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The President's Newsletter January 2024
/MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT/
As we enter this New Year, it is important for us to reflect on this proud yet transitional time in the history of our University. We are emerging from our Bicentennial year — a time that has allowed us to celebrate our rich history while confidently implementing our vision for the future. This shared vision is securely grounded in our core values around support, collaboration, kindness, and respect, but we are not immune to the many challenges that continue to aggressively present themselves.
We are one of the most complex educational institutions in the country, yet our approach to supporting our Community continues to be admired by our external evaluators and envied by our peers. Our student success outcomes are exceeding expectations and serve as inspiration to our entire Community while also reinforcing our programmatic strength to our 26 accrediting bodies. Our University has never been stronger.
Our expanding partnerships with organizations like MassBio and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center have also solidified our position as a leader in life sciences education. We have received millions of dollars in grants around workforce development, and our innovative Bioversity project has garnered national attention.
As we have mentioned before, engaging our Community is key to our success. Our faculty are immersed in mentoring and advising our students, our alumni are engaging at unprecedented levels, and our Centers for Excellence continue to provide a growing number of rich collaborative experiences.
I hope the following pages continue to give you a glimpse into the inspiring and innovative stories that create the fabric of who we are and what we do. They tell “Our Story” — one that defines us and reinforces our purpose of leading with vision, educating with passion, and serving with care.
/COVER STORY/
THE DRUG DEVELOPMENT LIFE CYCLE
Students graduate from MCPHS prepared for careers in every phase of the process creating, testing, and commercializing new pharmaceuticals.
RESEARCH
Students with strong knowledge of biology, chemistry, biochemistry, data science, and clinical research can go on to fill vital roles as companies are beginning to develop a new product. Brand-new life sciences labs on the Boston campus will give all students a space to refine their skills and use advanced scientific instruments.
PRE-CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
In addition to research skills, graduates with advanced training in pharmaceutics, pharmacology and toxicology, medicinal chemistry, and informatics can help life sciences companies navigate this critical phase of drug development. The Center for Life Sciences engages students of all degree levels to prepare them for careers across the drug development process.
CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT
Clinical investigators, data scientists, clinicians, and regulatory affairs experts play vital roles in overseeing all clinical activities. For 20 years, the Biopharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program has provided specialized training in this phase for Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) professionals with a desire to work in the industry.
COMMERCIALIZATION
Data analysts, pharmaceutical economics and policy experts, regulatory affairs experts, science liaisons, as well as quality assurance, quality control, and manufacturing professionals work to bring the drug to the patients who need it. This process also requires skilled workers, who are being trained at Bioversity under the direction of MCPHS faculty.
LEADING THE WAY IN LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
The life sciences industry is growing rapidly, which means the demand for well-trained professionals to work in this industry is only rising. As a leader in education and workforce development, MCPHS is dedicated to creating programs and fostering an environment where students can gain the skills, knowledge, and experience to succeed and fill the needs of the life sciences industry.
This year alone, MCPHS has created several new degree programs specially designed to match life sciences careers. New certificates and undergraduate and master’s degrees prepare students for success at biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing companies. In combination with the existing advanced pharmacy and applied sciences degrees, MCPHS offers programs that align with every phase of the life sciences development cycle.
The new Career Development Center is building relationships with life sciences companies and working alongside academics to ensure students enter internships and jobs where they can apply their skills and knowledge in a meaningful way. Leadership in Pharmacy Education (LiPhE) Institute is also dedicated to supporting professional development for School of Pharmacy students and alumni.
Coordinating these efforts is the Center for Life Sciences, the University’s fifth Center for Excellence. It was created in response to the explosion of investment in biotechnology and biopharma to ensure students are developing the skills necessary to join this fast-growing field.
Support from MCPHS industry and government partners from around the region is a critical part of the University’s efforts in this space. The City of Boston has awarded MCPHS a $1.37 million grant to bolster the University’s partnership with Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) to develop programming for Bioversity, the workforce development initiative. The first cohort of Bioversity students began training this January and will soon be qualified to begin careers at life sciences companies. As MassBio’s first educational partner for the initiative, MCPHS is leading the effort to find innovative solutions to industry challenges.
A leader in health and life sciences education, MCPHS will continue pursuing new opportunities to innovate and adapt to meet the needs of the life sciences industry for the benefit of all humanity.
/COMMENCEMENT/
THE CLASS OF DECEMBER 2023
ON DECEMBER 19, THE UNIVERSITY CELEBRATED 400 STUDENTS who earned their degrees and entered the next phase of their careers. The graduates represented the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics, School of Nursing, and School of Physician Assistant Studies –Manchester/Worcester.
“It is the people in this room whose tenacity will drive the solutions and provide hope for a healthier world,” said Marion Calabro, Bachelor of Science in Nursing ’23, as she addressed the crowd at the DCU Center in Worcester. Family and friends, as well as MCPHS students, faculty, and staff were in attendance.
Calabro shared how her path to a healthcare career began nearly a decade ago when the death of a loved one inspired her to help others. Everything was on track until she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, complicating her plans to pursue an accelerated program. Through her trials and challenges, Calabro realized she wasn’t alone.
“I have met so many fellow students who have faced adversity and overcome it to enter a healthcare profession, to be the person who helps others achieve their well-being,” she said.
The alumni Commencement speaker encouraged graduates to trust their abilities and embrace challenges as they begin this new phase of their careers.
“Don’t be afraid of taking that next big step,” said Marli Caslli, Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs ’21, Master of Public Health ’19. At 26 years old — and in the middle of the pandemic — Caslli became the youngest person to serve as Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Quincy.
“I’m glad to tell you that all the things you’ve learned here, the conversations you’ve had, and the people you’ve met will reach far beyond the classroom,” he said. “It will forever shape how you view healthcare and the people you serve.”
/EVENTS/
CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF MCPHS
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ACROSS THE UNIVERSITY came together for Founders Day, commemorating the December day in 1823 when a group of apothecaries created the second pharmacy school in the nation. This year, Founders Day was extra special because it marked MCPHS 200th birthday, capping off a year of joyful celebrations in honor of the University’s Bicentennial.
Hundreds of students, faculty, and staff across all three campuses joined the festivities. It was a true birthday party, complete with music and cupcakes. Faculty and staff volunteers also handed out Bicentennial-themed party favors, including beanies, socks, pins, and commemorative coins. Community members also submitted ideas for what to put in the digital Bicentennial Time Capsule. And the Bicentennial banner that Community members signed exactly one year ago was displayed above the festivities.
THE ANNUAL LATE-NIGHT BREAKFAST
FOOD IS FUEL FOR STUDYING , especially at the end of the semester. Late-Night Breakfast on the Boston campus is an MCPHS tradition that the Center for Campus Life hosts annually. Faculty, staff, even University leaders donned chef hats to serve students a late-night meal of breakfast foods. The event gives students a break from their studies and raises spirits as they get ready for their final exams.
/UPCOMING EVENTS/
THE 2024 REED CONFERENCE FOR PHARMACY
ON MARCH 7, 2024 , pharmacy professionals from across the country will gather at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough for the 2024 Reed Conference for Pharmacy. The annual event is held in honor of Howard L. Reed for his dedication and service to MCPHS. The day-long event is full of in-person networking and lear ning opportunities, including five sessions featuring speakers and panelists from across industry. There will also be a reception for MCPHS alumni and friends after the conclusion of the conference.
5TH ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE
THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY will host the 5th Annual Student Research Conference on Saturday, April 6, 2024, on the Boston campus. Dozens of students will present research they conducted through either their coursework or extracurricular research opportunities. The theme of this year’s conference is “Healthcare Assemble,” as attendees will hear from healthcare professionals who are superheroes in their field. The event is supported by the new Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarship.
/ACADEMIC NEWS/
A PATHWAY TO VETERINARY PHARMACY
PHARMD STUDENTS who want to practice and learn in a new setting are trading human patients for furry friends. MCPHS is partnering with the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University to offer a Veterinary Pharmacy rotation. Michelle Ceresia, PharmD, FACVP, has led the rotation since 2011. Students are assigned readings on comparative anatomy and physiology while working with large animals to gain an understanding of animal health while applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who are interested in this rotation should contact Dr. Ceresia for more information.
NEW ADVANCED DEGREE OFFERINGS
STARTING THIS SEMESTER, MCPHS is offering several new 36-credit master’s programs. The Master of Science in Data Science in the School of Health Business and Technology provides foundational understanding of the burgeoning field of data science and analytics and its applications in the health and life sciences. The Master of Science in Clinical Investigation and Development in the School of Pharmacy – Boston brings together courses that look deep into the science of standards and the core of clinical research. The Master of Science in Regulatory Sciences, also in the School of Pharmacy – Boston, prepares students for regulatory and quality assurance careers in a variety of settings. All three of these programs are STEM-designated.
WORKING TOGETHER TO TREAT LOW BACK PAIN
MORE THAN 70 STUDENTS from the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program and the New England School of Acupuncture (NESA) came together to learn about how the other profession would approach a patient experiencing lower back pain. They explored diagnostic processes as well as treatment strategies and interventions by discussing and demonstrating treatments on each other. The Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) on the Worcester campus coordinated the activity.
“It was the perfect environment to share our skill sets, educate one another, and integrate our knowledge to treat a patient together,” said Regina Reese, ’25.
“This was a learning experience to see how fields can use different treatment methods to help patients return to normal function,” said Alex Morisset, DPT ’25.
/ACADEMIC NEWS/
PRACTICING CLINICAL SKILLS WITH TECHNOLOGY
WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS happening every day, the University is continuously looking for ways to incorporate virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) training to bolster the student experience. Not only does VR/AR allow students to train safely while preparing for real-world practice, but it can also benefit patients.
Occupational therapy students have introduced patients to VR headset technology, which is customized specifically for rehabilitation professionals. Exercising in a VR world motivates patients and enables students to develop exciting treatment plans to help patients meet their goals. “Our students are learning and working with VR prior to heading out to their clinical rotations, so to some extent they will introduce this technology to community clinicians and train them to use it,” said Douglas Simmons, PhD, Professor and Program Director of Occupational Therapy.
Optometry students also have access to an advanced AR system to learn to conduct eye exams. With this students examine the retinas of the virtual patient, which is a 3D model of a human head. The system comes equipped with a database of examples of various conditions students are likely to see in their practice.
2023 BOARD EXAM PASS RATES
Dental Hygiene Clinical Licensure Examination
100%
Nursing National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN)
Boston – 88%
Worcester – 91
Manchester – 100%
/FACULTY NEWS/
PHARMACY FACULTY RECEIVE NATIONAL HONOR
TWO FACULTY MEMBERS in the Department of Pharmacy Practice have been elected Fellows of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). Professor Richard Silvia, PharmD, FCCP, BCPP, and Associate Professor Roseann Donnelly, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, earned the recognition for outstanding achievements in clinical pharmacy. Fellows also demonstrate sustained contributions to the ACCP and excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research. In addition to being dedicated to pharmacy education at MCPHS, both have clinical practices. Dr. Silvia maintains a practice at Codman Square Health Center providing direct patient care, and Dr. Donnelly is lead clinical pharmacist for the Pharmacogenomics Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
GIVING DATA MEANING WITH HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
PAMELA CHARNEY, PHD, brings decades of informatics experience to MCPHS as Assistant Dean of the School of Healthcare Business and Technology. Dr. Charney entered healthcare as a dietitian, where she saw the importance of not just collecting data, but also using technology to analyze the data to improve patient care. With this perspective, she is developing new informatics, health technology, and data sciences programs at MCPHS. “We want our students to see what their role is in improving the work of others,” Dr. Charney said. “People trained in informatics have the ability to explain why we use data and technology and how we can use them better.” Dr. Charney says the need for individuals with specialized data science and health technology training in healthcare is great, opening many career opportunities for MCPHS students. “This field is literally wide open,” she explained. “Anywhere there is healthcare and technology, there is a place for one of our graduates.”
/STUDENT NEWS/
A MEETING OF UNIVERSITY & STUDENT LEADERS
THE SECOND ANNUAL LUNCHEON between the President, the Provost, and members of the Boston Student Government Association (SGA) took place in November. President Richard J. Lessard and Provost Caroline Zeind shared information about new strategic priorities for the University, while SGA members discussed their ongoing efforts, including new programs and events to bring the MCPHS student Community together. The luncheon’s success cemented the continuation of a new University tradition.
STUDENTS BRING DENTAL CARE TO LOCAL NURSING HOMES
MCPHS IS PARTNERING WITH HARVARD UNIVERSITY to address the dental hygiene needs of an underserved population: older adults. The Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education (IPE) awarded a grant to a team from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, the School of Pharmacy – Boston, and the Harvard School of Dental Medicine to treat residents of local nursing homes. Students from both MCPHS and Harvard bring medical and dental equipment to perform examinations and discuss medication management with the residents. “This type of experience allows our students to think critically about how they’re going to achieve the same outcomes in patients who do not have the same resources as someone who they would see in their specific areas of practice,” said Loriel Solodokin, PharmD, BCOP, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the School of Pharmacy.
/COMMUNITY NEWS/
DIGGING IN TO HELP FOOD BANK‘S GARDEN
A DOZEN MCPHS STUDENTS donned gardening gloves and shovels to help get the New Hampshire Food Bank’s production garden ready for winter. Most of the students who volunteered are members of The Health Care Advocates for Sustainability, a student-led organization based on the Manchester campus. “This one area helps so many people, and the Food Bank is dedicated to keeping this garden going,” said Faith Haley, MPAS ’24, CoPresident of the group. “We’re happy we can help.”
The produce grown in the garden helps supply food to more than 400 organizations across New Hampshire working to combat food insecurity. The students spread winter rye seeds, turned over garden beds, and counted and organized equipment so the garden is ready for new crops in the spring.
MAKING ECO-FRIENDLY FASHION CHOICES
THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) AND CENTER FOR CAMPUS LIFE on the Boston campus hosted a Clothing Carousel to encourage students to make more sustainable decisions about their clothes. First, the organizations asked students, faculty, and staff to donate clothing, shoes, and accessories in good condition. Then, they invited the entire MCPHS Community to come shopping for free. Guests had the opportunity to sort through hundreds of items as an affordable and more sustainable way to update their wardrobes.
/ALUMNI NEWS/
THOUGH SCATTERED ACROSS THE COUNTRY , MCPHS alumni remain engaged with the University long after their graduation. Professional events are an ideal place to bring them together — along with faculty, staff, and current students — to network, connect, and bond over their shared educational and professional experiences.
YANKEE DENTAL CONGRESS
ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND STUDENTS from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene came together during the 2024 Yankee Dental Congress in Boston this January. Every year, the hybrid educational and trade show event draws tens of thousands of dental professionals to collaborate with their peers and learn about the latest trends and innovations in dentistry. MCPHS University Advancement hosted a special reception for alumni who attended the Congress to socialize, reminisce, and connect. MCPHS representatives also attended to meet with prospective undergraduate and graduate students.
ASHP MID-YEAR CLINICAL MEETING
IN EARLY DECEMBER, more than 240 MCPHS alumni, students, and their guests attended the University’s reception at the American Society of Health’s System Pharmacists’ (ASHP’s) Mid-Year Clinical Meeting in Anaheim, California. Associate Provost for Pharmacy Education and Dean of the School of Pharmacy – Boston Robert DiCenzo, Dean of the School of Pharmacy – Worcester/ Manchester Paul Belliveau, and Chief Advancement Officer Sue Gorman attended, sharing updates from the President and reconnecting with alumni.
ANNUAL MEETING OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTOMETRY
IN EARLY DECEMBER, more than 40 alumni and several students attended a reception at the 2023 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Optometry in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dean Nancy Coletta and several faculty and staff members from the School of Optometry were at the meeting.
MCPHS graduates are a part of our Community for life. The AllClass Reunion was a reminder of the University’s connection with thousands of alumni from all over the world, and we look forward to future opportunities to further engage our alumni.
