URI Rx Alumni Newsletter Commencement 2010

Inside this issue Dean’s Message

2

In Pictures

3

Doctor of Pharmacy, Class of 2010

4

Alumni Profile: Louise DiChiara Pastore, Class of 1983

10

Graduate School Graduation

11

Alumni Profile: Michael Sipala, Class of 1974

12

“McGuyver Pharmacy” in Haiti

13

Gift Recognition

14

RxImpact

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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

M e s s a g e f r o m t h e D e a n — W E a r e A c c e l e r at i n g !

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Kingston, RI 02881 401-874-2761 uri.edu/pharmacy Dean Ronald Jordan Dr. Joan Lausier Associate Dean, Academic and Student affairs 401-874-5888 Dr. E. Paul Larrat Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education Dr. Stephen Kogut Chair, Pharmacy Practice Dr. Clinton Chichester Chair, Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Alumni Newsletter: Editors: John Grossomanides, Rita Marcoux,, Richard Popovic Michael Simeone, and Dawne Strickland.

Layout: Ian Lester

Please visit us on our web site at: www.uri.edu/pharmacy/alumni Email us at: pharmce@etal.uri.edu Send us a fax at: 401-874-4424

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A building project gains pace, a new President is inaugurated, presides over his first commencement then heads off to do business in Africa. He is also going to close a deal of collaboration for the College and University in Delhi, India.

A cornerstone of the College leadership sets the date for her retirement, we break a new high water mark of funded research, and another most beloved class of highly skilled professionals graduates moving into practices and some of the most exciting opportunities ever captured by our alumni.

The pace is picking up in Kingston, and the exciting times at your College of Pharmacy in the new decade have only just begun.

Hopefully many of you have visited www.uri.edu/pharmacy and seen the progress of our building project through one of 5 new real time web cameras available through the site, two of which you can actually control! The Biological Sciences Center (BISC), where many of us experienced early biology classes, is history. In time a health and life sciences quadrangle will emerge from the piles of earth. As the planning and demolition phase of the two year building project ends, our spectacular new facility takes shape.

This advanced and green facility will accelerate our efforts in student training, faculty recruitment, research and outreach to our community. We continue in our fund raising efforts for this project, and would appreciate any and all help, as the urgency to build the best URI has to offer grows.

We honored our dynamic new President Dr. David Dooley recently, and pointed out the unique and significant contributions that our faculty and alumni have made to advance and improve the URI community, and the health of citizens of the state, nation and indeed, the world. We pledged to work toward his inaugural address goals by transforming ourselves to develop an even broader global perspective in our work, and by committing ourselves and our students to overcoming the challenges of the world by embracing change, diversity, equity and justice. Our college and our alumni and friends will work to make the University a key asset in transforming our state, enhancing our economic influence and advancing partnerships in our education, research, and service.

At an alumni gathering in Augusta, Maine, hosted by Joe McVety (’86) and Jessica Pooler Gosselin (’02), Professor and Associate Dean, Dr. Joan Lausier (’67, ’71) announced she will retire in June 2012. It was appropriate that these Maine based alumni hear this from Joan first, as her roots in and love for Maine are well known by the thousands of alumni, colleagues and administrators she has mentored in her near 40 years of tenure at URI. We have about a year and a half to build a team to replace her, and that will be no small feat. Our College and so many of us owe a great deal to her. We can point to her encouragement, fairness, no nonsense direction, and in some cases discipline as one key to our success. We have set up a sub segment of

the building campaign to honor Joan, and we need to build the fund to name our Student Affairs Suite in her name.

When you think back about what she may have done for you in scholarship support, emotional support, advice, mentoring or just feeding you when your funds were low, I hope that every alumni will contribute to that effort.

Next, as noted, our research is accelerating. We involve more undergraduate and professional degree program students in research, as we grow our graduate program, launch a new BSPS program, and recruit quality post doctoral fellows and faculty. Great things are happening! You need only scan our web pages or read the paper now and then to hear about these accelerating efforts.

We will be announcing new significant contributions to the pharmaceutical industry and health care soon.

Finally a word or two on the beloved class pictured in this commemorative issue. In an historic first, three of our URI faculty had children graduate in the Doctor of Pharmacy Class of 2010. Professor Norma Owens hooded her son Kevin McConeghy, who will be doing a residency in Illinois, Dr. Celia MacDonnell sent her daughter Molly off to a great Public Health Service commission posting, and Dennis Hilliard, Director of the RI State Crime Lab, saw his daughter Nicole graduate, who will be entering community practice. On the Saturday we also celebrated with Michael Simeone, our Coordinator of Experiential Education Programs, as his son Jason Simeone received his Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Only five times in the 52 year history of the college had we seen faculty offspring graduate from the College. In addition, our entire faculty, including Teacher of the Year, Professor Anne Hume, developed special relationships with this outstanding class that captured some significant and competitive residencies, fellowships, public health and armed service commissions. We had a beautiful commencement speech by Dr. Andrea Pannagio (’76, ’78, ’82) who delivered a heartfelt message about keeping a patient focus and making a difference in patient care no matter where your practice takes you. Their Senior Banquet was most memorable with a talented and thoughtful display of humor and camaraderie. They will surely reach new heights of success in our rapidly changing profession and health care system. Besides our faculty who were so important to their development, we listed their preceptors in the commencement program, as they are a critical and highly valued part of our education. We are proud of these students and what they will do to enhance patient care, and we hope they will stay connected to the College, give back to those who follow in their footsteps, and wear their Rhody Pride with enthusiasm.

I’m also so proud and thankful of all the support indicated on these pages and in our Commencement Program, and of alumni and friends who are giving back their talent, time and treasure to the College and University. Your example and generosity of support is the key reason why we are able to accelerate into this new decade despite adverse economic conditions. Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do to help keep your College one of the best in the nation.

Dean Ronald P. Jordan ‘76

In Pictures

BISC is GONE! The pile of stone at the front of picture above is all that remains of BISC. The picture to the left shows the extensive activity on the foundation of the new building.

5 Live construction cameras at: www.uri.edu/pharmacy/newbuilding

March 22, 2010 Bill Lehault ’09 was pinned with his rank of lieutenant in the Public Health Service by Admiral Christopher G. Halliday, the Chief Dental Officer. Since graduating last year Bill has undergone almost a year of intense training culminating in this ceremony.

College of Pharmacy “Throw down”: Chili – Cookoff In the spirit of the Food Network’s Throwdown with Bobby Flay, the College of Pharmacy Student Leadership Council hosted their very first “throwdown” to raise over $900 for the new building this past February.

"Sophomore's" studying abroad in Australia: Danielle Ouellette, Alev Gulum, Amanda Waldeck and Rebecca Kraut.

SENIOR Prom: April 29, 2010 URI College of Pharmacy/ South Bay Manor

URI’s newly formed NCPA Chapter taking part in the NCPA Prescription Disposal Project.

Students from ASCP have been busy once again planning the second annual SENIOR Prom. Compared to last year, there were more URI College of Pharmacy students and residents from South Bay Manor that attended. Residents from South Bay Manor and students from all classes within the pharmacy program met regularly to plan throughout the year. Thank you to the Bridal Garden in East Greenwich for donating a variety of beautiful gowns for the ladies of South Bay Manor and also to the Secret Garden in Jamestown for providing elegant flowers for the tables. There was entertainment, dancing, and a prom court including crowning of a King and Queen of South Bay Manor 2010…it was quite an experience for all those involved and a wonderful intergenerational event!

Elaine Alexander, NJ Medical Affairs Fellowship Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, NJ

Colleen Allard, MA Hospital Pharmacist TBD, NY/TN

Cheryl Auger, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Christopher Barker, NJ Community Pharmacist Walgreens, NJ

Benjamin Barner, NY Community Pharmacist Walmart Pharmacy, RI

Leanne Berard, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Adam Bober, NY Hospital Pharmacist TBD, NY

Patrice Bobowiec, MD Pharmacist U.S. Navy, FL

Sean Boisvert, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Nate Bookbinder, NY Hospital Pharmacist TBD, NH/ME

Kevin Cabral, MA Hospital Pharmacist TBD, CT

Victor Carlu, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Michael Casey, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Joseph Certo, RI Community Pharmacist Walmart Pharmacy, RI

Christopher Cirelli, MA Staff Pharmacist Ameridose, MA

Erin Cournoyer, MA Community Residency University of Cincinnati, OH

Christine DeAngelo, PA Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, PA

Marco DelBove, RI Hospital Pharmacist Memorial Hospital, RI

Stephanie Denker, NY Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, CT

Meaghan DeNobile, NH Hospital Pharmacist TBD, TBD

David DiBiasio, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Travis Dingman, NH Community Pharmacist Walgreens, CT

Valerie Duffy, PA Community Pharmacist Walgreens, MD

Amanda Dugal, ME PGY1 Residency Lawrence Memorial Hospital, KS

Kasey Dumas, MA PGY1 Residency Sibley Memorial Hospital, DC

Christine Eisenhower, NY PGY1 Residency University of Pittsburgh at St. Margaret Medical Center, PA

David Eld, NJ Community Pharmacist Walgreens, CT

Christopher Federico, MA Community & Hospital Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy & TBD Hospital, MA/RI

Andrew Fisher, NJ Community Pharmacist Walgreens, VA

Leslie Flagg, ME Community Pharmacist Walgreens, FL

Marcie Flagg, RI Community Pharmacist Safeway Pharmacy, AK

Shawn Francey, ME PGY1 Residency Eastern Maine Medical Center, ME

Rebekah Fritz, MA Community Pharmacist Walgreens, TX

Colleen Gill, RI PGY1 Residency St.Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, NY

Sean Gilmore, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Boris Gorsh, NJ Fellowship in Outcomes Research Novartis, TX/NJ

Andrea Handeli, NJ PGY1 Residency Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, MA

Nicole Hilliard, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Erica Hosek, NJ Fellowship Bayer Pharmaceuticals, NJ

Carly Karthauser, PA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Maria Kluzek, MA Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, NH

Andrew Knapp, ME Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Brianna Knox, ME Long Term Care Waltz Long-Term Care Pharmacy, ME

Brian L'Heureux, ME PGY1 Residency Suburban Hospital, MD

Souksanh Litthisack, RI Community Pharmacist & MBA Student TBD, RI/TX

Samantha Longo, NJ Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Todd Lord, RI Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, NC

Caitlin Lucy, ME Pharmacist in Charge Penobscot Community Health Center Pharmacy, ME

Molly MacDonnell, RI PGY1 Residency Indian Health Service, NM

Kailyn Maloney, NY Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Lauren Marcouillier, NH Community Pharmacist Walmart Pharmacy, NH

Thomas Maresca, NY Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, CT

Kourtney Marsh, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, FL

Bryan McCarthy, NY PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacy Administration Residency & M.S. Student Hennepin County Medical Center, MN

Kevin McConeghy, RI PGY1 Residency University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Leah Moriarty, MA Community Pharmacist TBD, MA

Tracy Morrison, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Christina Nasca, VT Community Pharmacist TBD, DC

Nicole Nazy, NJ PGY1 Residency Hospital of St. Raphael, CT

Sarah Norton, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Kevin O'Brien, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Maura O'Keefe, MA Community Phamacist Walgreens, MA

Sarah O'Neill, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Jessica Ouellette, ME Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, MA

Alexander Pease, RI Hospital Pharmacist Eleanor Slater Hospital, RI

Elizabeth Ragsdale, NJ Community Pharmacist Walgreens, TX

James Rebello, III, RI Pharmacist U.S. Air Force, TBD

Emily Reese, MA Law Student TBD, TBD

Sandra Rodak, MA Community Pharmacist TBD, NV

Deanna Rossi, RI PGY1 Residency Lahey Clinic Medical Center, MA

Jeffrey Ryan, RI

Alanna Solomon, RI Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, RI

Aaron Tang, TX Community Pharmacist Walgreens, TX

Sarah Tashiro, RI

Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Community Pharmacist Rite Aid Pharmacy, ME

Natalie Sandoval, NJ

April Tessier, MA

Hospital Pharmacist TBD, OH

Craig Sawyer, RI Nuclear Pharmacist Hot Shots Nuclear Pharmacy, IL

Rayon Seng, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI/NH

Brian Seyboth, RI PGY1 Residency Maine Medical Center, ME

Kathryn Seymour, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Ali Shihadeh, RI Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, RI

Janine Skipper, MA Community Pharmacist CVS/Caremark Pharmacy, MA

Staff Pharmacist Anna Jaques Hospital, MA

Karen Thudium, PA Fellowship University at Buffalo/Novartis, NY

Srilatha Vallabhaneni, NY PGY1 Residency St. Louis College of Pharmacy, MO

Stacey Valli, CT Hospital Pharmacist St. Josephs/Fatima Hospital, RI

Rebecca Varney, ME Community Pharmacist Osco Pharmacy, ME

Lauren Vieira, MA PGY1 Residency VA Boston Healthcare System, MA

Gregory Wheeler, ME Community Pharmacist Osco Pharmacy, ME

Erica Snape, ME Hospital Pharmacist TBD, CT/ME

Information on post graduation plans as of May 7, 2010.

Commencement pictures are available at uripharmacy.shutterfly.com/events/2227

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Alumni Profile: L o u i s e D i C h i a r a Pa s t o r e , C l a s s o f 1 9 8 3 Louise DiChiara Pastore is a College of Pharmacy alumnus who used her degree in pharmacy as a stepping-stone to a new career. Graduating in 1983, a time when women were beginning to become more prominent in professional pharmacy, Pastore worked as a pharmacist for three years before returning to school to become an optometrist.

“When I was in pharmacy school, I really liked healthcare, but I felt like I wanted to do something a bit different,” says Pastore. “My dad was an optometrist, and several people encouraged me to attend graduate school. I was interested in eyes, so optometry followed naturally.”

Pastore’s graduate work would help her become an accomplished optometrist and owner of Garden City Eye Care in Cranston, Rhode Island, a business started by her father, Frank DiChiara. Despite her success in optometry, Pastore appreciates the value of her preparation in pharmacy school as instrumental in her career in healthcare today. “I recommend pharmacy school to high school students who are interested in medicine but aren’t sure which field they want to go into. When you graduate from pharmacy school, you have a usable degree and you are ahead of the curve when you get to graduate school,” Pastore commented.

“If I did it all over again, I would still go to pharmacy school. I think I got a fantastic education, and I think the College of Pharmacy has a lot to offer.”

Moreover, Pastore sees pharmacists as leaders in the broadening of the philosophy behind healthcare in America. “As many healthcare professionals have acknowledged, we don’t have a healthcare system—we have a disease management system. We take care of people’s diseases, but we should also be promoting healthy living. This is a tall order for pharmacists in particular, who counsel patients as some of the most trusted professionals in the industry.”

Pastore’s philosophy is reflected in her daily approach of her work. “I like interacting with patients. Aside from being able to take care of them as a medical professional, I like to talk to them and ask about their lives. You learn from people.”

Away from the office, Pastore is a devoted mother of three. Her two daughters, Elena (12) and Christina (9,) enjoy dance and piano, while Peter (4) enjoys playing soccer. On the weekends, she enjoys heading to Narragansett with her children. “It’s my favorite part of the state, and the kids like the water.”

Chad Lamoureux, Pharmacy Student, Class of 2015

A n d r e w B u n d e f f a n d R e b e c c a D av i s : Finalists for the URI Rainville Serv i c e Awa r d The College of Pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island has as two of its goals: Inspire lifelong commitments to learning, professionalism, and leadership and Promote service among students, faculty and staff to benefit local, national and global communities. Although many of our Doctor of Pharmacy students attain these ideals, two students were recognized recently for their leadership and service contributions to the College and the University by being selected as finalists for the University’s Rainville award.

Andrew Bundeff (Class of 2011) is from Cumberland, Rhode Island. For the past 5 years, Andrew has been actively involved in many student organizations. He is the Immediate Past President of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Vice President of the American Pharmacist’s Association, member of the Pharmacy Leadership Society, and as a Student Leadership Council member. Andrew has also been a URI 101 Mentor and a student representative for Welcome Day and Centennial Scholar Day. Andrew is also certified to administer immunizations and was an active participant for H1N1 immunization days this past flu season. Andrew has also volunteered at the Rhode Island Free Clinic, a nonprofit organization where uninsured Rhode Islanders receive free health care from private donations. This year’s recognition is his second time as a finalist for the student leadership award.

Rebecca Davis (Class of 2011) is from Berwick, Maine. In addition to her pharmacy studies, she has a minor in Chemistry and is working on her Masters of Business Administration. Rebecca has been a URI 101 mentor for the past 3 years. She was President of Lambda Kappa Sigma, as well as chair of several committees. Rebecca is a member of the Pharmacy Leadership Society and American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She was a representative on the Student Leadership Council for 2 years. Rebecca is also the new secretary for the URI chapter of the National Community Pharmacist's Association.

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Commencement 2010

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences Thesis Title

Major Professor

Thamir Mesned Alshammari

Drug safety issues focusing on liver and pancreas toxicity.

E. Paul Larrat

Aisling Caffrey

Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus: pharmacoepidemiologic assessment of

Brian Quilliam

Michael Dunn

Biochemical and structural characteristics of skeletal muscle as indicators of sub-

Robert Rodgers

Satyan Sheshadri Kalkunte

Trophomlasts and endothelial cells in pregnancy associated vascularization.

Clinton Chichester

Ashish Sarode

Development of amorphous solid solutions using hot melt extrusion.

Hossein Zia

Jason Simeone

Evaluation of the treatment patterns for medications utilized in the management of

Brian Quilliam

Margaret Teasdale

Antagonism of bacterial communication by marine bacteria.

David Rowley

Masters Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences Thesis Title

Major Professor

Linnea Anderson

Influence of synthetic compounds on bile acid regulation through farnesoid x receptor binding.

Matthew Stoner

Ajay Donepudi

Eugenia jambolana (jamun) fruit extract affords protection against cholestasisinduced liver injury and inflammation.

Angela Slitt

Supriya Kulkarni

Resveratrol Induction of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporter expression in

Angela Slitt

Vijay More

Transporter expression in mouse models of diabetes db/db mice and diet-induced

Angela Slitt

Maneesha Paranjpe

Mepatic transporter expression & gallstone formation in gallstone-resistant & gall-

Angela Slitt

Vaidehi Jatin Thanawala

Regulation of D2 Dopamine Receptor by G-Protein coupled receptor Kinase-3 and

Abraham Kovoor

Ruohan Wang

Development and application of interactive dose-response models.

Sara Rosenbaum

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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Seminar by the Sea celebrates Silver Anniversary

Alumni Profile: M i c h a el Si pa l a , C l a s s of 1 9 7 4 Michael Sipala is Executive Director of Administrative and Ancillary Services for CharterCARE Health Partners*, a devoted husband and father, and a proud University of Rhode Island alumnus and donor. A Class of ’74 graduate of the College of Pharmacy, Sipala left URI to develop an extensive career in hospital pharmacy—beginning as a clinical pharmacist and venturing into administrative positions—and returned only to give back to pharmacy students and the future of the profession.

Sipala is firmly focused on improving patient care, an objective largely dependent upon successful communication and cooperation between program personnel and practitioners within the hospital system. “The toughest part of the job is getting people to come to the table—physicians, pharmacists, and nurses—to work on the same wavelength for the benefit of the patient,” Sipala says. “To be successful, you have to be able to bring everyone together.”

But bringing people together is only part of the job. Sipala’s challenge is inspiring interest among employees—pharmacists in particular—by specializing their work. “We put our pharmacists on different committees. The reason we do this is because pharmacists might find a niche for themselves. If they enjoy what they’re doing, they’ll want to become more involved with it and it becomes a project.”

Sipala also oversees student internships at St. Joseph designed to round students’ experiences in the medical field and offer future pharmacists an additional path—hospital pharmacy. When asked what he hopes to teach students working at the hospital, Sipala replied, “We don’t want students coming in saying ‘I’m in pharmacy because of the money.’ The money isn’t the reward; the reward is what you’ve done for your patients.”

Despite all he does as an administrator, there is one thing he misses from his time as a clinical pharmacist: “It is very rewarding when you are working in a hospital, a physician calls upon you for a pharmaceutical recommendation for a sick patient, and that patient gets better.”

Outside of the office, Sipala is an avid sports fan. “My wife and I love sports.

She’s the Superintendent of the schools in Narragansett, so we’re both very busy and we like to spend time together when we are home.” He recalls fond memories of playing baseball at URI and of coaching his daughter in soccer.

Sipala has three children, all of whom are students of URI: Lindsey, who graduated with a degree in pharmacy; Christine, who graduated with a PhD in psychology; and Michael, who is working towards a PhD in biology.

Chad Lamoureux, Pharmacy Student, Class of 2015 * CharterCARE Health Partners is a community-based, patient-centered health system that operates Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Hospital.

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March 24-26, Newport, Rhode Island was once again a spectacular setting for the 25th Anniversary of Seminar by the Sea, offered by the College of Pharmacy’s Office of Continuing Education. The theme for this yearly favorite was Emerging Trends in Patient Care: Diversify Your Expertise and Perspective.

Professional development programs on Wednesday, March 24 engaged URI College of Pharmacy preceptors and others in a detailed look at a successful Smoking Cessation Program. Program attendees spent the afternoon assessing available evidence behind some common natural products with Drs. Anne Hume and Kelly Orr from the college’s Department of Pharmacy Practice.

The plenary sessions on Thursday and Friday addressed many timely topics such as the role of the pharmacist in the H1N1 response, the fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria, health information technology and the hazards of dispensing oral chemotherapy in the pharmacy. Christopher Koller, Rhode Island’s Health Insurance Commissioner, spoke about the role for pharmacists in the much discussed Patient Centered Medical Home model.

After a successful seminar, the Office of Continuing Education looks forward to returning to Newport for the 26th Annual Seminar by the Sea which will occur on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, March 16, 17 & 18, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel. In the meantime, please visit our web site www.uri.edu/pharmacy/ce to learn about upcoming professional development opportunities.

Commencement 2010

“McGuyver Pharmacy ” in Haiti Ewa M. Dzwierzynski ‘96, Pharm D, BCPS, BCNSP,

Shortly after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, I enthusiastically answered an urgent call for volunteer pharmacists through the American College of Clinical Pharmacists. Being a consummate volunteer, I was thrilled to use my professional skills to help with the earthquake relief effort in Port-auPrince, Haiti.

After a month passed, I received an email from the University of Miami stating there was an immediate need for pharmacists. I signed up, and in just two weeks I coordinated time off from Rhode Island Hospital, received my vaccinations, rounded up my gear and was on a plane to Haiti.

I left for Haiti in early March not knowing what to expect…not knowing what I would be doing… not knowing if I was going to be the only pharmacist at the 300-bed field hospital. While in Miami airport, I realized there were a few other pharmacists that were going to be on the flight with me. It was a great knowing that I was going to have others within my profession on this deployment.

I arrived in Haiti, grabbed my bags and was taken to the hospital with the other volunteers. We received a speedy briefing, staked a cot in the mass sleeping quarters tent, and proceeded on a tour by some of the pharmacists that arrived a few days prior.

The makeshift field hospital included a supply tent and a general medical ward tent which housed xray and the wound care area. An adjacent tent included the pediatric ward, OR/PACU, ICU, and a newly opened neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit. There was a pharmacy in this area as well as in the general ward tent known as the ‘main pharmacy’.

There was no narcotic inventory and supplies were extremely limited. Before the volunteer pharmacists arrived, all the medical supplies were mixed in with an assortment of donated medications. There were crates of donated boxes in the supply yard that had not been opened. No one knew what medications were in stock or the quantities available.

This turned out to be one of the most challenging obstacles.

I work as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist on the Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Rhode Island Hospital, so I assumed I would help care for the adult critical care population at the field hospital; this was not the case. Since there was a newly opened neonatal and pediatric care unit (NICU/PICU) and only a few of the pharmacists that were there had pediatric experience, I had volunteered to staff the NICU/PICU having had NICU experience when working overseas at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany several years prior.

I prayed everything I knew about caring for neonates would come back to me, and thankfully, it did!

Along with two other pharmacists, we staffed this area 24/7. The shifts were long and the days were long. Resources were limited which made everyone become very resourceful. I recall fashioning a mortar and pestle out of a glass vial and Dixie cup to crush tablets so that I could make an oral suspension for the babies we were caring for. I called it ‘MacGyver pharmacy’.

I also covered the medical intensive care unit as well. When we ran out of fentanyl and midazolam for sedation, we pharmacists had to devise therapeutic alternatives with the resources we had on hand. This turned out to be one of the most important roles in which the pharmacists engaged. Many of the doctors, nurses, and ancillary staff, and commanders recognized the importance of pharmacists so much, they developed a plan to hire a full-time pharmacist for the facility.

My most memorable patient was an 8-year old girl named Paulna. A Brazilian Missionary group brought her in because she was severely ill. She was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome upon arrival. Her condition was so critical that many thought she would not survive. Within a couple of days of receiving exceptional care in the pediatric intensive care unit and broad-spectrum antibiotics, she recovered. It truly was a miracle! Seeing her beautiful smiling face over the next few days and being able to spend time with a fully recovered Paulna made the long hours and primitive conditions worth the effort.

The time I spent in Haiti was definitely the most challenging and rewarding professional experience in my career. It changed my outlook on life both professionally and personally. Through this experience, I met many incredible people. I would recommend this opportunity to every pharmacist. I continue to be involved by helping recruit pharmacists to the University of Miami Haiti Hospital, and I hope to return once I can accrue more vacation time. I especially thank Christine Berard-Collins, Director of Pharmacy at Rhode Island Hospital, for allowing me the opportunity to help the people of Haiti.

Miracle Paulna, outfitted with donated clothing she had picked out, stands with her hero, Dr ‘K’, a volunteer neonatologist from Pennsylvania, and Ewa Dzwierzynski ‘96.

University of Miami Hospital Haiti 300-bed field hospital located adjacent to Port-au-Prince airport .

For more information on volunteering or donating: University of Miami Global Institute: umglobalinstitute.com

NICU/PICU Pharmacy.

Project Medishare: projectmedishare.org It costs $300 to send a volunteer for a week.

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The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy Alumni Newsletter

Gi f t R e c o g n i t i on — J uly 1 , 2 0 0 9 to J un e 1 4 , 2 0 1 0 The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy gratefully acknowledges the alumni, corporations, faculty, foundations, friends, students and parents whose gifts have been received by the College between July 1, 09 and June 14, 10. Your continuing support allows us to educate and train the pharmacists, clinicians, pharmaceutical scientists and community leaders of tomorrow.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information below. In the event of an error or omission, please contact Rich Popovic, Assistant Dean of Development at 401-874-9017 so that we may correct our records.

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Lifetime Benefactors CVS Caremark Corporation Mario Family Foundation Dr. Ernest Mario Omar Family Magnate Foundation Dr. Mostafa M Omar Thomas M & Cathy H Ryan

Gifts $50,000-$99,999

Gifts $5,000-$9,999

Dennis C* & Louise D Hilliard

Hoffmann La-Roche

Marc P Bernarducci

Julie M Jones

Joseph P Burghardt

George H Kenson

William E Dewhirst

Gifts $10,000-$49,999

Charles & Joan Frost

E Paul Larrat* & Amey Wilkinson Larrat

Timothy E Baker & Baker's Pharmacy of Jamestown

Anne L* & George Hume

Joan M Lausier*

Ronald P* & Karen W. Jordan

Belviso Family

Pauline R Levasseur

Eleanor M Perfetto

Scott A. Campbell & Ocean Pharmacy Charlestown

Robert & Janice Pollock

Brian K Dallaire

Robert E & Arda Saute

Dr & Mrs Paul J. Desjardins

David & Debra Whalley & Newport Prescription Center

David P & Priscilla G Feeney & Oxnard Pharmacy

Rite Aid Corporation

Eric J Mack Charles D & Georgette M Mahoney Rita M Marcoux* & James M Gutkowski Lois Vars Mason* & William B Mason Andrea V & James O' Hair

Douglas O & Kathleen O Fisher* Foster Corporation

Gifts $1,000-$4,999

Pharmacists Mutual Companies

Paul J Hastings

Dana H Anderson

Rhode Island Hospital

Robert Lewis & Nancy Kelly Iacobucci

Anthonys Drug Stores Inc

Yuzuru* & Hiroko Shimizu

Donald A Brien

Danny R Simard

Matthew J & Jeanmarie Leonard

Michael A. & Katherine E. Sipala

NACDS Foundation

Frederick W & Beverly Ragosta Burgess

Paul D & Jean A Russell

Norman A* & Mary Campbell

Peter J & Virginia Scorpio Solomon

Norman C Saute

Mario & Veronica Casinelli

SuperValu Foundation

Anthony J Solomon

Brian W. Cornell

Walgreens

Lynn K Davis

Peter John Swenton, Jr. & Irene Roditakis

Richard & Lucille Yacino

Louis T & Monica Difazio

Rita J Valentino

ER Card LLC

Kristin A Vogell

Erica L* & Todd M Estus

F Randy & Jane K Vogenberg

James K Farrell

Wal-Mart

Kathleen Gazzola

Gordon S Willcox

Genentech Inc

Wyeth

John Grossomanides

Elena Zour & Francois Menard

Sherry J Soloff

Commencement 2010

Gifts $500-$999 Stephen J Allen Carole J Amore Richard E Angeli Sr. Christine M & Christopher J Collins Susan Delmonico Hope Valley Naturals LLC Susan C Johnson Lifescan Inc John J Mastrianni Lynne C Miller Samuel J Montalto, Jr. Louise DiChiara Pastore Vincent T Piccirillo Vincent A & Kathy J Pigula Christopher V Riel Charles A Ritrovato Mary Ellen Rossi Lionel R Savaria Brian & Susan Sawchuk Zahir* & Mary Shaikh Eileen Suarez Patricia Lynn Verhulst

Gifts $250-$499 James Craig Appleby Paula Archer Dugald J Brown Cecilia L Caldwell Katie A Carlson Paul B. Chace & Old Port Pharmacy Clinton O Chichester, III* Young Soo Choi Christine Mary Dollard Susan McCooey Drady Lisa A Durland Roy A Eckloff, Jr. Brett M* & Dawn D Feret Global Education Group David E Johnson Sungja Kang Michele B Kaufman & Jo Ellen Fusco Brian G Kerr Kerry L LaPlante* Frank Laurito Deborah J Magiera Andrew W Marcoux Jeffrey W & Samantha L Mattiucci Andrew C Miller Mylan Laboratories Inc Eric W & Karen L Norberg Joyce O'Brien Arnold M Olshan Denise L Roberts Anthony J Rose Jr William J Summa, Jr. Vasant G Telang Deborah A Thomas Donald M Watson Randolph J Weaver & Maple City Pharmacy

Gifts below $250 Sharon H Abraczinskas John A Amaral American Academy of CME Inc Elizabeth VanVeldhuisen Matthew J Andolfo Joseph M Anthony & Edith Sequino Anthony Kathleen Miller Antil Jeffrey J Ares Stephen P Ashukian Carl J Ashworth Gary F Avila Jacqueline J Baker BankRI Paul Barbour Diane T Barone* Frederick J Barrowclough Rhonda E Bates Bay Realty Ltd

Bertha E Beaudreau & Richard N Larkin Dawne F Benevento Tracy A Benson Robert P Berman Lori Ann Bilodeau Demarie Bioni Laureen Bisaccia Stephanie A Blanchard Margot B Bloom Norman L Bolski Caitlin K Botelho Joanne Knaus Bouchard & William R. Bouchard Clare Boudreau Thomas Francis Brady Jeffrey P Bratberg* & Patricia Cavanagh Robert E Brown Josie P Campbell Kristen J Candon Paul H & Sharon Quirk Capuano Capuzziello & Associates Caremark RX Inc David B & Rebecca Carosella Carmine Catalano Elizabeth A & Roderick AJ Cavanagh John Stuart Champion Chih-Wu & Pei-Tei L Chang Warren S Chernick Peter Chin Michael E Christe Sharlene J Cirillo Diana F Clarke Dorothy Ann Coffin Michael V Colasanti James F. Conroy Vincent J Corea & Jackie Corea Kenny Correia Janet L & Richard A Costa Jonathan A Crisostomo Gordon Paul & Marcia Carroll Daglieri Nancy L Davis Jeffffrey A Del Ricci Jr Delta Kappa Gamma Soc Epsilon Gayle P & Peter Vincent DeMinico Marie Gora DiMicco Mary H Dion Domenic & Rosemary Diorio Amario Diorio Rebecca L Dobbs Patricia A Doherty Bonnie E Dorrell Melanie Metzger Dougherty Carolyn E Drumheller Ronald Dumais Peter H Duquette Durkin Cottage Realty James P & Rebecca A Durkin Cheryl M Dutra Ronald H. Duvall John H Eddy Elizabeth Eldredge Anthony J. Elia Richard W Emery, Jr. Richard Evangelista Alan H Feldman Michael A & Michele A Ferrucci Dennis William Flowers Skip Folsom Philip T Fong Leonard Arthur Forcier Pauline Gagnon Foss Lester Morton Friedman Michael A & Barbara Weiner Frost Brian L Furbush James G Gallagher Jr Gerry Enterprises Inc Gretchen K Golikov Anne L Gould John C Grady John G Greslick Robert S Haas & Thelma Ballirano Hass Thomas E Hackett Patricia A Hagerty Michael Hanley Stephen L Hatt

Elena B Haveles Roderick B Henderson Timothy M & Linda V Hennessey Annette S Hockman Jason M & Susan P Holt Thomas F Hughes Janney & Associates LTD Gregory W Johns Joan L Johnson Marie T Kadlec Robert Lee Kaufman & Norma Resnick Kaufman Mary E Kelly George A Kenna Nancy Costantino Kenna Heemong Kim Vaughn C Kinosian Sergio Kinsala Rivka E Klaff Paula J Knight Lisa M Komadina Philomena W Kong Karen E Kopoian Dawn L Laido William J Lambert Nancy A Landi Orabona Bertrand J Laprade Heather A Larch Ann M Largay William J G & Audrey Lawton Laura Leso Laurie L Lincoln Micole Linehan Ronald M Lombardi Celia MacDonnell* David Joseph Magiera Wayne R Marquardt Paul Omer Masse Joseph Louis & Sonja A Masso Shirley Pinder McKee McKesson Corporation Peter McMurray Roland R Medeiros Debra S Megrdichian Kathleen M Melbourne Natalie A Mendham Stuart T Meridian Larry Meyerson Middletown Cruise & Travel Agency Colby A Miller Donna L Miller Edward T Moldenhauer Jr Justina A Molzon Jeanne M Moriak Eric E Morse Richard L Moultrop Deborah M Mulhearn Pauline A Murphy Patricia R* & Neil Murray NAAMECC Carolyn Quinlan Nadworny Joseph D Nasca Ann F Nash James Patrick Nash National Assoc of Retired Fed Employees Harold A Nelson Newport Federal Savings Bank Karen A & Michael T O'Brien Kenneth F & Alicia Olszewski Mark F Orszulak Carol Lea Ours Karen M Overstreet Helen R Palmer* Richard E Palumbo Ronald Mario & Eileen Paolino Eugene Anthony Parker Sara Pawlowicz Elizabeth Payson Joanne E Payson John Jay & Maureen A Pelosi Sherry Pierce William Francis Pittman Rogene Poffenberger Frederick C. & Joan E. Polseno Edward J Popkin

Diane D Powers Marian Hersh Press Prime Education Inc. Pro-Change Behavior Systems Inc. Surendra K Puri Shirley Freeman Putney & Edward J Putney Charles Joseph Raiola Marcus & Eleanor Rand Thomas E Rawlinson, Jr. Robert G Records Mary Carr Rice Cheryl Lynn Ritzi Martha J Roberts Eric P Rodes Constantine Roditakis Eric A Rose Louis G Roy John P Rufo Elizabeth I Russell RxInsider Ltd Mark L Saible Rosalie Saltzman Schering Corp Mary McDonald Schmidt Ann M Schumacher Joan P Scott Leonard G Seader Cosimo A Serio Michael D & Audry E. Sherry Janet Shurtleff Susan Helga Sidel Jason C & Tovia A Siegel Michael L* & Jennifer Simeone Smithfield Lions Club Susan I Soldivieri John J Solomon Paula A Solomon South County Men's Indoor Soccer Team Donald P Souza June Tyler Spink* Alan R St. Amand & Mary Skurka St. Amand Robert T Steadman Sr Susan Susienka Charles A Sweet Lisa B* & Andrew A Szumita Jessica L Tavares Louise F Theberge Joseph Tkacheff, Jr. Anthony J Trask Mary Ann A Tsonos Nicole Vaccari Christopher Vancheri Vanguard-Fine LLC John W Varone Ravindra C & Hubertina H Vasavada Adolph E Vezza Washington County Retired Teachers Association Jessica Weintraub Jason D Welesko William Z Welsh, Jr. Warren A & Joann Murphy Wetzel Anna M White Erin Ryan Wilson Trisha J Winroth Paul R Winter Christopher A Woodruff Raymond A & Deanna DiBiasio Wright Thai Yang Josephine Zaccagnini Marilyn R Zaino John R & Cheryl A Zevzavadjian Hossein Zia*

* Indicates a gift from member of the College’s faculty or staff (including emeritus faculty)

15

R x I m pa c t Ashley Pincins, Ben Carroll, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Paul Larrat, Elaina Goldstein and Megan Elias.

On March 10th, a group of University of Rhode Island pharmacy students and professors traveled to the nation’s capital in order to advocate for better pharmacy care. Pharmacy students Ben Carroll, Megan Elias, and Ashley Pincins, led by Associate Dean Paul Larrat and Elaina Goldstein, met with US Senators and Congressmen to discuss key pharmacy issues. The policy makers met were Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Jack Reed and Scott Brown. The team also met with Congressman James Langevin’s legislative aide. nity pharmacists, and 15 other pharmacy schools. The University of Rhode Island is a forerunner of the event—The College of Pharmacy was one of only two schools to attend the first RxImpact Day. The Dean, Ron Jordan, is also one of a select few awarded the title of RxImpact Pioneer for his involvement with the event.

Megan Elias and Ashley Pincins share their reflections on video at: www.uri.edu/pharmacy/videoshowcase/

The advocacy event, better known as “RxImpact Day”, was hosted by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores—the organization has been very proactive in ensuring the future of pharmacy practice. Other participants included major pharmacy chain executives, commu-

The students discussed issues that dealt with multiple aspects of pharmacy care and accessibility. Pharmacy Student Megan Elias states, “I know that more pharmacist involvement is better healthcare.” The discussed issues were to allow more access and funding for medication therapy management, proper reimbursement for generic medications, and maintaining easy accessibility to pharmacist administered vaccines. All of these

points are expected to be topics of upcoming debates in legislation, and the decisions will determine the future of healthcare.

The group is expecting to maintain talks with Senators Whitehouse, Reed and Congressman Langevin while healthcare debates approach. Upcoming information and discussion will give a more in-depth perspective on the potential benefits of propharmacy legislation to the policymakers. Pharmacy Student Ben Carroll states, “The pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare professional in the industry, and it is time that we start utilizing the full benefit of that.”

Ben Carroll, Pharmacy Student, Class of 2012

Every gift to your College of Pharmacy accelerates the programs we offer, the research we do and the health care outreach services we deliver.

www.uri.edu/pharmacy/deansoffice/video.shtml

Your gifts to the “Fund For URI – College of Pharmacy” help deliver student scholarships, support student professional and learning activities such as study abroad for foreign language immersion learning or travel for further professional development at national organization meetings.

Our new building will enhance research in the pharmaceutical sciences in areas of toxicology, pharmacology, natural products, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmaco-economic and pharmacoepidemiology. Leading edge research is incorporated into our curriculum and teaching to keep our graduates at the forefront of scientific understanding related to health care therapy. Gifts can support the “Pharmacy Future Fund” which will go directly into creating the most energy efficient and advanced learning and research facility available to any College of Pharmacy in the North East.

You can support graduate studies, faculty and specific program areas if you prefer. We hope that our alumni and friends remember how this college has influenced their life and success and that they recognize it is critical to give back to continue the legacy of excellence we have established at URI. Any and all gifts are appreciated.

Please give now using the link provided below or contact me or Richard Popovic the Assistant Dean for Development if you would like more specific information or assistance forming a gift plan.

Thank you for whatever you can do to help.

The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy

Dean Ronald P. Jordan ‘76

Kingston, RI 02881 uri.edu/pharmacy Dean Ronald Jordan ronjordan@uri.edu Rich Popovic Assistant Dean of Development rpopovic@foundation.uri.edu 401-874-9017

Make your gift @ www.uri.edu/pharmacy/giving

Stay Connected The College of Pharmacy, along with many other organizations such as the American Pharmacists Association, has embracing the power and potential of Facebook to connect their extended communities of students, alumni, faculty and friends.

We would like to encourage you to join our group and become a part of our online Facebook community. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24905243196