MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
Dear students, alumni, friends and colleagues,
Like every Fall semester, we are thrilled to welcome our newest class of students to the Regis family! This Fall we welcomed a class of 49 students, who like last year?s cohort, will have the opportunity to complete their PharmD in either 3 or 4 years As highlighted in the Newsletter, our student organizations and clubs have been highly engaged with the community despite their demanding schedules A big congratulations to the Class of 2024 for their exceptional residency placements. This year?s graduating class achieved an 89% residency match rate, far surpassing the national average
Over the past few months, we have formalized articulation agreements with partner schools in Colorado to educate more students about pharmacy careers and create a more efficient application process for qualified candidates Agreements have been established with CSU Pueblo, Front Range Community College, and Metropolitan State University of Denver Several additional agreements are currently under development
On September 30, 2024, Regis University School of Pharmacy and the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy co-hosted the Colorado Workplace Conditions and Wellbeing Summit The event, moderated by APhA CEO Michael Hogue, PharmD, was planned and organized in collaboration with the Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS) Approximately 70 participants representing over 30 organizations, institutions, employers, and regulatory bodies attended the one-day Summit, which focused on recognizing workplace issues and working toward solutions The Summit marked an initial step in addressing challenges identified in the recently released CPS Workplace Conditions and Wellbeing Survey Final Report Collective efforts will continue to improve workplace conditions and wellbeing through action items from the report and the Summit Feel free to reach out to me for additional information or to contribute to the ongoing efforts
Warm wishes for a happy holiday season!
Samit Shah, PhD, RPh, MBA Dean, Regis University School of Pharmacy
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
SNPhA - St udent Nat ional Pharmaceut ical Associat ion
The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) proudly hosted its annual NextGen Health Event, aimed at increasing representation of underrepresented groups in healthcare Local high school students from Jefferson High School participated in a hands-on day designed to explore the impactful roles of pharmacists and physical therapists in patient care. The event featured interactive sessions where students gained practical experience in key healthcare areas, such as how hospital pharmacists contribute to antibiotic stewardship and how community pharmacists support diabetes care management
This year?s event was a collaborative effort with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), offering a well-rounded look at healthcare careers To cap off the day, students received prizes, including laptops and school supply kits, supporting their future academic goals
Attendees participated in a hospital pharmacist activity led by student Caden Robertson
Left to right, back rwo: Kati Gribble, Madi Reiman, Julisa Mireles, Joyce Lim, Latina Tang, Monica Alonso; front row: Caden Robertson, Eric Morales, Haemin Park, Alyssa Herrod; not pictured: Denise Avila, Faye Laforteza, Judy Schmidt, Vincent Tavalez, and Leila Zlitni
Wear Green for Yout h Homeless Awareness
SNPhA students recently came together to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless youth. Homeless children often experience significant barriers to accessing healthcare, leading to higher rates of illnesses, chronic health conditions, mental health struggles, and disrupted education To address these issues, the SNPhA chapter created an educational flyer highlighting key facts about youth homelessness and actionable ways students can support their local communities The campaign included the ?Wear Green for Youth Homeless Awareness? initiative, encouraging students and faculty to show solidarity and spark conversations about this critical issue.
Annual SACNAS Conference
The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/ Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) hosted its annual National Diversity in STEM Conference this past fall at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona This event, recognized as the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity conference in the United States, brought together over 5,000 attendees, including students and professionals from historically marginalized backgrounds Participants engaged in cutting-edge research presentations, professional development sessions, and cultural celebrations, fostering an inclusive community aimed at empowering individuals along their academic and professional STEM journeys.
Pharmacy student, Alyssa Herrod (pictured below) attended the meeting and was awarded a travel scholarship to support her participation in the conference. During the event, she served as a judge for undergraduate poster presentations, answered questions from students about the process of attending pharmacy school, and took on the role of a graduate student mentor for pre-pharmacy students
Regis University, recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from diverse backgrounds
Left to right, back row: Vincent Tavalez, Julisa Mireles, Kylene Santoro, Joyce Lim, Mercedees Benavidez, Lannette Acquah,and Alicia Ejiaga ; front row: Alyssa Herrod, Gaby Chavez, and Latina Tang
Healt h Professions Summer Experience 20 24
The Health Professions Summer Experience 2024 was a resounding success, with 46 participants exploring the dynamic field of pharmacy The program offered an engaging mix of hands-on activities, interactive learning, and career exploration.
Participants were thrilled with the hands-on experiences, which emerged as a favorite aspect of the program. Activities such as working with needles and participating in pharmacy simulations were particularly well-received Students described the program as "super exciting and fun" and appreciated the opportunity to learn practical skills in a supportive and interactive environment Comments like ?I loved the hands-on experience!? and ?I got to learn a lot of things I didn? t know about the pharmacy? reflected the program's ability to inspire curiosity and enthusiasm for the profession
The program also provided meaningful opportunities for participants to interact with pharmacy students and professionals, fostering deeper understanding and interest in pharmacy careers Many participants expressed that the experience reminded them of their passion for science, with one remarking, ?It was cool; it reminded me of being back in chemistry class ?
Overall, the Health Professions Summer Experience 2024 successfully combined education with excitement, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. By blending practical learning with personal engagement, the program continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals
Dr Emily Clemens and Marc Catbagan
Katie Gribble
Dr Dan Berlau
Alex Mendoza
Dr Chirs Malarkey and Ross Colburn
Wunmi Abisogun
Sophia Uriostigue
Kappa Psi
This year Kappa Psi is proud to initiate its largest class of collegiate brothers known as the ?24 of 2024? where they are attending our Pledge Education classes to familiarize themselves with the Fraternity
Participating were Axel Abundez, Monica Alonso, Chris DiNorcia, Jacob Feldker, Sabin Ghimire, Madelyn Gloe, Brenden Hopson, Fabiha Ikram, Obinna Iwuji, Mitchell LeRoy, Luis Manzano, Michael Minang, Carson Nguyen, Kenny Tran, Courtney Valle, Britney Vo, Karimah Williams, and Justin Yi.
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc is the oldest and largest professional pharmacy fraternity in the United States, with a mission to foster a strong bond among its members and advance the profession of pharmacy Kappa Psi promotes academic excellence, professional development, and community service Members benefit from leadership opportunities, mentorship, and lifelong connections, all while contributing to the betterment of their local communities and the pharmacy profession as a whole
Phi Lambda Sigma
The Delta Chi chapter of PLS decided to host a pumpkin spice themed fundraiser with the catchy name ?PSL with PLS? with fall being the perfect time to have a slice of pumpkin pie. Pictured are Vincent Tavalez and Alyssa Herrod PLS is dedicated to recognizing and fostering excellence in pharmacy leadership and service Established in 1928, the society encourages the development of leadership skills, promotes professional growth, and supports initiatives that advance the pharmacy profession.
Colorado Pharmacy Societ y
The Colorado Pharmacist Society (CPS) Academy of Student Pharmacists hosted an exciting trivia night at Avanti Food and Beverage on November 11th Students formed two competitive teams, putting their random trivia knowledge to the test in a fun and engaging evening The event featured great prizes for the winning team and plenty of camaraderie among participants A big thank you goes out to everyone who joined and supported CPS, making the night a memorable success!
Left to right, backrow: Tina Perez, Carson Nguyen, Nathan Whiting-Wagner, Bryston Nguyen, Alyssa Herrod, Hailey Murphy, Vincent Tavalez, and Julisa Mireles-Caraveo; frontrow: Judy Schmidt, Britney Vo, Marc Catbagan, and Nikki Weakley
RESIDENCY SHOWCASE
The 2024 Colorado Residency Showcase provided pharmacy students with an invaluable opportunity to explore post-graduate training options and connect with residency programs across the state. Held in a dynamic and welcoming environment, the showcase featured representatives from a variety of institutions who shared insights about their programs, application processes, and expectations for residents Students were able to network with preceptors, current residents, and program directors, gaining a deeper understanding of the benefits and challenges of residency training The event underscored the commitment to advancing pharmacy education and preparing students for impactful careers in patient care.
Left to right: Caden Robertson, Andrew Namkoong, Alexandra Pacarar, Kati Gribble, Hailey Murphy, Vincent Tavalez, and Marc Catbagan
Members of the Colorado Pharmacists Society
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
ACCP American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Challenge
First place:
Left to right: Karly Sandoval, Kaz Stone-Myers, and Kristen Thomson
Students competed in skills competitions The ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge is a team-based competition. Teams of three students compete in a "quiz bowl"?type format answering clinical questions posed in three distinct formats: trivia/ lightning, clinical case, and jeopardy-style
SSHP St udent Societ y of Healt h-syst em Pharm acist s Clinical Skills Com pet it ion
First Place:
Baileigh Baker and Karly Sandoval, Class of 2026
Second Place:
Tyler Petrini and Andrea Robles, Class of 2025
Third Place:
Daniel Ballotti and Beth Grisinger, Class of 2025
The SSHP Clinical Skills Competition is an annual event that challenges pharmacy students to apply their clinical knowledge and problem-solving skills in a real-world, case-based setting Teams of students analyze complex patient cases, develop evidence-based care plans, and present their recommendations to a panel of judges, typically composed of practicing pharmacists and faculty The competition fosters collaboration, critical thinking, and professional growth, while also providing an opportunity for students to showcase their clinical expertise
APPE SPOTLIGHT
Immersing in Oncology Pharmacy: My APPE Rot at ion at Florida Cancer Specialist s and NCODA
During my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotation with Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) and the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA), I had the incredible opportunity to delve into the specialized world of oncology pharmacy This rotation expanded my knowledge of cancer treatments and highlighted the pivotal role pharmacists play in patient care
At FCS, I collaborated with a dedicated team of healthcare professionals to provide personalized care to patients undergoing cancer treatment My responsibilities included reviewing medication profiles, counseling patients, and working closely with the interprofessional team to optimize outcomes. I gained hands-on experience managing the complexities of cancer therapy, particularly in addressing medication side effects I also had the privilege of contributing to Pharmacy Times with a publication on darolutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor inhibitor (SGARI) for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC), and presenting updates to the clinical team on therapies such as lazertinib, a recently FDA-approved oral treatment for lung cancer.
My time with NCODA further enriched my oncology pharmacy experience I conducted professional webinars to share updates on FDA-approved cancer therapies and participated in the NCODA Fall Summit, where I engaged in discussions on topics such as advances in breast cancer treatment, bispecific antibodies for lung cancer, and managing thrombocytopenia in myelofibrosis Additionally, I contributed to the NCODA Summit Rewind publication by summarizing Medicare Part D updates for 2025, including prescription cost caps and payment plan options to ease financial burdens for beneficiaries
This rotation has provided me with a strong foundation in oncology pharmacy, equipping me with the knowledge and experience to make meaningful contributions in future pharmacy practice
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION IN PHARMACY
Keyvan Nekouei, PharmD, MBA, Class of 2015
After earning my Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Regis University in 2015, I began my career with a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Centura Health's St. Anthony Hospital. This transformative experience gave me the opportunity to implement a perioperative pharmacist project that significantly improved patient care In addition to clinical responsibilities, I had the privilege of precepting fourth-year pharmacy students, fostering their growth and preparing them for future roles in pharmacy practice
Following my residency, I joined Centura Health as the Manager of Strategic Sourcing - Pharmacy In this role, I oversaw pharmaceutical sourcing and operations for multiple hospitals, outpatient pharmacies, and physician clinics My work included ensuring regulatory compliance, streamlining medication procurement processes, and driving cost-saving initiatives One of my team?s key achievements was implementing strategies to buy medications in bulk and repackage them into unit doses, resulting in over $1 million in annual savings. This role honed my ability to balance operational efficiency with patient care priorities and strengthened my commitment to innovation in healthcare delivery
Building on this foundation, I transitioned to Cencora (formerly AmerisourceBergen) to expand my expertise on a national scale. I started as District Director for Health Systems & Specialty Services, where I focused on strategic planning and consultative sales to meet the unique needs of health systems My contributions led to a promotion to Senior Director of Account Experience & Clinical Services, where I managed a team of over 120 employees Together, we tackled complex challenges like drug shortages, ensuring continuity of care for patients, and elevating customer satisfaction to an impressive 92%.
My next step was into the role of Senior Director of Long-Term Care Field Sales, where I led key account management and developed innovative customer relationship approaches These experiences prepared me for my current position as Vice President of Business Operations & Account Management. In this capacity, I oversee a $26 billion/year business unit within an almost $300 billion/year company. My responsibilities include developing fiscal strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and creating initiatives to enhance both customer and employee experiences This role has allowed me to blend my passion for leadership with my dedication to improving healthcare delivery on a large scale
Reflecting on my journey, I am deeply grateful for the strong foundation Regis University provided The values of leadership, innovation, and service instilled during my time at Regis continue to guide my career and decision-making I credit much of my success to the Jesuit principles that emphasize service to others and the importance of lifelong learning.
To current and future pharmacy students, I encourage you to pursue your passions wholeheartedly and remain open to new opportunities Every step in your career, whether clinical, operational, or strategic, has the potential to shape the future of healthcare and make a lasting impact on patients and communities.
Dr Nekouei is giving back by sharing his expertise as an instructor in the Leadership and Management course, helping to guide and inspire current students
OFFICE OF EXPERIENTIAL AWARDS CEREMONY
The Office of Experiential Education held their annual preceptor awards to celebrate preceptors for the school of pharmacy experiential program
IPPE Preceptor of the Year - Dr Greg Hofer
Dr Hofer is the pharmacy manager at WellPower Pharmacy and the coordinator for all student rotations One student on rotation had this to say, "Greg is a wonderful preceptor that spreads the joy and love of community pharmacy to those around him through his attentive, funny, and caring nature He really went above and beyond to ensure I had an educational and enjoyable rotation ?
APPE Preceptor of the Year - Dr Holly Rabideau
Dr Rabideau is a drug utilization pharmacist at Intermountain Health and a Regis School of Pharmacy alumni from the Class of 2014. A student on rotation this past year said, ?Holly is a wonderful preceptor who very obviously enjoys both teaching and learning It is amazing to meet someone with such vast amounts of knowledge and resources It was an incredibly humbling experience to have had the opportunity to spend time working with Holly "
Faculty Preceptor of the Year - Dr Michele Claiborne
In addition to her Vice Chair role, Dr. Claiborne also precepts students at her site the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System One student on rotation shared that ?Dr Claiborne is an incredible preceptor that takes the time to explain things thoroughly She can tease out things we learned but cannot recall right away by steering us in the right direction with context clues She is prompt with her feedback and can explain it in ways that help you understand what you need to improve on and how to do so. She is highly attuned to each student's weaknesses and encourages them to improve in these areas, helping them become better pharmacists ?
Alumni Preceptor of the Year ? Dr. Katie Nash
Dr Katie Nash is the Director of Pharmacy at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Littleton and a Regis School of Pharmacy alumni from the Class of 2017. Students on rotation shared that ?Dr. Nash is a wonderful resource for pharmacy, administrative, and interpersonal solutions She is kind, supportive, and well-loved by her staff for good reason She gives constructive feedback in a timely manner and helps support her students through the process of becoming more comfortable in their future pharmacist roles ?
Dr Nash was unable to attend the ceremony
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IMMUNIZE COLORADO
During SO U P! (Shots Offer Unrivaled Protection), Immunize Colorado, led by its current president, Dr Stephanie James (professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences) honors the Big Shot of the Year and the SOUPer Hero, alongside two additional immunization champions: The Regional Sure Shot and the Denver Metro Sure Shot. Dr. James presented awards to Senadora Julie Gonzales, along with Senators Dylan Roberts, Kevin Priola, and Kyle Mullica (pictured below), who were honored as the 2024 Big Shots of the Year by Immunize Colorado
SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PHARMACY WORKFORCE WELLNESS
The Colorado Pharmacy Workplace Conditions and Well-being Summit brought together leading experts and stakeholders to address critical issues facing the pharmacy profession Hosted at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the summit provided a collaborative platform to explore challenges and identify actionable solutions for creating a sustainable, healthy pharmacy workforce
Highlights from the event included discussions on national and state-level workplace conditions reports, strategies to overcome communication breakdowns, and the sharing of best practices by task force members The afternoon sessions focused on five key topics: workforce dynamics, civility in pharmacy, payment reform, workplace technology, and patient care impacts Stakeholders from various sectors collaborated to address policies, professional concerns, and payer issues
With active engagement from participants, the summit concluded with a commitment to advancing actionable steps, reinforcing the profession's dedication to fostering well-being and excellence in pharmacy practice
Summit planning committee members (pictured from left to right) included Drs Marta Brooks (Regis University), Lesleigh Potter (Albertsons/ Safeway), Emily Zadvorny (Colorado Pharmacist Society), Samit Shah (Regis University), Michael Hogue (American Pharmacists Association), Gina Moore (University of Colorado), and Ralph Altiere (University of Colorado)
JP OPIOID INTERACTION AWARENESS ALLIANCE
The JP Opioid Interaction Awareness Alliance hosted its 9th annual Save-a-Life Golf Tournament at the Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course. This event raises awareness about the factors contributing to opioid-related deaths and supports the Alliance?s pharmacy-student scholarship program and community education efforts Participants enjoyed scenic views, on-course activities like a Beat the Pro Contest, and opportunities to win prizes The event is supported by sponsors such as Bullseye Construction, Boulder Community Health, and Fay Myers Motorcycle World For more information visit https://www jpopioidalliance org/
Faculty and alumni from Regis University School of Pharmacy actively participated in the tournament, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the opioid crisis and supporting pharmacy education initiatives.
FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Publicat ions
Avila D^, Stone-Myers K^, Sucher A. Doxycycline guidelines for STI prophylaxis.US Pharm. 2024;49(10):32-34
Czifrus E, Berlau DJ. Corticosteroids for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a safety review. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024 Oct;23(10):1237-1247 doi: 10 1080/ 14740338 2024 2394578 Epub 2024 Aug 27 PMID: 39152782
Goldw ire MA, Behrmann L, Abdoulmoumine AM^, Powers K^. Strategies for surgical success in patients with diabetes US Pharm 2024;49(11):HS1-HS10
Johnson ST, Goldw ire MA, Abdalla M, et al. Teaching learners to identify and reduce the spread of medical misinformation J Am Coll Clin Pharm 2024;7(9):926-940 doi:10 1002/ jac5 2014
Robles A^, Ahmed J^, Goldw ire MA. Managing hospitalized pediatric patients with influenza. US Pharm. 2024;49(8):HS12-HS16
Present at ions
Johnson ST, Goldw ire MA, Abdalla M, etal Teaching learners to identify and reduce the spread of medical misinformation Poster presented at the 2024 American Clinical Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting; Oct 15, Phoenix, AZ
Murphy H,^ Henneman EL^, Fukunaga A^, Salawu D^, Herrod A^, Whiting-Wagner N,^ Weakley N^, Wells K^, Robertson C^, Powell K^, Shea LA Top 20 Ingredients in weight loss and muscle enhancement dietary supplements: Identifying important counseling points National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Annual Meeting. Columbus, OH. Oct. 27, 2024 ^pharmacy student
Left to right: Drs Pete Clapp, Cass Hanna, Chris Malarkey and his friend
Left to right: alum Drs Jayden Tumbaga, Kuriko Sakai, Kyle Dickey, and David Hymel
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Congrat ulat
ions t o our st udent s for out st anding residency placem ent s!
Blount Memorial Hospital, Maryville, TN
Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH*
Common Spirit Health, Penrose/St.Francis Healthcare, Colorado Springs, CO
Common Spirit Health, St Anthony Hospital, Lakewood, CO
Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO
Indian health Services Cass Lake Hospital, Cass Lake, MN
Indian Health Services Cherokee Hospital, Cherokee, NC
Intermountain Hlth Colorado, Good Samaritan Med Ctr, Lafayette, CO
Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
Presbyterian Healthcare Services, Albuquerque, NM
Providence Medical Group, Spokane, Spokane, WA*
Providence Northwest Washington, Monroe, WA
Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett, Everett, WA
Safeway Pharmacy/Regis University, Centennial, CO
Sentara RMH Medical Center, Harrisonburg, VA
Stormont-Vail Health, Topeka, KS*
Swedish Medical Center, Englewood, CO
The Medical Center of Aurora, Aurora, CO
University of Utah Health, Salt Lake City, UT*
VA Eastern Colorado HCS-Rocky Mtn, Aurora, CO
VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA
UPCOMING EVENTS
Nov 27-29, Thanksgiving break
Dec 9-13, Finals weeks
Dec 20, last day of APPEblock 5
Jan 6, APPEblock 6 begins
Jan 13, Classes begin
Executive Editor: Samit Shah, PhD, RPh
Dean, School of Pharmacy
Regis University
303-625-1300
*PGY2 residency match
Editor: Miki Goldwire, PharmD, MS, MA, BCPS
Professor, Director of Drug Information Regis University, School of Pharmacy mgoldwir@regis.edu