Pharma
Personalis Regis University School of Pharmacy Newsletter
Summer 2014
Dear Friends and Colleagues, This issue of Pharma Personalis recognizes student achievement. From the graduation of our second class, the Class of 2014, to the many awards our students of all classes received this year, the students of the Regis University School of Pharmacy celebrated their accomplishments and honored and their colleagues through their hard work and dedication to the School’s scholastic and service missions. The School’s faculty and administrators are proud of the students’ accomplishments having watched them grow in knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a Regis pharmacist. The following quote from Rush Shah’s essay found later in this issue [page 24] exemplifies the attitudes we work daily to develop in our students and illustrates the meaning of the title of this newsletter, Pharma Personalis – pharmacy care for the whole person: “I strive to be more empathetic to each person’s unique situation and concerns. The pharmacy profession is as much centered on addressing a person’s overall mindset and well-being as it is on addressing specific biological and physical concerns. I look forward to my career as a pharmacist and strongly believe that Regis University School of Pharmacy has instilled in me and my fellow graduates the necessary tools to succeed.” We have very special students here in the School. While the faculty, staff and administration can provide an environment conducive to learning and can encourage and model a service approach to life, the students must work hard and find their own way in meeting their professional and personal outcomes. I applaud the accomplishments of the Class of 2014 and of all our students as they learn and live the Regis mission and their calling as a Regis pharmacist. Rodney A. Carter, Pharm.D.
Dean, Regis University School of Pharmacy
Executive Editor: Rodney A. Carter, Pharm.D. Dean, School of Pharmacy Regis University 303-625-1300
Editor: Miki Goldwire, PharmD, MSc, BS, BCPS Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice Regis University, School of Pharmacy mgoldwir@regis.edu
Graduation Members of the Class of 2014 participated in graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 4.
Talvinder Bains
Shawn Mazur
Meredith Sullivan
Marcus Lewis
Chris Nguyen, Dr. Chad Martell, and Keriann Miyashiro
Kristy Sadler and Bryan Johnson
Janon Khedir
Members of the Class of 2014 smile for the camera.
Molly Massa and Nicole Gunderson
Convocation Friday, May 2, marked the convocation for hooding of Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professionals doctoral candidates. During this ceremony, graduate students received their hood.
Delpeche Beauge walks toward the gym to participate in the hooding ceremony.
Mallory McCullough receives her hood from her faculty advisor, Dr. Brandon Sucher, associate professor.
Daksha Potnis walks toward the gym.
Brianna Sanelli, Erica Caffarini, Brittany Grayson, Kristy Sadler and Shawn Mazur wait for the start of the hooding ceremony.
Sunny Gahley, awaiting his turn to receive his hood, looks up at the camera.
Sheryle Ishimoto, Janice Auyeung, Janet Ko, Vivian Lee, and Keriann Miyashiro smile for the camera after participating in the hooding ceremony.
Several awards were granted during the hooding ceremony.
Excellence in Service Award Awarded to the student who made the greatest contribution and commitment to service through volunteer efforts associated with the school and university, this honor also factors in involvement in community for the enhancement of society, promotion of the profession of pharmacy, and leadership and collaboration with classmates. Recipient: Nicole Gunderson
Excellence in Clinical Practice Award This achievement celebrates the student who exemplifies excellence in clinical achievement consistent with the mission of Regis University and the School of Pharmacy; additionally, the student is one who above all other classmates has shown exemplary clinical skills and attitude. Recipients: Shawn Mazur
Excellence in Research Award This award recognizes a student who developed, completed and presented quality research as a School of Pharmacy student Recipient: Curt Tschida
Excellence in Leadership Award This honor is awarded to the student who has shown considerable involvement in student organizations as evidenced by elected leadership roles, organization of events and service to the school; this student also must be well respected as a leader among classmates. Recipient: Holly Newby
Graduation Banquet The School of Pharmacy faculty honored outstanding students during the Graduation Banquet held May 1.
Award Recipients School of Pharmacy Valedictorian
The valedictorian is the student who achieved the highest academic rank in the graduating class.
Shawn Mazur with his faculty advisor, Dr. Charlotte Ricchetti, associate professor.
Excellence in Living the Regis Mission
This award is given to the student who demonstrates magis (Latin term meaning to the greater extent), practices integrity and respect for others, exemplifies service to others with compassion and caring, demonstrates cura personalis (care for the whole person) during experiential rotations and service learning interactions, is socially responsible and committed to advancing social justice and community engagement.
Holly Newby with Dr. Brian Hemstreet, assistant dean for student affairs.
Outstanding Performance on an APPE
This award is given to the student who has demonstrated outstanding performance during the fourth professional year.
Dr. Jamie Nash, director of experiential education; Jordan Livengood, award recipient, Dr. Megan Schumacher, coordinator of experiential education and Teri Asbery, coordinator of experiential education.
Academy of Student Pharmacists
This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the Academy of Student Pharmacists.
Sheryle Ishimoto, award recipient with Dr. Leticia Shea, assistant professor and faculty advisor, Academy of Student Pharmacists.
American College of Clinical Pharmacy This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the student chapter of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
Elizabeth Le, award recipient and Dr. Michele Hanselin, assistant professor and faculty advisor, ACCP.
American Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the student chapter of the American Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy.
Samantha Baird, award recipient and Dr. Jamie Nash, director of experiential education.
National Community Pharmacists Association
This award is given to the student who made the greatest contribution to the Regis University School of Pharmacy National Community Pharmacists Association Student Chapter. Recipient: Kristy Sadler
Phi Delta Chi
This award is given in recognition of brotherhood, service, leadership and advancing the Gamma Rho Chapter of Phi Delta Chi.
Dr. Michael Nelson, chair, Pharmaceutical Sciences and faculty advisor for Phi Delta Chi, and Mallory McCullough, award recipient.
Student National Pharmaceutical Association
This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy and is considered the most valuable member.
Dr. Shannon Knutsen, assistant professor and faculty advisor SNPhA and Vivian Lee, award recipient.
Student Society of HealthSystem Pharmacist
This award is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to the goals set forth by the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Renee Papageorgiou, award recipient with Dr. Chad Martell, assistant professor and faculty advisor SSHP Dr. Allana Sucher, associate professor and faculty advisor of SSHP and Nicole Gunderson, award recipient.
Susan M. Paulsen Heart and Soul Award
The Susan M. Paulsen Heart and Soul Award is given to students who, above all other classmates and in the eyes of faculty and peers, bring out the best in others, demonstrate outstanding leadership, recognize the good in all situations, practice reflection, balance responsibilities and roles, excel as listeners, and above all else, are the heart and soul of their graduating class.
Dr. Lauren Burt, assistant professor, Brianna Sanelli (student nominated award recipient), Jena Hoekstra (faculty nominated award recipient), and Dr. Marianne McCollum, associate dean.
Awards Banquet The School of Pharmacy faculty honored outstanding students during the recent Awards Ceremony and Reception held April 24.
Award Recipients U.S. Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award
This award recognizes pharmacy students who are dedicated to furthering community disease education and promoting a healthy lifestyle. This dedication is further exemplified through service to the medically underserved community and the leadership he/she exemplifies in efforts to foster the team approach in patient care.
Shawn Mazur, award recipient with Dr. Rebecca Moote, associate professor.
Presidential National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Scholarship
For this scholarship, members of the NCPA Foundation Scholarship Committee evaluated candidates on the basis of leadership qualities and accomplishments with a demonstrated interest in independent pharmacy, as well as involvement in extracurricular activities. Recipient: Lauren Hammond, Class of 2015
CVS Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded for interest in pursuing a career in retail pharmacy, specifically to a student who can identify the opportunities and barriers to providing patient-centered care services in community pharmacy.
Gordana Zrnich receives the CVS Scholarship from Dr. Allana Sucher, associate professor.
Regis School of Pharmacy Principled Scholarship
The Principled Scholarship seeks to reward that student who exemplifies empathy and leadership as well as social and cultural sensitivity while being willing to accept the crucial role that pharmacists play in achieving a common good within society.
Amy Paul receives the Regis School of Pharmacy Principled Scholarship from Dr. Dan Berlau, assistant professor.
Safeway Scholarship
The Safeway Scholarship goes to those students of racial or ethnic groups underrepresented in the field of pharmacy.
Tony Martinez, award recipient Class of 2015, Dr. Robert Willis, Safeway interim-academic relations and programs manager, and Samantha Valdez, award recipient Class of 2017.
Walgreens Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award
The Walgreens Diversity Scholarship is awarded to a student who embraces diversity and promotes diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus.
Phu Trinh, Class of 2016, receives the Walgreens Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award from Michael Huynh, district pharmacy supervisor, Walgreens.
Walgreens Diversity Scholarship
As an organization committed to the education and professional development of the most accessible and trusted health care providers in communities across America, the Walgreens Diversity Scholarship is awarded to one or more students of an underrepresented minority group in the field of pharmacy who shows a demonstrated commitment to community pharmacy.
Phu Trinh award recipient, Class of 2016, Michael Huynh, district pharmacy supervisor, Walgreens, and Sou-Ann Nieves award recipient, Class of 2017.
Kent M. Nelson Clinical Pharmacy Scholarship
Recipients of this scholarship demonstrate interest in clinical pharmacy practice and plan to pursue a career in this field. Individuals also are involved in the community and active in student and professional organizations.
Recipients (left to right): Theresa Simpson, Amelia Nelson, Sara Eichner, Stafanie Gann, Alfredo Guzman, Dr. Dan Witt (senior manager of clinical pharmacy), Andrea Nguyen, Tylor Heilman, Phu Trinh, Peter Nguyen and Matthew Gutzmer.
Dennis Mantas Scholarship Sponsored by Rx Plus
This is the most prestigious award given by Rx Plus and is based on leadership and commitment to the pharmacy profession and community. Recipient: Lauren Hammond, Class of 2015
Rx Plus Scholarship
The Rx Scholarship goes to students who are currently members of the NCPA and has plans to pursue a career in independent community pharmacy.
Recipients: Chau Nguyen, Class of 2015 Megan Willis, Class of 2017 Grant Kinn, executive director, RX Plus Pharmacies and Sara Eichner (representing Lauren Hammond, Class of 2015).
NCPA Outstanding Student Member of the Year Award
The winner of this award is nominated and selected by the Regis University School of Pharmacy NCPA student chapter officers. The award is given to the student who has actively attended NCPA chapter meetings and who has been highly involved in the planning and implementation of student chapter events and activities.
Recipient: Megan Willis, Class of 2017
P1 Excellence Scholarship
Every year, students apply to be accepted into the School of Pharmacy. Students who stand out during the interview process are awarded a scholarship; specifically, students received a unanimous “yes” from more than eight interviewers, or an interviewer thought the candidate worthy of a scholarship. In addition, the candidate received a score of > 60 on his/her PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test), a math GPA of > 3.2, a passing essay score and no absolute “noes” for their interview.
Recipients: Paul Cornelison, Mary James (not pictured), Lance Nelson (not pictured), Danielle Poteete, Kelly Stone, Branden Thompson (not pictured) and Audra Wilson
Alpha Sigma Nu Recipient
Alpha Sigma Nu, a Jesuit National Honor Society, honors students who distinguish themselves in scholarship, loyalty to the ideals of Jesuit education and service to others while attending a Jesuit college or university.
Award recipient Shawn Mazur, Dr. Rebecca Moote, associate professor and award recipient Rachel Dewitt.
Rho Chi
Rho Chi is the national honor society for schools of Pharmacy. Members are in the top 20 percent of their class.
Class of 2014 Inductees: Back row: Becky Doe, Tonna Farinah, Jordon Livengood, Nicole Gunderson, Elizabeth Le, Holly Newby, Brianna Sanelli and Angelette-Loan Tran; Front Row: Dr. Dan Berlau (faculty advisor), Curt Tschida, Dr. Jeff Lalama (faculty advisor), and Shawn Mazur. Not pictured: Jacob Hartman, Molly Massa, Kristy Sadler and Thong Thao.
Valor Student The VA Learning Opportunities Residency (VALOR) is a program open to outstanding college pharmacy students to develop competencies in pharmacy practice while working at an approved VA hospital under the supervision of a clinical pharmacy preceptor. This year P3-student, Matthew Gutzmer, was chosen for the VALOR program at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center in Grand Junction.
Student Activities American Pharmacists AssociationAcademy of Student Pharmacist The APhA-ASP held its fourth annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction at Bonacquisti Wine Company in Denver. More than 100 pharmacists and student pharmacists attended and raised over $2,000. Proceeds will go toward funding future health carerelated events and assisting student members with costs to attend national and regional meetings.
Students are pictured enjoying the wine auction. Kneeling in front: Tylor Heilman, next row (left to right): Carl Buhay, Peter Nguyen and his wife Quinn leaning forward, Lovelace Twumasi-Ankrah, Andrea Nguyen and Lynn Dang; back row: Peter Nguyen, Brandon Kondo, Sydney Han, Chris Johnston and Phu Trinh.
Clinical Skills Competition Members of the School of Pharmacy SNPhA chapter participated in the 2013 SNPhA Regional Conference in which fourth-year students, Tonna Farinha and Renee Papageorgiou, represented the chapter in the clinical skills competition that focuses on providing patient counseling and judges contestants on both content and communication skills. Participants are given five minutes to review the patient case and discuss their counseling plan and another five minutes to counsel the patient. Although they did not place in the top 10, Tonna and Renee participated in the national competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tonna Farinha and Renee Papageorgiou pose for a photo at the awards banquet.
Student Activities American Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
Talent Show
Cub Scouts Members of the student chapter of AMCP helped members of a local Cub Scout troop earn their Ready-Man badge by teaching the boys about first aid.
AMCP held the inaugural Regis Got Talent show for students and faculty of the pharmacy school. There were a total of 15 groups that performed, and included six faculty and eight students. Money raised will help fund service projects for the upcoming year. Chapter members plan for this to be an annual event. To view some of the acts click this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkej8HVF6pVZQqy6Xt_kpIQ.
9 Health Fair
Anthony Haughin leads the scouts in a first-aid discussion.
The 18th annual 9Health Fair at Regis University, hosted on April 5, was a huge success with more than 600 participants. Students from across health care disciplines collaborated in interprofessional teams to conduct a wide variety of screenings and to provide education. Faculty and students from the School of Pharmacy assisted in answering medication questions, taking blood pressures and providing medication-related education.
Pharmacy students pose for the camera along with members of Cub Scout Troop 815. Left to right: Cory Lehano, Dhiren Patel, John Le, Theresa Simpson, Anthony Haughin and center by the table is Sou Ann Nieves.
First-year students, Lance Nelson, Jeannette Bouchard, Melanie Sherlock, and Sou Ann Nieves with Dr. Charlotte Ricchetti.
National Community Pharmacists Association
Rho Chi
Members from the Colorado Pharmacist Society (CPS) and NCPA gather at the Capital to provide free healthcare screenings to legislators and government employees to spread awareness about the role of the pharmacist.
Class of 2013
Class of 2014
Bryan Do Eve Grace Hackett-Garr Roger George Kurian Eric Nels Lorensen Jason Chan Mallari Michael Daniel Marroquin Marcella Michelle Molina Chelsea Katherine Ochoa Sarah M. Pham Daniel Joseph Schuenke
Becky Doe Tonna Farinha Nicole Gunderson Jacob Hartman Elizabeth Le Jordan Livengood Molly Massa Shawn Mazur Holly Newby Serena Kristy Sadler Brianna K. Sanelli Thong Thao Angelette-Loan Tran Curt Tschida
Brianna Sanelli, Class of 2014, Dean of the School of Pharmacy Dr. Rod Carter, and Lauren Hammond, Class of 2015.
Members toured the McKesson warehouse in Aurora learned about the pharmaceutical distributors’ role in independent ownership with McKesson and independent owner, Jen Palazzolo, RPh.
Class of 2015 Kristen Carroll Corinne Feehan Megan E. Feeney Elina Gutkin Christopher Hong Hanh Lam John Andrew McGrory Joe Nakouzi Thuy Nguyen
Faculty Dr. Daniel J. Berlau
Student members of NCPA, John Le, Sara Eichner, Marie Smith, and Ameila Nelson, volunteered at Little Sisters of the Poor to provide free health screening to the elderly.
Members of Rho Chi
Class of 2016 Sara Eichner Matthew Gutzmer Vanessa Jamison Mary Lee Peter Nguyen Jacey Schnorr Melodie Shannon Theresa Simpson
APPE School of Pharmacy Ethiopia Experience
Health Care for Africa: A Journey through Ethiopian Pharmacies, Holly Newby, Class of 2014
Narrative
We were welcomed by cars darting in and out traffic, chants projecting from the orthodox churches and masses of people walking to their next destination. As we traveled farther south, we gazed on mountains blessed with fertile soil, mile after mile of green inset and acacia trees, and beautiful people smiling and living richly despite extreme poverty. For Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) VII, I traveled to Ethiopia to learn about the culture and to experience health care in the heart of Africa. It would be impossible to describe a single unique experience I had while on this journey, instead I choose to describe a collection of observations and experiences that occurred while visiting multiple hospitals and pharmacies. Our initial exposure to the pharmacy world came after visiting the Mother Child Rehabilitation Center in Addis. As a care center for abused or abandoned women, the organization is often in need of medications and supplies. We visited three retail pharmacies in order to restock their meager shelves. The streets outside the pharmacy were filled with trash and uneven sidewalks, but inside the shelves were clean and well-organized according to disease classification. In addition, we visited multiple hospital pharmacies, including local government hospitals like the Black Lion as well as specialized private facilities, such as the Fistula Hospital, the CURE Hospital, Glenn C. Olsen Hospital at Project Mercy and Grarbet Hospital. In Ethiopia, each pharmacist receives a five-year university education and must work in a government position for two to three years before entering the private sector. Unique prescription papers, stamped by a physician exist for legend, narcotic and psychotropic medications and pain medications more potent than diclofenac or paracetamol are practically unknown. Before ending my stay, I observed multiple surgical procedures and worked with a nurse anesthetist, learning about general and spinal anesthesia in East Africa.
Their health literacy is practically nonexistent; bombarding them with information that the physician should provide (according to the pharmacists) seems excessive. As an American pharmacy student, it is nearly impossible to digest the complacent role of pharmacy in Ethiopia. I understand that the pharmacist did more than provide directions to his/ her patients. Pharmacists also spoke to patients with kind words and greeted them upon arrival and departure from the pharmacy. Much like in the United States, the pharmacist is trusted and relied upon to provide pharmacotherapy to their patients. Abraham Verghese, an Ethiopian professor at Stanford University and author of “Cutting for Stone,” offered the following anecdote in his fictitious novel set in Addis Ababa: “What is the only treatment that cannot be delivered to the patient with your hands?” He answered, “words of comfort.” For me it is easy to understand that pharmacy in our country is about practicing safe, effective, competent medication therapy and to provide clinical intervention. However, through my experience in Ethiopia I am reminded that even with few resources and a less complex/developed role, a pharmacist can always provide a human connection to those looking for answers to their health issues. It would be impossible to reflect upon each positive or difficult experience I had while working with the pharmacists in Ethiopia. Instead, I want to discuss a topic that was addressed often during our stay: global community. We were each charged with creating our own definition of what a global community is and how this definition can change our philosophy of care. As a future pharmacist, I can facilitate the development of a global community in multiple ways. First, I will remember the faces of the hungry, the sick and the dying witnessed each day in our work. I will carry their despair and longing in my heart in order to constantly maintain an empathetic attitude toward all patients. In my practice, I believe in respecting diversity and offering patience and kindness to all who come through the doors. In addition, I will remember the beauty of the Ethiopian culture; despite poverty, famine and subpar public health options, the people of Ethiopia continue to smile, to welcome our group of Ferengis (white foreigners) into their country and into their lives. Despite inadequate resources – due to lack of funding, donations and access – I will remember the efforts of the nurses, physicians, physiotherapists and pharmacists in their struggle to care for the patient to the best of their ability.
The 2013-14 academic year was filled with ample opportunities to practice as a pharmacy intern. I developed professional maturity as well as a confident sense of responsibility for my role as a health care provider. I chose to write about my final APPE experience because I may never experience anything like it again.
I journeyed to Africa with very few expectations of what the role of a pharmacist would entail. I always like to approach any new adventure in this fashion because I believe this facilitates an open mind and heart. However, if I were to approach this experience differently in the future or if I were to offer advice to the next group of students, I would wish for them to enter Ethiopia more prepared to interact with the health care professionals. As mentioned, there are no words for my overall experience and I do not believe that culture can be fully explained; only experienced.
Pharmacy in East Africa has yet to progress far beyond a general retail or traditional dispensing role. Whether in the retail setting or a hospital environment, the pharmacist simply provides instructions for medications . I had a difficult time accepting this role at first. But then while working with the health professions for two weeks I began to understand why. Often, patients travel hours or even days to receive care.
As I finish this narrative, I reflect upon all of my APPE experiences and realize that pharmacy is a changing profession. Worldwide, pharmacy exists in different stages, but change is occurring everywhere. I know that as a future pharmacist, about to embark on a Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY 1) pharmacy practice residency, it is my responsibility to help educate and propagate positive changes within our profession. I am excited to see what the future holds and I will always remember this final clinical year.
Reflection
Ethiopia Group
Holly Newby and Meredith Young, Class of 2014, shop at a local market.
Pharmacy student Sheryle Ishimoto with a Loretta Heights School of Nursing (LHSON) family nurse practitioner student, Santiana Littman, smile for the camera.
Faculty Accomplishments Berlau D. Predicting Alzheimer’s Disease with a blood test. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Cogan P. Studies toward nucleic acid synthesis via substrate complemented catalysis. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Goldwire MA, Crewell J, Pennington K, et al. Interprofessional spiritual care elective: a pilot experience. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Goldwire MA. Screening and treatment of pediatric dyslipidemias. US Pharm. 2014; 39(5):52-58. Ishimoto S.*, Gunderson N*, Burt L, McClew N, Sweeney R. G‐CSF for primary prophylaxis of febrile neutropenia in patients at a community cancer center. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Mazur S*, Hanselin MR, Marroquin M*, Haight R, Moote R. Incidence of hypoglycemia and associated risk factors in patients presenting to an emergency department with diabetic ketoacidosis. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Nassar N*, Papageorgiou R*, McCullough M*, Khedir Al-tiae J*, Goldwire MA. Assessment of drug information resource preferences and curriculum preparedness by pharmacy students. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Nassar N*, Papageorgiou R*, McCullough M*, Khedir Al-tiae J*, Goldwire MA. Assessment of drug information resource preferences and curriculum preparedness by pharmacy students for clinical rotations. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Nelson M, Tweddell S, Clark D. Team-based learning in pharmacy: the faculty experience. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Ng D*, Papageorgiou R*, Goldwire MA. Evaluating the utilization of a school-specific mobile site for accessing drug databases in pharmacy practice. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Ricchetti C, Shea L. Target specific oral anticoagulants. US Pharm. 2014;39(4):69-74. Savaryn H*, Caffarini E*, Shea L, Fete M, Haight R. A chemical analysis of currently available melatonin products in the United States. University Research and Scholarship Symposium, Regis University. Denver, CO: Apr 2014. Sucher A, Gunderson N*, Sucher B. Management of Occupational Exposure to HIV. U.S. Pharmacist 2014;39(4):HS18-HS24. Sucher A. An Overview of Hepatitis C Virus. Invited speaker for AbbVie Inc.: Las Vegas, NV: May 2014. *denotes a pharmacy student Dr. Michael Nelson became a certified team-based learning consultant-trainer this past March by finishing the program at this year’s TBLC conference in March. Dr. Leticia Shea became board certified in ambulatory care pharmacy.
Faculty of the Year
Students voted on their favorite faculty member. Congratulations to all faculty members! P1 Class – Dr. Leticia Shea P2 Class – Dr. Jeff Lalama P3 Class – Dr. Michele Hanselin
Faculty Promotions
The School of Pharmacy is pleased to announce that the following faculty will be promoted in rank this August following their successful rank committee review.
Promoted to Associate Professor:
Dr. Bianca Calderon, Department of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Pete Clapp, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Matthew Fete, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Dr. Miki Goldwire, Department of Pharmacy Practice Dr. Charlotte Ricchetti, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Faculty Departures Dr. Jamie Nash Dr. Jamie Nash has been appointed as RHCHP associate dean. He will be assigned to new program development, special project management, career development for staff and new faculty services. Dr. Nash is a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist and a certified geriatric pharmacist. He is leaving the director of experiential education position for the School of Pharmacy. Members of the School of Pharmacy are saddened to have Dr. Nash move down the hall, but wish him all the best in his new role.
Dr. Leah Sheridan Dr. Leah Sheridan has accepted an associate lecturer position in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Ohio University’s Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. Members of the School of Pharmacy will miss Dr. Sheridan and wish her all the best in her new position.
Faculty Service Rocky Mountain Lake Park
Several Regis University School of Pharmacy faculty and staff members volunteered with Denver Parks and Recreation at Rocky Mountain Lake Park near the university campus. They spent the morning weeding and cultivating one of the main flowerbeds in the park. Everyone had a great time and learned a little bit about horticulture during this experience.
Faculty and staff pose for a photo at Rocky Mountain Lake Park during.
Drs. Lauren Burt and Brandon Sucher smile for the camera while taking a break cleaning up the park.
Riding for Diabetes
Dear School of Pharmacy Colleagues, I’m taking part in the Tour de Cure cycling event on August 16 in Longmont, Colorado, to support the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and will serve as team captain for the Regis University team. We will join thousands of riders in the effort to Stop Diabetes and I would like to invite you to participate as a member of our team! The team will include riders from the entire Regis University community so this is a great opportunity to meet some of your colleagues from the other schools and ride for a great cause. Feel free to also invite any friends or family members who may wish to ride for the team as well. By joining The Regis University team you can help raise funds to help the ADA provide community-based education programs, protect the rights of people with diabetes and fund critical research for a cure. There are several ride distances to choose from, ranging from 12-100 miles, and riders of all abilities are welcome. We are also looking into getting Regis University cycling jerseys made. Each rider will responsible for raising $200 for the team, all of which can be processed through the ADA website. The team goal is a minimum of $1,000. You also can make a secure, 100 percent tax-deductible donation online in support one of our team members by visiting our team Web page using the link below. If you do not want to donate online, please make your check payable to the American Diabetes Association and drop off your donation to me. In order to join the Regis University team or donate to a team member, please use the following link: http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?team_id=684328&pg=team&fr_id=9408&et=_wtjPXyOizRxce00um1r2w&s_tafId=529985. Thank you in advance for any help and support you can provide. I hope you can join me in participating in this great event. Together we can stop diabetes, one mile at a time.
Brian Hemstreet, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS Assistant Dean for Student Affairs Regis University School of Pharmacy Click here to visit my personal page: http://main.diabetes.org/site
Alumni News
Residencies Several School of Pharmacy graduating students matched to pharmacy practice residencies through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Residency Match program and others participated in the scramble to secure a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice residency. Congratulations to everyone!
• Erica Caffarini - Brooklyn Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York
• Arnold Decano - Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Tonna Farinha - Safeway residency in Denver, Colorado
• Sunny Gahley - Navitus Health Solutions in Madison, Wisconsin
• Nicole Gunderson - UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worchester, Massachusetts
• Sheryle Ishimoto - NorthShore University HealthSystem in Skokie, Illinois
• Sarah Kahn - University of Florida Azalea Health in Palatka, Florida
• Janon Khedir - Exempla St Joe’s in Denver, Colorado
• Jennifer Kubert - Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska
• Elizabeth Le - Providence Med Center, Providence, Oregon
• Ryan Leyland - Kaiser Permanente in Denver, Colorado
• Shawn Mazur - University of California at San Francisco
• Mallory McCullough - McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah
• Matthew Minnick - VA in Kansas City, Kansas
• Nader Nassar - Shawnee Mission Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas
• Holly Newby - Stanford Hospitals and Clinics in Stanford, California
• Renee Papageorgiou - Midwestern University in Chicago, Illinois
• Shenil Patel - University of Southern California Ambulatory Care Clinic in Los Angeles, California
• Daksha Potnis - VA in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Brianna Sanelli - Safeway in Denver, Colorado
Bryan Do (Class of 2013), is completing a PGY2 residency at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Eve Hackett (Class of 2013) is completing a PGY2 residency at Exempla St Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
Office of Experiential Education By Rush Shah, Class of 2014
A Reflection of a New Regis Pharmacist… As I begin this journey of being a pharmacist, I have learned through my Regis training that leadership is an important characteristic. Throughout my APPE year, my rotations have taught me to show compassion, respect the differences in others and develop an appreciation to what everyone has to offer. These attitudes, along with the equally important ethical and leadership principles, are key to being a good pharmacist. An effective leader leads by example and demonstrates values that bring out the best qualities in their respective groups. I offer an example that comes to mind, one that involved a dispute between two technicians at one of my community sites. The pharmacist held a meeting with the technicians in which the technicians expressed their views. He encouraged them to be open and understanding of the other person’s thoughts. It was clear to me after their meeting that the dispute was resolved. What I have learned from this is that in my career as a pharmacist I should not ignore situations, but instead resolve them as soon as possible in an open, non-confrontational manner. I am hopeful this is one of the qualities that will make me a successful leader. I believe justice is an ethical principle that guides how I practice pharmacy. During my APPE year, I was able to set character goals for myself to ensure that I am giving the best care available to the patient. These goals are similar to the pharmacist code of ethics and include:
• Treat everyone equally and fairly
• Have the utmost respect for patients and the profession
• Use the knowledge I have acquired to promote good in society I was able to demonstrate these characteristics repeatedly during my APPE year. One particular experience that stands out occurred at a community pharmacy rotation. I had spoken with a woman who hadn’t seen a doctor in almost six years and was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. She indicated that she understood how to use her glucometer to test her blood sugar, but she was having a lot of trouble using the Humalog insulin vial and individual syringes to inject her medicine. I took this as an opportunity to counsel her on possibly changing over to the Humalog Kwikpen because of the advantages of not having to use syringes and also ensuring that she would inject the correct amount of insulin each time. Informing her about these advantages made her extremely happy because it took away some of the stress she was experiencing from her recent diagnosis. I was able to follow up with her a couple weeks later when she came back to pick up more medications. She told me she was following her regimen and her fasting blood glucose levels were within normal limits. She has not had any hypoglycemic episodes since she switched the insulin. This patient was extremely grateful for my help and I was happy I was able to have such an impact. Going through my final year at Regis University, I was able to realize that most individuals who are taking medications are treating comorbid conditions. This plays a large role in how I address patient-specific counseling, because I realize that everyone is different and each person deserves to have his or her own personal questions and concerns answered. Along this same line of reasoning, I’ve also learned that each person is going to have a different outlook and perception of his/her medications. Because of this, I strive to be more empathetic to each person’s unique situation and concerns. The pharmacy profession is as much centered on addressing a person’s overall mindset and well-being as it is on addressing specific biological and physical concerns. I look forward to my career as a pharmacist and strongly believe that Regis University School of Pharmacy has instilled in me and my fellow graduates the necessary tools to succeed.
Rush Shah with Matthew Minnock
Experiential Update We hope you are all doing well and want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making 2013-14 another successful experiential year! We have just started APPE year 2014-15 and hope it is going well for all of you. We want to let you know of a few changes happening in the School of Pharmacy. Dr. James Nash’s appointment to associate dean within RHCHP led Dr. Megan Schumacher to become the new director of experiential education. Ms. Teri Asbery’s role is being redefined to include more of the coordinator position’s responsibilities while still maintaining her administrative oversight. With these transitions comes the opportunity to hire a new individual within the Office of Experiential Education. Regis University’s School of Pharmacy will begin recruitment efforts immediately for the new assistant director position. If you or anyone you know might be interested in this position we ask that you contact Dr. Megan Schumacher, who will be leading the recruiting team (mschumacher002@regis.edu). We look forward to another wonderful experiential year with you, our valued preceptors.
Calendar of Events Aug. 20-22, Wednesday-Friday New Student Orientation
Aug. 25, Monday Classes Begin
Sept. 1, Monday Labor Day (no classes)
Sept. 11, Thursday Mass of the Holy Spirit (11 a.m. – 1 p.m. )
Sept. 19, Friday Second Annual Summit for Health Care Professionals