College of Pharmacy News Winter 2021 | uri.edu/pharmacy-newsletter
¥ DEAN'S NOTE "
College of Pharmacy Personnel Show Impressive Commitment in Challenging Year 2020 was among the most trying periods in history, especially for healthcare workers positioned on the front lines of the historic COVID-19 pandemic. While the struggle to contain the virus continues into 2021, the development of coronavirus vaccines gives hope that the end is near. The effort and sacrifice of College of Pharmacy personnel over the past year is a source of immense pride to URI and to me personally. Faculty, staff, and students in the college have stepped up throughout the year, including helping lead and staff the pharmacy at the Care New England COVID-19 field hospital in Cranston, immunizing our health-care workers and first responders throughout the region, organizing flu clinics to help prevent another viral outbreak, and deploying a saliva-based COVID screening test. It hasn’t all been about viral containment though, as others in the college are conducting groundbreaking research projects, helping in the fight against the opioid epidemic, and training biopharmaceutical workers to develop the next game-changing medications. The unwavering dedication of health-care workers everywhere, as well as those right here in Avedisian Hall, gives me confidence that we are rounding the corner and returning to a sense of normalcy. Please join me in reading about just some of the impressive work coming out of the URI College of Pharmacy in recent months as we look forward to better days. —E. Paul Larrat, dean
¥ FACULTY
Dangers of Opioid Use During Pregnancy Study to show impacts on mother, child of prescription opioid use. Prescription opioid use among pregnant women has increased in recent years, putting both mother and unborn baby at risk. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the safety of opioids on both mother and infant, the subject of a funded study in the URI College of Pharmacy. Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Xuerong Wen aims to fill gaps in research on the effects of maternal opioid use on pregnancy complications and long-term developmental outcomes of children, and optimize medication-assisted treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Her study has been funded by an initial grant of $435,000 from the National Institutes of Health, and a supplemental grant of $256,000 awarded in October. Wen’s research is based on studies of linked mother-infant data sets, including nationwide health administrative data, R.I. Medicaid claims, R.I. vital statistics, and R.I. education records,
to examine various short- and long-term outcomes. Initial results have shown that prescription opioid use is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy and obstetric complications, congenital malformations (in musculoskeletal system), or neurodevelopmental disorders (mental disorders and developmental delays in the unborn child). Wen is now taking the initial study further, implementing advanced Bayesian Statistical Modeling to assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The study aims to show that maternal exposure to prescription opioids during pregnancy increases obstetric complications, increases birth defects in infants, and reduces long-term neurodevelopment and educational status in children. The study also aims to identify medication treatements that have less adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Wen’s research project is expected to continue through July 2021.
¥ COMMUNITY SERVICE
‘The Community is Relying on Us—We Can’t Fail’ URI pharmacy Professor Todd Brothers coordinates COVID-19 field hospital pharmacy, along with fellow professors, students. Several University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy students and professors have stepped up to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at the Care New England Field Hospital in Cranston, including Clinical Assistant Professor Dr. Todd Brothers who is coordinating pharmacy efforts there. In March, Brothers started setting up the pharmacy before the curve of infections flattened, eliminating the initial need for it. However, just before Thanksgiving, it became clear that infections were rising and the hospital would be necessary again. His first task was to start building a team to staff the pharmacy, putting out a call to hospitals and colleges across the state. URI pharmacy professors Margaret Charpentier, Britny Rogala, Kristina Ward, Michael Simeone, and Jane Pawasauskus joined pharmacy students Joe Honig, Hannah Faretra, and Morgan Chatterley, along with several URI graduates, in answering the call to serve. The pharmacy is tasked with servicing as many as 300 people should the hospital reach capacity. In addition, as many as 24 residents a day are transported to the facility to receive injections of monoclonal antibodies. Despite some logistical problems early on, Brothers and his team were ready, thanks largely to the pharmacy professionals of all backgrounds who have stepped up to help, from students just entering their pharmaceutical rotations to pharmacists who have been working for 30-plus years. “I’m pulling from all these professionals and their experience, and we’re making it happen in a safe way,” Brothers said. “It’s helping me get through the lack of sleep, and the stress, and the responsibility to have these brave pharmacy leaders to support the effort. It’s just awesome. We all realize the community is relying on us. We can’t fail. It’s that simple.” For a more comprehensive look at the field hospital and the college’s involvement, visit: cutt.ly/FieldHospital
¥ RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
Pharmacy Professors Attract Millions in Research Funding Studies tackle HIV, Alzheimer’s, flu, and more URI College of Pharmacy continues to expand and strengthen its research community and activities with external funding. The past year represents another successful campaign for COP researchers as they continue to build on their research endeavors, and the college’s #10 national ranking in federally funded research. To recognize the successes of our faculty scholars and researchers and further encourage collaborations at the University and with outside partners, the COP Research Committee has compiled a list of research awards for the period of July 2019–June 2020. Please join us in applauding their efforts so far and wishing them success in their research goals. Visit: cutt.ly/URIresearch for a look at current funded research projects.
Expert Biopharmaceutical Training Solutions URI Pharmaceutical Development Institute offers suite of virtual and in-person courses, launching online Training Center. The URI Pharmaceutical Development Institute (PDI) is revolutionizing pharmaceutical training and workforce development opportunities in biopharmaceutical processing and manufacturing, helping meet the critical demand for skilled professionals. The PDI continues to provide solutions for training even in these challenging times, offering live online and in-person courses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
of industry-focused value to all participants. Pharmaceutical employees working already in the field, as well as students just beginning their careers, get the education they need through the PDI’s comprehensive scheduled training sessions, and its dynamic customized programs tailored to a contracting company’s specific needs.
The institute launched its online Training Center Dec. 16, offering easy access for pharmaceutical firms to train their staffs even during the pandemic. The institute’s combination of deep industry knowledge and educational expertise ensures the delivery
• Intro to Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Current courses include: • Upstream Aseptic Processing • Advanced Chromatography • Facilities Cleaning and Environmental Monitoring
For more information and to sign up, visit: uri.edu/pdi/trainingcenter
¥ STUDENTS
URI Pharmacy Students Vaccinate Hundreds against the Flu Student N’Deye Dabo partnered with Health Services to organize a flu clinic in the Memorial Union. Hundreds of URI students were vaccinated against the flu this fall, thanks to a clinic organized by a College of Pharmacy student, who was also studying vaccine hesitancy for the flu and the COVID-19 vaccine. N’Deye Dabo, who specializes in public health with Clinical Professor Jeffrey Bratberg, partnered with URI Health Services to provide the vaccinations in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Students were asked to complete a survey asking whether they’ve received the flu vaccine in the past and whether they would continue to do so going forward. They were also asked about any concerns they may have about side effects.
“We want to gauge their hesitancy for the flu vaccine, see their mindset, and figure out what we can do to encourage them to take the vaccine,” Dabo said. “Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.” The survey also asked students their opinions on a potential COVID vaccine, and whether they have any similar concerns. “We’re going to have to go full force, all hands on deck to get people vaccinated,” Dabo said. “We can lend a huge hand to getting as many people vaccinated as possible. We want everyone to get vaccinated.”
¥ GIVING
First Montalto Memorial Scholarship Awarded Pharmacy student, National Guard reservist is inaugural recipient The memory of a URI College of Pharmacy graduate, who became a prominent optometrist and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, is being honored in a scholarship that is benefiting another pharmacy student serving in the military during a monumental health challenge.
Samuel Montalto is pictured with his family, wife Debbie Montalto, and children, Catherine, Emily, and Sam, before his passing in 2017.
The scholarship’s first recipient is Michaela Young, a pharmacy student in her second professional year, who also serves as a pharmacy technician in the R.I. National Guard. In March, the Cranston native was activated to assist with COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island, continuing her studies during breaks from serving on the state’s Contact Tracing Team. The scholarship helps Young cover her expenses, allowing her to focus on her schoolwork and her service to the community in the National Guard. “Michaela exemplifies many of the traits that I remember in Sam,” Dean Larrat said. “A love of country, family, and colleagues. An unwavering desire to support those around them. A positive outlook, a great sense of humor, and a love for life. I know Sam would be proud an exemplary student and dedicated member of the community member like Michaela is the inaugural recipient of his scholarship.”
Dr. Samuel Montalto graduated from URI in the 1980s. He served as a pharmacist while attending New England College of Optometry, leading to a career with Coastal Eye Associates. He was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, a member of the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, serving at Westover Air Reserve Base from 2010 until he died from pancreatic cancer in 2017. Montalto, of Westerly, was 57 years old. Montalto’s family, along with close friends Paul and Amey Larrat, and John and Mary Mastrianni, the family created the Samuel J. Montalto Jr. Memorial Scholarship to benefit URI College of Pharmacy students.
URI pharmacy student Michaela Young, the first recipient of the Montalto Scholarship, studies for classes during a break from contract tracing with the Air National Guard.
College of Pharmacy 7 Greenhouse Road Kingston, R.I. 02881
1/2021 1400/PHR PHOTOS: NORA LEWIS; PATRICK LUCE
¥ STUDENTS
Prospective Students Virtually Tour College During Annual High School Day More than 50 high school students descended on Avedisian Hall — virtually, of course — Nov. 20 to learn about the College of Pharmacy and the opportunities it offers during the college’s annual High School Day. Ordinarily, high school students with an interest in a career in pharmacy and their families and teachers are welcome to tour the building, and interact with faculty members and URI students about the college and the pharmacy profession in general. This year, the students from all over the region logged into a Zoom meeting to learn the information they need to help them decide to apply to URI. After an initial introduction, students broke into separate virtual rooms for presentations by senior lecturer Amanda Chichester in the Patient Simulation Laboratory she directs;
lecturer Saleh Allababidi, who led them through the creation of topical medications and lotions; and clinical professor Anita Jacobson, who demonstrated injection techniques. Finally, a handful of pharmacy students led the high school visitors through a virtual tour of the building.