HERO OF THE WEEK RICHARD DANG

BROAD SPECTRUM

Hero of the Week

Richard Dang, assistant professor of clinical pharmacy, was named a Hero of the Week by Los Angeles’ KNX 1070 Newsradio in January 2021.

Dang was honored for “working nonstop to help our Southern California community,” with tireless dedication to organizing COVID-19 vaccine clinics and administering injections at Dodger Stadium and other sites.

“I have been working every day since the vaccine has been authorized and became available in Los Angeles County,” Dang told KNX. “I knew that pharmacists would play a big role in the healthcare system. I just didn’t think that we would have this top-tier spotlight placed on us.”

KNX also quoted fourth-year pharmacy student Trevor Lee, who said Dang is an inspiration. “He stays up ’til 3–4 a.m. to constantly work on scheduling, and making sure that all the sites are working together,” Lee said. “All the students look up to him.”

Beyond helping people get vaccinated, Dang noted that the clinics offer a brief chance for some social interaction with members of the community.

“For so many people, this is their first time leaving their houses and being in that environment with other people,” he said. “So, everyone who comes through the vaccination clinic is just so excited, and so happy! It just really warms my heart to bring some joy to everyone, especially during these dark times.”

Dang was also featured on the cover of the Los Angeles Times in January. Many patients have been unable or unwilling to see their medical providers as often during the pandemic, but they still pick up their medications and interact with their pharmacies.”

Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs and the William A. and Josephine A. Heeres Chair in Clinical Pharmacy Steven Chen, op-ed in The Conversation, February 1, 2021

When we are in a race to build herd immunity and save lives, we can’t afford to ignore the role of a valued and trusted American institution, the corner pharmacy.”

Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos, op-ed in MarketWatch, January 12, 2021