Message from the Dean
I hope you enjoy this issue of the Scripts, which highlights the School of Pharmacy’s 2015 and 2016 activities. It’s been an eventful two years and many changes have occurred during this time period. As you will read in this issue, one Dean retired, an Interim Dean was named and a new Dean was appointed. Several new faculty and staff were hired and two new degree programs were initiated. The Medical Laboratory Sciences program was launched in fall 2016. This bachelor’s degree program is directed by Jed Doxtater and housed at UW Casper, on the Casper College Campus. Bringing this major back to UW provides a great career option for students and fulfills a critical health care need for the State and region. The online master’s degree in Health Services Administration was also launched this fall. The program is directed by David Brushwood and offers students three areas of concentration—biopharmaceutical regulatory compliance, health economics and outcomes and health institution leadership. Practitioners can obtain advanced knowledge and skills while maintaining their current careers. The School also partnered with Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership society, to pilot test a new Leadership Academy for students and faculty. This program is designed to help schools of pharmacy meet newly revised accreditation standards dealing with co-curricular activities and leadership development. 2016 also brought many financial challenges to both UW and the School of Pharmacy as a result of state-wide budget cuts. The School lost four open faculty positions and took a cut in our state support budget. These combined cuts represented nearly 15% of our state funds allocation. In spite of the budget challenges, we took the opportunity to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding the School of Pharmacy. To mark the anniversary and the appointment of Craig Frederick (class of 2000) as the Executive Director of the Wyoming Pharmacy Association (WPhA), the School and WPhA are hosting receptions around Wyoming (Powell - Oct 2016; Rock Springs/Green River - January 2017; Gillette and Sheridan - April 2017; Casper - June 2017; Torrington and Cheyenne – July/August 2017). The school is also hosting alumni receptions at national meetings throughout the academic year (AACP meeting in Anaheim, CA - July 2016; ASHP Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas - December 2016; UW Foundation Board Meeting in Scottsdale – Feb 2017; and the APhA meeting in San Francisco - March 2017). Join us for these receptions if you are in the area. The UWSOP faculty, staff and administration are excited about the opportunities that abound in 2017. A new Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) will be opened in Laramie this year. The School will partner with the FQHC to run the 340B pharmacy in the clinic. We’re also exploring other opportunities to diversify the School’s revenue. The 2017 fundraising efforts will be focused on increasing student scholarships. Our current scholarships cover only 2% of the total tuition paid by our students. We are also working on new student development opportunities outside of the curriculum (co-curricular activities) to enhance students’ skills and meet newly revised accreditation standards. One of my favorite parts of being Dean is meeting our alumni, hearing stories about your time as students, and learning about your careers. If you are in the Laramie area, please stop by for a visit. Let me know any time you have questions about the School or ideas for improvement. On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the UW School of Pharmacy, I wish you and your family all the best in 2017.
2015-2016 Highlights
¾¾ 40 PharmD students graduated in the class of 2016. ¾¾ The School of Pharmacy welcomed its first class of students in the Online Master of Science in Health Services Administration degree program. ¾¾ Dean Linda Gore Martin retired in January 2016. ¾¾ Kem Krueger was selected to serve as Dean. ¾¾ The Medical Laboratory Sciences bachelors program has 14 students. ¾¾ Four students are currently completing an MBAPharmD degree.
Service
¾¾ Pharmacy students and faculty organized the annual Fall into Good Health Fair on the Laramie campus.
Scholarly Activity
Faculty and students ¾¾ authored or coauthored 76 peer-reviewed publications. ¾¾ presented 34 national peer-reviewed podium or poster presentations, 27 regional presentations, and 33 invited presentations. ¾¾ submitted 13 proposals for external funding – 3 funded starting FY 2017 including one R01 and one P30. ¾¾ submitted 5 proposals to obtain funding from internal sources: 4 funded at $9,150 and 1 unfunded at $998. ¾¾ continued work on 8 externally funded US grants; 2 internationally funded grants; and 7 internally funded grants.
¾¾ The Pharmacy student team raised a total of $5,495 as part of the University of Wyoming’s 2016 Relay for Life event. They won awards for Top Overall Team for fundraising and Best Use of Theme. UWSOP faculty and students ¾¾ hold elected offices in 3 national professional societies. ¾¾ serve on 37 committees in 17 national or international professional societies. ¾¾ serve on editorial boards for 14 journals. ¾¾ serve as reviewers for nearly 90 journals and professional societies.
Dean Linda Gore Martin Retires
After serving as Dean of the School of Pharmacy for three years, Linda Gore Martin retired in January 2016. College of Health Sciences Dean Joe Steiner was appointed to serve as Interim Dean during the process of selecting asnd hiring a new dean. Dean Martin had a long and rich history with the School of Pharmacy. She developed the Drug Information Center in 1975 and ran it until 2000, when she accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Social and Administrative Pharmacy. While working full time running the Drug Information Center, she earned both an MBA from University of Wyoming and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Creighton University. Throughout her career Dean Martin was active in service to the University and the community, in her research and contributions to the Pharmacy profession, and in teaching and mentoring students. Dean John Vandel (2003-2012) remembers how helpful Martin was during his transition and during his tenure as dean. He notes that “her advice was always correct.” The quality of Dr. Martin’s work is reflected in the many awards she received, including the Daniel Klein Spirit of Volunteerism Award from the Laramie Downtown Clinic, the Wyoming Pharmacist of the Year Award, the ASHP Distinguished Service Award, the Mortar Board “Top Prof ” Award, the University of Wyoming Excellence in Advising Award (twice) , the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences Researcher Award, and the University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award. During her tenure as dean, Dr. Martin was instrumental in leading the school’s reaccreditation efforts, which resulted in the School’s continued accreditation through June 2021. Looking back at her years as dean, she says “I am so proud of where the School of Pharmacy is today. I took it over in a good place, but my team (faculty, staff, and students) has moved it to a much higher level. It was all done with a great working relationship—that sense of community that is so important.” Dean Martin will be greatly missed. Her retirement plans include spending the winters in Ft. Mohave, AZ and looking forward to the great summer and fall of Laramie.
Sara Gorin, Director of the Laramie Downtown Clinic (left) and Dr. Ann Marie Hart, Associate professor of Nursing (right), present Dean Linda Gore Martin with the Daniel Klein Spirit of Volunteerism Award.
Distinguished Alumnus
Dr. Courtney Fletcher was selected as the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy’s 2016 distinguished alumnus for 2016 and was honored during College of Health Sciences and School of Pharmacy Homecoming events in October. Fletcher received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy with honors at UW in 1978, as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy from the College of Pharmacy at University of Minnesota in 1982. He is currently Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Fletcher started working in HIV therapeutics in the very early days of the AIDS epidemic. “The challenge I faced, and really all scientists and clinicians faced, was the limits on what we could do, because it was a new disease and we did not have drugs, or very effective drugs, that would reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection,” he says. “But, where we are today, with HIVinfected persons being able to receive therapy that basically can provide them a normal life space, is a compelling illustration of facing challenges head on, being persistent, being innovative and working as part of a team.” Dr. Fletcher (center) with School of Pharmacy Dean Kem Krueger and Fletcher was elected as a fellow of the American As- College of Health Sciences Dean Joe Steiner sociation for the Advancement of Science for “distin- says. “The School of Pharmacy gave me the theory and guished contributions to the field of antiviral pharma- tools for a career in pharmacy. From the professors, I cology, particularly for clinical studies to identify the saw role models for how I wanted to practice pharmacy, mechanisms for variable drug response.” and for being a scientist.” In 2005, Fletcher was selected to give the TherapeuAsked what advice he would give to prospective and tics Frontiers Award Lecture for the American Colcurrent students, Fletcher says, “Pharmacy is a great lege of Clinical Pharmacy. The Therapeutics Frontiers career, with new career choices and paths unfolding on Award honors an internationally recognized scientist a regular basis. Take advantage of challenges and opporwhose research is actively advancing the frontiers of tunities. For current students, work hard, and enjoy time pharmacotherapy. off with your friends and family. And, to quote Fleet“The education I received at the UW School of Phar- wood Mac (the best rock ’n’ roll band ever): ‘Don’t stop macy prepared me exceedingly well for my career,” he thinking about tomorrow.’”
Administrative Team
Kem Krueger School of Pharmacy Dean
Tonja Woods Associate Dean of Faculty
Sreejayan Nair Associate Dean of Research
Michelle Hilaire Associate Dean of Students
Student Service Highlights A team of Pharmacy students participated in the fourth annual Big Event during the 2016 Homecoming week. The Big Event is an opportunity for University of Wyoming students to say thank you to residents of the greater Laramie community for the support they provide to college students. Participants pictured are (back row) James Curtiss, Jake Speidel, Amy Thompson, Tessa Woods, Sarah Koontz, Kelsea Zukauckas, Jessica Hunt, Jody Coburn, Lauren Pulley, Ashley Moore, and (front row) Nolan Gecan, Kristen Valcic.
The UW student chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma organized the 10th annual College of Health Sciences Health Fair in October 2016. UW student organizations provided many health services to UW students and members of the Laramie community. Services offered included flu shots, full blood work, medication take back, blood glucose testing, A1C hemoglobin testing, lipid panel testing, diabetic foot testing, dental screening, osteoporosis screening, asthma counseling, and more. Pictured are Marcie Hunt and Assistant Professor Reshmi Singh.
Eleven students and two faculty from the School of Pharmacy traveled to Cheyenne to take part in the 1st Annual Pharmacy Legislative Day in February 2016. The event was organized by APhAASP. Pharmacy students provided information on topics such as medication safety, tobacco cessation, flu vaccination, and diabetes, and took blood pressure readings for interested participants. The purpose of Pharmacy Legislative Day is to raise awareness of the pharmacy profession and engage in legislative advocacy.
Phi Delta Chi participated in the St. Jude Run/Walk in Denver in September. Participants pictured are Kirsten Valcic, Jake Speidel, Mikala Tabuchi, Sarah Koontz, Carolyn Parton, and Ashley Moore.
Second-year student Harrison Johnson (pictured with little brother Mike Guenzel) was named Wyoming Big Brother of the Year and honored by Greater Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters in May 2016. Barb Humphries, regional director for Greater Wyoming Big Brothers Big Sisters, said of the award process “Harrison’s name came to the top very quickly. He really exemplified, in our mind, what a true big brother is all about.”
The 2016 School of Pharmacy student team at the annual University of Wyoming Relay for Life event
Research Spotlight
The School of Pharmacy dedicated the newly remodelled L.S. Skaggs Research Laboratory and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March 2016. University of Wyoming President Dick McGinity and College of Health Sciences Dean Joe Steiner, along with several UW Trustees and representatives of the ALSAM Foundation, cut the ribbon to mark the re-opening of the lab. The ALSAM Foundation funds were utilized to improve the research infrastructure at the School of Pharmacy and facilitate the hire of Dr. Jared Bushman, a leader in regenerative medicine. In addition to a modernized laboratory, the funds were used to construct a revolutionary surgical suite, which is an integral part of Bushman’s research. The funding also augmented Bushman’s startup package and facilitated the transfer of his existing grants from Rutgers University to UW. Bushman has an interdisciplinary background in pharmacology and neuroscience that has merged with biomaterials and regenerative medicine. He is joined by a team of graduate assistants, and their work aims to create a new clinical standard for peripheral nerve regeneration through allografting, which is organ or tissue transplant between genetically non-identical people. Currently, the gold standard for peripheral nerve regeneration is a sensory autograft -- transplanting a nerve from one part of the body to another in the same individual. Given the large number of patients who experience severe peripheral nerve injury and disease, and the current limited-function recovery, peripheral nerve regeneration through allografting is an important step forward. The impacts of the laboratory renovations can already be seen. The remodeled laboratory has provided space for Bushman to hire a postdoctoral fellow, a graduate
Dr. Bushman with Graduate Assistant Subash Dhungana.
student and two undergraduate students. This expansion of the research team has resulting in the submission of three research proposals based on data generated in the new facilities. In addition, the laboratory space serves as a research training site for pharmacy students, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, contributing to the School of Pharmacy’s mission to create pharmacists who are scholar practitioners. “The ALSAM Foundation is appreciative of the support the University of Wyoming gives to its School of Pharmacy,” says Ronny Cutshall, the foundation’s president. “The foundation is pleased to be able to lend its financial support to the improvement of the laboratory facilities of the School of Pharmacy.” “The Skaggs family has been dedicated advocates and financial supporters of pharmacy education for many years,” Dean Steiner says. “Through the ALSAM Foundation, established by Mr. and Mrs. Skaggs, they have had a profound impact and have immeasurably improved pharmacy education and research in the Western states. Their wonderful children have carried on this remarkable tradition. I am so happy that they honored us by providing the funding for this research laboratory, and I expect to see great discoveries coming from it.” The laboratory is named after L.S. “Sam” Skaggs, whose ultimate goal was to alleviate human suffering. An entrepreneur and philanthropist, he was born in 1923 and served for four years in the U.S. Army Chemical Warfare Service during World War II. When he returned home, he worked in the family’s retail drug store, Skaggs Drug Centers. After the sudden death of his father, Skaggs became the president of the 11-store chain. He expanded the business and acquired new companies that soon branched out across the country. By 1965, he operated 65 drug stores with sales of $89 million. The L.S. Skaggs Research Laboratory is a tribute to Skaggs’ unwavering dedication to alleviate human suffering and supports the research, scientists and students who make it possible, Steiner says.
Scholar Practitioners
The University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy aims to produce graduates who are Scholar-Practitioners. A Scholar-Practitioner is a competent pharmacist practitioner with research and analytical skills who provides patient-centered care. Scholar-Practitioners are recognized and respected for providing evidence-based, empathetic, patient-centered care, advancing pharmacy practice, education and research through rigorous inquiry, thinking critically, creatively, ethically and pragmatically, leading and embracing change, improving the health and well-being of the communities and organizations they serve.
Current second-year PharmD student Eric Gerhart presents a poster at College of Health Sciences 2016 Research Day
Where are they now?
Current third-year PharmD students Carson Hutchinson, Sydney Schneider, and Victoria Milano compete in the ACCP Clinical Research Challenge
School of Pharmacy alumni live and work in states all across the U.S.
Research Outreach
Governor Matt Mead joined School of Pharmacy faculty and students to tour the Molecular Signaling Laboratory in the UW School of Pharmacy in March 2016. Also known as Baskilab, the Molecular Signaling Laboratory houses the research of Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics Baskaran Thyagarajan and his team.
The Baskilab team is currently researching the use of capsaicin to reduce or prevent obesity. Their research has shown that dietary capsaicin has this effect in mice because it triggers a process which increases metabolic activity and causes them to burn fat rather than to store it. Other aspects of their research focus on the use of magnetic nanoparticles for site-specific delivery of drug molecules, which could have applications well beyond the obesity treatment they are currently working to develop, as well as new therapeutic strategies to treat pain.
The research team presented Governor Mead with an overview of their research projects and a tour of the facilities and equipment involved. They also discussed their grant funding opportunities and the potential economic and healthcare implications for Wyoming.
Governor Mead visits with Padma Baskaran (left), and students Laurel Markret, Kara Nazminia, Yair Limon, and Vivek Krishnan.
Statewide Collaboration
2016 saw the achievement of a milestone for the School of Pharmacy in the launch of the Integrated Pharmacist Program (IPP). The project aims to increase the role and visibility of a cohort of community pharmacists working with patients who have a diagnosis of type II diabetes and/or hypertension in order to improve chronic disease self-management.
The IPP seeks to gather information about prescription use behaviors in those with type II diabetes and/or hypertension. In addition, the study will gather key insights about patient behaviors, motivation, Chronic Disease Self Management Education, and health perceptions. The project is possible through CDC funding made available from the Wyoming Department of Health Chronic Disease Prevention Program, and pharmacies participating in the IPP can be reimbursed for data collection and entry efforts. Any pharmacy in Wyoming is eligible to participate in the program. The training is self-paced and online. All enrolled pharmacists are supported with live feedback sessions where questions can be answered, program updates are given, and additional training is provided.
The Integrated Pharmacist Program is the first formal program offered through the new Wyoming PracticeBased Research Network (Wy-PBRN). The Wy-PBRN is a collaborative network of healthcare entities interested in participating in innovation and research aimed at improving healthcare outcomes throughout Wyoming.
New Faculty and Staff
Charlie Cruz was hired as an Academic Professional Lecturer in the Medical Laboratory Sciences Program. Cruz earned a BS in Medical Technology from Lorma College, and an MS in Medical Laboratory Science from Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas. Prior to joining UW in January 2016, he taught clinical laboratory sciences for 12 years in the Philippines and 5 years in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Jed Doxtater was hired as program director and assistant clinical faculty for the medical laboratory sciences program at UW-Casper. He previously taught courses for the medical laboratory technician program at Casper College, and has worked as a medical laboratory scientist at various labs in Wyoming since 2007. Michelle Hansen was hired as Office Associate in Student Services. Alvin Oung was hired as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice working with the Rose Family Medicine Residency in Denver, Colorado. Oung received his PharmD from MCPHS University – Boston in 2014. He then completed a PGY-1 Residency at The Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital (Cone Health) in Greensboro, NC and a PGY-2 Residency at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Aurora, CO. Rachel Stevens was hired as Data and Communications Manager. Sommer Zarbock was hired as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Her practice site is Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, CO. She received a B.S. in 2002 in chemistry and soil and crop sciences from Colorado State University, and a PharmD in 2006 from the University of Colorado.
Charlie Cruz
Jed Doxtater
Michelle Hansen
Undergraduate Excellence
Alvin Oung
Rachel Stevens
Sommer Zarbock
Dean Krueger chats with ASPIRE students at the 2016 College of Health Sciences Research Day
The School of Pharmacy launched the ASPIRE program in 2013 with the goal of recruiting and retaining high-achieving freshman students for the Doctor of Pharmacy program, and to maximize their academic success and leadership as future professionals. The program admits two pre-pharmacy students each year. ASPIRE students receive one-on-one mentoring and work with a faculty mentor and professional student mentor. They also receive a scholarship to cover application cost, are guaranteed a pharmacy school interview, have their seat fee waived, and, if admitted, have priority registration for courses each semester.
Wyoming Pharmacy Association Awards
A number of School of Pharmacy faculty and alumni were recognized at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the Wyoming
Wyoming Pharmacist of the Year Award Joe Steiner, Dean, College of Health Sciences
Community Pharmacists Association Leadership Award and McKesson Leadership Award Lanae Fox, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Bowl of Hygeia Award Jaime Hornecker, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
ASHP National Leadership Award Tonja Woods, Associate Dean of Faculty and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Pharmacy Association in June.
Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award Anna Sweat, PharmD 2010
WPhA Past President – Pharmacy Leadership Award Molly Jay, PharmD 2008
Excellence in Innovation Award (not pictured) Carol Kobulnicky
Honors and Awards Banquet
The School of Pharmacy is proud to announce the following scholarships and awards presented during the annual banquet in May. Honor Cords Awards Presley Legerski, Songlin Cai Ambassador of the Year Award Becky Boschee
Eli Lilly Achievement Award Michela Altergott
Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award Joshua D. Green
School of Pharmacy Honor Award Brandon Tritle Preceptors of the Year Award Jennifer Nevins, Jill Van Cleave
McKesson Leadership Award Amber Hughes
Merck Award to Outstanding Students in Pharmacy Studies Beryen Lai Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award Jessica Rounds Presidents Council Service Award Ross Davidson
TEVA Pharmaceuticals Outstanding Student Award Meghan Kolf
Songlin Cai and Presley Legerski with Dean Kem Krueger and College of Health Sciences Dean Joe Steiner
Honors and Awards Banquet Scholarships
Dean H. John Baldwin Scholarship Brandon Tritle
Marilyn Jeanne Baldwin Memorial Scholarship Lauren Pulley Burroughs Wellcome Deans Scholarship Fund Paige Nelson, Samantha Holmes
CVS Health Foundation Pharmacy School Scholarship Naomi Ngaima Mary Kay Cheney French Scholarship Lauren Pulley Bill and Mary Jo Hardy Scholarship Taler Steir
Dr. Kenneth R. and Nancy D. Henderson Scholarship for Pharmacy Ross Davidson, Keith Bennett Edward A Julian Memorial Scholarship Lyndie Gore Jyoti Kapil Memorial Scholarship Rachel Nerud, Kala James Longs Drug Store Scholarship Jessica Martin
B.T. and Marie McManus Pharmaceutical Scholarship Hannah Thorfinnson Robert M. Meeboer Memorial Scholarship Lindsey Snyder
Charlotte Myers Scholarship Holly Green, Gail Whitecotton, Becky Boschee, Matt Marigoni, Patrick Cuin NACDS Scholarship Nancy McKee, Marissa McIntyre
Lindsey Reinhart Memorial Scholarship Tana Arbury
Lauren Pulley, recipient of the Marilyn Jeanne Baldmi Scholarship, with Clinical Assistant Professor Lauren Biehle and Dean Joe Steiner
Chris and Carmel Tice Family Scholarship Wyatt Fabrizio
John and Joyce Vandel Pharmacy Scholarship Mark Schmick, Jordan Calmes, Tim Hunzie, Katrina Roberts Chuck Vaughn Memorial Pharmacy Scholarship Jake Speidel
Walgreens Diversity & Inclusion Excellence Scholarship Jonah McCarthy Walgreens Diversity Scholarship Wenyang Donehue, Julia Min
Kenneth and Elizabeth Witzeling Pharmacy Scholarship Drew McMillan, Aitor Andikoetxea
Linda L. Wells Excellence in Pharmacy Memorial Scholarship Nicole Hlavacek, Zane Dacus Wyoming Pharmacy Association Centennial Scholarship Kaylyn Bahnson, Mikala Crain, Marcie Hunt
Laramie County Pharmaceutical Association Scholarship Stephanie Steele
RxPlus Scholarship Victoria Milano, Jessica Hunt, Amy Thompson, Sydney Schneider, Danielle Trierweiler School of Pharmacy General Scholarship Linzi Barton, Kendra Siebigteroth Paul Stock Scholarship Heather Dickson, Amber Hughes
James Robert Stephens II Scholarship Taylor Gardner
Ross Davidson and Keith Bennett, recipients of the Henderson Scholarship, with Dean Joe Steiner and Nancy Henderson
Student Organization Awards
APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists P4 Member of the Year – Presley Legerski Chapter Service achievement Award – Linzi Barton American Society of Health System Pharmacists Member of the Year – Jennifer Voltmer Past President Award – Matthew Robinson Current President’s Award – Jennnifer Voltmer
National Community Pharmacists Association Member of the Year – Victoria Milano Faculty Appreciation – David Bruch Staff of the Year – Michelle Hansen NCPA Cords – Quyen Bui, Songlin Cai, Marinell Clinton, Beryen Lai, recipient of the Merck Award, with Dean Joe Steiner Brian Martisius, Rachel Nerud, Tsaylia Yang Rho Chi Scholarship – Mikala Crain Certificates – Hannah Belleau, Mikala Crain, Wyatt Fabrizio, Joshua Graham, Kala James, Sarah Koontz, Daniel Robocinski, Hannah Thorfinnson Honor Cords – Songlin Cai, Jeremy Henion, Meghan Kolf, Presley Legerski, Pace Owens, Jessica Potthoff, Christina Rozier Phi Delta Chi New Brother of the Year – Devon Webster P4 Brother of the Year – Charlie Morrison Current Brother of the Year – Lindsey Snyder Staff Appreciation Award – Maria Bennett Faculty Appreciation – Bree Bertz
Phi Lambda Sigma Michelle Hansen, recipient of the Staff of the Year Award, with Faculty Leadership Award – Kem Krueger Dean Joe Steiner Member of the Year – Taler Steir Cords – Ashley Francis, Nathan Holcomb, Meghan Kolf, Presley Legerski, Misty O’Lexey, Jessica Rounds, Christina Rozier, Andrew Ssekajja
Recipients of Phi Lambda Sigma Honor Cords with Dean Joe Steiner
A Legacy of Service
mation and Clinical Services at St. Luke’s/Texas Heart Institute (THI) for 19 years while Pat spent her career working at THI, TIRR Memorial Hermann, and Park During the process of finalizing the details of their trust, Dr. Steve and Pat Adams reflected on their lives Plaza Hospital. Pharmacy has paved the way to many unique opportuand the many organizations that have been a part of their lives as they designated those entities that would nities throughout Dr. Adam’s career. “Pharmacy is an be the beneficiaries of their estate. It would be an un- all-encompassing profession. Besides pharmaceutical derstatement to say that Steve, a 1980 graduate of the knowledge, it incorporates patient care, physical medicine, fiscal responsibility and logistical competency. The UW School of Pharmacy, and his wife, Pat, a masUniversity of Wyoming provided that strong founter’s level medical social worker, have lived a life full dation from which my career has been built.” Steve of interesting experiences. After graduating from the University of Wyoming, Steve completed his PharmD holds several academic appointments, has presented at numerous international conferences, has edited or at Creighton where he met Pat in the cafeteria of the hospital where she worked as a NICU and ICU social contributed to over thirty publications, shares two worker. After Steve’s graduation, they moved to Hous- patents and has received numerous honors including being a fellow in the prestigious American Society of ton where Steve completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Oncology Pharmacy at the University of Texas and Health-Systems Pharmacists, the first UW alum to have received this honor. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and Pat became one of the social workers for the department of pediatric “The University of Wyoming provided oncology at M.D. Anderson. A majority of Steve and Pat’s careers were spent in Houston where Steve served that strong foundation from which my as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy for Drug Infor- career has been built.” By Angela Ver Ploeg
Dedicated to service, Steve and Pat have traveled the country and world dedicating themselves to service. A Reserve Officer with the naval rank of Captain in the United States Public Health Service (PHS), Dr. Adams was detailed to the US Army where he served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Noble Eagle, UNFORCE - UN Peace Keeping Croatia Force, and Joint Task Force Katrina in addition to his last call to active duty in Rosebud Indian Health Service Hospital in Rosebud, South Dakota. “I joined PHS because of their mission to provide education and medical care to rural and underserved areas – it felt like giving back” From 1996 to 2005, Steve and Pat volunteered their respective professional talents in leadership roles with the Texas 3 Disaster Medical Assistance Team through the National Disaster Medical System. As a Clinical Pharmacy Unit Leader and a Mental Health Unit Leader, they provided assistance during multiple natural disasters in Texas, Florida and Louisiana. Today, after over fortyyear careers in pharmacy and social work, Steve and Pat are retired and enjoying serving through a variety of volunteer opportunities including being docents at the Albuquerque Aquarium where they narrate the ‘Open Ocean’ exhibit once a week. Following in the footsteps of their careers and volunteer service, Steve and Pat made an extraordinary commitment to the UW School of Pharmacy through
documenting the school as the beneficiary. “Throughout the years, Steve has looked back at the opportunities and shared the experiences he had as a student at UW. As a graduate of an urban commuter college, I have appreciated the rich experiences that UW provided to Steve. In gifting to the School of Pharmacy and their students we hope to offer those opportunities to future students and support the impact their careers will have on the people they serve.”
A Tradition of Service
University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy is proud of its alumni who have gone on to serve in the United States Public Health Service. The USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services of the U.S. with the mission of protecting, promoting, and advancing the health and safety of our nation.
“I joined PHS because of their mission to provide education and medical care to rural and underserved areas – it felt like giving back” Once realized, their gift will create the endowed Dr. Stephen and Patricia Adams School of Pharmacy Student Service and Leadership Fund. This fund will Alumni Christi Swaby and Cody Plaisted, both PharmD 2011 provide significant support, in perpetuity, scholarships for pharmacy students, cash awards for pharmacy students to attend American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) meetings, and other activities that engage pharmacy students in service and leadership opportunities.
Interested in learning more about how you can make a significant impact with a planned gift to the UW School of Pharmacy? Use the form below, or contact Angela Ver Ploeg at (307) 766-1939 or Angela.VerPloeg@uwyo.edu for more information about designating your gift and being a member of the University of Wyoming Legacy Society.
Alumni Brandon Anderson, PharmD 2015
Please accept my/our gift to the School of Pharmacy in the amount of: ☐ $100
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I/we would like to make my/our gift to Pharmacy: Online: Using the secure server through the link on this page: uwyo.edu/pharmacy/giving-to-the-school Phone: Call the University of Wyoming Foundation during normal business hours: (307) 766-6300 or (888) 831-7795 Mail: Return with your payment to University of Wyoming Foundation: 222 S. 22nd Street, Laramie, WY 82070
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Advocacy Spotlight
Justine Frantz, PharmD candidate 2019, was selected to participate in the 2016 National Association of Chain Drug Stores RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill in March 2016. Frantz joined other pharmacy professionals, educators, and students to advocate on important issues related to pharmacy policy and healthcare reform with members of Congress. RxIMPACT is a two day conference held in Washington, DC every spring. Participating student from over 50 pharmacy schools learn more about pharmacy advocacy issues and receive instruction to become more effective advocates during the conference. They also have an opportunity to network with pharmacy advocates and senate staffers before meeting with Senate and House representatives. During this legislative cycle many of the conference conversations centered around provider status, since the Provider Status bill was slated for congressional consideration. On the second day of the conference Frantz was scheduled to meet with Senator John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis. Barrasso was already supporting provider status legislation, so Frantz met with him to thank him for his support. In her meeting with Lummis, Frantz discussed the provider status issue and encouraged her to support the bill. Frantz says, “I stressed how critical it was for pharmacists to be seen as part of the healthcare team under Medicare Part B. We are an untapped resource that is highly qualified as healthcare professionals to perform
Program Offerings
Frantz meets with Representative Lummis at 2016 RxIMPACT Day
certain patient services. Nearly 89% of Americans live within five miles of a community pharmacy, so pharmacists are the easiest accessed healthcare professional.” Representative Lummis was very receptive to the conversation and Frantz felt that participating in RxIMPACT Day was a very positive experience. “I learned so much about the healthcare field and especially about pharmacy issues.”
Did you know that in addition to offering the professional PharmD degree, the School of Pharmacy offers several other degree programs as well? PharmD students who would like to diversify their skill set can gain managerial and leadership skills by choosing the PharmD/MBA option. This five year program combines MBA core courses and a summer experiential project in addition to the four year PharmD curriculum. Students who are interested in Health Services Administration in Pharmacy as well as other health service fields can now earn a masters degree online. This 30 credit, non-thesis degree program requires two years of part time study and offers multiple tracks such as Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance, Health Institution Leadership, and Health Economics & Outcomes. Undergraduate students who would like to pursue a career as a medical laboratory scientist can earn a BS in Medical Laboratory Sciences through our program at UW Casper. Medical laboratory scientists work with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to provide essential information about the presence, extent, or absence of disease, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. This program is designed to build upon any existing accredited medical laboratory technician associate’s degree program, as well as offer opportunities for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or other related science fields. Graduate students who are interested in medical research can pursue a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. The Biomedical Sciences PhD is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program, making connections between various disciplines to gain new insights, discover and apply new knowledge, and promote self-directed, life-long learning. To learn more about any of our degree programs, visit the website at http://www.uwyo.edu/pharmacy.
Student Competitions ACCP Research Challenge Second year PharmD students participated in the new ACCP Clinical Research Challenge in 2016. Students formed two teams of three members for the local Journal Club Competition. The winners of the local competition were Carson Hutchinson, Victoria Milano and Sydney Schneider, while the runners up were Nandini Rajashanmugam, Haley Schmelzer and Erin Yarborough. Hutchinson, Milano and Schneider moved on to represent the School of Pharmacy in Round 1 of the national competition.
Haley Schmelzer, Nandini Rajashanmugam, and Erin Yarborough compete in the ACCP Research Challenge
ACCP Clinical Challenge Fourth year PharmD students Linzi Barton, Lauren Pulley and Jessica Papke were the winners of the 2016 American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Challenge Local competition. They went on to represent the University of Wyoming in the national team-based competition. Linzi Barton, Lauren Pulley and Jessica Papke compete in the ACCP Clinical Challenge
Student Leadership
The current class presidents and vice president are (left to right) Ross Davidson and Lyndie Gore (class of 2017), Jimmy Curtiss and Matt Marigoni (class of 2018), Joshua Graham and Hannah Belleau (class of 2019), Russell Bryson (vice president) and Jordan Kiser (class of 2020).
Faculty News Highlights Two School of Pharmacy faculty were honored during the 2016 College of Health Sciences Faculty and Staff Awards ceremony: Tonja Woods, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, received the Teaching in Geriatrics Award Mary Onysko, Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, received the Outstanding Teacher Award Travis Brown, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Science, received an NIH R01 grant for his project entitled “Perineuronal nets and cocaine-associated memories.” Linda Gore Martin, Professor Emeritus of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, received an ASHP Distinguished Service Award for the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists. She was honored during a reception at ASHP’s 51st Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas. Dean Kem Krueger was elected President of Phi Lambda Sigma, the Pharmacy Leadership Society, in March 2016. Larry Staubach, Assistant Professor of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, and Baskaran Thyagarajan, Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutics, were each recognized at the 2016 Military Connected Student Graduation Ceremony. Lauren Biehle, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice,received the Tammy L. Myers, M.D. Inpatient Teaching Award from her practice site, Rose Family Medicine. Michelle Hilaire, Associate Dean of Students, was selected as a member of the 2016-2017 Cohort 13 AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program.
Jun Ren, Professor of Pharmacology and Wyoming INBRE Program Director, and Sree Nair, Professor of Pharmacology and Associate Dean of Research, organized and chaired a symposium on “Novel Targets for Treatment of Cardiometabolic Diseases’” at the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) Annual Meeting in April 2016. Dave Bruch was recognized at the Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) as an AACP Teacher of the Year. Alvin Oung has been selected to receive the ACCP Ambulatory Care PRN Academy Sponsorship for the 2016 ACCP Teaching and Learning Certificate Program. Aimee Lewis is currently serving as the chair of Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders. The Wyoming Rx Abuse Stakeholders (RAS) advocates for the appropriate use of prescription medication by increasing awareness, providing education, and impacting policy amongst the public, health care professionals, and law enforcement in order to prevent the misuse, abuse, and diversion of prescription medications in Wyoming. Melissa Hunter, Director of the Drug Information Center, has been selected as the Drug Information Editor for the American Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacotherapy First: A Multimedia Learning Resource that will be published on PharmacyLibrary.com. Retirements: Linda Gore Martin, Dean, School of Pharmacy Glaucia Teixeira, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics In 2013 Teixeira was named the Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty of the Year.
In Memoriam The School of Pharmacy was saddened to hear of the loss of Alan Irwin on April 1, 2016. Irwin graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1969 and served in the pharmacy at Poudre Valley Hospital in numerous capacities for over 40 years. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humor and his generosity and willingness to serve as a mentor and role model throughout his career. Emery Brunett, Professor Emeritus (1969-1993), passed away on July 4. 2016. Dr. Brunett was a World War II veteran who earned a Bachelor of Science in 1953 and a Master of Science in Pharmacy in 1956 from University of Montana upon returning from the war. He went on to earn his PhD in Pharmacy at the University of Washington in 1965. During his years teaching at University of Wyoming Dr. Brunett received numerous teaching awards and is fondly remembered by his students.
Alumni News Highlights
Lindsey B. (Poppe) Amerine (PharmD, 2009) was a Recipient of the ASHP Foundation’s 2015 Pharmacy Practice Research Award for her article entitled “Assessment of Final Product Dosing Accuracy When Using Volumetric Technique in the Preparation of Chemotherapy.” Together with her coauthors, Amerine also received an ASHP Best Practice Award for their submission titled “Impact of an integrated, closed-loop, pharmacy-led oral chemotherapy program on clinical and financial outcomes.” This is her third ASHP Best Practice Award. Meghan Jeffres (PharmD, 2004) was the recipient of the 2016 NASPA & Upsher-Smith Laboratories, INC Excellence in Innovation Award at the Colorado Pharmacists Society Annual Meeting. Mindy D. Smith (BS Pharm, 1998) was named to the leadership team for PrescribeWellness. She was also named to the company’s Clinical Advisory Team. Smith will lead the clinical advisory team to develop and deliver clinical service opportunities to PrescribeWellness’ virtual alliance of independent community pharmacies. Smith was previously Executive Director of the APhA Foundation.
Misty (Potter) Conine (PharmD, 2005) welcomed a new daughter Quinn Maggie Conine, born April 21, 2015. Quinn joins sister Annabelle, born March 17, 2013. Misty is currently employed at Medical Center of the Rockies in the inpatient pharmacy.
Lanae (Salveson) Fox (PharmD, 2010) and James Fox (PharmD, 2011) welcomed a son, James Fox, V.
Marisa (Elliott) Graham (PharmD, 2000) moved with her husband Ben and two children (Marly, age 10 and Eli, age 7) to Sheridan, WY where she is the Welch Cancer Center Pharmacist at Sheridan Memorial Hospital and Ben is a chemical engineer for Worley Parson’s. Prior to moving to Sheridan the Grahams lived in Billings, MT, where Marisa worked at St. Vincent Frontier Cancer Center. Zsuzsa “Suzanne” Sipos Jancsik (BS Pharm 1962) spent almost 20 years as a researcher at GlaxoSmithKline in R&D, Analytical/Physical Chemistry Department completing a wide range of research projects. She is currently Cofounder and Executive VP of Opulus Ltd. She shares “The University of Wyoming, School of Pharmacy and the Kappa Delta will always have a special place in my heart. I am and will be always grateful, that after escaping communism during the Hungarian Revolution in 1956, Wyoming was my new home with all of the warmth and kindness I was given by the School of Pharmacy, especially Dean O’Day and the Kappa Delta ‘Girls.’”
Marc J Pasquini (BS Pharm 1962) and Frances Pasquini (Stanford 1962) celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015 by taking their children and grandchildren on an Alaskan cruise. Marc has been retired and enjoying traveling, duck hunting, four grandchildren and Giants baseball. Dean Winsch passed away November 8, 2016. Dean was a 1980 UWSOP graduate and went on to earn his PharmD from Creighton University. He worked at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center for 37 years and also served in the US Navy and Naval Reserves. He was a UWSOP preceptor, active in WPhA/WSHP, and also served on the Wyoming Drug Utilization Board. Henry Arthur (Art) Zube passed away December 7, 2016. Art was a 1967 graduate of the UWSOP and owned and operated Yellowstone Drug in Shoshoni. He served on the Shoshoni city council and chamber of commerce, and also served the community as an EMT and fireman. After retirement, he was active in the Riverton Presbyterian Church and remained an avid fan of the UW Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Denver Nuggets.
School of Pharmacy
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Stay in Touch
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UW Pride
Second year students wearing brown and gold for Pride Friday. Show your school pride by wearing brown and gold on Fridays!