Founders and Futurists

from The President's Newsletter—Bicentennial Issue

by Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

/ MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT /

Commencement is once again upon us, and it is the most joyous time of the academic year. More than 1,800 students will be celebrating their success and achievements as they receive their degrees in due course. Honoring these future healthcare leaders reminds us of the noble cause that we all share, which inspires us each and every day.

As we proudly commemorate our Bicentennial year, we reflect on the rich history of our University and the extraordinary efforts of the small group of pioneers that were our founders. These change agents were committed to transforming healthcare and their vision helped lay the foundation for who we are today. Yet they would certainly be amazed by the MCPHS of 2023.

Our University has evolved aggressively, yet intentionally, in lock-step with the changing needs of society and the ever increasing demands of its healthcare system. We have broadened our geographical footprint to several campuses and added 100 new programs, delivering them in person and online to students from across the world. This growth and diversification has allowed us to confidently position MCPHS as a global leader in healthcare education.

Our Strategic Plan and its corresponding priorities are centered around student support and success while simultaneously bringing our entire Community together. This collaborative process is, and will always be, grounded in the basic yet powerful principles of respect, kindness, and compassion. Our vision for the future does not represent a change in direction, but merely a continuation and refinement of the approach that we have taken and the success that we have enjoyed for the past 200 years.

Please take this time to continue to reflect on “Our Story” in this Bicentennial issue of the President’s Newsletter as together we advance our purpose of leading with vision, educating with passion, and serving with care.

/ COVER STORY /

FOUNDERS & FUTURISTS

**Passion with a purpose. A bacteriology laboratory at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy buzzed with activity in 1911.**

In 1823, 14 apothecaries set out to improve the quality of medicines for the public by developing standard practices and training for professionals in their industry. They could picture a better future for patients. After several meetings that December at the Marlborough Hotel in Boston, they adopted the Constitution of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

This institution has always nurtured healthcare visionaries. Current students, faculty, staff, and alumni are carrying on a tradition established 200 years ago. Today’s Founders and Futurists identify healthcare needs and gaps—and mobilize to fill them, including by evolving systems and processes, starting new organizations, and advocating for change.

EVOLUTION WITH VISION

**Collaboration is key. MCPHS has always recognized the power of bringing people together to learn, exchange ideas, and innovate.**

IT TAKES HEARTFELT DEDICATION to change the world for the better. Every person and every possibility must be considered. MCPHS—now an established leader in health and life sciences education with global impact—expanded over many decades as Community members identified new ways to serve patients, communities, and society.

Throughout the 19th century, the founders of this institution and their trainees worked to systematize and standardize the practice of pharmacy. By embracing the role of change agents willing to challenge norms to shape a better future, they created a blueprint for success. School leaders maintained momentum in the 20th century, positioning the University to succeed in the modern era.

As the 20th century dawned, research and advances—such as the discovery of modern antibiotics—began to set the stage for a major disruption in healthcare. Scientists started to unravel the mysteries of the body, and outdated ideas about disease were replaced by a better understanding of how people could be treated. The more scientists learned, the more knowledge the school was able to pass on to students.

The pace of innovation increased exponentially in the second half of the century, beginning with key breakthroughs such as the discovery of DNA and the first organ transplant in the 1950s. As a result, healthcare grew increasingly complex and a wide range of new specialties emerged, creating a need for more training and collaboration.

In response, the school embraced sustainable expansion and diversification of people, programs, and opportunities within the health and life sciences fields. Initiatives such as continuing education programs began to emerge.

In 1979, the name of the institution was changed to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, and the University was awarded additional degree-granting authority. The shape of things to come took on a new level of meaning when the Boston campus became residential in the mid-1990s.

Inspired by former President Charles Monahan’s mantra, “You have to grow,” the University’s expansion accelerated, coinciding with another name change to Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 1999. A period of breathtaking growth followed, transforming MCPHS into one of the most comprehensive independent health and life sciences universities in the world.

As programs were added in fields ranging from dental hygiene to optometry to acupuncture, the University was also able to create unique interprofessional practice and education (IPE) experiences for students. Team-based care was becoming industry best practice, and MCPHS was on the forefront of preparing healthcare professionals to thrive in a collaborative environment.

MCPHS has completed the transformation from a regional pharmacy college into a nationally ranked, world-class university with three campuses and more than 100 degree and certificate programs in the health and life sciences. Online offerings expand its reach, bringing virtual training to individuals living around the country and the world.

The Community will continue to embrace advances, monitor trends, and anticipate needs, finding new and better ways to evolve and meet whatever healthcare challenges the next 200 years bring.

FUTURE FOCUSED

THE MCPHS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS IS TO LOOK AHEAD AND EMBRACE CHANGE.

MCPHS didn’t get to be 200 by staying the same. University leaders routinely speak with executives and managers in hospitals, clinics, biopharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare settings that rely on talent to do what they do best. MCPHS representatives ask what they need—now and in the future—and make predictions. Anticipating change and preparing students for tomorrow’s opportunities by adjusting our programming is essential to maintaining momentum.

MCPHS faculty and staff pride themselves in producing “job-ready” graduates who get hired and contribute meaningfully to organizations. Consistently ranked as one of the most transformative institutions of higher learning in the country, the University prioritizes student success. This includes training students for roles that will exist in the real world when they complete their studies.

Community members are also instrumental in shaping our strategy and building a culture that fosters a sense of belonging. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni were heavily involved in the development of an MCPHS Strategic Plan and will continue to influence how this institution evolves. They have deep expertise on a wide range of topics and invaluable lived experience. To this end, the University recently invited feedback through an employee satisfaction survey, an inclusive climate survey, and a research and scholarship survey.

MCPHS will continue to practice deep listening and adapt to meet emerging needs. The results of a reputation survey that focused on prospective students and their parents provide actionable insights on how we are perceived. The University is well-positioned to sustain its position as a global leader in health and life sciences education, grounded by its core purpose of leading with vision, educating with passion, and serving with care.

A FORCE FOR CHANGE

The five MCPHS Centers for Excellence are key to the University’s vision of creating a healthier, more equitable world. 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 latest center to launch is focused on developing a life sciences workforce of the future, including by giving students the knowledge and skills to succeed in biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing jobs that focus on discovering and delivering new medicines. The newly renamed Center for Research and Discovery is complementary, providing students across the University with opportunities for scholarship and challenging them to pursue interesting questions and bold ideas.

How can we live longer, happier, healthier lives? Faculty members share their perspectives in this podcast series, part of the MCPHS Bicentennial web experience. Check it out and explore additional stories: www.mcphs/bicentennial/podcast

/ UNIVERSITY NEWS /

FACULTY DAY 2023

FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE MAY OF 2019, all members of the full-time faculty gathered on May 1 in Worcester for a stimulating day of presentations and discussion. Morning sessions focused on the activities and priorities of the University’s Centers for Excellence. After lunch, a full faculty meeting was held. Leaders presented updates and progress on key initiatives for the 2022-23 academic year, and individual faculty members were recognized for promotion in rank, outstanding teaching, scholarship, and exemplary service to the University. The day concluded with a research showcase and awards ceremony.

SCHOOL OF HEALTHCARE BUSINESS GETS NEW NAME

**Michael Spooner, Dean, School of Healthcare Business & Technology**

The Board of Trustees has approved renaming the School of Healthcare Business to the School of Healthcare Business and Technology. This new name reflects the University’s commitment to the future of the health and life sciences, as technology is an important tool connecting interprofessional teams delivering care, discovering new therapies, managing organizations, and more. This name also aligns with future workforce demands and better represents the development and implementation of new degree programs.

SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES RECEIVES NATIONAL AWARD

**Director of Program Operations Amber Palmer accepts the award.**

The School of Professional Studies received the 2023 Award for Strategic Innovation in Online Education from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association for its self-paced prerequisite courses. The School now offers a suite of 22 courses and has helped more than 5,000 students to balance personal and professional obligations while stepping toward a desired degree.

STUDENT SUCCESS HUB GROWS

This summer, more departments across the University will be added to the Student Success Hub, an accessible digital platform that delivers a variety of resources to students in an equitable manner. The Center for Academic Success and Enrichment, as well as undergraduate students in Boston, are now using the Hub for scheduling and meetings.

/ ACADEMICS & SCHOLARSHIP /

4TH ANNUAL STUDENT RESEARCH CONFERENCE DRAWS A CROWD

**Brianna Cordeiro, Premedical Health Studies ’23, presented her research during the event along with more than 100 additional students.**

THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY hosted the 4th Annual Student Research Conference in Boston on April 1. Students presented more than 130 projects to fellow students, faculty, staff, family, and friends. It marked the first in-person conference since its inception in 2019.

The theme of the event was A Healthcare Mosaic: The Importance of Diversity in Healthcare. The conference featured guest speakers Dr. Laura Baecher-Lind from Tufts University School of Medicine and Erin Ryan Heyneman, a disability advocate. Both spoke about the importance of taking conscious action to promote diversity and inclusion.

CENTER FOR HEALTH HUMANITIES HOSTS VISITING SCHOLAR

THE CENTER FOR HEALTH HUMANITIES recently welcomed Visiting Scholar Dr. Chinmay Murali, who is an Assistant Professor of English at Sanatana Dharma College in Alappuzha, India. Dr. Murali worked in-residence at MCPHS Boston to further his research in graphic medicine. He also presented his work in “gynographics,” a term he coined to describe a subgenre of graphic medicine where artists autobiographically externalize their complex emotions and experiences associated with reproduction, fertility, and motherhood.

FEDERAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE TAPS MCPHS FACULTY MEMBER FOR GENOMICS EXPERTISE

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PHARMACY Roseann Gammal, PharmD, BCPS, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Pharmacogenomics Project Group of a committee within the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) that’s focused on genomics education for healthcare professionals. NHGRI is part of the National Institutes of Health.

/ PAST EVENTS /

LEADERSHIP AWARDS BANQUET

THE LEADERSHIP AWARDS BANQUET was held in April to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and achievements of students, faculty, and staff as well as Boston-campus clubs and professional organizations. Honors included the Emerging Leader Award, Helping Hands Award, Collaboration Award, Provost’s Cup, President’s Cup, Students’ Choice Award, and others. More than 20 individuals and organizations received special recognition. In addition, Campus Life thanked clubs and professional organizations in Boston for cumulatively hosting 696 meetings, programs, and events and checking in 7,654 students over the course of the academic year. The work of these groups strengthens the fabric of the MCPHS Community, spurring personal and professional growth and inspiring connections that can last a lifetime.

FOUNDERS DAY

MEMBERS OF THE MCPHS COMMUNITY gathered in December to celebrate the Bicentennial. Attendees received University merchandise and cupcakes, wrote their names and well wishes on a commemorative banner, and were even treated to an appearance from Red. It was a time to reflect on the past, build excitement for the future, and enjoy the company of peers and friends.

REED CONFERENCE

THE ANNUAL REED CONFERENCE for Pharmacy made its return to in-person programming this March at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. The event facilitates networking and continuing education opportunities for pharmacy professionals. Attendees heard a regulatory update from MCPHS faculty and had the opportunity to attend sessions covering topics such as interprofessional practice, treating ADHD in children and adults, and pharmacotherapy for diabetes.

CLAMBQ

THE ANNUAL CLAMBQ took place at Gore Place in Waltham April 15. The theme of this year’s event was “Under the Sea,” and more than a few SpongeBob shirts and sea creature hats could be spotted in the crowd. It was an opportunity for the Community to relax, savor good food, and enjoy fun activities, including bounce houses and mini golf. Some students even tried lobster for the first time at the event. The weather cooperated and attendees had a chance to take a break before buckling down for finals.

/ UPCOMING EVENTS /

COMMENCEMENT

COMMENCEMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON MAY 11

The alumni speaker at the morning ceremony will be Michael Ku, PharmD ’96, BS ’94, Head of Global Clinical Supply in Pfizer’s Worldwide Research, Development and Medical division. Jideobi Ezeonu, MBA ’20, MS ’18, will speak at the afternoon ceremony and share his experience working as an occupational therapist at the New York City Department of Education. Student speakers will also address the graduates and their loved ones during the exercises—Sarah Das, PharmD ’23, in the morning and Ellie Solitro, PharmD ’23, in the afternoon.