PHARMACY
THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER
“Pharmacy school has been very enjoyable because of donors like you, who supported and helped me embark on this journey. It means a lot to be supported by professionals in the field of pharmacy. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and I will pay it forward to my peers who come after me.”
Brittney Combest PharmD Candidate, Class of 2027
“I am deeply appreciative of everyone who has donated to support pharmacy students like me. Having a scholarship means I can spend less time worrying about working and paying for school and more time learning and being involved with student organizations. I hope to one day return the favor and help support future students to achieve their goals as well!”
Madeline Matheson PharmD Candidate, Class of 2026
“I am incredibly grateful for the support from generous donors in the pharmacy field. This scholarship takes a significant burden off my shoulders and inspires me to give back and support future students. Thank you for making my dream of a pharmacy career a reality.”
Hieu Vu, BS
PharmD
Candidate Class of 2027
“I am truly appreciative of donors who support students like me through pharmacy school! You all allow me to prioritize my education without worrying as much about financial hardships and reliance on student loans.”
Rachel Pyun, BS
PharmD Candidate, Class of 2027
For more information about how you can support our College of Pharmacy students, please contact Michelle Stubbs at mstubbs2@uthsc.edu or call 901.448.2076.
LEADERSHIP
Chancellor
Peter Buckley, MD
Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer
Raaj Kurapati, AIFA
Dean of the College of Pharmacy
Reginald Frye, PharmD, PhD, FCCP
Associate Dean, Academic Affairs and Assessment
Dawn Havrda, PharmD, BCPS, FCCP
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Programs, and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Bernd Meibohm, PhD, FCP, FAAPS
Associate Dean, Knoxville
James Wheeler, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Dean, Nashville
Tracy Hagemann, PharmD, FCCP, FPPA
Associate Dean, Student Affairs
Chasity Shelton, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, BCPPS
Chair, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science
Christopher K. Finch, PharmD, FCCM, FCCP
Assistant Dean, Finance and Administration
Selena Strong, MBA, CAP
Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs
Susan Morgan, PharmD, MBA, BCNP
Assistant Dean, Curricular Affairs
Andrea S. Franks, PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Dean, Strategic Partnerships and Innovation
Ashley Ellis, PharmD, MBA, CDCES
Assistant Dean, Scholarly Integration and Collaboration
Santosh Kumar, PhD
Director, Experiential Learning and International Programs
Catherine Crill, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS, BCNSP
Vice Chancellor for Advancement
Brigitte Grant, MBA
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni And Constituent Engagement
Chandra Tuggle
Director of Development, College of Pharmacy
Michelle Stubbs
Senior Director of Alumni Programs
Terri Catafygiotu
Designer
Adam Gaines
Editors
Nathan Ball, MA
Peggy Reisser, MASC
Writers
Chris Green
Janay Jeans, MA
Peggy Reisser, MASC
Nathan Ball, MA
Photographers
Caleb Jia
Nathan Ball, MA
On the Cover: UT Health Science Center postgraduate fellows serve the community through pharmacy care as part of the college’s new Ambulatory Care Fellowship at Christ Community Health Services in Memphis.
Ambulatory Care Program Training primary care pharmacists >
< Community Pharmacies Alumni serving across the state
Student Organizations Excelling among peers >
< Fungal Pathogens Group Seeking clues to the fungus among us
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admissions without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Eligibility and other terms and conditions of employment benefits at The University of Tennessee are governed by laws and regulations of the State of Tennessee, and this non-discrimination statement is intended to be consistent with those laws and regulations.
In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the University.
Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color, national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), ADA (disability), Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity (OED), 910 Madison Avenue, Suite 826, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, telephone 901448-7382 (V/TTY available). Requests for accommodation of a disability should be directed to the ADA Coordinator at the Office of Equity and Diversity. E073601(010-250467)
From the Dean
Reflecting on my first year as dean, I am pleased to share some notable achievements. The college was recognized with a No. 19 ranking out of 142 pharmacy colleges by U.S. News & World Report. This places us among the top pharmacy schools in the nation and reaffirms our status as the top pharmacy school in Tennessee.
Our faculty’s research has excelled, securing $17.6 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health. This places us at No. 13 among pharmacy schools nationwide.
Our recently completed 2024-2029 Strategic Plan outlines an innovative strategy to enhance our college’s objectives and improve the health of Tennesseans and beyond. It is designed to be both aspirational and practical, with the flexibility to adapt to potential environmental changes over the next five years. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to this plan and give special thanks to Professor Emeritus Bradley Boucher, PharmD, for leading the initiative.
This year, the college launched an Academic and Ambulatory Care Postdoctoral Fellowship, a two-year program tailored to guide postgraduate pharmacists in pursuing careers in teaching and clinical service within primary care. These fellows will be involved in various aspects of academia, including teaching, patient care, research, and service at partner institutions in Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville.
I am happy to share the following articles highlighting our faculty’s educational and research achievements, our students’ excellence, and the community-focused health care provided by our alumni. These stories exemplify our commitment to fostering healthier communities through person-focused pharmacy care.
Our college has a rich history of graduates who are successful owners of independent community pharmacies across Tennessee. Many of these pharmacies are in rural areas, where the pharmacist is the most accessible health care provider. These alumni contribute daily to UT Health Science Center’s vision –Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.
I greatly appreciate the faculty, students, staff, and alumni for their ongoing support, which has propelled our college to the forefront of pharmacy education. Thank you for being an integral part of our College of Pharmacy community. With your support, we will continue to shape the future of pharmacy and inspire the next generation of pharmacists.
Reginald Frye, PharmD, PhD, FCCP Dean of the College of Pharmacy
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
From the Chancellor
The numbers tell an impressive story for our College of Pharmacy. The college ranks No. 1 in Tennessee and No. 19 in the country among Colleges of Pharmacy.
This is certainly something to celebrate.
Moreover, the faculty, staff, students, and alumni behind those numbers represent an equally impressive story, a powerful narrative that exemplifies our vision: Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities.
Our College of Pharmacy students are standouts in state and national organizations, graduation rates, and residency matches. Our faculty not only offer exemplary instruction and training for our students, but also publish in high-profile journals and attract increasing funding for research that will improve the lives of our community, state, and beyond.
Additionally, our alumni are leaders in fulfilling our vision, often providing care in pharmacies that are essential to the rural communities they serve. Many also serve as leaders in hospitals across the state. They make us proud, and they encourage us all to do more every day to help make Tennessee healthier.
Our College of Pharmacy alumni are connected and involved, and never hesitate to give back in so many ways.
For that, we are grateful. Whether you share your time, talent, or funds, you are vital to the college and to the people of Tennessee.
With admiration and gratitude,
Peter Buckley, MD Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center
From the Alumni Board President
Greetings esteemed alumni of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
Through our College of Pharmacy, we share a legacy of academic excellence that has given us opportunities to help our communities live healthier and more productive lives. I am honored to serve as your new president for our alumni board. For the next two years, I look forward to seeing what we can do together to ensure a strong future for our college. And, I want to thank our immediate past President Rick Sain, PharmD, for his incredible leadership and his inspiring example of service for our college.
Under the new leadership of Dean Reginald Frye, our College of Pharmacy continues to be nationally ranked in the top 20 programs across the country and remains the No. 1 program in the state of Tennessee!
The expansion of our college to three campuses has added opportunity for students across the state looking to build a career in pharmacy, and we remain the best cost for in-state and out-of-state students. What an incredible time to be a UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alum!
Our alumni are one of our best resources for the college. I encourage you to be engaged in any of the opportunities available to us. Become a career mentor for the students; join the UT System Connect UT platform, which aims to unite alumni, staff, faculty, and students for global professional and personal networking; make plans to engage with students and alumni at professional conferences and attend one of our alumni receptions; or join us for the 2025 College of Pharmacy Alumni Weekend. This is a great way to attend a class reunion and honor our exceptional alumni award recipients!
And lastly, I ask you to consider making a gift in support of our students. This past year, our alumni board leaders elected to create the Alumni Board Scholarship to support students needing financial help. If you are able, please consider supporting a student by funding a new white coat or making a gift to a scholarship. The positive impact this support has on students can be life changing.
I look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for our College of Pharmacy, and I look forward to meeting you throughout this next year.
Sincerely,
Kara Fortune, PharmD ’04 College of Pharmacy Alumni Board President
BY THE NUMBERS
PharmD Incoming Class of 2028 Numbers
College of Pharmacy in the nation, #1 in Tennessee
– 2024 U.S. News & World Report Rankings of Colleges of Pharmacy
in research grants from the National Institutes of Health in 2023
– $17.6 million in total research dollars
students matched in 23 states. #1 in Tennessee and #3 in the nation for the number of residents matched for PGY1 Residencies.
Faculty publications in 2023
#19 #13 259 6 78
– 149 in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science
– 110 in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Faculty patents and one licensed technology in 2023
Incoming Class GPA
Tennesseans, 33% Non-Tennessee Residents
Male
Female
States represented
Veterans
3.47 67% 42% 58% 24 2 36
First-generation enrollees
States Represented by Our Students
College of Pharmacy Statistics (Fall 2024)
Class of 2024 PharmD Graduate Statistics
172 78
PharmD Graduates
students from the class of 2024 were matched for postgraduate year-one residencies, making UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy third in the nation for the number of students for PGY1 residencies.
States where students matched
59% In-state
41% Out-of-state
$1,622,655 in scholarships awarded
of those graduates seeking jobs and aiming to enter the workforce were employed within three months after graduating in May 2024.
97% 90%
of 2024 graduates had job offers before graduation day.
Alumni Serve with Compassion and Innovation in Tennessee Community Pharmacies
By Nathan Ball
Most of the U.S. population has easy access to health care through community pharmacies. In fact, approximately 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy, making pharmacists the most accessible health care provider. While chain pharmacies are prevalent in many areas, independent pharmacies and regional franchises are the primary pharmacy options in rural areas. In Tennessee, independent pharmacies play a vital role in providing accessible and community-focused personal health care.
The images of customers patiently waiting for a milkshake at a local pharmacy soda fountain, while the pharmacist who knows everyone by name and tends to the health care needs of their neighbors, remain iconic symbols in the cultural consciousness of our nation. These images portray how pharmacies are more than just health care providers. They are community centers offering general goods and services along with much-needed prescriptions. As exemplified in the following stories, independent pharmacies led by UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy graduates continue to provide community-focused, personalized, and compassionate health care to their communities across the state. These pharmacies embody the unwavering commitment of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy to fulfill the university’s vision - Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. They also illustrate the institution’s dedication to health care.
The pharmacists featured embody the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy’s dedication to educating graduates with a person-centered approach to health care. Whether serving in small towns in rural Tennessee or increasing access to underserved communities in the state’s cities, UT Health Science Center alumni are transforming pharmacy care through innovation, service, and compassion.
Alums Provide Care to Rural Tennesseans at West Tennessee Pharms
By Nathan Ball
Derek Holyfield,
PharmD, CEO of West Tennessee Pharms, and his co-owners witnessed pharmacies and other health care facilities move away from rural areas of Tennessee, leading to empty buildings and a loss of the relationships with health care professionals in the communities.
Concerned about the health care of the rural communities often left behind, Dr. Holyfield and his partners founded West Tennessee Pharms, combining their resources to found or reopen independent pharmacies in areas with limited availability to health care. This group of locally owned community pharmacies in West Tennessee, reaching towns like Alamo, Greenfield, Dyer, Trenton, Kenton, Brownsville, Bells, and Medina, serve as a beacon of hope in rural areas, often serving as the sole pharmacy in town.
West Tennessee Pharms is not just a network of pharmacies; it is a personal commitment to the community. Dr. Holyfield, along with co-owners and fellow UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alums Greg Emison, PharmD; Kelly Weaver, PharmD; Jenny Hopper, PharmD; and Brian Whitby, PharmD, embody this commitment.
“We invest in these small towns because they’ve invested in us. It’s a very reciprocal situation. People want to come to us, and we want to be there for them,” says Dr. Holyfield.
Providing health care to rural patients comes with its challenges. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 46 million Americans, over 15% of the population, reside in rural areas. Studies by the CDC show individuals in rural America experience more health care disparities than those in urban areas. Due to their typical older age and long travel distances to health care centers, these populations face higher risks of illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Pharmacies like those in West Tennessee Pharms provide essential care to these underserved areas.
Dr. Hopper, co-owner of West Tennessee Pharms and Pharmacist-in-Charge at Raines Pharmacy, attended UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy intending to run a community pharmacy, helping those in small communities like the one she grew up in.
The independence of owning her pharmacy allows her to make more efficient professional decisions in collaboration with local providers. “Most important to me is knowing and calling my patients by name when they walk through the door,” she explains. “Our goal is not to make a huge profit, but to truly care for the people in our communities with compassion they may not see elsewhere.”
“We’ve chosen to be in these smaller towns and pharmacies to have the freedom to have more patient time. It’s about building relationships with people. When people are comfortable enough to show you their worst health conditions, you know you are trusted to care for them,” adds Dr. Holyfield. “As pharmacists, people seek help because sometimes it’s hard to get to a doctor or nurse practitioner. I may not have all the answers, but I can at least hear their concerns and point them in a good direction.”
As Dr. Holyfield explains, the College of Pharmacy instilled a personal commitment to care that guides his daily life, transforming the lives of those often overlooked. “To care for a patient, you must be there to listen and support them. The UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy laid a strong foundation of patient-centered care for me and my fellow pharmacists, enabling us to excel in any pharmacy field,” says Dr. Holyfield.
West Tennessee Pharm’s commitment to building lasting relationships that improve patient well-being exemplifies pharmacists’ ability to serve their communities with compassion, ingenuity, and dedication. West Tennessee Pharms will continue to make a significant difference in rural Tennessee, serving as a testament to the invaluable impact of community-focused health care.
ShotRx: Alumnus Builds a Lifeline to the Underserved in Memphis
By Nathan Ball
In downtown Memphis, amidst an unexpected summer downpour, the ShotRx mobile clinic stands outside the Hospitality Hub, an organization that aims to end homelessness in Memphis. As the rain intensifies, people wait in line, shielded by pavilions and popup tents, as ShotRx workers help them complete the necessary paperwork. UT Health Science Center student pharmacists administer vaccines to some of Memphis’s most underserved citizens within the sanctuary of the blue van.
ShotRx, an initiative founded by College of Pharmacy alumnus Ted Lyons, PharmD, alongside his wife Merica Lyons, PharmD, bridges health care gaps in underserved areas plagued by low rates of vaccination and limited health care access, a need magnified during the COVID-19 pandemic. This mobile clinic mirrors the ethos of UT Health Science Center’s commitment to building healthy communities in Tennessee and beyond.
Inside the blue RV that serves as a mobile clinic, Dr. Ted Lyons addresses each patient by name. The scene seems more like a reunion than a vaccination drive. “My role has always been to interact with your community, give education, build relationships, and get healthy people,” he says.
In Memphis, a majority-minority city, there are unique health challenges. Underserved populations face elevated risks of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, as well as high rates of poverty. In addition, there are growing numbers of unhoused populations and childhood poverty, which exacerbate community health needs. Traditional modes of health care for these underserved populations present additional challenges, including a lack of health care education, an inability to reach primary care facilities, and an increase in the costs of medical care. ShotRx has developed an innovative approach to address these challenges: providing care to people where they are, educating them, and building trust through community ties.
Dr. Ted Lyons leverages his experience as a pastor and fitness instructor to reshape health care delivery models. “There’s no one way to do it. So why not change the model?” he explains. “When you talk to the community leaders, pastors, teachers, community activists, the people who are trusted in the community, you’ll get a greater uptake of vaccinations.”
The Lyonses have prioritized increasing childhood vaccination rates and have established partnerships with schools in Memphis and beyond to provide vaccinations directly to children while they are at school. The success of the ShotRx van in administering childhood vaccinations has led the mobile pharmacy to visit schools across West Tennessee, including Fayette County, Tipton County, and Dyersburg. “Since 2021, we’ve visited approximately 400 churches here in Memphis, over 60 charter schools, and about 20 to 30 other cities,” Dr. Ted Lyons says.
As an independently owned clinic, ShotRx’s mission goes beyond providing vaccinations. Employing nurse practitioners, the mobile clinic offers primary care, counseling, yearly wellness checkups, and education in the most underserved neighborhoods. “We can do everything we need to do in the ambulatory setting out here that we try to do in a clinic,” he says. This accessibility is critical for many on Medicare, impoverished, unhoused, or with limited mobility. With the fully mobile clinic, underserved populations can now receive comprehensive care steps from their doorstep. “We’re inching our way into becoming a provider,” he says proudly. “This is another thing that says, ‘Hey, look what pharmacists can do.’”
Education is a paramount focus. Every interaction with the community is an opportunity to make a lifelong impact on someone’s health awareness. “We might only vaccinate 50 patients and provide health care to 10 people in this community. But we will impact everyone who comes here,” he says. “Whether housed or unhoused, every individual matters. Through education, we can help them identify early issues like elevated blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes, which is crucial.”
As ShotRx looks to expand into Mississippi and beyond, Dr. Ted Lyons credits his UT Health Science Center education with empowering him to be a visionary in pharmacy care. “UT Health Science Center was always encouraging me to push the envelope. Do more. It’s always been at the top of producing great pharmacists and thinkers who think outside the box, logically, and laterally.”
Alums Carry Forward the Caring Legacy of Beckman’s Prescription Shop in Murfreesboro
By Nathan Ball
For 50 years, Beckman’s Prescription Shop has embraced those who enter the pharmacy as family, not just as patients.
UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy alumnus
Milton Beckman, RPh, and his wife, Sylvia Beckman, RPh, served the community through this cherished local institution, founded in 1973 and relocated to downtown Murfreesboro in 1976. The couple instilled exceptional care, compassion, and kindness into the very being of its service.
While there were many independently owned pharmacies in downtown Murfreesboro at its founding, Beckman’s is the only one still operating.
Today, Keith Beckman, PharmD, and Shannon Beckman, PharmD, UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy alumni and husband and wife, are the next generation to carry on the family legacy of Beckman’s Prescription Shop. Preserving and cultivating Drs. Milton and Sylvia Beckman’s compassionate spirit remains a primary focus. “We aim to recognize every face and know every story,” says Dr. Shannon Beckman. “And for those, we’re yet to meet, we’re eager to learn about them, their families, and their unique journeys.”
Dr. Keith Beckman vividly remembers his father, Dr. Milton Beckman, as someone who exhibited empathy and kindness to all who walked through their doors. “My dad was able to use his knowledge to help people genuinely,” the younger Beckman reflects. “He believed that if your heart is in the right place, you will be successful.”
“Keith has inherited his father’s profound compassion and patience,” adds Dr. Shannon Beckman.
After Dr. Milton Beckman’s passing in 2007, Dr. Sylvia Beckman managed the business until their son graduated from pharmacy school and could begin managing the pharmacy operations. Dr. Shannon Beckman worked at another local independent pharmacy before joining her husband at Beckman’s in 2019. In 2021, the younger Beckmans officially purchased Beckman’s Prescription Shop.
Beckman’s Prescription Shop goes beyond being just a downtown Murfreesboro fixture. It is a symbol of generosity and philanthropy. Beyond simply filling prescriptions, placing people first is a central aspect of the new owners’ philosophy. Partnership with local nonprofits like Community Helpers, which provides vital support such as rent, utilities, and medication assistance to Rutherford County residents in financial distress, exemplifies Beckman’s enduring commitment to the community’s welfare. Through this and similar partnerships, Beckman’s is a lifeline to many in need.
“When you listen to their stories, you realize some are just facing a rough patch,” Dr. Keith Beckman says. Connecting with the people in need allows us to make a positive difference.” Both echo this sentiment as they create an environment in which compassion and personal attention are paramount.
Serving as preceptors for College of Pharmacy students, the couple’s P4 student rotations illustrate their commitment to training the next generation of pharmacists. Not only do they give pharmacy students new health care experiences in their rotations, they also prioritize educating students on the realities of running an independent business. “I want them to know the great things about owning your business. But also, they must know its challenges,” Dr. Shannon Beckman says.
Independence allows Beckman’s Prescription Shop to serve Murfreesboro wholeheartedly and without restraints, providing medical services like vaccinations or blood drives and uplifting the community through teaching at local colleges or sponsoring local events and sports teams. “We love being in downtown Murfreesboro; there’s a cool, vibrant feel. It’s very local with all the local businesses. It’s great to be able to take care of your friends and neighbors,” she says.
“We aim to be here for another 50 years,” Dr. Keith Beckman says. “Remaining accessible so anyone can drop by with their concerns brings a sense of nostalgia, a reminder of times when community care was paramount.”
Alumna Leads with Personalized Care at Baker Brothers Drugs in Manchester, Tennessee
By Nathan Ball
Manchester, Tennessee, just an hour outside of Chattanooga, is known for its biking trails, waterfalls, and the Bonnaroo Music Festival. In the center of Manchester, on Main Street, Baker Brothers Drugs has stood since 1928. On the second floor was the original community hospital of Manchester. Today, older patrons visiting Baker Brothers remember a time when the hospital was operating, and some were even born there.
After undergoing several changes in ownership, Sara Adams, PharmD, a 2018 graduate of UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy in Nashville, is now the proud owner of Baker Brothers Drugs.
The pharmacy is a time capsule of health care as it was almost 100 years ago. Dr. Adams made a point to keep the authentic feel with old-school bottles, décor, and other implements. She sees preserving the history of the profession and area in Baker Brothers as a personal mission. “It’s like walking into a museum,” she proudly says. “The historic, old-school charm needs to be respected and preserved. If I don’t preserve it, then it will be lost.”
Dr. Adams was born and raised in Manchester. Her journey into pharmacy practice began out of necessity when her mother was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. As a young child, she took on the responsibilities of managing medications, administering injections, and caring for her mother. She even practiced injections using an orange, as many pharmacy students do in their first year to practice their immunization skills.
She pursued her studies in biomedical chemistry at Middle Tennessee State University, returning home frequently to attend to her mother’s needs. Dr. Adams gained valuable experience by shadowing a pharmacist, who was a former employee of Baker Brothers, in a local hospital. However, as a self-described social butterfly, Dr. Adams desired a more personal relationship with her patients. She found an opportunity to have that at Baker Brothers, where she was given a job as a clerk.
Seeing how the former owners uplifted the community through the pharmacy inspired her. This experience fueled her decision to pursue a career in pharmacy and eventually
led her back to Baker Brothers with the hope of one day owning the pharmacy. “I admired their impact and wished to achieve the same. It made sense for me to follow a career in pharmacy and eventually return to Baker Brothers, hoping to buy it one day.”
The College of Pharmacy’s Nashville campus was an ideal place for her to attend pharmacy school. Manchester’s proximity to Nashville allowed her to return home often, not only to care for her mother but also to stay engaged with her hometown community. The faculty at the college equipped her with crucial skills for community pharmacy practice. “They truly did everything possible to ensure I had all the necessary experiences from a community perspective,” Dr. Adams says. Following her time in the college, she returned to work at Baker Brothers, where a job was waiting for her. After several years, her dream of owning the business came true when she purchased the pharmacy in 2021.
Dr. Adams emphasizes personalized care, a cornerstone of Baker Brothers since its establishment. This individualized attention creates a strong bond with the patients. “A patient told me recently, ‘You know why I prefer you over other pharmacies? When you hit a certain spot in the store, someone already greets you by name and asks how you are,’” Dr. Adams says proudly. She values the loyalty of her patients and offers personal and attentive care, emphasizing face-to-face interactions, especially for senior citizens, to help them navigate their medication needs.
Dr. Adams has developed a medication synchronization system to keep patients on track with their medications. At the start of every week, she and her staff review which prescriptions are due and contact patients to remind them about refills and offer assistance. This approach leads to valuable conversations about the importance of medications and ensures that patients have what they need to stay healthy. These conversations are essential to her in building a personalized relationship central to her philosophy.
“I aim to be someone my patients trust to advocate for them,” she says.
Alums Preserve Thomas Drugs’ Legacy of Service in Cross Plains
By Nathan Ball
In the heart of Cross Plains, Tennessee, Thomas Drugs has always been the center of the community. Established as a general store in 1915, the location’s importance to the community is exemplified by the original Cross Plains 50-foot-deep watering well on which the original store was built.
The building became a medical facility in the 1930s, when James Thomas, MD, bought the building to use as his doctor’s office. His son, Burgess Thomas, later became the location’s first pharmacist. In the 1970s, Dan Green, PharmD, a graduate of UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy class of 1974, and his wife Debbie Green, RN, a registered nurse, took over the pharmacy and ran it for almost 50 years.
Jeremy Felker, PharmD, and Sarah Felker, PharmD, graduates of UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy, purchased the pharmacy in 2022, intending to continue the tradition established by the Greens of serving the community. “Dan and Debbie were instrumental to our community, serving the community faithfully,” says Dr. Jeremy Felker. “We are now the third stewards of this wonderful venture, with already an amazing legacy built before us. We figured with all the historical charm and sincere authenticity, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”
The building has been on the National Historic Register since 1993, and its historical atmosphere is prevalent throughout. The original checkered floors include a well-worn spot from years of waiting customers. An oldfashioned soda fountain still serves sodas and awardwinning ice cream and milkshakes to sweet-toothed customers, as it has for nearly 100 years. A small restaurant started by Debbie Green also remains, providing comfort food to patients and tourists who visit the historic building to see a real old-fashioned soda fountain still in operation. Drs. Jeremy and Sarah Felker met while studying in the College of Pharmacy, graduating in 2009, and were engaged on the banks of the Mississippi River during their fourth year. Their time at UT Health Science Center brought them together and prepared them for the challenges and successes of running a community pharmacy, teaching them the importance of personal patient care alongside lessons in clinical pharmacy.
“UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy does such a great job reinforcing the importance of providing that extra patient care,” Dr. Sarah Felker said. “They prepared us for a lifetime of continuous learning.” Her husband added, “It’s one of the best clinical pharmacy programs on the face of the planet.”
He is originally from nearby Mount Juliet, and she is from Decaturville but has relatives near Cross Plains. Both had ties to the area, so moving to Cross Plains was a natural next step. Before purchasing Thomas Drugs, he found a role as a clinical pharmacist after his residency at Northcrest Hospital in Robertson County, a position he still holds. She worked as a pharmacy manager at Walgreens for over 13 years.
Building relationships with their patients to understand their needs better is an essential focus for the Felkers, who believe it leads to better and more focused care. “I wanted to spend more time with patients, answer their questions, and truly engage with the community,” she said. At Thomas Drugs, she can cultivate that passion. The independence allows her to spend more time with patients and connect with them on a personal level to meet better their needs. She can also negotiate lower prescription costs with suppliers to reduce drug prices and help patients on Medicare or low-income who struggle to afford medications. “I’ve always had a passion for people.”
Thomas Drugs is working to improve medical care and access to the community by revolutionizing pharmacy practice. “Independent pharmacists can play a huge role in transitions of care and provide better and higher quality information to the patients as to exactly what’s going on with their care plan,” he says.
The pharmacy has partnered with a local physician, Theresa Williams, MD, through a collaborative practice agreement. This allows Thomas Drugs to provide minor medical care, such as blood pressure screenings, care for minor ailments, education, point-of-care testing, or vaccines. Based on this collaborative agreement, pharmacists can then prescribe medication for various minor ailments. This relationship increases access to care in the community and saves patients valuable time traveling and waiting in line in larger health care facilities. It also frees up local physicians’ offices and hospitals for more serious medical issues, filling in a critical health care gap.
“There’s so much that we as pharmacists can be doing to support our patients, physicians, local providers, and nurse practitioners,” Dr. Jeremy Felker said.
In the future, the Felkers will continue focusing on personal patient-centered care as they expand their health care capacity through growing partnerships with Dr. Williams and others.
“Thomas Drugs is already historically original; our job is to keep the history alive,” said Dr. Jeremy Felker. “We want our patients to have a place where they not only fill prescriptions but also feel important. We are committed to preserving Thomas Drugs’ history of serving the community with a servant’s heart.”
The Felkers are dedicated stewards of Thomas Drugs, continuing to deliver quality, accessible, and personal health care to the Cross Plains community as the location has for 100 years - along with outstanding ice cream.
New Ambulatory Care Program Aims to Make Tennessee Communities Healthier
By Chris Green
Tabitha House, PharmD, worked as a high school science teacher before going back to school to study pharmacy. Through a new fellowship program in the College of Pharmacy, she can return to teaching while also caring for patients.
Dr. House is one of two recent College of Pharmacy graduates in the college’s new Academic and Ambulatory Care Postdoctoral Fellowship program. The two-year program launched this year to better serve patients and address the shortage of primary care pharmacists in Tennessee in two main ways.
“The goal is to develop primary care pharmacists who know how to start their own clinics and are already credentialed with insurance to bill for that in the state of Tennessee,” said Ashley Ellis, PharmD, MBA, assistant dean for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation. “They can also become faculty members because they know how to teach and inspire students to go work in primary care, and that’s where the shortage is in the state of Tennessee.”
Dean Reginald Frye began the initiative to give the college a larger presence in the primary care field and provide another option for new graduates. Dr. Ellis was tasked with building the program through a partnership with Christ Community Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with more than a dozen clinical sites in Memphis and Jackson.
“I view this fellowship as a way to bridge the gap between the academic space and underserved population work for direct patient care in a primary care setting,” said Alex Johnson, PharmD, clinical pharmacy program manager at Christ Community. “This fellowship allows for fantastic exposure to diverse patient populations spanning multiple communities that are equally deserving of medical quality care. Through this experience and postgraduate training, we are empowering future clinicians in the practice area to serve the communities they live in and to educate students about the patients they will be taking care of.”
Taylor Littlejohn, PharmD, second from left, and Tabitha House, PharmD, second from right, are the first two fellows in the College of Pharmacy’s Ambulatory Care program. They work under preceptors at Christ Community Health Services including clinical pharmacist Nicole Northcutt, PharmD, far left, and clinical pharmacy program manager Alex Johnson, PharmD, far right.
The fellows work under preceptors at Christ Community to treat traditionally underserved patients. They provide direct care and medication management for patients with various disease states including diabetes, hypertension, and HIV.
Taylor Littlejohn, PharmD, a 2023 graduate of the College of Pharmacy, said the work of ambulatory care pharmacists bridges gaps in patient care.
“One example of what we do is, if a patient is discharged from a hospital with a diagnosis of heart failure, one of the key pillars of treatment is titration of guideline-directed medical therapy, and we’re able to see patients in that critical two-week follow-up to titrate up their medications as directed by the guidelines,” Dr. Littlejohn said. “Patients often may not be able to be seen by their primary care provider within maybe four to six weeks, so we’re able to bridge those gaps.”
Dr. Littlejohn completed one year of residency in acute care at the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. (Memphis) VA Medical Center before starting the ambulatory care program. Growing up in Memphis, he has always wanted to be in the health care field to help make a difference in the lives of patients. When he learned the college’s new fellowship would include training in both primary care and academia, he thought it was the perfect fit for his second postgraduate year.
“I learned that this was a majority clinical experience, and that was super exciting to me, because I think the core of my identity is that I love patient care,” he said. “However, I do really enjoy teaching, and getting to dive deep into both of those things simultaneously will really allow me to grow as both a practitioner and a teacher.”
Dr. House was also drawn to the teaching aspect of the fellowship. She has a master’s degree in education and taught high school biomedical and environmental science in Arkansas for three years. However, she felt unfulfilled working only in a classroom and realized she wanted to further her education in a science field. She attended the College of Pharmacy and completed the three-year program in May, and she applied for the Ambulatory Care Program so she could combine her passions for science and teaching.
“I have already had opportunities to work with pharmacy students and to facilitate active learning sessions to help them understand the material better,” she said. “I’m also able to sit in on committees and do small projects to help revamp the curriculum, so I’m learning a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in academia.”
While she has enjoyed the familiarity of working with students, Dr. House has found interacting with her patients to be the most rewarding part of the fellowship. She said she receives gratification from taking time to learn about not
experiences, but ambulatory care has given me the opportunity to stay connected to my patients for a longer period of time,” she said.
The College of Pharmacy is planning to increase its impact through ambulatory care across the state by starting fellowship programs at its campuses in Nashville and Knoxville. The college is recruiting fellows to work at HOPE Family Health in Westmoreland, near Nashville, and at Cherokee Health Systems in Knoxville. According to Dr. Ellis, expanding across Tennessee can improve the health of communities statewide.
“What we’ve seen is that quality metrics are improved once you have a clinical pharmacist working in a community. Those can be things like blood pressure, immunizations, diabetes, etc. And so, I expect for those things to continue to improve as we have more pharmacists who are trained and available to work in those clinics,” she said. “In this way, our Ambulatory Care Program aligns with the vision of our chancellor and the university – Healthy Tennesseans. Thriving Communities. –which means everything we do is to help make Tennessee healthier.”
Both Dr. Littlejohn and Dr. House take pride in the impact this fellowship program is allowing them to have on the patients they treat now and on the patients their students will care for in the future. “We are allowing clinical pharmacy to increase its presence within the community and to help bridge the gap in health care disparities by seeing patients more frequently and supporting fellow health care providers in providing care in a timely and extensive manner,” Dr. Littlejohn said.
“UT Health Science Center is really good at training pharmacists to look at patients as a whole person, and not just their disease state,” Dr. House said. “So, the community is getting the benefits of having more and more caring and thoughtful pharmacists who can help them live healthier lives.”
Answering the Burning Questions: Pharmacy Researcher Dedicated to Improving Burn Care
By Chris Green
When a patient suffering from burns is hospitalized, doctors often struggle to alleviate the patient’s pain and identify any infections that arise. David Hill, PharmD, is on a mission to enhance patient care in this area.
“I will solve this problem one day. I promise you,” he said.
As an associate professor in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and the director of Burn Research for the Firefighters Burn Center at Regional One Health in Memphis, Dr. Hill has devoted his career to advancing burn care through innovative research –an area he believes needs more attention.
He didn’t always aspire to be a pharmacist or a researcher. Originally from Middle Tennessee, Dr. Hill played football throughout his youth, sparking an interest in nutrition and personal fitness. However, he did not think that would be the ideal path to support the large family he envisioned. He decided pharmacy was the best option to allow him to help improve people’s quality of life.
Dr. Hill began his higher education at the University of Memphis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2006. He stayed in Memphis for his pharmacy education at UT Health Science Center, drawn by the location, the college’s faculty, and the growth the pharmacy program was experiencing. In addition to receiving a quality education, Dr. Hill said the college provided him with lifelong relationships.
“I met my wife through pharmacy school, and two of the guys who were in my wedding were really good friends I met in pharmacy school,” he said. “And of course, the teachers – some of the teachers are a big reason I’m doing what I’m doing today.”
After earning his pharmacy degree in 2010, Dr. Hill completed a residency program at UT Health Science Center and Regional One, focusing on critical care and nutrition. This experience ignited his passion for burn research.
“Doing research is really meaningful because we get to uncover new answers to questions,” he said. “In burn, those questions were enormous. There’s very little research specifically dedicated to burn because there’s a lower incidence rate compared to other traumas or other disease states.”
Over the years, Dr. Hill’s research has primarily focused on two key areas – infection and pain management for burn patients. He has worked to develop better methods of identifying and treating infections, which can be difficult to detect in burn victims because burn symptoms often mask signs of infection. Additionally, he has made it his mission to find more effective pain relief solutions, noting that current treatments often fall short.
“As providers, it’s a tough job because we have few tools to do it, and the tools we have don’t work well,” Dr. Hill said. “Reaching out to places like the government to help fund studies is something that I’ve been able to do successfully, along with having great relationships with industry and having them support our work and help us find these answers for our patients,” Dr. Hill said.
Dr. Hill also highlighted the valuable resources provided by UT Health Science Center, including state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and leadership. Collaboration with other pharmacy researchers has further motivated Dr. Hill to continue his groundbreaking work.
“The relationships that we are able to maintain through our multidisciplinary teams and industry really drive our studies,” he said. “Those partnerships are sometimes avoided because of things like perceived conflicts of interest, but they can be mutually beneficial, and you can really help each other attain goals to help patients.”
Beyond the lab, Dr. Hill finds great fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. He views it as an opportunity to “pay it forward” by inspiring students to develop a passion for making a difference through pharmacy.
“That’s truly how I’ve always lived – you pass along what you’ve gained from others,” he said. “There’s a true appreciation when students are invested, and you can see it in their attitudes and their mentalities. Seeing them grow and what they accomplish over time, there’s a sense of accomplishment and pleasure knowing I had a little bit of a hand in that,” he said.
Through his impactful research and dedication to teaching, Dr. Hill continues to leave a lasting mark on the field of burn care and the lives of those he serves. “That’s why I got into the health care profession. I wanted to help people.”
Fungal Pathogens Group Seeks New Therapies, Trains Next Generation of Researchers
Unseen, deadly, and ubiquitous fungal pathogens pose an increasingly serious threat to global health, particularly among immunocompromised patients.
These pathogens evolve rapidly, often quickly developing resistance to antifungal drugs, reducing the effectiveness of available treatments. With the rise in immunosuppressive therapies and the increasing incidence and geographic spread of fungal infections aided by global climate change, there is an urgent need for new therapies to combat fungal infections.
A mycologist, Dr. Fortwendel described fungal pathogens research as “a major strength” at the university and within the center. The CPET includes faculty members from across various academic and health care institutions, including mycologists, virologists, and bacteriologists, who each focus on their individual areas of interest as well as how they might intersect.
“Something that we saw commonly during the pandemic was people who were becoming infected with the COVID virus, resulting in decreased lung function or altered
That is exactly the focus of the majority of the roughly 15 faculty members of the Center of Excellence for Pediatric Experimental Therapeutics (CPET) in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
“Our long-term goal is improving patient outcomes,” said Jarrod Fortwendel, PhD, a tenured professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science in the College of Pharmacy and director of the center. “We want to make therapy better for patients who deal with infectious diseases. And obviously, for the research that is directly supported by the center, there are infectious diseases that impact childhood years.”
At the same time, the center aims to help train the next generation of scientists and clinicians.
immune responses in their lungs, and this caused increased susceptibility to additional pathogens, such as bacteria or fungi,” he said. “So, there’s a lot of work focused in this area of coinfection that goes on as part of the center, too. Some studies are related to coinfections caused by viruses and bacteria, and other studies are focused on bacterial and fungal coinfections.”
For example, Brian Peters, PhD, the First Tennessee Endowed Chair of Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy and a professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, was recently awarded $3.9 million from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for a project to study complex fungal-bacterial infections. James Cassat, MD, PhD, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Paul Fidel, PhD, LSU Health New Orleans, are also principal investigators.
Infections caused by both fungi and bacteria are on the rise among hospital patients, yet there is a significant lack of research addressing these types of infections.
Developing new therapies requires collaboration among researchers. The CPET recently held its Tennessee Fungal Pathogens Group Annual Research Conference and Retreat, a gathering for fungal research laboratories across the state. According to the World Health Organization, fungal infections pose an increasingly significant global public health concern, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Factors such as advances in medical treatments, accessibility to immune-suppressing therapies, growing
Training new researchers was a primary goal of the conference’s founding. Postdocs and graduate students from across the state can join the conference, present their research, and connect with established researchers. “The goals are to strengthen this group across the state of Tennessee, provide a space where those trainees can build their own networks, and get valuable feedback from the research community across the state,” Dr. Fortwendel said.
The conference has resulted in significant connections and collaborations, leading to numerous new grants and journal articles that advance the research of fungal pathogens nationwide. In the 2023-2024 academic year, the group achieved several milestones, guiding students to prestigious postdoctoral positions at institutions such as Yale University
Researchers from laboratories across the country gathered in Memphis for the recent Fungal Pathogens Group Annual Research Conference.
anti-fungal resistance, and the growing incidence and geographic reach of fungal infections are rising, which further impacts global health.
Attracting fungal pathogens researchers, chemists, biologists, clinicians, immunologists, and more, the annual gathering hopes to build connections and expertise between the top researchers in the state to combat fungal disease.
“It helps if those people are already working in the antifungal space, because they also know the language,” Dr. Fortwendel said. “The expertise is right here in Tennessee. We don’t have to go around the world to find it. We need people with different scientific backgrounds, or we’ll never get to novel therapeutics fast enough. That’s exactly what the power of this group is.”
School of Medicine, the University of Arkansas Medical Center, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. One 2024 graduate supported by the CPET left for a postdoctoral fellowship in the laboratory of a Nobel Laureate at Rockefeller University.
Group members also contributed to high-impact scientific journals, including Science, Nature Microbiology, and Nature Communications. Additionally, UT Health Science Center faculty members who regularly attend the conference played a large part in the group collectively securing over $5.4 million in NIH funding in the past academic year.
For more information on the Center of Excellence for Pediatric Experimental Therapeutics visit uthsc.edu/pharmacy/dcpts/cpet.php.
Rowe Receives Teacher of the Year Award
Shaun Rowe, PharmD, was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Top Educator ACHievement (TEACH) award. The TEACH Award is an annual accolade designed to spotlight a faculty member who demonstrates exceptional teaching in the didactic/ pre-APPE phase of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. The award recognizes teaching excellence, evidence-based teaching methods, and innovation in teaching and learning. Dr. Rowe is known for his dedication to active learning and inspiring educational innovations in his teaching style.
Havrda and Beranova Receive Teaching and Learning Center Awards
Dawn Havrda, PharmD, and Sarka Beranova, PhD, received the 2024 Teaching and Learning Center Teaching Awards. Dr. Beranova, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, was awarded the Inclusive Teaching Award, which recognizes the outstanding efforts of faculty who create and foster an inclusive, equitable learning environment for all students. Dr. Havrda, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, received the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award, recognizing a faculty member who has contributed the most outstanding paper or presentation related to the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Dr. Christopher McCurdy Awarded the Duane D. Miller Lectureship
Christopher McCurdy, PhD, was awarded the Duane D. Miller Lectureship on June 3, 2024. Dr. McCurdy delivered a lecture titled “Sigma Receptor Ligands from Conception to the Clinic: Illumination of an Enigma.” Dr. McCurdy is a professor and holds The Frank A. Duckworth Eminent Scholar Chair in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the College of Pharmacy, University of Florida.
Kelli Adeleye, a graduate student in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, received the Duane D. Miller Award in Drug Discovery for her research focused on characterizing the biological activity of novel colchicine-binding site inhibitors.
P1 Students Receive White Coats
The College of Pharmacy celebrated the Class of 2027 and the ImPAcT Class of 2026 with a White Coat Ceremony at the Cannon Center in Memphis. This ceremony symbolizes the students’ entry into the profession of pharmacy. Jason Vinson, PharmD, offered an eloquent speech on the meaning of professionalism and the white coat.
Scan the QR Code to see more pictures from the White Coat Ceremony.
2023 Feurt Symposium Investigates the Impact of AI on Pharmacy Practice
The College of Pharmacy hosted the annual Feurt Symposium, sponsored by the Seldon D. Feurt Endowment, last fall. It was titled “Demystifying AI: Exploring the Power and Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmacy.” Artificial Intelligence has been proposed to assist with several applications, including maintaining medical records, designing treatment plans, assisting in repetitive tasks, improving the accuracy of medicine, and even drug creation. Given the rapid evolution of this technology, pharmacy professionals should be aware of its opportunities, implications, and impact.
Christy Cheung, PharmD, and Whitley Li, PharmD, BCPS, co-founders of the AI Collective, spoke at this event.
P3 Students Receive Pins at Ceremony
Third-year University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy students received their College of Pharmacy lapel pin at the P3 Pinning Ceremony in February. The ceremony marks the successful completion of the students’ didactic coursework and their transition to the advanced practice experience portion of the curriculum. The event was made possible with the support of Walgreens, Inc.
UT Health Science Center’s Graduate Student Awards
The 2023 Graduate Student Award winners were recognized at the Department of Pharmaceutical Science’s Graduate Student Award Ceremony in January. These awards recognize the outstanding achievements of PhD students and Post-Docs in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Award recipients include Mousumi Mandal, PhD, who received the 2023 Outstanding Postdoctoral Research Scholar Award; Golnoush Mirzahosseini, PharmD, PhD, who was honored with the 2023 Pharmaceutical Sciences Program Outstanding Graduate Student Award; and Jian Miao, MS, who received the 2023 College of Pharmacy Outstanding Graduate Student Award.
PharmD Students Participate in Pharmacy Day on the Hill
The students and faculty from the Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville campuses had the privilege of participating in Tennessee Pharmacists Association Pharmacy Day on the Hill in Nashville in February.
A special thanks to three alumni of College of Pharmacy, Lt. Governor Randy McNally (District 5, class of 1969), Senator Shane Reeves (District 14, class of 1994), and Senator Ferrell Haile (District 18, class of 1970); as well as physician and Senator Richard Briggs (District 7), for taking the time to meet with our students and faculty to discuss the future of the pharmacy profession.
Diego Benavides Receives 2023 Impact Award
Diego Benavides was awarded the College of Pharmacy Student Impact and Advocacy Leadership Award. The Impact Awards recognize outstanding work by faculty, staff, students, and trainees at UT Health Science Center.
Reaunna Morgan: Wins Annual Pharm-tastic Award
Reaunna Morgan, fourth from left, was the first winner of the Annual Pharm-tastic Award for the 2023-24 academic year! The winner was chosen from among the quarterly Pharmtastic winners, Carmen Coleman, EdD, LaVerne Williams, Lee Weaver, and Demetria Sisk, based on nominations and merit. Morgan not only received four nominations over the course of the year in three out of the four quarters, but the nominations were submitted by four different individuals representing both departments in the college, Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The annual winner receives a cash award. In June, the dean hosted a luncheon in her honor, which was attended by the quarterly winners and the Pharm-tastic committee. The award recognizes staff accomplishments that surpass expectations, promote an environment of teamwork, and encourage access and opportunity within the college.
Rummage, Hubi
Awarded an American Pharmacists Association Foundation Grant
Shelby Rummage, PharmD, and Mariah Hubi, PharmD, members of the PGY-1 Community-based Pharmacy Residency Program, were awarded an American Pharmacists Association Foundation Incentive Grant. The grant provides seed money to pharmacists, students, and community pharmacy residents to implement or support innovative patient care services. This marks the fifth consecutive year the program has received the grant.
Rummage Hubi
Student Organizations Excel
American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
The College of Pharmacy’s APhA-ASP chapter achieved significant success at the APhA Annual Meeting in Orlando from March 22-25. The chapter received the Outstanding International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation Activity Award and secured the second runner-up position in the Operation Diabetes category. Additionally, during the APhA Midyear Regional Meeting from November 3-5, the chapter won the Operation Immunization Regional Award and the Operation SUDs Regional Award.
APhA member Sarah Crowell was appointed to serve on the Member Engagement Standing Committee (MESC). This committee supports APhA-ASP chapters in growing student pharmacist membership and providing meaningful programming for members. Her role involves serving as the national liaison to the APhA-ASP National Patient Care Project - Operation Diabetes. The MESC’s responsibilities include developing resources for chapter leaders, addressing their queries, and representing APhAASP for national programming as needed.
College of Pharmacy Shines at Student
National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) National Convention
In August, the College of Pharmacy’s Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) Chapter sent 16 enthusiastic students to the 2024 SNPhA/NPhA National Convention in Los Angeles. The convention centered around the theme “Prescription for Progress” and united pharmacists and student pharmacists in a common cause. The students participated in various activities during the event, including clinical skills competitions and scholarship awards.
The Kroger Clinical Skills Competition was like a pharmacy Olympics. Fourth-year students Chrystalyn Branch, Hannah Jenkins, Kerlicia Ozoemena, and Kolayah Shelton showcased their clinical skills, competing for gold. The Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) Germ Genius Competition was a battle of brains. Two College of Pharmacy teams competed: Team 1, the “JAK Inhibitors” included Jaylan Lenoir (P4), Anthony Brown (P4), and Christian Phillips (P4), who won the top prize of $400. Team 2, “Thee Cheetah Girls” included Hannah Jenkins (P4), Chrystalyn Branch (P4), and Kerlicia Ozoemena (P4), who secured third place, earning $100.
Additionally, two students, Hannah Jenkins and Christian Phillips, were recognized for their outstanding achievements and collectively received $1,200 in scholarships. The convention also featured a fashion show, where students Anthony Brown and Jaden Black showcased their style on the runway.
Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP)
In May, the College of Pharmacy introduced the new Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP), which offers access to valuable clinical pharmacy learning experiences, networking opportunities, and ACCP benefits.
Under the guidance of Kelly Rogers, PharmD (Memphis), who has been the faculty liaison for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) since 2010, the SCCP chapter will focus on programming emphasizing clinical pharmacy for students interested in pursuing the field or seeking to broaden their knowledge.
Dr. Rogers is joined by co-advisors Joel Marrs, PharmD, from Nashville, and Shaun Rowe, PharmD, from Knoxville. The student leaders are Elsa Hedrick, Alondra Maldonado, and Joanna Collins.
SCCP chapters play a pivotal role at over 100 schools across the U.S., promoting student engagement within clinical pharmacy.
CPR Training Gives Pharmacy Student Life-Saving Tools
By Peggy Reisser
Fourth-year College of Pharmacy student Anita Baluch did more than just celebrate her 24th birthday on April 10 at a Nashville restaurant. She saved a life.
Baluch, who is from Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, and on rotation in Nashville, was having her birthday dinner with her boyfriend, when one of the restaurant patrons started choking. Using the CPR training she received as a student in the College of Pharmacy, she performed the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) on the choking man, dislodging the food blocking his airway and saving his life.
“We are having appetizers, everything is great, and then I just hear somebody scream that he’s choking,” Baluch recalled. “And I look over, nobody’s doing the Heimlich properly. Everyone’s just smacking his face and hitting his chest, and so I ran over there. I didn’t even think about it.”
AED (automated external defibrillator) program, which aims to train every employee to use an AED and provide effective CPR. Campuswide AED and CPR training is scheduled annually.
“Thankfully, the college has given us the opportunity to be certified in CPR and we do it every two years to keep up that certificate,” she continued. “So, I started the Heimlich, and he was a bigger man, so my boyfriend came over and he tried to help stabilize him and pick him up, because at this point, he had passed out. It felt like an eternity, but it was probably only 30 seconds and then a Brussels sprout flew out and the color returned to his face.”
The man was taken to the hospital and the grateful family got Baluch’s email. “I was thinking about him the whole night, while we wrapped up our dinner and the owner actually paid for the meal,” she said.
“It was very nice, and he invited us back for another time, because he said he wanted me to get a redo on my birthday and that it would be completely on the restaurant, which I thought was so sweet.”
Two days later, she got an email from the family saying the man was doing well.
“That just made my day,” Baluch said.
The College of Pharmacy requires that all student pharmacists receive the American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) training to improve the outcomes of patients who suffer sudden cardiac arrest. Additionally, 12-15 students every year are trained to be AHA CPR instructors as part of an elective course. These students then train pharmacy students, other health care professionals, and members of the community to increase the number of people in the life-saving skills of CPR.
Kelly Rogers, PharmD, a professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science in the College of Pharmacy, is the director of the CPR course. She is also
Currently, 67 AEDs are located across campus. “The program started in 2010, when there was only one AED that I could find in any building,” Dr. Rogers said. “Since 2010, I have taught the annual CPR training free to campus employees. I have trained approximately 1,020 employees.”
Baluch plans to graduate in the spring and hopes to complete a residency in Middle Tennessee and become a clinical pharmacist. She believes everyone should know CPR and related life-saving procedures.
“I would tell people, even if you were not in the health care realm or field, there are so many CPR courses locally that are being given every single day,” she said. “I think it is so important for people to start thinking about this as something that is a useful skill to have, especially because you just never know when you’re going to get put in a situation like this.” She said she even advised the restaurant owner to get certified.
“I am extremely proud of Anita for jumping in and taking action to save this gentleman’s life,” Dr. Rogers said. “Many people are afraid to get involved and help, often because they fear they may hurt someone or not remember what they should do in these situations. More than 350,000 people in the U.S. suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting with almost 90% of them do not survive. If more people learn the skills of CPR and how to relieve choking in people, lives can be saved.”
Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Student Thrives in Research
By Janay Jeans
Ishita Kathuria was deeply influenced by her family’s history of heart disease to pursue cardiovascular research.
“Growing up in a family prone to cardiac disorders motivated me to delve into the underlying mechanisms of these conditions with the hope of contributing to their cure,” Kathuria said.
Her pursuit of pharmacy stemmed from her curiosity about the origins of diseases and cures.
“I realized this is the place where everything starts. I was always curious, what are the root causes and how does everything begin? And the only answer to that was pharmacy. You’re looking for mechanisms, you’re looking into diseases and pathologies, and you can lead to the cure,” Kathuria said.
Kathuria, who is from India, graduated with her bachelor’s in pharmacy from Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University. Now, she is studying for her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy and the College of Graduate Health Sciences.
“UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy has a good ranking, coursework, and more than that, I was looking at the different fields of research that was going on here, and the lab that I’m currently working in was one of the labs that I was interested in,” she said. “So, getting an opportunity to work in the area of atherosclerosis, a cardiovascular chronic inflammatory disease, was one of the major factors that pulled me to UT Health Science Center.”
She is conducting research in the lab of Bhupesh Singla, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
“That is the biggest joy, to do something you always wanted to do. To have an opportunity to be in the lab and contribute to a greater wellbeing.”
One of her projects investigates how the molecular mechanisms of myeloid cells contribute to vascular inflammation and the development of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
“It is the root cause of myocardial infarction and stroke. Therefore, it needs immediate resolution. There are drugs in the market, but they don’t target every aspect of this disease pathogenesis, so we need more specific and effective therapeutic options,” she said.
In May, Kathuria was awarded a one-year $5,000 grant from the College of Graduate Health Sciences for her independent research project on macrophage signaling in metabolic dysfunction-associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to identify mechanisms that regulate the development of the disease.
She was awarded first place in the poster presentation competition in the atherosclerosis category at the 2024 Vascular Research Initiatives Conference. She also received a travel award from the College of Graduate Health Sciences to the American Heart Association Vascular Discovery conference in May.
“Ishita is a dedicated and hardworking graduate student. The efforts she put into research work and learning new things are clearly reflected in her current skillset, research progress, and achievements,” said Dr. Singla. “She always views challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Without a doubt, she will set the bar high for incoming students in the lab.”
The research in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program exemplifies one of various opportunities for students, which stood out to her.
“We have different student societies like GSEC (Graduate Student Executive Council), International Students Association, Toastmasters, and different competitions like Three Minute Thesis, poster presentations at Graduate Research Day, and you can attend different conferences. So, what stood out to me was not just about one aspect, but about overall growth,” she said. “Like my mentor, Dr. Singla, or our Program Director Hassan Almoazen, PhD, and Dean of the College of Graduate Health Sciences Donald Thomason, PhD, they all keep motivating you to not just restrict yourself to one particular segment, but expose yourself to different ideologies, opportunities –and they are at the back end to help you go ahead which makes all the difference.”
Kathuria is also a leader and serves as the 2024-2025 secretary of GSEC. She served as the track representative for Pharmaceutical Sciences, secretary and treasurer for the Toastmasters chapter at UT Health Science Center, and the College of Graduate Health Sciences college representative for Asian American Students of Health Science.
“Ishita is an outstanding example of a student who has embraced the various career advancement opportunities we provide,” said Dr. Thomason. “Including her research; the Entrepreneurship course, independent research project funding, alumni engagement, Career Insights participation, GSEC leadership, among others. We are very proud of her accomplishments.”
After she earns her PhD, Kathuria aims to gain industry experience and use her education and experiences to help others in India.
“That is definitely the ultimate goal, to be back in the country and help in whatever way I can with the knowledge I have gained,” she said. She emphasizes her great experiences at UT Health Science Center, especially feeling a sense of belonging here as an international student.
“I am really glad that it is respected here, and it’s not taken for granted. I think that is the biggest plus, that I’m away from my home country and I still I feel that I belong here,” she said. “Because of all the professors, I love my science even more. All the encouragement and motivation from them – I am happy for it, and I made the right choice of being here and learning from this great institute.”
2024 Scholarship Luncheons: Thank You!
There was plenty of joy during the Scholarship Lunches in September and October. These annual lunches are a great opportunity for PharmD students who receive scholarships to interact with the donors who support them. The luncheon in Knoxville was hosted at Chesapeake’s Seafood House on September 18, the Nashville event took place at Maggiano’s Little Italy on Sept. 19, and the Memphis event was held at the UT Health Science Center Mooney Library on October 2.
Thank you for your donations to support future pharmacists at UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy!
Memphis
Nashville Knoxville (Photo credit: Shane Hawkins)
College of Pharmacy Celebrates the Class of 2024
The College of Pharmacy celebrated the graduation of its 126th class, which included 172 graduates, on May 13. The ceremony featured an inspiring speech by Anthony Pudlo, PharmD, the CEO of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association.
The college also celebrated the graduation of the first nine students to complete the Rural Health Certificate program. This program prepares future pharmacists to address health disparities and promote access to health care in rural areas.
The 2024 graduating class excelled following graduation. 97% of the graduates seeking jobs and aiming to enter the workforce were licensed and practicing within three months after graduating, and 90% had job offers before graduation.
View more photos from the ceremony through the QR Code
2024 Student Award Winners
Congratulations to the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy 2024 student award winners who were honored for their excellence and accomplishments. The students received their awards at a dinner on Sunday, May 12.
Valedictorian
Rachael Baggett
Valedictorian
Matthew Middleton
Valedictorian, ImPAcT Class
Kaitlin Echols
Clinical Pharmacy & Translational Science Award
Kayleigh Phillips, PharmD
Excellence in Patient Care Practice
Nicholas Martin, PharmD
The Mid-South College of Clinical Pharmacy
Outstanding Achievement Award
Ashleigh Kirkland, PharmD
Outstanding Pharmacy Communication Skills
Ethan Lobo, PharmD
Excellence in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Practice
Alexandra Cochran, PharmD
Excellence in Community Pharmacy Practice
Emily Murray, PharmD
Outstanding Leadership in Community Pharmacy
Zachary Finch, PharmD
First Tennessee Chair of Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Scholarship and Research Award
Sydni Metzmeier, PharmD
Health Systems Pharmacy Leadership Award
Kush Patel, PharmD
The John L. Butler Award
Rebecca Beaupre, PharmD
Tom C. Sharp, Sr., Leadership Award
Olivia Gabrick, PharmD
Legislative & Policy Award
Kassidy Kirkman, PharmD
Memphis Area Pharmacists Society Award
Glenise Davis, PharmD
Outstanding Student Pharmacist Award
Selected by the Class of 2024
Matthew Middleton, PharmD
Excellence in Academia Award
Thuy Huynh, PharmD
Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information
Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication
Destiny Okpomo, PharmD
Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award
Jessie Gant, PharmD
Merck Academic Excellence Award
Kennedy Washington, PharmD
United States Public Health Service Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Practice Award
Brittany Satterly, PharmD
2024 Faculty Accomplishments and Honors
The College of Pharmacy has received numerous awards, appointments, and honors from esteemed national pharmacists’ organizations in the 2023-24 academic year.
Jungling Wang, PhD
Elected to the Executive Committee of the American Pharmacists Association –Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science – Chairelect of the Economic, Social, and Administrative Sciences Section.
Chasity M. Shelton, BS, PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS and Andrea R Franks, PharmD, FNAP, BCPS
Inducted as Distinguished Practitioner Fellows at the National Academies of Practice.
Wei Li, PhD
Secretary/Treasurer-Elect of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Division for Drug Discovery and Development and Co-Program Leader for Chemical Biology at UT Health Science Center’s Center for Cancer Research.
Bernd Meibohm, PhD
Named a Highly Ranked Scholar in Pharmacokinetics by ScholarGPS. Out of 175,000 worldwide researchers in pharmacokinetics, Dr. Meibohm ranked No. 33, or in the top .05%. The ranking includes active, retired, and deceased scholars.
Tyler Melton, PharmD
Elected Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s Chair for the Tennessee Society of Pharmacists
James Wheeler, PharmD
Elected President-Elect of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s Tennessee Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Ken Hohmeier, PharmD
Appointed to the Editorial Advisory Board for the Journal of American Pharmacists Association.
Alina Cernasev, PharmD, PhD
Elected Executive Leader (Exco) of the Social Administrative Pharmacy Section of the International Pharmacy Federation (FIP).
Titilola M. Afolabi, PharmD
Elected as a member of the ACCP Foundation Board of Trustees
Faculty Promotions
Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science
Rachel Barenie, PharmD, JD
Awarded the Tennessee Pharmacists Association’s 2024 Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award
Faculty Appointments
Ken Hohmeier, PharmD
Appointed to Vice-Chair for Education
Ashley Ellis, PharmD
Appointed to Assistant Dean for Strategic Partnerships and Innovation
Andrea Franks, PharmD
Appointed to Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs
Alina Cernasev, PharmD, PhD
Promoted to Associate Professor
Elizabeth Hall, PharmD
Promoted to Associate Professor
Dawn Havrda, PharmD
Promoted to Professor
Sam Li, PhD
Promoted to Associate Professor
Glen Palmer, PhD
Promoted to Professor
Welcome, New Faculty!
Elizabeth Yett, PharmD
Theodore Morton, PharmD
Promoted to Professor
Brian Peters, PhD
Promoted to Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Jianxiong Jiang
Promoted to Professor
Udai Singh
Promoted to Professor
Dr. Yett joined the college in July 2024 as an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science on the Memphis campus. She obtained her PharmD from the University of the Incarnate Word Feik School of Pharmacy, and her practice site is at Baptist Medical Group’s Finn Medical Associates. Her research interests include pharmacist-led cardiovascular risk reduction services, immunization advocacy, and tobacco cessation.
Amie Throneberry, PharmD
Dr. Throneberry joined the college in August 2024 as an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science on the Nashville campus. She obtained her PharmD from the Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University. and her practice site is as a Clinical Psychiatric Pharmacist at Centennial Psychiatry
Outpatient Clinic in Nashville. Her research interests include focusing on the mental health and wellness of faculty and students, studying behavioral health provider prescribing patterns, exploring perspectives on psychedelic use in behavioral health treatment, working on improving access to long-acting injectable antipsychotics, and utilizing transitions of care to reduce rehospitalizations of behavioral health patients.
Luke Hentrich, PharmD
Dr. Hentrich joined the college in August 2024 as an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science on the Knoxville campus. He obtained his PharmD from Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University. His practice site is the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, where he serves as a preceptor for the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in Inpatient Family Medicine. His research interests focus on chronic lung conditions, diabetes management, and interdisciplinary education.
Sudeshna Roy, PhD
Dr. Roy joined the college as an associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and holds a PhD from the University of MissouriSt. Louis. Previously, she served as an assistant professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy at the University of Mississippi. Her research focuses on addressing the challenges posed by drug-resistant infectious diseases by developing small molecules as chemotherapeutic agents to enhance human health.
The College of Pharmacy Alumni Association annually recognizes and honors alumni for their contributions to the pharmacy profession.
2024 Outstanding Alumnus Award Recipient
Ronnie R. Felts, BS ’74, DPh
Dr. Felts decided at age 14 he wanted to be a pharmacist and never wavered from that decision. He opened Joelton Prescription Shop on April 1, 1974, just 14 days after graduating from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy, as a 50/50 partner based on a mere handshake. After a few short years, he was able to buy out his partner and continue practicing there for 47 years in his hometown of Joelton, Tennessee. Dr. Felts’ first patient was also his last; her prescription was the first prescription he filled and hers was the last prescription he dispensed the day he closed.
Dr. Felts attended Austin Peay State University, Mercer University College of Pharmacy (P1 year), University of Memphis and the UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy. He graduated with two degrees while working full time.
The most fulfilling parts of Dr. Felts’ career have been imparting knowledge, serving as a mentor, and motivating aspiring pharmacy students. He had the good fortune and opportunity to supervise hundreds of P1, P2, P3, and P4 students from five different pharmacy colleges, as well as students from various other nations.
In addition to his beloved alma mater, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, he was pleased to precept students from Belmont University, Union University, Lipscomb University, and East Tennessee State University Colleges of Pharmacy. He was able to contribute back to the university and his beloved profession as an adjunct lecturer and assistant professor. He worked for the Tennessee Department of Human Services, Adult Protective Division, for 10 years as a pharmacist consultant and for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Drug Diversion Task Force. Dr. Felts was asked to testify at a U.S. Senate subcommittee hearing in Washington, DC, and as a result, a law was passed that made it illegal to steal controlled substances from a drugstore or a pharmacist. Two documentaries highlighted Dr. Felts and his pharmacy. One from Warner Bros. of Sweden was on the negative effects of overprescribing opiates in the United States based on the Wong Baker Scale, and the other, from National Geographic’s DRUGS, INC., discussed the effects of the opioid epidemic on society.
Some national outlets have highlighted Joelton Prescription Shop. The pharmacy was highlighted in an article titled “Independent Superstars, The Ones To Watch” in the magazine Drug Topics, where Dr. Felts was given two commendations. “Handling A Crisis” received one recognition, and “Excellent Pharmacy Services” received another. Additionally, the pharmacy was listed as “One of Six Southern Super Pharmacies” for pharmacy practice in the America’s Pharmacist magazine and locally received a community choice award as “The Best of Music City Pharmacies” in 2020.
The Nashville Tennessean newspaper recognized and profiled Dr. Felts as “One of Twenty-Two of Nashville’s Successful Businessmen and Entrepreneurs of the Year.”
In 2013 and 2018, he was honored with the Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy’s IPPE Preceptor of the Year Award. Dr. Felts was awarded the prestigious
Bowl of Hygeia Award in 2016 and the Cardinal Health “Generation Rx Award” in 2015 in recognition of his efforts to reduce drug diversion and abuse of controlled substances.
Dr. Felts created and oversaw the Community Pharmacy Diabetes Program. He treated diabetes as “a couple’s disease,” a novel approach, and gave three evening presentations in store. For many years, Dr. Felts has been a member of the TPA and supporter of the pharmacy profession. In addition, he previously served as a member of the alumni board of directors and the dean’s advisory council in the College of Pharmacy.
After 55 years of marriage to Sandra, the love of his life, he has three sons: Mark, Rusty, and Todd. They collaborated to create a 13-week marriage enrichment program called “Marriage: The Meaning, The Myths and The Maintenance,” which is offered in four states at various churches and Christian retreat places. For over 30 years, they have led Sunday School sessions for couples and participated in the chorus. For more than 40 years, they have been members of First Baptist Church Joelton, where Dr. Felts held the position of chairman of the board. “You can give without loving but you can’t love without giving” is the motto he has attempted to live by. Dr. Felts has enjoyed a full fifty-year career in this most trusted profession. With cherished memories that will last a lifetime, he is now retired.”
2024 Distinguished Service to Pharmacy Award Recipient
C. Edwin Webb, Jr., BS ’72, PharmD ’73, MPH, FCCP
Dr. Webb serves as a consultant and senior policy advisor to the executive director and Board of Regents of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the national professional and scientific society of pharmacists providing leadership in clinical pharmacy practice, research, and education. He joined the ACCP staff in 2000, establishing and managing its Washington, DC, office until his formal retirement from the senior executive staff in August 2018. He served the ACCP as director of Government and Professional Affairs (2000-2008) and as associate executive director (2009-2018).
His portfolio has included federal legislative and regulatory advocacy and communications, professional and interorganizational affairs, and policy analysis, development, and implementation. Working with colleagues in the pharmacy policy community, he led the implementation of successful legislative and policy Fellow programs for pharmacists and pharmacy educators with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the U.S. Congress, and the National Academy of Medicine.
Dr. Webb holds Bachelor of Science (1972) and Doctor of Pharmacy (1973) degrees from the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, and a Master of Public Health degree with a major in health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health (1985). He completed a Primary Health Care Policy Fellowship with the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Public Health Service (1993) and was inducted in 2010 as a fellow of the pharmacy academy of the National Academies of Practice, the nation’s principal interprofessional health care policy and advocacy organization.
Dr. Webb has more than 30 years of national pharmacy association executive experience in the areas of policy analysis, advocacy, and clinical/professional affairs, having also served on the staffs of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (1992-2000) and the American Pharmacists Association (19871992). Prior to moving to Washington, he served for 10 years as the director of Pharmacy Education of the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville, North Carolina, holding faculty appointments in pharmacy and family medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine. His clinical practice and teaching responsibilities were in critical care adult and pediatric pharmacotherapy.
2024 Recent Alumnus Award Recipient
Brian L. Winbigler, PharmD ’14
Dr. Winbigler, site manager of Alliance for Multispecialty Research (AMR)-Knoxville, received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, a Master of Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD) from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and completed a community pharmacy residency.
In his previous role as an assistant professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science in UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy, Dr. Winbigler directed the Substance Use Disorders (SUD) elective and the Substance Abuse, GI, and Nutrition module.
He currently works with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as a Regional Overdose Prevention Specialist, providing training and education on SUDrelated issues impacting Tennessee. As a site manager for AMR, he oversees operations at sites in Knoxville and New Orleans. Alongside his wife, Jennifer Winbigler, MD, they run Winbigler Medical providing tailored health care solutions.
Dr. Winbigler holds active membership in state and national organizations, including the American Society of Addiction Medicine, the American Pharmacists Association, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and the Tennessee Pharmacists Association (TPA), serving as vice-chair of the TPA Resolutions Committee. Dr. Winbigler is the recipient of state and federal funds for SUD-related research.
In the community, Dr. Winbigler volunteers and serves on the board for Harbours Gate and works with the Knox County Harm Reduction Coalition. These organizations provide educational opportunities and resources that address substance misuse prevention and treatment. He also serves on the Blount County Board of Health, Maryville City Schools Foundation, and is the president of the UT Alumni Association Board of Governors. He bleeds orange, loves the outdoors, and spends the summers on the lake and winters on the slopes.
The Winbiglers live in Maryville, Tennessee, and are the proud parents of three sons Max, 12, Wyatt, 9, and Ayres, 4.
Alumna Prepares for Treasurer Role on UT Alumni Association Board of Governors
By Nathan Ball
Cindy Brasher, PharmD, developed a passion for serving in organizations while studying at UT Martin and becoming involved with campus organizations, such as the Undergraduate Alumni Association and her sorority.
“My parents taught me that if you want to contribute to change, you must take active steps. Passivity is not an option,” says Dr. Brasher, an alumna of UT Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy (2010) and the manager of compounding at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her dedication to change through positive leadership has culminated in her recent appointment as the secretarytreasurer of the UT Alumni Association’s Board of Governors.
Dr. Brasher’s journey to becoming a pharmacist was not a direct one. After working as an elementary school teacher for seven years, she applied to the College of Pharmacy as a non-traditional student. It was during this time that she realized the importance of being involved in national pharmacy organizations.
Dr. Brasher attributes her growth and exploration of new opportunities and passions to her mentors in the College of Pharmacy. “Many professors and preceptors at the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy would suggest new ideas to me and encourage me to think about the next steps. Even when I hesitated to apply for something or try new things, they were always there to support and guide me,” Dr. Brasher says.
Her mentors in the college also played a crucial role in helping her pursue a career in pharmacy administration, encouraging her to complete a residency as a pharmacy administrator at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, which eventually led to her earning a master’s degree in pharmacy administration from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.
Today, Dr. Brasher is actively involved in several pharmacy organizations, including the American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. She also served on the UT Alumni Association Women’s Council and as a board member on the UT Alumni Association Board of Governors from 2020-2024.
The College of Pharmacy instilled in Dr. Brasher a commitment to education as both a teacher and a lifelong learner. “I appreciated the mix of current
providers and academic professionals at the college,” she says. “They involved many teachers, professors, and industry experts who shared their real-world experiences through lectures. The clinical training prepared us well for our future careers, emphasizing the importance of approaching clinical challenges and effectively applying medical literature.”
These research skills are crucial as Dr. Brasher contributes to creating positive outcomes for children at St. Jude. “In pediatrics, there are many medications for which we lack sufficient information. I spend a lot of time researching the literature to understand the best approaches for our pediatric patients,” Dr. Brasher explains.
In her current role at St. Jude, her passion for teaching has only grown stronger. Now, as a preceptor for the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and often serving as a guest lecturer, she finds joy in donning her teacher’s hat again. Dr. Brasher takes pride in mentoring pharmacy students and fostering their development with the same vigor she brings to lifelong learning. “The learning continues. It didn’t just go away,” she says.
Dr. Brasher began her term as treasurer of the UT Alumni Association Board of Governors in August 2024. She will oversee financial matters, student scholarships, and teacher awards. Providing financial support to students through scholarships is especially important to her, as she was a scholarship recipient while attending pharmacy school. As a pharmacy student pursuing education later in life, scholarships provided the additional support that helped her achieve her goals on a timeline better suited to her needs.
Dr. Brasher values acknowledging teachers for their exceptional contributions to inspiring and educating students. She believes awards and financial rewards are great ways to express gratitude to teachers for their work. “We all remember those teachers who really made a difference when we were in school,” she says. “That’s why scholarships and teaching awards are so important. How do we recognize the students and teachers for what they’re doing and support them in that?”
Her commitment to serving the University of Tennessee community continues to positively impact the students and educators throughout the UT System.
Thank You for Your Membership in the 1911 Society
UT Health Science Center’s 1911 Society recognizes the dedicated supporters of the university, who are vital partners in our mission of educating students, conducting innovative research, and improving health outcomes.
Named for the year the Health Science Center was founded, the 1911 Society celebrates our generous donors, who each year make their gifts of $100 or more between July 1 and the following June 30. Recognition levels reflect
Annual Giving Partners (Gifts made July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)
HYMAN ASSOCIATE PARTNERS ($5,000+)
Academy of Student Pharmacists
American Association of Colleges
Anonymous Donor
Christopher C. Balton
Ivy L. Chang
CVS Health Foundation
Frederick Guthrie and Cindy Guthrie
Linda Wooten Highers
Marcus Dortch and Rhonda R. Hollins-Dortch
Kim Tin Huynh and Minh Quang Thai
Michael L. Mohler and Heather Anne Pratt
Ann S. Presley
Darrell A. Raber
Elizabeth Betts Regen and Kerry Regen
Retina Research Foundation
Van Vleet Foundation
Walgreens
Bruce White and Sarah White
Chris Wood and Christa M. George
PATRON PARTNERS ($2,500 - $4,999)
Connie Balton
Bradley A. Boucher and Barbara Boucher
Bernard Britton
Casey Cantrell
Don Fancher and Sandra Haverstick Fancher
Rebecca R. Ferrante and Brandon Ferrante
Genentech, Inc.
Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
Zongtao Lin and Xian Han
total contributions during the year to any college, program, or fund at the UT Health Science Center. Gifts are renewable annually to retain membership in the 1911 Society.
The Office of Advancement wishes to thank all donors for their commitment to the College of Pharmacy and the university. For details, go to giving.uthsc.edu/1911. To make a gift, please visit giving.uthsc.edu/give or call 901.448.5516.
Maymee Miller Cantrell Foundation
Joseph M. Swanson and Alicia Stefanski
UnitedHealth Group
Jin Wang and Min Xiao
CHANCELLOR’S CIRCLE PARTNERS ($1,000 - $2,499)
Abbott Laboratories
Rita R. Alloway
Jack C. Bradberry and Monte S. Bradberry
Andrea Bullington and Robert Bullington
Michelle Butler and Kerry L. Butler
Cigna Corporation
Micah Cost and Kyle Cost
Jerry Duren and Erma Duren
Duren Pharmacy
Christopher Finch and Andrea Finch
Jana Fuqua
Mary Lisa Gingras and Michael K. Gingras
Brigitte Grant
Tracy M. Hagemann
David Hayes and Liza Makowski-Hayes
Catherine Herrington
Melissa T. Holyfield and T. Derek Holyfield
Natalie P. Kittrell and Adam Kittrell
S. Casey Laizure and Joanna Q. Hudson Laizure
Richard E. Lee
Katherine L. March
Helen McClaren
Duane D Miller and Shirl Taylor-Miller
Paul T. Motheral
Ramesh Narayanan and Priya Ramesh
Novartis Pharmaceutical Company
Stephanie Phelps and Leigh A. Price
Sloan M. Regen
Dave Rogers and Kelly Rogers
Rick Sain and Amy Sain
Michael Schwartz and Doris E. Schwartz
Chasity M. Shelton and J. Michael Shelton
Namita Sinha and Santosh Kumar
Dustin M. Smith and Sarah A. Smith
Jeffrey Sycamore and Karen Sycamore
Tennessee Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation
Qinghui Wang
Lynette L. Washington and Danny Washington
Marilyn Webster and Tom Webster
Randle S. Williams
Leslie Wolfe and Travis Wolfe
Caroline S. Zeind and Paul Pasquerella
DEAN’S ALLIANCE PARTNERS
($500 - $999)
Najah Ghazi Albadari
Ann Allen and Carey Allen
John Autian and Jennifer Autian
Souvik Banerjee
Baeteena M. Black and G. Robert Black
Cynthia A. Brasher
Jessica Carlisle and Chancellor Carlisle
Michael Christensen and Robbin Christensen
Caitlin Clark and William Clark
Mary D. Crom and William R. Crom
Kendra L. Flanagan
Jaime Chapman Flowers and Timothy Flowers
Charles P. Flynn
Andrea R. Franks and Lee S. Franks
Reginald Frye and Carole Frye
Donna Gaffney and Patrick M. Gaffney
Sandra Gomes and William Gomes
Dawn Havrda and Steve Havrda
Joseph Kasser
Flavenia L. Leaper
Wei Li and Xiaochen Li
Ann R. Looney and William T. Looney
Stephanie D. Manno and Mark Manno
Anna L. McCollum
Tracy Leigh McDowd and Joshua McDowd
Patrick McMackin and Karen McMackin
Amanda A. Miller
Tara Brandon Moore and John O. Moore, Jr.
Keyur Raman Parmar
Neelu P. Patil and Avinash S. Patil
Mary Moore Perez
James Pershing and Brenda Pershing
Lawrence Pfeffer and Susan Pfeffer
Anthony Pudlo
Amber L. Putman and Stacey W. Putman
Jeffrey A. Reitz
Lea Ann Roberson and Brian Roberson
Mark Ruleman and Mary Ruleman
Karen Hamrick Samaan
Steve Young and Nelda Young
Shan Sun
Natalie A. Tate
Gary W. Taylor and Janice L. Taylor
Gabor J. Tigyi and Louisa Balazs
Allie Webb
Daniel R. Wells and Lindsey D. Wells
Arthur Williams, Jr.
Brian Winbigler and Jennifer Winbigler
Sampaguita Samontanes Wright
Zhongzhi Wu and Hui Cheng
Donghua Yin and Hulping Xu
Kui Zeng
VISIONARY PARTNERS
($250 - $499)
David Albin and Pamela Albin
Karen Anderson
Robert T. Bibb and Kimberly Bibb
Chester Blankenship and Carol Blankenship
Jay Bobo and Kelly Bobo
Alexander A. Boucher and Jeana Boucher
Kaleb A. Brown
John Buolamwini
Leah M. Burns
Amber M. Cagle and Erik Gott
Eric A. Carter
Lingerfelt Drug Center
Hao Chen and Jingwen Wang
Richard Chinouth and Susanna B. Chinouth
Carol Collins-Carriveau and Brian Carriveau
Theodore J. Cory
Isaac Donkor and Veronica Donkor
Gary W. Dorris and Ginger Dorris
Douglas Duncan and Karen Duncan
Matthew Duprey
William E. Evans and Mary V. Relling
Bin Fang
Billy Ford and Marsha Ford
Kara Fortune and Justin W. Fortune
Steve Foster and Sheree J. Foster
Carolyn Green Frazier and Roy Frazier
Bethany Goolsby
Alexandra R. Guido
Ingrid Hall and Marvin E. Hall
Danny Hall and Linda Hal
Jane S. Hankins and Edward W. Hankins
Sandra D. Hardaway and Andrew Hardaway
HCA, Inc.
Matthew R. Helms and Jennifer K. Gillespie Helms
Dennis Henson and Leslie C. Henson
Mary Jane Huber
Stephen Huffines and Helen Huffines
David W. Huntley and Patricia Huntley
Andrew Jarrell
Patricia A. Keller
Larry Key and Jenna Key
Eric Lee and K. Renee Lee
Mark Lingerfelt and Maria Lingerfelt
Mary Margaret Lister and Jonathan F. Lister
Jiuyu Lu and Yan Lu
Shanea A. McKinney and David Earl McKinney
Randy R. McNally III and Janice R. McNally
Catherine D. Meeks
Bernd Meibohm and Ingrid Beierle
Memphis Area Pharmacist Society
Genevieve D. Moore and Curtis E. Moore, Jr.
Anthony W. Morton and Kim D. Morton
Andrea Lazarini Murff
Dennis O’Dell and Martha O’Dell
Thomas Onstott and Mary D. Onstott
Ben J. Peacock
Brian Peters and Tracy L. Peters
Barbara W. Porteous and Douglas Porteous
John M. Rayburn
Larry M. Rouse
Tiffany N. Seagroves
Lewis M. Sharp III
Walton T. Shearin, Jr.
Melissa Smith and Alan G. Smith
Pengfei Song
R. Van Swaim
Carol A. Taylor
Rachel E. Vaughn
Matthew Vicars and Mary Vicars
Junling Wang and Fanlun Meng
Chala B. Wayu
Chao-Yie Yang
MILESTONE PARTNERS
($100 - $249)
Robert Adams and Linda Adams
Samson A. Akanji and Olubukola Akanji
Wesley Ball and Nicki Ball
Kimberly Barnes
Eloise Barth and Ben Barth
Sarka Beranova-Giorgianni and Francesco Giorgianni
Angela Bingham
Bradley Bishop and Elizabeth Bishop
Jerry N. Blevins
Vijay Boda and Fnu Himanshi
Bobby Boruff and Frances Boruff
Rhonda Boutte
Benjamin Brantley and Linda Brantley
Kennard Brown and Cynthia Brown
Gary J. Buchanan
John Burns and Joan Burns
Adrianne Y. Butler and Daryl K. Butler
Debbie Byrd and Robert Byrd
Marie A. Chisholm-Burns and John F. Burns
Jennifer Chow and Bradley Chow
Angela Clauson
Michael Clepper and Anne Clepper
Carlton Cole and Suzie Cole
Carmen Coleman
Charles Coley and Kimberly Coley
Kathryn Connor
William Cozart and Mary Cozart
Mary J. Craine and Micah B. Craine
Cathy R. Creger
Phyllis A. Crockett
Charles Cruze and Peggy Cruze
Robert DellaValle
Shanshan Deng and Xiaoxin Wu
Roland N. Dickerson
Davidson Discount Drugs
Benjamin T. Duhart Jr.
Dianne Vest Duncan
Deborah E. Dunlap
Rickey L. Edwards
Donald Edwards and Cindy Edwards
Jeannine Ervin
Bernard Evers and Karen Evers
Glen Farr and Kathy Farr
Shannon W. Finks and Lloyd Finks
Kelsey D. Frederick and Codey Frederick
James Gardner and Brenda Gardner
Teresa Graham
Margaret K. Graham
Jason Greene and April Greene
William L. Greene
Alfred Greenwood and Carolynn Greenwood
Julia A. Guillory
Maxwell Gyamfi and Fathia Gyamfi
Leslie A. Hamilton
Kenneth Harr and Carol Harr
Patricia Ann Harris and David Joseph Harris, Jr.
Stephen B. Hauk and Betty Jo Hauk
Brandon K. Hawkins
Monica Schumacher Heinzman
Kirk E. Hevener
Jerry R. Hinson and Paula Hinson
Billy Holt and Elizabeth Holt
Jamie K. Hopkins and Richard Hopkins
Sara A. Hudson
Donya Humphrey
Dong-Jin Hwang
Sherry Ingram
Daniel Johnson
Paula C. Jones and Maxie Jones
James Jones and Ann Jones
Nancy A. Klein and Jay Klein
Michio Kurosu
Sara Layman and Rhett Layman
Philip Ledger and Lucinda T. Ledger
Jeffrey A. Lewis
David W. Litchford
Joseph Lynch and Linda Lynch
Ronald W. Maddox
Thomas Marcrom and Elaine D. Marcrom
James Mathis and Robbie C. Mathis
Susan McAlpin and John L. McAlpin
John D. McBee
Marx McClellan and Maxine McClellan
Michael McKenzie and Deborah McKenzie
Barbara Thompson McKinnon
Steven G. Medley
Blair Miller
Susan Hearn Morgan and Patrick Morgan
Dana Moss and Carolyn Moss
Eric Mueller
Diana Mulherin
Cindy Nettle
Stephanie Johnson Nichols
Frank Park and Michelle Bell
Robert Parker and Robin L. Parker
Shelby Denniston Patrick and Joe Patrick
Steven Peggs and Rita Peggs
Kate Pera
Amy L. Peterson
Gerald L. Phillips III
Tony G. Phillips and Kimothy Phillips
Timothy Poe and Helen Poe
Tony Powers and Tracie Powers
Kathryn Qualls
Benton H. Quarles
Anna Rikard
Kimberly M. Roberts
Kenneth B. Roberts and Kittye Roberts
Kathleen E. Robertson
Erica L. Rowe and Anthony Rowe
Ann C. Russell
Jolanta Sakaan and Haysam Sakaan
Charles J. Salerno and Diane Salerno
Vicki A. Sanford
Frank T. Sawyers, Jr.
Jennifer Schoelles
Tracey Shotwell and Hollye Shotwell
Joseph A. Skelton and Kristen P. Skelton
Dana C. Smith and James T. Smith
Arthur Straughn and Caroly Straughn
Charles W. Susong
George Sydnor and Rebecca P. Sydnor
Timothy Sykes and Mary Sykes
Philip S. Tatum
Steven D. Taylor
Mandy P. Thames and Robert B. Thames
Jill Thompson
Timothy Tucker and Diane Tucker
Pavan Kumar V.N.R Vaddady
Bryan Vaughn and Margaret S. Vaughn
Marda Wallace
Sarah K. Wassil
Barbara L. Wells
James S. Wheeler and Sperry Wheeler
Stefane K. Williams and Thomas E. Williams
Clare Wiseman
Lee Lipscomb Wright
Jin Xu
Murali M. Yallapu
Tripp York and Carmon B. York
David Young and Linda E. Young
Sicheng Zhang
*indicates deceased
Golden Graduates
The 2023 Golden Graduate Homecoming was a great success. Alumni from four colleges, including seven from the College of Pharmacy, attended the three-day event last October to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation from UT Health Science Center. Everyone was greeted on Wednesday at the historic Peabody Hotel, followed by the Golden Graduate Ceremony and dinner on campus in the newly renovated Mooney Library. The alumni and their guests enjoyed a breakfast together Thursday morning, and then headed to the campus for individual College Open Houses and Lunch, followed by a tour of the Center for Healthcare Improvement and Patient Simulation (CHIPS). We continued to celebrate Thursday evening with the Golden Graduate Dinner at the Peabody Hotel and concluded the homecoming on Friday morning with a farewell breakfast. It was a wonderful reunion for everyone!
Leave Your Legacy
Have you thought about the legacy you will leave behind?
With a Planned Gift, you can:
• Simplify your estate for your family
• Reduce the tax burden applied to your assets
• Benefit causes you hold dear
The UT Health Science Center Legacy Society
The Legacy Society was inspired by the dedication and generosity of the late Dr. Hershel “Pat” Wall, former chancellor and dean of the College of Medicine at UT Health Science Center, special assistant to the UT System President, and instructor in pediatrics.
For more information about planned gifts to the UT Health Science Center and Legacy Society membership, contact Bethany Goolsby at 901.448.5516 or estateplans@uthsc.edu
Thank you to our Legacy Society Members!
Estate of Mr. and Mrs. Errette S. Bevins, Jr.
Dr. Bradley A. and Mrs. Barbara Boucher
Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Harold M. Casey
Estate of Clarke W. Chidester
Estate of Elizabeth Clifton
Estate of Dr. Leonard I. Compton
Dr. Alan B. and Mrs. Mary Lynn Corley
Dr. Laura J. Crass
Dr. James C. Eoff III and Mrs. Ann Eoff
Mrs. Sandra Haverstick Fancher and Mr. Don C. Fancher
Dr. Glen E. and Mrs. Kathy B. Farr
Dr. Robert M. and Mrs. Jonna Fink
Dr. Jana L. Fuqua
Mr. Christopher A. and Mrs. Watson B. Hall
Dr. Linda Highers
Dr. David W. and Mrs. Patricia J. Huntley
Estate of Alvin C. Hutcherson
Drs. Kim Tin Huynh and Minh Quang Thai
Estate of Betty Kirksey
Dr. Rose Sizemore Laffoon
Dr. Helen McClaren
Estate of Dr. Ben S. Moore
Dr. Tommy W. and Mrs. Stephanie Page
Dr. Stephen H. Powell and Mrs. Diane Morris Powell*
Dr. and Mrs. James R. Price
Drs. Kerry S. and Elizabeth B. Regen
Estate of Henry C. Shapard
Dr. David A. Shepard* and Mrs. Martha Shepard
Estate of Samuel E. Stubbs
Dr. Michael G. and Mrs. Ann Swaim
Estate of Gladys Swearingen
Estate of Dr. Robert Ben Taylor
Drs. Chris Wood and Christa M. George
*denotes someone who is deceased, but spouse is still living
In Memoriam
Class of 1950
Charles R. Sharp
Cottontown, TN
Class of 1952
M. Allen Parsons, Jr. Plainfield, IN
Class of 1955
David L. Cunningham Memphis, TN
Paul E. Maples Batesville, AR
Class of 1962
William B. Horner Lewisburg, TN
Class of 1963
Jerry D. Reynolds Chattanooga, TN
Class of 1965
P. Ron Powell Gallatin, TN
Alumni Board of Directors
OFFICERS
President
Kara Fortune, PharmD ’04
President-Elect
Micah Cost, PharmD ’08
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tasfia Ahmed, PharmD ’12
Bernard Britton, PharmD ’17
Ivy Chang, PharmD ’91
Mark Dearth, PharmD ’05
Rhonda Garner, PharmD ’07
Cameron James, PharmD ’04
Area Vice Presidents
Rita Alloway, PharmD ’88
Rob Bullington, PharmD ’04
Derek Holyfield, PharmD ’02
Class of 1968
Joe C. Harris Memphis, TN
Class of 1969
Kenneth R. Maloney Middleton, TN
Class of 1972
Ray E. Marcrom Manchester, TN
Immediate Past President
Rick Sain, PharmD ’89
Katie March, PharmD ’15
Tracy McDowd, PharmD ’09
Stephanie Phelps, PharmD ’82
Kothanur Rajanna, BS ’82, MPharm
Rebecca Regen Ferrante, PharmD ’11
David Rogers, PharmD ’94
Michael Schwartz, PharmD ’16
Lacey Sexton, PharmD ’10
Cindy Smith, PharmD ’91
Bruce White, BS ’74, JD ’76
Leslie Wolfe, PharmD ’10
Registration opens December 6, 2024. Accommodations available at the Central Station Memphis Hotel. Until then, contact your classmates and tell them to meet you in Memphis!
Alumni Weekend Events
Activities and events will be held at Central Station Memphis Hotel, the UT Health Science Center campus, and various reunion venues.
Alumni Awards Dinner
Thursday, April 3
CoP Alumni Association Board of Directors Meeting Friday, April 4
Reunions for the classes of 1985, 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2015 CoP Continuing Education Program Saturday, April 5
Interested in serving as a class reunion volunteer? Contact Blair Duke at rduke5@uthsc.edu or 901.448.2555 alumni.uthsc.edu | give.uthsc.edu/campaigns/42945/donations/new College of Pharmacy Alumni Weekend April 3–6, 2025 | Memphis, TN SAVE
Alumni Welcome Reception Friday, April 4
College of Pharmacy Continuing Education Program Sunday, April 6