. in chemistry from Xavier University in New Orleans; an M.D. degree from the University of Alabama, Birmingham; and an MBA from Tulane University.

ACPHS Students Helping America Read More than 60 ACPHS students from both campuses are now participating in a program called America Reads, in which they tutor young people from nearby schools in the areas of reading and mathematics.

children smile, and be so excited to have someone other then their teachers there to work with and talk to. It opens your eyes to the importance of education, especially at an early age.”

“Helping [students] realize their potential and own intelligence helps make this job so rewarding and helpful for the kids,” fifth-year pharmacy student and America Reads tutor Jessica Wright said. “It's one of the best work study programs I've seen so far.”

Students at the Albany campus are placed at several Albany locations, including the Montessori Magnate School, Thomas O’Brien Academy of Science and Technology (TOAST), New Scotland Elementary, Delaware Community School and Kidskeller Daycare.

Albany students have also been placed at two branches of the Albany Public Library – the Main Branch on Washington Avenue and the Delaware Library on Delaware Avenue.

ACPHS-Vermont students recently began working at the BurnhamMemorial Library in Colchester, and the campus hopes to expand to other area sites in the future.

America Reads is a federal work-study initiative, and ACPHS students are active at eight locations in Albany and Colchester. While ACPHS students are compensated through the program, the services they provide are free to the students. America Reads was launched in 1996 by President Clinton to encourage all children to read and do math independently.

Alex Prokopienko, a second-year pharmacy student, said he enjoys the opportunity to help others through his work at the Albany Public Library. “It gives me a sense of fulfillment by giving back to the community and helping these underprivileged students.”

In addition to helping fill the need in area communities, involved students say the program provides a break from the demands of the College.

Katie Hudson, a second year pharmacy student and tutor at Kidskeller Child Care Center, said, “It brightens my day to walk into class and havethe

“I really enjoy working with these kids,” Jacqueline Sofia, who tutors at New Scotland Elementary in Albany, said. “Some of the kids are really interested in attending college and like to hear some of the things that I do. I think that it is a great program and should continue.”

Fifth-year pharmacy student Morgan Samaniego said her experience has also been positive.

“My experience as a tutor has been very fun and rewarding,” she said. “Helping these kids learn and figure out things on their own and knowing that you helped guide them in the right direction is a great feeling.”

Hooding and Commencement Schedule Friday, May 7 3:00 p.m.

Family and guests of graduates to start General Admission seating in the gym 4:00 p.m.

Students whose last name begins with A-M should report to the 2nd Floor of the Classroom Building Students whose last name begins with N-Z should report to the 3rd Floor of the Classroom Building.

5:30 p.m.

Ceremony begins 7:00 p.m.

Ceremony ends Post Ceremony Reception to follow in the Student Center Saturday, May 8 12:30 p.m.

Students and guests arrive at the Empire State Convention Center Graduates should report in full regalia to Meeting Rooms 3 and 4 2:00 p.m.

Ceremony begins 4:00 p.m.

Ceremony ends Post-Commencement Reception to follow on ACPHS campus

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April 2010

Five New M.S. Programs to Begin This Fall Beginning this fall, ACPHS will offer five new master’s degrees: Pharmacy Administration, Health Outcomes Research and three new programs in the Health Sciences. These programs will join the existing master’s in Pharmaceutical Sciences program to provide current and future students with an expanded variety of options for graduate study at the College.

The Pharmacy Administration program has been designed to address the imminent shortage of trained pharmacy administrators, managers and supervisors.

Pharmacy Administration students will pursue a business focused curriculum with classes in subjects such as economics, finance, organization, project management and quality assurance. When combined with a Pharm.D. degree, graduates will be prepared to serve as managers in settings that include: community or institutional pharmacy, government, the insurance industry and the pharmaceutical industry.

The Health Outcomes Research program is well timed with the federal government’s increased emphasis on the field of comparative effectiveness research and its potential role in helping improve the practice of health care. Health Outcomes Research graduates will be able to help provide health care decision makers with data on the outcomes of commonly prescribed therapies in order to guide the selection of the most effective treatments.

The new Health Sciences master’s programs are: Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology, a combined five year B.S./M.S. program in BiotechnologyCytotechnology and a standalone program in Biotechnology. The Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology program will prepare students to be at the forefront of tissue and cellbased diagnostics. The joint B.S./M.S. program provides a pathway to dual certification in Cytotechnology and Molecular Pathology. With its combination of basic science,

New Soccer Coach The ACPHS women’s soccer team will have a new head coach next year.

Christine Kanawada, who served as assistant women’s coach for the last two years, will lead the 2010 team.

“Christine has done a great job as an assistant coach the past two seasons at ACPHS, and I know she will continue that success in the future as head coach,” ACPHS Director of Athletics and Recreation Ryan Venter said.

Kanawada has previously coached the Guilderland United and Helderberg soccer clubs and has received recognition for her accomplishments from the United States Soccer Federation and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

“It is an honor to represent ACPHS and to work with such a phenomenal group of young women,” Kanawada said. “I am confident in the abilities of our team, and I look forward to a successful season.Most of all, I would like to bring back the Hudson Valley Women’s Athletic Conference championship trophy to ACPHS this year.”

Last year, the team finished 9-2 and made it to the HVWAC Tournament Championship.

Relay

clinical and translational research, the master’s in Biotechnology is well suited to both traditional students and those currently working as laboratory diagnosticians and basic research scientists and who are looking toadvance their careers.

All of the College’s graduate programs offer opportunities for students to hone their skills for the expanding and increasingly competitive health care industry. With more emphasis being put on management and new research techniques and the intersection of these disciplines, enrollees will be able to advance their skill sets and enhance their career outlooks.

“These programs will mutually benefit our graduates and the health care industry,” said ACPHS President James J. Gozzo. “Graduates can be a part of a growing administrative- and research-oriented health care sector, which also will benefit from having such specialized individuals.”

For more information on the Pharmacy Administration and Health Outcomes Research programs, call 694-7186 or e-mail Donna Myers.

Students interested in the Health Sciences programs, should e-mail biotech@acphs.edu.

2010-11 ACPHS Graduate Programs • M.S. Pharmacy Administration • M.S. Health Outcomes Research • M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences* • M.S. Biotechnology • M.S. Cytotechnology and Molecular Cytology • M.S. Biotechnology-Cytotechnology* *Joint B.S./M.S. programs available

For Life The College’s third annual Relay for Life raised more than $40,000 for the American Cancer Society and had more than 400 registered participants. Despite some inclement weather that forced it indoors, the event surpassed last year’s fundraising and participation totals.

These accomplishments were aided by the contributions of 15 students from the Vermont Campus who traveled three hours by bus to Albany, stayed through the night, and then hopped on the bus after the event to go back home (yes – they had a wellrested professional driver!).

For those who would still like to contribute, donations are being accepted through August.

Opportunties from page 1

President from page 1

and planning skills,” Forlenza said. “Professional organizations truly help to bridge the gap between a classroom education and experiential education here at ACPHS.”

range of subjects such as fraternities, meal plans, rotations, athletics, fundraising and student satisfaction.

APhA-ASP National Communications Standing Committee member Kyle Guay ’11, who has held many leadership positions with professional organizations, said he has grown from his organizational involvement.

“Once we graduate, the grades we received while in school will not be as important as how we present ourselves and ‘sell’ ourselves to our prospective employers,” Guay said. “By getting involved in professional organizations, you start to become significantly more prepared for the job search process.”

Career Services Coordinator Kristen Felthousen echoes Guay’s thoughts, saying she encourages students to seek professional involvement when asked how to increase their marketability.

“Employers often look for leadership skills and ask behavioral interview questions that probe into [managerial] skill sets during a standard employment interview,” Felthousen said. “The savvy student pharmacist has taken advantage of the professional association memberships as they offer a fantastic opportunity to develop these leadership skills and provide them a competitive advantage.”

“Dr. Gozzo listened carefully with eagerness and willingness to help foster a more satisfied and school-spirited student body,” fifth-year Aniwaa Owusu Obeng said. “I am looking forward to seeing some of the changes he alerted us to and also the implementation of some of our suggestions.”

The meeting also produced questions about the College’s academic rigors and the impact on students’ ability to socialize. Gozzo said his ultimate concern is “to make students comfortable.”

Rho Chi President Donato Forlenza said he felt the meeting had many benefits, including the openness with which it was conducted.

“Taking advantage of the opportunity to meet with administrators is very important and my expectations were definitely met, as a lot of our concerns were followed up with action, and things were accomplished,” he said.

President Gozzo started student luncheons in 2003 in an effort to hear directly from students about the issues on their minds. To learn more or to participate in a future session, students may contact Special Assistant to the PresidentMichael Sass at 694-7367 or at michael.sass@acphs.edu.

April 2010

Scarpace Elected to Onclogy Pharmacy Board

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ACPHS-Vermont Preps for Next Class of Students

Assistant Professor and Acting Vice Chair of Pharmacy Practice Sarah Scarpace was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the 1,500member Hematology/ Oncology Pharmacists’ Association (HOPA). She was among 30 candidates vying for a position on the Board.

In her new role, she will serve as board liaison to the recertification and membership committees, assist in the transition to the association’s new management company and address other issues of interest in correlation to HOPA’s mission.

Scarpace states, “As a member of the HOPA Board of Directors, I will have the opportunity to continue to advance the profession of pharmacy in my specialty area, serve as a role model to current ACPHS students, and further enhance the reputation of ACPHS.”

The College’s Colchester campus will grow by more than 70 students in the fall, but this won’t be the only change in Vermont.

Scarpace is one of the founding members of this organization, which started six years ago. She had previously served as Chair of the Education Committee, Vice Chair of the Education and Standards Committee, and a member of the Program and Education Committee.

The second floor of the campus building will be renovated this summer, as part of ACPHS Vermont’s Phase II construction project. The library, information commons and Pharmacy Practice offices will be expanded, along with the building’s café, lecture halls and research facilities.

BSPS Students Recognized for Research Excellence The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences recognized the research accomplishments of the students in the bachelor’s program in pharmaceutical sciences (BSPS) during its annual luncheon held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Josh Garrett received a special acknowledgement as the recipient of this year’s Senior Student Researcher Award. A list of students and mentors is provided below.

Mike D’Alessandro - Sue Ludeman Josh Garrett - Carlos Feleder Hsin Li - Bob Levin Elaine Liu - Alex Steiner Stan Naydin - Arnie Johnson Jessica Phelps - Luciana Lopes Anjoli Punjabi - Arnie Johnson

“This expansion will give us the appropriately sized facilities for our expanding student body,”

ACPHS-Vermont Associate Dean Robert Hamilton said.

The second floor will be expanded by more than 15,000 square feet and seating capacity in the first floor’s cafeteria will nearly double. The work will begin in April and be completed by late summer.

Recruiting for ACPHS-Vermont’s second class is ongoing, and interviews will occur through the end of April. To date, the campus has received more than 1,500 applications for its 70 slots.

By the 2012-13 academic year, the campus is expected to be home to nearly 300 students.

Professor to Study Tamiflu Dosing for Obese Patients Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Manjunath (Amit) Pai recently received a grant to study dosing of the influenza medication known as Tamiflu in patients with obesity.

Hoffman-La Roche will award Pai more than $230,000 to research whether the current recommended dosage of Tamiflu is optimal for obese patients.

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a report noting that ten patients had died after acquiring influenza subsequent to contracting the H1N1 virus. Seven of the ten H1N1 associated deaths occurred in patients with obesity. This report led clinicians to arbitrarily double the recommended dose of Tamiflu in obese patients. Given that one out of every three Americans is obese, this dosing approach may not only impact the health of many patients, but it could have significant implications to the U.S. stockpile of Tamiflu.

Pai hopes to finish the study this year.

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April 2010

ACPHS Students Spearhead Successful Phonathon Campaign Members of the ACPHS Calling Crew recently wrapped up a successful 2009-10 Phonathon campaign, raising more than $60,000. Phonathon, a vital fundraising and communication component of the ACPHS Annual Fund, is one of numerous initiatives conducted by the College each year to help provide financial support for ACPHS students and faculty.

May Monday, May 17 First Summer Session begins

June

The event takes place over a number of weeks in the fall and then again in the spring. Student participants (“callers”) go through a training session before picking up the phone and reaching out to groups such as alumni, parents and friends of ACPHS about supporting the Annual Fund. In addition to helping raise money for the College, members of the ACPHS Calling Crew communicate the latest campus news and talk about what the ACPHS student experience is like today.

Friday-Sunday, June 4-6 Reunion Weekend Sunday, June 6 National Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Walk at SUNY Albany

Director of Alumni Relations Bill Jabour said Phonathon is an essential and difference-making tool for the College.

Dan Corwin, member of the ACPHS Class of 2014, understands the importance of the Phonathon and the opportunities involved for student callers.

“Students’ work and the continued commitment of our alumni and parents are making an immediate impact and difference,” Jabour said.

“I enjoy working on the Phonathon because I get to connect with alumni and see what different career options there are for me when I graduate from ACPHS,” stated Corwin.

The Annual Fund provides support for many of ACPHS's highest priorities and most critical initiatives, including scholarships, academic programs, innovations in teaching, faculty recruitment and retention as well as unique opportunities for students, faculty and staff every year.

For more information on the Annual Fund, Phonathon, ACPHS Calling Crew and other fundraising initiatives, please visit the ACPHS website or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 694-7393.

Lisa Vines Stages Month Long Art Exhibit displayed at the Bethlehem Public Library.

The work came from two series – G.I. Joe and Barbie (paintings) and Window Treatment (photographs).

Arts and Sciences Associate Professor Lisa Vines had some paintings and photographs recently

In the G.I. Joe and Barbie series, Vines explored scenes created by children for the aforementioned toys and concentrated on gender roles.

Vines’ Window Treatment series had roots in a college photo class where she photographed scenes looking in and out from windows.

According to her artist statement: “The multiple layers of reality, parallel to the picture plane, present a visual puzzle; at the same time, the aspect of looking into an interior space provides a vague sense of voyeurism.”

Advisors Win Awards at Regional Conference Julianne Messia, Academic Support Coordinator, and Martin Green, Director of Student Services were recently recognized as 2010 National Academic Advising Association (NACADA) Region One Academic Advising Excellence Award winners.

Awards were presented during the Region One Awards Program at the NACADA Region One Conference in Newton, Massachusetts. The program honored the region’s ten 2010

Calendar of Events

recipients of the Academic Advising Excellence Award and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated qualities associated with excellence in the academic advising of students or excellence in academic advising administration. NACADA Region One consists of New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Provinces of Canada.

Friday, June 25 First Summer Session ends Monday, June 28 - Friday, July 2 College closed

July Monday, July 5 College reopens Monday, July 5 Second Summer Session begins Wednesday, July 28 Cytotechnology Certificate Program graduation

August Friday, August 13 Second Summer Session ends Friday-Sunday, August 27-29 Orientation Monday, August 30 Classes begin

The Pulse Editorial Staff Editor Patrick Rathbun Contributors Gil Chorbajian Donna Reichel Designer Debbie Reutter Send questions, comments or submissions to patrick.rathbun@acphs.edu or call 518-694-7131.