The President's Newsletter Issue 7

from The Presidents Newsletter Issue 7

by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

/ MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT /

We are in the midst of a unique and very exciting time for our University. As we enter our Bicentennial year, it is a time to celebrate as well as to reflect on who we are and what we are achieving as a University Community. Understanding that identity requires us to look inward and determine what makes up our core.

We have communicated extensively about the amazing work underway as we implement our Strategic Plan and Strategic Priorities. We are also defined by our mindset and values — including collaboration, kindness, respect, and inclusion — as well as by important initiatives spearheaded by our Centers for Excellence. (https://www.mcphs.edu/academics/centers-for-excellence)

Our recently announced Center for Life Sciences — our fifth center — was formed to respond to the urgent workforce development needs of the burgeoning life sciences industry. Our centers for Health Humanities, International Studies, Interprofessional Practice and Education, and Research and Discovery (newly renamed) also focus on important topics and are aligned with our mission.

These centers provide opportunities for research and scholarship, thought leadership, and experiences that prepare our Community members to meet the needs of contemporary healthcare. The centers advance collaborative initiatives that address some of society’s greatest challenges. This issue of our newsletter celebrates our centers and the people who lead them. I encourage you to learn more about them and pursue ways that you can be actively involved.

As we reflect on our rich 200-year history, we should feel confident and proud that our unwavering commitment to our core purpose of leading with vision, educating with passion, and serving with care will sustain our position as a global leader in healthcare education.

I hope that you enjoy this edition of the President’s Newsletter as we continue to share “Our Story” and further our ambitious vision of empowering our Community to create a healthier, more equitable world.

/COVER STORY/

IN THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE

FIVE CENTERS FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF HEALTH AND LIFE SCIENCES

Future healthcare leaders come to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for more than the knowledge and skills taught in a classroom, lab, or clinical location. They come for the opportunity to test their knowledge, practice their skills, and expand their thinking, including through interactions in a professional setting. The Centers for Excellence create such opportunities in five specific areas.

While the centers have different missions, they have a shared purpose to promote collaboration across disciplines that will lead to new scientific and humanistic insights in the health and life sciences. The centers organize initiatives and events to bring together students, faculty, scholars, and thought leaders, who share their experiences, challenge one another’s perspectives, and pursue innovation together.

CENTER FOR HEALTH HUMANITIES

Health and wellness can be measured by the physical condition of a patient, but a more complete assessment considers the context: the social world a patient inhabits. This interdisciplinary approach guides the Center for Health Humanities, created to explore the areas where health and the humanities intersect.

Programs and events within the center highlight how culture, philosophy, history, art, and more complement the health sciences. The center hosts a monthly speaker series featuring world-class scholars who are studying the biggest issues in healthcare, such as equity and access.

“Research and clinical medicine rely on humanistic concepts,” said Dien Ho, PhD, Director of the Center for Health Humanities. “They tackle fundamental issues like how we ought to live and what it means to be human.”

There is rising demand for medical students and professionals with a strong background in the humanities, and the center is dedicated to providing MCPHS students the opportunity to develop that foundation.

CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

**Stephen Kerr, PhD, Assistant Provost for International Affairs**

The global footprint of the MCPHS Community is quickly expanding. It is the mission of the Center for International Studies to support this growth and create new opportunities for students and faculty to engage with communities beyond their own.

“It is incumbent upon us to train future healthcare professionals with a global mindset,” said Stephen Kerr, PhD, Assistant Provost for International Affairs. “It’s a matter of being equipped to serve a diversified population and remain open to new perspectives.”

This year, the center is resuming programs abroad, starting with a service learning trip to Morocco over winter break. There are also ongoing efforts to partner with institutions in other countries, support the University’s international student population, and highlight contributions from members of the international community to create an inclusive and intercultural learning environment.

CENTER FOR LIFE SCIENCES

Joseph DeMasi, PhD, has been a key player in life sciences education at the University. He is Chair of the Department of Math & Natural Sciences and Professor of Biology in the School of Arts and Sciences.

Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh, collaborated with colleagues to apply for the life sciences grant. He is Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Business & Administrative Sciences and Program Director of Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy in the School of Pharmacy.

The University is thrilled to add a fifth Center for Excellence at a time when there is unprecedented demand for workers in biotech, biopharma, and biomanufacturing. The Center for Life Sciences will help students develop the skills required to join these rapidly expanding industries.

“This is a unique opportunity for the University to build on our strong track record of life sciences education and meet the real-time needs of the industry,” said Richard J. Lessard, President of MCPHS. “We are collaborating with organizations in the region and beyond to identify workforce needs and set our students up for success.”

MCPHS recently entered into a strategic partnership with Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) to shape an ambitious workforce development initiative that will involve multiple organizations, unlocking opportunities for thousands of people while supporting the regional economy. MCPHS has also received a $630,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, which will enable the University to bolster cutting-edge lab facilities used for job training and research.

CENTER FOR INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND EDUCATION

IPE Working Group – Worcester/ Manchester Co-Chairs Amanda Morrill, PharmD, BCPS, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice; Kaelen Dunican, PharmD, Assistant Dean of Interprofessional Education and Professor of Pharmacy Practice; Karen Britt, DNP, RN, MEDSURG-BC, CNE, Associate Professor of Nursing; and Cheryl Babin, PT, DHS, MHA, CAGS, Associate Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor of Physical Therapy

IPE Working Group – Boston Co-Chairs Robin Harvan, EdM, EdD, FACE, FIAMSE, FNAP, Professor of Health Sciences, Director, Health Sciences Programs, School of Arts and Sciences; Evelyn Graeff, MEd, DHSc, Associate Professor & Clinical Coordinator, School of Physician Assistant Studies; and Jennifer Prisco, PharmD, RPh, BA, Assistant Dean of Interprofessional Programs & School Operations, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice

Collaboration and teamwork are the foundation of an education at MCPHS. The Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education is the University’s flagship Center for Excellence, dedicated to setting the standard for using a team-based model to train future healthcare leaders.

“We take great pride in the fact that when our students enter the workforce, they are prepared to join a team and work collaboratively to find the best solutions for their patients,” said Caroline S. Zeind, PharmD, RPh, Provost of MCPHS. “The combined expertise of healthcare professionals is what will drive innovation and better health outcomes.”

In addition to organizing events, activities, and opportunities to help students prepare to join collaborative healthcare teams, the center engages thought leaders and convenes conversations to advance interprofessional practice and education. The ultimate goal is to make healthcare work better for more people.

CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY

Five years ago, the Center for Undergraduate Research was created to serve students interested in conducting research with faculty mentors. The center has officially been renamed the Center for Research and Discovery and now provides services and opportunities for MCPHS students of all academic levels.

The evidence is very clear that students who participate in research and other mentored academic experiences are more likely to succeed in class, pursue graduate education, and have higher self-efficacy, or confidence, in their ability to succeed in their academic work,” said Keri Griffin, PhD, MPH, MPA, MCHES, Director of the Center for Research and Discovery. “We are excited to expand to allow more students to reap these benefits.”

The center is working to make even more research opportunities available to students, allowing them to build on what is taught in class and lay the groundwork for a long career of curiosity and exploration.

/UNIVERSITY NEWS/

NEW PURPOSE, MISSION, AND VISION STATEMENTS

As part of our strategic planning process, we reflected on our achievements and began writing the next chapter of our story. We are proud to unveil new statements that refine our purpose, mission, and vision. Crafted through a collaborative process that engaged stakeholders across the University, the statements will keep our Community grounded and focused.

SCHOOLS OF PHARMACY LAUNCH NEW INSTITUTE

**Paul Belliveau, PharmD, Interim Dean, School of Pharmacy – Worcester/Manchester**

**Robert DiCenzo, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP, FAPhA, Dean, School of Pharmacy – Boston**

The new Leadership in Pharmacy Education (LiPhE) Institute supports the personal and professional development of School of Pharmacy students and alumni, positioning them for rewarding careers and lifelong learning. The Institute provides early exposure to career pathways that students might not have considered, including roles in the life sciences industry. A PharmD can serve as a terminal or foundational degree, providing a springboard to a wide variety of careers. The LiPhE Institute helps members chart their course and fosters success, including through coaching and mentoring.

A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

**Committee Co-Chair Teresa Pitaro, MBA, Senior Director of Procurement**

**Committee Co-Chair Seth Wall, EdD, Chief Administrative Officer**

**Committee Co-Chair Nicole Dettmann, DSc, MPH, PA-C, Associate Program Director, Associate Professor, Director of Clinical Education**

MCPHS is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact. In fact, sustainability is a strategic priority. The Environmental Sustainability Committee is leading a comprehensive effort across all three campuses, planning initiatives large and small. The group is now analyzing the University’s consumption of critical resources. Next, the team will set goals for conservation and make plans to meet them. Improving sustainability will require help from the entire Community. The committee looks forward to sharing additional details soon.

MOODY’S UPGRADES MCPHS FINANCIAL STABILITY RATING

Independent rating agency Moody’s recently upgraded the University’s rating to an Aa2. Organizations with this rating are judged to be of high quality and are subject to very low credit risk. Moody’s found MCPHS to have strong management credibility, a sustained track record of financial success, a favorable reputation, and very low debt.

SMIT DEAN RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Dean of the School of Medical Imaging and Therapeutics Frances Keech, DHSc, RT(N), FSNMTS, received the Appreciation of Service award for her work as chair and long-term board member of the Education and Research Foundation for Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging.

/ACADEMIC NEWS/

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

Twenty MCPHS students and alumni were recently accepted into medical and dental schools. Some students were accepted to multiple schools. Congratulations to all of these individuals.

Alex Trayford, Assistant Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences and Director of Pre-Health Professions Advising, worked closely with many of the accepted students. “I realized early on in my time at the University that our students are driven by a desire to succeed as well as to serve communities as practitioners,” he said. “Their success is the result of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.”

MEDICAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

Jason Dinh, BS ’19 – Quinnipiac University School of Medicine

Paloma Garcia, BS ’19 – Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School

Hedieh Ragati Haghi, BS ’21 – University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine

Sahith Kaki, BS ’23 – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Colton Mailloux, BS ’20 – University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Brenna McKaig, BS ’19 – University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Krishna Patel, BS ’20 – Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine

Anthony Thibeault, BS ’22 – Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

DENTAL SCHOOL ACCEPTANCES

**Anthony Dong Hun Lee, BS ‘21; Zhiyuan Chen, BS ‘21; and Rina Manching Lam, BS ‘21, at their induction ceremony at Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine.**

Gwyneth Carr, BS ’21 – University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry

Zhiyuan Chen, BS ’21 – Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Jacob Galvan, BS ’22 – New York University College of Dentistry

ManChing Lam, BS ’21 – Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Cindy Le, BS ’21 – University of New England College of Dental Medicine

Anthony Dong Hun Lee, BS ’21 – Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Jampa Norbu, BS ’21 – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Lopa Patel, BS ’21 – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Anthony Raneri, BS ’19 – Boston University School of Dental Medicine

Efstratia Rigopoulos, BS ’22 – Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

Camille Sebastian, BS ’18 – New York University College of Dentistry

Xingyu Zhao, BS ’21 – Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

COLOR OF CARE EVENT ENCOURAGES REFLECTION

Students, faculty, and patients came together in Boston on Sept. 29 for Color of Care, a Physician Assistant (PA) program discussion centered around offering better care to vulnerable communities, including the LGTBQ+ community, minorities, and people living with disabilities. Panelists shared negative and positive experiences they — or their loved ones — had with providers and recommendations to improve patient care. Marissa Miller, MPAS ‘23, said, “If a patient is coming to you actually advocating for themselves, especially if they’re in the Black community, which is hard for them, take the time to look into what they are saying as it can make a big difference.” The event was coordinated by Nancy Hurwitz, Director of Clinical Education and Associate PA Professor.

NEW DOCTOR OF NURSING PRACTICE PROGRAM PREPARES LEADERS

This terminal degree program — offered online — is designed for advanced practice registered nurses looking to reach the highest level of their profession. It builds on evidence-based knowledge obtained in previous nursing degrees and focuses on organization and systems leadership to prepare nurses to deliver innovative direct care, explore opportunities for quality improvement, and advocate for policy change.

NEW DOCTOR OF ACUPUNCTURE PROGRAM RECEIVES FULL ACCREDITATION

The four-year Doctor of Acupuncture program was granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. The program teaches the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to provide effective care to patients of all ages in a variety of settings, including in private practice and hospitals. It features an integrative training approach and includes both remote and in-person classroom learning, supervised hands-on instruction, and group work.

/COMMUNITY NEWS/

ALUM MEETS WITH LEADERS ON CAMPUS

**Ted Iorio, BS ’61, ScD ’96, MBA, MS, was on campus recently meeting with MCPHS Provost Caroline Zeind, President Richard J. Lessard, and Chief Advancement Officer Sue Gorman.**

Ted Iorio, BS ’61, SCD ’96, MBA, MS, was on campus recently with MCPHS leaders. Over several decades, Dr. Iorio has supported the transformation of the institution from a regional pharmacy school to a world-class university that offers more than 100 healthcare degree and certificate programs. For example, he was a major benefactor of the academic, research, and residence complex that opened behind the George Robert White building on the Boston campus in 1996. He is Chief Scientific Officer and founder of Tedor Pharma Inc., a pharmaceutical development and contract manufacturing company in Rhode Island.

REMEMBERING ESTHER WILKINS, A DENTAL HYGIENE LEGEND

The 2022 Esther Wilkins Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 29, recognized the legacy of a dental hygiene pioneer, academic, and author. Esther Wilkins, DH ’39, DMD, was a graduate of the MCPHS Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene. She created the first comprehensive textbook on dental hygiene. Alumni and other participants gathered at the event to network and learn from speakers with expertise in sleep apnea, ergonomics, and the prevention of musculoskeletal injury.

STUDENT PRESENTS HONORS RESEARCH AT CONFERENCE

Over the summer, Alma Luana Chavarria, BS ‘23, presented her honors research at the American Chemical Society conference in Chicago with Songwen Xie, PhD, Director of the Bachelor of Science in Chemistry program. Dr. Xie synthesized a dozen new molecules, and it was Chavarria’s responsibility to analyze the characteristics of each one. This year, she will work to publish the findings and take the first steps toward discovering what the new molecules do and how they may be used in the future.

NEW STAFF MEMBER JOINS UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

Holly Ferguson will be joining the University Advancement team as the Executive Director of Alumni Affairs and Development. In this role, Ferguson will plan and execute a program for building and sustaining strong alumni engagement and development for the University.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION LEADERS

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the voice for student interests at the University. SGA leaders were recently announced for the academic year.

WORCESTER

President: Khaznah Alshammari, PharmD ’24

Vice President: Dalvir Bhatti, OD ’24

Inclusion Chair: Ramat Isolagbenla, PharmD ’25

Social Chair: Tempestt Carter, OD ’24

Wellness Chair: Meghan McGonagle, PharmD ’25

MANCHESTER

President: Atlanta Ho, PharmD ’24

Secretary: Semon Randall, PharmD ’24

Treasurer: Sasha Malone, PharmD ’24

Cohort Rep: Alexandra Simmons, MSOT ’24

Cohort Rep: Mitchell Elliott, MSOT ’23

Cohort Rep: Julia Foye, MPAS ’23

Cohort Rep: Liana Thompson, PharmD ’25

Cohort Rep: Chandara Ses, PharmD ’24

Cohort Rep: Alex Markarian, BSN ’24

BOSTON

President: Jungyoon “Yoon” Huh, BS ’23

Vice President: Gi Eun “Jemma” Han, PharmD ’25

Senate Clerk: Priyam Prasad, PharmD ’26

PR Officer: Inyeong Choi, PharmD ’25

Secretary: Minh Hong Tran, PharmD ’27

Event Coordinator: Katerina Nestor, PharmD ’26

Event Coordinator: Isis Navarro Tovar, PharmD ’24

Treasurer: Jiho Min, PharmD ’25

Treasurer: Caiqi “Chris” Wei, PharmD ’25

/PAST EVENTS/

INTERCULTURAL EVENT CELEBRATES DIVERSITY OF CAMPUS

Taste of Culture was hosted on the Boston campus by Intercultural Student Advocates in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 22 in the Atrium. The event featured games and activities from cultures around the world including dominoes and Millennial Lotería, which is a version of a classic Latinx game.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT RECEPTIONS

The offices of the President and the Provost welcomed students from across the globe at the Fall 2022 International Student Receptions in Boston and Worcester. Chief Inclusion Officer Benita Wolff, EdD, told the group, “You make us a better university by being here. Over the next few years, you will be introduced to the U.S. healthcare system, but you’re coming from systems around the world, and we can learn a lot from you, so speak up! There’s a lot we can learn from each other.”

STUDENT ACTIVITIES FAIRS HIGHLIGHT CAMPUS CLUBS

Representatives from more than 70 clubs and organizations were at the Launch Your Legacy student activities fair in Boston on Sept. 15 at Evans Way Park. The event also featured a photo booth and food trucks. The Manchester and Worcester campuses also held student activities fairs with representatives from campus clubs.

CARDINAL DAY SPIRIT RADIATES AROUND CAMPUS

More than 500 students wore their favorite MCPHS merchandise or the color red to show their spirit on the first Cardinal Day of the year. The MCPHS-Boston event, hosted by the Campus Activities Board and Campus Life, included a station where students made their own Red stuffed cardinal. They also signed a cardinal pride banner and received cardinal pride t-shirts.

/UPCOMING EVENTS/

DECEMBER COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED

Giavanna Gaskin, MBA ’21, BS ’18, will be our alumni speaker. While at MCPHS, she was an active member of the Women in STEM Leadership Program, Public Health Student Association, and Alpha Zeta Omega. Gaskin is currently a Program Manager for Equity in Pregnancy at Boston Medical Center.

Adrianna Bergeron, BSN ‘22, BS ’21 will be our student speaker. She has worked in nursing home, assisted living, and hospital settings and enjoys being able to make a difference.