Volume 11
Issue 7
April 1, 2016
PRESBYbulletin Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
RESEARCH New PHARMACY OPENS AT PPMC Penn’s Research Pharmacy, based at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, opens a new satellite location. Together, the two locations coordinate medications for 400 ongoing studies across the Penn campus.
When Kenneth Rockwell Jr, PharmD, MS, director of the Investigational Drug Service (IDS) at Penn Medicine, started 21 years ago, the research pharmacy was a one-man operation. Since then, the department has grown considerably, including a new research pharmacy satellite site at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC) that opened earlier this month. The unassuming two-room space is still eclipsed by the main 2,000 sq. ft. outpost where research drug manufacturing takes place at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) — but the new site is a critical component of keeping the pharmaceutical aspects of nearly the entire Penn research engine moving. Amassing four pharmacists, five research technicians, and six support staff, the team serves approximately 400 ongoing studies at any one time, spanning overnight inpatient trials at HUP and PPMC, as well as outpatient trials across the Penn campus, including Penn’s Vet, Dental and Nursing schools, as well as the Perelman School of Medicine and all UPHS-affiliated clinics. “We are here just to handle research,” Rockwell Jr. explains – a statement that humbly minimizes the heavy involvement the team can play in hundreds of ongoing studies. Research pharmacy staff review study protocols through regulatory steps and then collaborate with investigators and study sponsors to develop the medication portion of the research for investigator-initiated and industry studies. Maintaining accurate and efficient storage, inventory control, and security are critically important in their mission to dispense the correct medications in a timely manner to individual study participants around the clock. The new pharmacy contains a negative pressure isolator that also allows staff to prepare chemotherapy, hazardous substances, stem cells, and other research tools (continued on back)
2016 Facts & Figures The 2016 edition of Penn Medicine Facts & Figures is now available. This pocket-size brochure targeted for the general public contains a wealth of publicly reported, statistical information about our organization, from details about our latest building projects to quick facts about our economic impact, workforce, and student community. The publication also highlights selected Penn Medicine research, education, and patient care activities and achievements over the past year. Staff from across Penn Medicine report using the publication for a variety of purposes, including: • Training program • Recruitment • Grant and award application • Local and global outreach activities Facts & Figures can be ordered in packages of 50 for $16.65 each from Aelitho.com using item #UPHS-041-14. The publication is also available online.
NEW RESEARCH PHARMACY OPENS AT PPMC (continued from front)
PPMC Supports the Local Community… Simply Because
for human use. A refrigerator, shelving space, and hundreds of pill bottles lay the framework for the new research space. The new opening answers a call for increasing support for research growth seen at PPMC and the north side of campus, partly resulting from the trauma center move. Having an outpost at PPMC is especially helpful when working around the clock to ensure processes proceed as intended.
Cultural Competence Committee Raffle Winners Congratulations to the winners of the Cultural Competence Committee’s winter raffle! 1st Prize: Dinner for two at The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill – Dominique Baker, Security 2nd Prize: Session with personal trainer from Boundless Fitness – Amy Kaplan, MSW, LSW, Palliative Care Social Worker, Clinical Resource Management & Social Work 3nd Prize: Movie ticket package – Arthur Feldman, MD, department of Medicine, Hematology & Oncology Division The drawing took place at the February 18th Brown Bag lunch and learn, “Healthcare for Undocumented Immigrants: Clinical Issues and Challenges,” which was attended by about 50 staff. The raffle raised over $150 to help support the committee’s annual fall conference. Other fundraising efforts in support of the conference will take place throughout the year. Thank you to all who purchased raffle tickets and donated prizes. And, special thanks to committee members Crystal Mitchell (Nursing Administration) and Tannette Grandberry (Endoscopy) who spearheaded this fundraising initiative.
Each year, hundreds of students, faculty and staff across Penn Medicine volunteer their time and expertise to help the local community beyond the walls of our clinics, hospitals and classrooms. Studies show that medical care accounts for less than 20 percent of an individual’s ability to thrive and be healthy. The other ingredients are the so-called social determinants of health: educational and job opportunities, a safe environment to live in, and economic security. Penn Medicine’s work in the community takes aim at them all. These efforts span the greater Philadelphia area and tackle issues of poverty, medical needs, hunger, and educational disparities in a variety of settings – from church basements to libraries to the streets of Philadelphia itself. At Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, a multitude of community programs have been put in place over the years, which have built a sustained connection with the local community and provided lifelong tools to encourage and improve wellness among our neighbors. The stories of these efforts and the impact of the programs are showcased in Penn Medicine’s annual community benefits report, Simply Because. To read more about these efforts, visit uphs.upenn.edu/news/publications/. To receive copies of the publication, please contact the Penn Medicine Communications Department at 215.662.2560.
Contact Us: Katie Delach | katie.delach@uphs.upenn.edu | http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/presbybulletin/