June 2020 Florida Pharmacy Today

The Official Publication Of The Florida Pharmacy Association JUNE 2020

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florida PHARMACY TODAY Departments 4 Calendar 4 Advertisers 5 President's Viewpoint

7 Executive Insight

VOL. 83 | NO. 6 JUNE 2020 THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

FLORIDA’S COLLEGES OF PHARMACY 12 16 18

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Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy Larkin University College of Pharmacy Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy University of Florida College of Pharmacy University of South Florida College of Pharmacy

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FPA Calendar 2020

JULY 3

SEPTEMBER

Independence Day recognition, FPA office closed

9 - 12 130th Annual FPA Meeting and Convention Virtual meeting

1

Deadline for Officer and Director Nominations

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Labor Day, FPA office closed

12-13 FPA Clinical Conference Dania Beach

AUGUST 2-5

37th Annual Southeastern Gatherin’ Destin

22-23 Council and Committee Meetings Virtual Meeting 25-26 Tampa Board of Pharmacy Meeting

OCTOBER 3-4

Midyear Clinical Conference and Midyear Nuclear Conference Orlando

13-14 Florida Board of Pharmacy meeting Miami 17-21 NCPA Annual Meeting Nashville, Tennessee

FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS GO TO WWW.FLORIDAPHARMACY.ORG

Events calendar subject to change

CE CREDITS (CE cycle) The Florida Board of Pharmacy requires 10 hours’ LIVE continuing education as part of the required 30 hours’ general education needed every license renewal period. There is a two-hour CE requirement for pharmacists on the dispensing of controlled substances effective this biennial renewal period. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must also complete a one-hour Florida Board approved continuing education on human trafficking

by Jan. 1, 2021.

Pharmacists should have satisfied all continuing education requirements for this biennial period by Sept. 30, 2021, or prior to licensure renewal. Consultant pharmacists and technicians will need to renew their licenses and registrations by Dec. 31, 2020.

For the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board application, exam information and study materials, please contact the FPA office.

For more information on CE programs or events, please contact the Florida Pharmacy Association at (850) 222-2400 or visit our website at www.floridapharmacy.org CONTACTS FPA — Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400

FSHP — Tamekia Bennett (850) 906-9333 UF — Emely McKitrick (352) 273-5169

FAMU — Leola Cleveland (850) 599-3301 NSU — Carsten Evans (954) 262-1300

Note: The views of the authors do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Florida Pharmacy Association, Florida Pharmacy Today or any related entities.

Mission Statements: Florida Pharmacy Today Journal The Florida Pharmacy Today Journal is a peer-reviewed journal which serves as a medium through which the Florida Pharmacy Association can communicate with the profession on advances in the sciences of pharmacy, socio-economic issues bearing on pharmacy and newsworthy items of interest to the profession. As a self-supported journal, it solicits and accepts advertising congruent with its expressed mission.

Florida Pharmacy Today Board of Directors The mission of the Florida Pharmacy Today Board of Directors is to serve in an advisory capacity to the managing editor and executive editor of the Florida Pharmacy Today Journal in the establishment and interpretation of the Journal’s policies and the management of the Journal’s fiscal responsibilities. The Board of Directors also serves to motivate the Florida Pharmacy Association members to secure appropriate advertising to assist the Journal in its goal of self-support.

Advertisers APMS..................................................................... 9 EPIC..................................................................... 10 KAHAN & ASSOCIATES................................. 10 MICRO MERCHANTS........................................ 2 PQC...................................................................... 23 PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFE MEDICINES......... 9 PHARMACISTS MUTUAL.............................. 48

DISCLAIMER

Articles in this publication are designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with respect to the subject matter covered. This information is provided with the understanding that neither Florida Pharmacy Today nor the Florida Pharmacy Association is engaged in rendering legal or other professional services through this publication.

If expert assistance or legal advice is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. The use of all medications or other pharmaceutical products should be used according to the recommendations of the manufacturers. Information provided by the maker of the product should always be consulted before use.

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FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

EMAIL YOUR SUGGESTIONS/IDEAS TO dave@fiorecommunications.com

The President’s Viewpoint DAVID "CHACHI" MACKERAY, RPH

I

A Year to Remember

t’s hard to believe that a year has gone by already. It seems like just yesterday we were in Ft. Lauderdale at the Harbour Beach Marriott in the hot summer month of July for the annual FPA convention.

What an awesome time everyone had enjoying the beautiful hotel, pretty beaches and, most of all, reuniting with old friends and creating new ones. I was very fortunate that the location was in such close proximity to my home, allowing so many friends and colleagues to attend my installation as FPA president. I also recall hanging out with a close group of people on the hotel patio very late Saturday night (turning into early Sunday morning) discussing my years’ plans, goals and objectives for FPA’s upcoming year.

It was so exciting to be with such wonderful and special people to talk about all we could accomplish and change to help FPA to move forward.

Looking back, I realize that we can talk and plan all we want. However, something much bigger and stronger than us can change everything instantly. I personally believe that God does everything for a reason, and his plans always have better intentions and outcomes, even if we don’t fully understand them.

As I write this article, we are still in a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic for more than 90 days and counting, not knowing for certain what our future holds. I do know for certain that I have learned a great deal this past year, and understand that it is life’s challenges that make us better and stronger.

Things turn out best for those who can make the best of the way things turn out.

In August, just a few weeks after being installed as FPA president, I attended the convention of the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists in Or-

lando, where I again saw many friends and happily created many new friends.

I attended the entire event, beginning an FPA delegate in the House of Delegates and concluding as a Board of Directors member of FSHP. It was such an honor to be included in such a wonder-

It was so exciting to be with such wonderful and special people to talk about all we could accomplish and change to help FPA to move forward. ful group of professionals who made me feel very welcomed. They are a very intelligent, motivated and dedicated group who always strive to advance and advocate for pharmacy, and they are truly our brothers and sisters in our profession. Their monthly board conference calls have also been informative and I have appreciated attending them.

I sincerely thank the members of FSHP and look forward to my continued involvement with each of them, as I am truly blessed to have created such great

David Mackeray, RPh

new friendships.

On the last weekend of August, we had our first meeting with the new officers/leaders of the FPA Board of Directors and committees/ councils. What a wonderful feeling to see everyone excitedly share their great ideas, many of which are still being worked on if not already implemented. I want to again personally thank each of you who attended and participated in this event.

September started off with the annual Miami conference, where I was able to address and mingle with a very exciting large group of attendees who benefited greatly from many fantastic lectures. We also discussed and helped coordinate hurricane relief to our neighbors in the Bahamas that were so terribly affected by Hurricane Dorian just a week prior. So many of you contributed, donated, and volunteered to aid in this relief. Know that your efforts are so greatly appreciated.

Later that month, Nova Southeastern University pharmacy students created a new and unique event, a political proJUNE 2020

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2019-2020 FPA Board of Directors The Florida Pharmacy Association gratefully acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the following members of the FPA leadership who work diligently all year long on behalf of our members.

Angela Garcia.....................................................................................................Board Chair David Mackarey..........................................................................................FPA President Kimberly Jones.......................................................................................... FPA Treasurer Joseph Scuro............................................................................................ President Elect Gary Koesten..............................................................................Speaker of the House Eric Larson.......................................................................Vice Speaker of the House Bill Kernan................................................................................................... FSHP President Preston McDonald............................................................................. Region 1 Director Neil Barnett............................................................................................Region 2 Director Larry Alaimo..........................................................................................Region 3 Director Cheryl Rouse.........................................................................................Region 4 Director James Alcorn.......................................................................................Region 5 Director Barbara Beadle...................................................................................Region 6 Director Paul Delisser.......................................................................................... Region 7 Director Carmen Gordon...................................................................................Region 8 Director Mitchell Levinson...............................................................................Region 9 Director Julie Burger.......................................................................................Technician Director

Florida Pharmacy Today Journal Board Chair.............................................................. Carol Motycka, motycka@cop.ufl.edu Vice Chair....................................................Cristina Medina, cmmedina@cvs.com Treasurer.........................................................Eric Jakab, ericjakab@hotmail.com Secretary............................................. Julie Burger, julieburger133@gmail.com Member.................................................. Michael Finnick, michaelfinnick@ufl.edu Member.....................................................David Mackarey, dmackarey@aol.com Member.......................................................Matt Schneller, schnem18@gmail.com Member..........................................Teresa Tomerlin, teresapharmd@cfl.rr.com Member............................................Greta Pelegrin, gretapelegrin@yahoo.com Technician Member........................Julie Burger, julieburger133@gmail.com Executive Editor................Michael Jackson, mjackson@pharmview.com Managing Editor...................Dave Fiore, dave@fiorecommunications.com Journal Reviewer....................... Dr. Melissa Ruble, mruble@health.usf.edu Journal Reviewer....................................Dr. Angela Hill, ahill2@health.usf.edu

fessional platform discussion with two physicians from the Florida Medical Association, as well as FSHP President Bill Kernan and myself as FPA president.

This was a fantastic event where we had the chance to answer all the important questions from the students regarding health care, pharmacy and legislative challenges that greatly affect our profession. We need to keep networking with the FMA, and I really hope they continue this worthwhile event.

October brought the Florida Board of Pharmacy’s quarterly meeting to beautiful Ft. Lauderdale. As always, the room was filled with many concerned pharmacists, technicians and students who listened and discussed important issues and topics that affect pharmacy, while we all advocated for the advancement and protection of our profession. Each of us must take an active role in participation, and continue to grow each meeting if we plan to make a difference concerning pharmacy. Participation is a vital area that needs our attention constantly and consistently in order to maintain and advance our profession.

Our future depends on its outcome.

November opened with Palm Beach County Medical Associations health care panel discussion on the opioid crisis, hosted by Palm Beach Atlantic University School of Pharmacy. I attended the event along with a few other FPA board members and leaders. We learned so much great information while supporting a fellow FPA leader who not only moderated the event, but also presented during the highly informative panel discussion. Then came the FPA board meeting, which was attended by myself, majority board members, past presidents and many other members who discussed, debated and planned multiple topics concerning our association.

Then, in the middle of the month, NSU’s annual futures summit event came along, where I had the pleasure of once again representing a table for FPA along with a few local county FPA affiliate associations. It’s always a great event to attend that really focuses on student networking within the health care profession and continues to grow nicely See President's Viewpoint, continued on Page 8

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FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

Executive Insight

BY MICHAEL JACKSON, RPH MICHAEL JACKSON, BPHARM, EVP & CEO, FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

O

Doing Something a Little Different This Year

ur annual convention for 2020 is preparing to venture down a new pathway.

After exhaustive review and analysis, the FPA Board of Directors suspended all planning for a live meeting at the J.W. Marriott in Marco Island.

Most of our members are familiar with that facility and were looking forward to spending time networking with friends and colleagues. Unfortunately we are in very challenging and difficult times with a public health crisis.

Even as you are reading this article, we are slowly emerging from a planet-wide lock down never seen before in modern history.

The Florida Pharmacy Association has a long history of facilitating annual meetings where we find an abundance of social events, networking, high quality education and leadership engagement. Since 1887, we have facilitated 129 of these events with this summer reaching a milestone of 130 successful conferences. Our convention this summer is going digital using the Zoom webinar platform. The staff is hard at work transitioning six months of conference planning for a live meeting center into a computer-based live application. Essentially, this new way of stakeholder engagement may be an opportunity for members who have not had the opportunity to attend an FPA conference to experience an annual meeting for the first time.

While logistics of doing a digital meeting with multiple educational and event tracks presented a challenge, we were still able to build a substantial inventory of great content. There will be student poster presentations, digital exhibitor sessions, our awards event and

we are even working on a plan to recognize our state’s 50-year licensed pharmacists.

What is a convention without a social? How can we do something like that sitting at a computer keyboard, tablet or smartphone? Well the wizards at 610 North Adams St. in Tallahassee is hard at work to figure out how to make that happen. We bring to you “A Cy-

What is a convention without a social? berspace Adventure Social!” At 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 10, convention registrants will be invited to connect with each other in our video chat room and engage using the best practices of social distancing. From the comfort of your she shed, man cave, or recreation room, you can join in with FPA President David Mackarey and 99 other convention attendees sharing your stories since the last annual meeting.

We will even host our annual awards event recognizing the accomplishments of our members doing exceptional things in patient care. On Sunday you will have an opportunity to see the installation of our 2020-2021 FPA officers and leaders. We are even working up a plan to have a virtual House of Delegates.

Michael Jackson, B.Pharm

Never before has the FPA taken on such a campaign.

We have already conducted two weekend educational conferences that were well received by our members who attended. This is by no means a replacement for our annual conferences.

We will be in Ponte Vedra, Florida, for our 2021 annual conference. The 2020 “Cyberspace Adventure in Education and Networking” is building an entirely new way of connecting in a safe and socially distant manner. While we will miss the opportunity to fist bump or shake hands with our members, this can be the next best way of continuing the time-honored tradition of the FPA annual conference.

It also means that upon conclusion of the last educational session, you won’t have to spend several hours on I-75 or Alligator Alley to get home. How cool is that? n JUNE 2020 |

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FPA STAFF Executive Vice President/CEO Michael Jackson (850) 222-2400, ext. 200

Director of Continuing Education Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120

Continuing Education Coordinator Stacey Brooks, ext. 210 Coordinator of Membership Christopher Heil, ext. 110

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY BOARD Chair............................... Carol Motycka, St. Augustine Vice Chair.........................Cristina Medina, Hollywood Treasurer.................................... Eric Jakab, Gainesville Secretary............................. Julie Burger, Pensacola Member.........................Michael Finnick, Jacksonville Member.............David Mackarey, Boynton Beach Member....................................... Matt Schneller, Tampa Member............................Teresa Tomerlin, Rockledge Member...................................... Greta Pelegrin, Hialeah Technician Member..........Julie Burger, Pensacola Executive Editor.......Michael Jackson, Tallahassee Managing Editor...................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee Journal Reviewer........................... Dr. Melissa Ruble Journal Reviewer....................................Dr. Angela Hill This is a peer-reviewed publication. ©2020 FLORIDA PHARMACY JOURNAL, INC. ARTICLE ACCEPTANCE: The Florida Pharmacy Today is a publication that welcomes articles that have a direct pertinence to the current practice of pharmacy. All articles are subject to review by the Publication Review Committee, editors and other outside referees. Submitted articles are received with the understanding that they are not being considered by another publication. All articles become the property of the Florida Pharmacy Today and may not be published without written permission from both the author and the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Florida Pharmacy Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions made by the authors to the Florida Pharmacy Today.

The Journal of the Florida Pharmacy Association does not accept for publication articles or letters concerning religion, politics or any other subject the editors/publishers deem unsuitable for the readership of this journal. In addition, The Journal does not accept advertising material from persons who are running for office in the association.

The editors reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Letters and materials submitted for consideration for publication may be subject to review by the Editorial Review Board.

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY, Annual subscription - United States and foreign, Individual $36; Institution $70/year; $5.00 single copies. Florida residents add 7% sales tax.

FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

610 N. Adams St. • Tallahassee, FL 32301 850/222-2400 • FAX 850/561-6758 Web address: www.floridapharmacy.org.

President’s Viewpoint, from Page 6

each year.

December is always a very busy time of the year with work, family and, of course, the holidays. However, the FPA didn’t slow down, as we’re always working in some capacity or another. We were notified at the beginning of the holiday season that FPA received a $100,000 grant from the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. This grant helped the FPA market our state advocacy campaign towards the PBM reform and helped support a 200+ page report titled Sunshine in the Black Box of Pharmacy Benefit Management. This report was prepared by 3Axis Advisors who examined over 350 million Florida Medicaid prescription drug claims. This report helped us tremendously in our fight to shine the light on PBM practices.

However, this wonderful blessing created a major challenge. Our Florida Legislative session began in fewer than 30 days, and FPA had to move swiftly and quickly to properly create a strategy that would be successful in spreading the word to as many people, members, patients/consumers and colleagues as possible.

Most importantly, we needed to spread the word to legislators who make the final decisions regarding the bills/laws affecting our great profession.

Needless to say, Jan. 21-22, 2020 arrived quickly and the FPA rose to the challenge (as always), along with the help of other pharmacy organizations and societies. We were able to literally stand on the steps of the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, holding signs and chanting in massive crowds about PBM reform. We were fighting for accountability and transparency for corporate businesses that negatively affect the pharmacy profession, specifically the independent pharmacies. In addition to making such noise outside, we also held a news conference inside the capitol with a few legislators who sponsored the Test & Treat Bill, with a live demonstration included. Another bill successfully passed with the help of the FPA was the Collaborative Practice Agreement making this legislative year one of the most successful ever. I sincerely thank each of you who were so passionate and dedicated to these efforts. I strongly hope and pray we keep this positive momentum.

February was a perfect month to unwind and catch our breath, but we certainly didn’t slow down much, as major preparations were in the making for the upcoming annual national convention of the American Pharmacists Association in Washington, D.C., as well as our own annual FPA Convention in beautiful Marco Island.

The many hours logged by many people planning so many wonderful events and activities for these awesome annual gatherings that so many of us look forward to each year, all to be canceled/changed due to something no one ever saw coming or had any control over.

That brings us to March 2020: a time period in our lives that most of us will never forget, as every individual worldwide was affected in one capacity or another by the COVID-19 pandemic. It changed everything beyond our imagination and we still don’t know the total ramifications. As all strong, smart and dedicated people survive during difficult times, the FPA is no different. We rose to the occasion, overcame the challenges and worked on new ways to keep moving forward to not allow this terrible pandemic to set us back or hold us down.

We’ve adjusted fairly smoothly by having successful and well-attended virtual events such as FPA board meetings, FPA weekend CE conferences and local unit association CE lectures. Next, for the first time ever, our Virtual Annual FPA Convention is scheduled for July 9-12.

FPA has already proven that we can keep moving forward, keep creating new ways to advance our profession, and keep advocating and fighting for the protection of pharmacy. It has truly been an honor and privilege to serve this year as the FPA president, and I thank each of you for allowing me the opportunity to serve you under such circumstances.

I’m confident when I say better days lie ahead for us both personally and professionally, and we’ll soon see a silver lining around these dark clouds and possibly a beautiful rainbow afterwards! God bless, be well and stay safe. n

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FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

Brian A. Kahan, R.Ph., J.D.

LICENSED Florida Pharmacist and Attorney STAT EW I DE R EPR E SEN TAT ION 561-392-9000 bkahan@kahanlaw.com 7000 W. Palmetto Park Rd., Suite 210 Boca Raton, FL 33433 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.

F L O R I D A’ S

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Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy Larkin University College of Pharmacy Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy University of Florida College of Pharmacy University of South Florida College of Pharmacy JUNE 2020 |

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F L O R I D A' S C O L L E G E S O F P H A R M A C Y

The Florida A&M College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Institute of Public Health MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION In recent years, new NAPLEX requirements changed the face of testing results for many colleges and schools of pharmacy nationally. Like others, the our program is bouncing back. The graph below depicts an upswing towards positive outcomes.

“The college is dedicated to providing learners with resources to assist in NAPLEX preparation. RxPrep coursebooks, online access and a three-day live review are the main resources given to learners during their fourth professional year. Additionally, learners must pass a comprehensive examination with 75 percent. Holding learners accountable for passing the examination helped increase our scores by 8 points last year,” said Dr. Jocelyn Spates, associate dean and professor of clinical affairs.

Dr. Gallop Franklin, assistant professor of pharmacy practice added, “We are continuously reviewing courses within the curriculum. We are analyzing performance data on comprehensive exams such as the PCOA, NAPLEX and exit exams to make data-driven decisions that help develop our learners’ academic strengths.”

Dr. Mandip Sachdeva Receives Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research Grant Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor Mandip Sachdeva, Ph.D., was awarded funding for his grant proposal entitled “Hyaluronic acid-functionalized, Cannabidiol-loaded Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC)-Derived Exosomes for Drug-Resistant Cancers” through the Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes Research Grants Program.

Dr. Mandip Sachdeva The Consortium for Medical Marijuana Clinical Outcomes 12

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Research, composed of public and private universities, is engaged in research on clinical outcomes of medical marijuana. The consortium will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical marijuana and consider dosing and routes of administration, including the study of the effects of smoking medical marijuana versus other methods of consumption.

Funding recommendations were made after thoughtful and careful consideration at the MMJ Clinical Outcomes Consortium Research Board meeting in fall 2019. Out of 41 proposal submissions by investigators from different consortium member institutions for the 2019 funding cycle, Dr. Sachdeva’s proposal was one of the 10 chosen. His proposal for $71,250 was approved for the period of Dec. 1 through July 31.

“We would like to applaud Dr. Sachdeva for his excellent grantsmanship and significant accomplishment in securing extramural funding,” said Associate Dean of Pharmaceutical Sciences Selina Darling-Reed, Ph.D. “His continued excellence is an inspiration to us all.”

FAMU COPPS, IPH CPE Program Reaccredited, Continues to Deliver Exceptional CPE Programs The Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health’s Office of Continuing Pharmacy Education has been reaccredited by

F L O R I D A' S C O L L E G E S O F P H A R M A C Y

the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education through Jan. 31, 2025. The CPE program is led by Selika Stackhouse Sampson, Pharm.D., interim director of continuing pharmacy education.

The goal of the CPE program is to provide general and consultant continuing education for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians through a series of live programs to serve as a center of life-long learning. The CPE program aids the college with strengthening alumni affairs, provides networking opportunities for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and student learners.

ACPE’s Continuing Education Provider Accreditation Program is designed to assure pharmacists, boards of pharmacy and other members of the pharmacy’s community of interests, of the quality of continuing pharmacy education programs. CPE providers must show compliance with the Standards and Policies outlined by ACPE. FAMU’s CoPPS CPE office had to demonstrate adherence to the standards and policies.

To achieve reaccreditation, the FAMU CoPPS CPE office formed a committee comprised of faculty, staff and learners from all divisions of the CoPPS, IPH. The committee members completed a self-assessment, which included CPE program data and samples of the college’s CPE programs. An interim report of their findings was submitted to ACPE. “Dr. Selika Sampson and the CPE team are to be commended for their awesome work, dedication and commitment in submitting a well-organized interim report and for moving our CPE program to the next level. Job well done!” said Jocelyn D. Spates, Pharm.D., CoPPS associate dean of clinical affairs.

“We are pleased to have earned reaccreditation by ACPE and to share in our success with the college,” said Dr. Sampson. “Reaccreditation confirms and validates the work we do to ensure top-quality CPE programs for pharmacists and technicians.”

C. Perry Brown, Dr.P.H. Photo by Jamal Brown photography

FAMU Professor Speaks on the Racial Disparities of COVID-19 C. Perry Brown, Dr.P.H., a professor with the FAMU Institute of Public Health recently interviewed with WCTV Eyewitness News, regarding the CDC reports that African-American communities are being “disproportionately affected” by the coronavirus. Dr. Brown shared that IPH has been closely monitoring this alarming trend. Moreover, he mentioned that African Americans are seeing a higher rate of hospitalizations and deaths, the factors such as geography, socioeconomics and personal

health, are making the disease very dangerous for people of color.

Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci, leader of the White House coronavirus task force, echoed that sentiment in similar reports by saying that those factors could have dangerous consequences with people of color.

Additionally, news conglomerates such as CNN and others reached out to governors, mayors and local leaders across the nation. They reported that cities in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Louisiana and south Florida are uncovering why the coronavirus is disproportionately affecting African-American communities.

“I think that we can expect that we are going to be friends with COVID-19 for a long time,” said Brown.

Trividia Donates Glucose Monitors to Assist With Student Training and Health Fairs Trividia Health Inc., an innovative company that specializes in the development of blood glucose monitors and other diagnostic devices, donated 125 glucose monitors and accompanying test strips to the Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health. These glucose monitors will contribute to learner training and support the free health fairs sponsored by the college.

To increase student understanding of how to effectively use glucose monitors, Gail Amato, Trividia national account manager, and Rhonda Lemmo, MBA, RN, CNOR, senior director of clinical marketing, will provide an in-service at the college in February for student pharmacists registered for the Pre-APPE Readiness course. Pre-APPE Readiness is an academic course in the third professional year, which examines the feasibility of student preparedness for advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

With more than 30 years of experience in the blood glucose monitoring market, Trividia is fully committed to effective diabetes management and improved patient adherence, awareness and compliance. Trividia’s blood glucose testing meters and strips, marketed under the TRUE MEJUNE 2020

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TRIX® brand, have preferred contracted access to monitor more than 45 million diabetics. Additionally, the company offers a full array of sharps, including lancets, insulin syringes and pen needles.

The college is elated about this new partnership with Trividia says, Marlon S. Honeywell, Pharm.D., CoPPS executive dean and professor. “Their vital donation and assistance with training will aid CoPPS learners with comprehension of and respect for the various complexities associated with diabetes monitoring and control.”

FAMU College of Pharmacy Alumnus Receives Surprise Visit From Oprah at His Charlotte Pharmacy Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate Martez Prince, Pharm.D, is basking in the afterglow of Oprah’s seal of approval.

The media mogul paid a surprise visit to Prince’s Charlotte, North Carolina, pharmacy, Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center, as part of her “2020 Vision Tour: Your Life in Focus,” which is presented in partnership with WW (formerly Weight Watchers).

“It’s definitely one of those moments,” said Prince, who grew up in Fort Pierce, Florida. The 2010 graduate of the COPPS Institute of Public Health said it has taken a week for the impact of his Oprah encounter to sink in. “It’s an amazing experience. To have that moment is surreal and very powerful.”

The occasion was Prince’s sixth Wellness Fair and Celebration. The pharmacy usually hosts the fair in September; however, Oprah’s attendance was a special occasion. The fair featured local dentists, chiropractors and more. The goal is to help the community establish the habit of regular checkups.

Prince’s work got Oprah’s attention because he is a minority-owned business that demonstrates a significant impact on the community in the area of health and wellness.

Prince said Oprah’s visit confirms he is doing the right thing.

He said the wellness fair attendees were excited and empowered.

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“The fact that Oprah dropped in on the event and talked about health and wellness was a big deal,” Prince said. “She demonstrated wellness could be a celebration.”

Oprah said she was impressed by Prince’s courage and determination to leave a corporate pharmacy and open his own business to improve the health of his community.

“Premier Pharmacy is not just an advantage and a great offering for this community. It’s a model for the country,” Oprah said at the event.

Dean Johnnie Early, Ph.D., said Prince is a fine example of what FAMU alumni can accomplish.

“We are inspired to see one of our COPPS, IPH graduates showing vision and entrepreneurship in the area of health and wellness,” said Early. “In providing community focused pharmacy care, Dr. Prince has set a standard for others to follow. And to be highlighted by Oprah is a testament to what he has accomplished in just a decade since graduation.”

On Oct. 3, 2015, Prince established Premier Pharmacy and Wellness Center, which is solely focused on the holistic wellbeing of its community. He started the business to give people from underserved communities a deeper understanding of their medication and health care. Staffed by 10 employees, Premier also houses a walk-in clinic run by a family nurse practitioner who can provide health screenings, vaccines and acute care services like allergy treatments.

In the week since Oprah’s visit and the show aired, Prince has seen a flurry of media coverage, social media buzz and new business.

“We’ve gotten people who have transferred their prescriptions to us and using our services,” he said.

This article originally appeared on FAMUFORWARD Jan. 24.

FAMU College of Pharmacy Celebrates Founder’s Day and Opening Of New 54,000-Square-Foot Research Facility The Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health celebrated its Founder’s Day along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Pharmacy Building Phase II in September 2019.

In honor of COPPS’s founding in September 1951, the faculty, staff and students are hosting a college-wide cookout, along with other activities.

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“The college has a rich history in educating practitioners who care for the community, making lives fuller and healthier and in training Ph.D. level researchers who strive to make new discoveries in the pharmaceutical sciences,” said COPPS Dean Johnnie Early, Ph.D. The 54,000-square-foot facility will provide researchers with a state-of-the-art facility to conduct research in the areas of breast cancer, health disparities with a focus on prostate cancer, manganese and neurodegenerative disease, and other fields of study. Several faculty members were recognized by the university for their commitment to research excellence, including the 2019 Emerging Researcher award.

The first three floors of Phase II include 16 labs, one computer lab, two telepresence classrooms, one dark room, one

training room and a facility dedicated to extensive research.

Two floors will be added later.

COPPS has secured more than $200 million in contracts and grants, including a $14.8 million renewal grant from the National Institute of Health to perform and enhance health disparities research. The college has also been awarded more than 35 patents, which is ranked No.1 among HBCUs. For more information about the FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health, visit pharmacy.famu.edu.

This article originally appeaed on FAMUFORWARD on Sept.

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FAMU Holds Virtual Ceremonies for Class of 2020 Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health honored the Class of 2020 with a Virtual Oath and Awards Ceremony in place of its traditional ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ceremony took place on a private Zoom channel for 56 pharmacy graduates that chose to participate on May 8.

Dr. Jonnie L. Early II, dean of CoPPS, IPH, gave the keynote address to the graduates. He acknowledged that this is an unprecedented time; however, in true Rattler sprit, there is “power in their purpose.”

CoPPS student leader Pharm.D. candidate Matthew Clowers provided words of encouragement and reflections to his classmates. In his speech, Clowers expresses that “we’ve all been blessed with different gifts and it’s up to us to use these gifts by going out into the world and exercising our skills to improve upon the lives of others.”

The virtual ceremony also included remarks from the president of the National Diamondback Pharmacy Alumni Council, Dr. Robert Thomas. Executive Director of the Florida Pharmacy Association Michael Jackson, administered the oath of a pharmacist to the graduates during the ceremony.

Several awards were presented, including the pharmacy achievement award. This award acknowledged 10 student pharmacists who were in the top 10 percent of the rigorous program.

Other awards included: The pharmacy alumni award, two former dean awards, the benefactor award, four pharmacist employer awards, pharmacy practice awards and three awards from the Institute of Public Health.

In addition to student pharmacists’ awards, awards were presented to faculty, preceptors and staff from the Tallahassee campus, the Peaden Center and the three pharmacy instructional sites throughout the state.

The college plans to hold a formal ceremony at a later time.

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Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy New #LIPhE Curriculum Set for 2021 LECOM plans to launch a new curriculum in the fall of 2021 known as #LIPhE. The L stands for LECOM and our School of Pharmacy. Established in 2002, the LECOM School of Pharmacy began with an innovative accelerated pathway in Erie, Pennsylvania, and quickly grew to provide a fouryear option to students in Bradenton, Florida. Continuing our record of innovation and student-centered education, the distance education pathway – one of only two in the country at the time – admitted its first students in 2014. In August 2021, our next chapter begins.

The I in #LIPhE stands for individualized and our commitment to providing an instructional environment to meet the needs of every student. A modular, systems-based curriculum will allow students to focus on clinical applications in their first term. Our new first-term applied patient care labs are already starting to do this. These modules will also be aligned with longitudinal courses to reinforce key topics like pharmacy calculations and pharmacy law. The result is a curriculum that is active, engaging and student-driven in order to make our graduates similarly active and engaging clinicians.

The “Ph” is for the pharmacy profession and LECOM School of Pharmacy’s commitment to graduating highly skilled clinicians. Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professional and they understand the importance of individualization when it comes to successful medication regimens. LECOM is transforming its curriculum to allow students to individualize their learning to meet the needs of patients in the changing health care landscape.

The E in #LIPhE stands for education and represents LECOM’s mission to prepare students to become pharmacy practitioners through programs of excellence in education. LECOM is a teaching-focused institution with a full faculty devoted to teaching and exploring new and engaging pedagogies with the goal of providing the best educational experience possible. Education is the foundation of all that we do and all that we are.

It’s pharmacy school, the way YOU want to do it. Your LIPhE! – Your Way! Script Your Future Champions The LECOM School of Pharmacy is proud of a history of winning in the National Consumers League Script Your Future competition. Since the competition started in 2012, 16

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LECOM has been recognized as a winner, finalist or honorable mention each year. In 2020, LECOM was the recipient of the Media Outreach Focused Award. LECOM believes “the community is our campus” and promotes a culture of service in our students. Our students excel in their devotion to the community and these accolades are a sign of their outstanding work. Additionally, each of the events that helped secure the Script Your Future win was done in collaboration with students from the College of Medicine and/or School of Dental Medicine, and each event was supervised by a member of the faculty. This victory was the result of innovative and enthusiastic students, interprofessional relationships, and dedicated faculty.

Interprofessional Education The LECOM School of Pharmacy is thankful to be part of an institution with a variety of medical degree programs that allow students a rich interprofessional experience. Opportunities for interprofessional education and experiences grow each year; however, our first experience was developed by students and is called the Interprofessional Case Competition. In this competition, students from pharmacy, medicine and dental programs work in teams of five to six to solve a complex case. This opportunity allows students from all disciplines to learn together, gain a better understanding of what each professional student is learning and improve communication. In addition, faculty from all three programs work together to develop and score the competition, which fosters collaboration across programs.

Another interprofessional experience happens during the P3 year of the pharmacy program. In this educational opportunity, all third-year students meet with dental students to jointly interview patients in the LECOM Dental Clinic. The pharmacy students focus on gathering the patient’s medication history, which they review with a faculty preceptor. The students enjoy the opportunity to meet with real patients and the opportunity to work with the dental students.

Legislative Day Presence LECOM Bradenton students attended Legislative Days at the Florida State Capitol on Jan. 21-23. Fourteen students and two faculty members represented LECOM and the profession at this important event. Several months prior to Legislative Days, student leaders Kelley Yeoman (Class of 2022), Jenna Cameron (Class of 2022), Matthew Haas (Class of 2022) and Demetrios Chagoya (Class of 2021) from the LECOM chapters of American Pharmacists Association, Student National Pharmaceutical Association, and Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists formed a committee and worked with students from other Florida schools to not only plan the event but also educate the student body with talking points about bills of interest, how to talk to a legislator in lay terms and the overall policy procedure.

One of the highlights was the Pharmacy Benefit Manag-

ers Reform Rally held outside of the Capitol. During this rally, students heard from doctors, pharmacists, representatives and patients about how PBMs affect the lives of patients, the cost of medications and the predatory practices under which some operate. The rally and visits to legislators was a positive step to changing and reforming this system.

The Benefit of a Distance Education Pathway The third class of LECOM’s School of Pharmacy distance education pathway virtually celebrated commencement in June. Our previous experience using the technology needed to deliver an online program proved to be especially valuable as we quickly transitioned our other pathways to an online environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since all faculty teach in the distance education pathway, faculty were able to quickly transition to online with minimal disruption to student schedules and the learning experience. While LECOM is looking forward to repopulating its campuses with students, we are thankful for the expertise that we have in delivering high-quality online learning. The experience also has allowed us to think creatively about the curriculum we deliver and possible areas that can be strengthened with increased use of technology moving forward.

Strong Faculty and Student Relationships The LECOM School of Pharmacy faculty establish strong relationships with students that often continue from the day a student interviews and continues throughout their professional careers. Dr. Stephanie Peshek interviewed a potential student named Jennifer (Piggot) Morrison for the Class of 2015. Their mentor and mentee relationship continued throughout school and concluded when Dr. Peshek served as the preceptor for Dr. Morrison’s final APPE at LECOM. After commencement, Dr. Morrison moved out of state to complete a managed care residency. The two stayed in touch and through their outstanding collaboration, published A Practical Guide to Pharmacoeconomics in February. This is just one example of how faculty and students team up to complete scholarly work and grow professionally.

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Larkin University College of Pharmacy As I am writing this article, with input provided from various student organization faculty advisors, department chairs, and assistant and associate deans, we are in the process of continuing our program virtually, along with the other six deans of the Florida colleges of pharmacy.

We are using Microsoft Teams for teaching and Zoom for student and faculty interviews. As with the other colleges, our classes continue and our experiential program continues thanks to the hospitals, clinics and pharmacies that appreciate the need for student pharmacists to receive high quality training. In a few weeks to months, these are the pharmacists that we all want on the front lines of our health care system. So, thanks to all of you as we learn together how to manage the changing landscape of health care during this pandemic and beyond.

I believe the profession will gain visibility and become stronger by embracing the opportunities to show how pharmacists are an integral part of the patient care team. I know that in many cases the decision to remove students was not at the pharmacy level, but the C-level. But as you read this, please let executives know the importance of preparing these student pharmacists for the front lines.

The college also had our first intramural grants program which awarded more than $60,000 to seven faculty members. The article will focus on the growth of the college and the community events provided by our student organizations, which in most cases includes faculty and staff.

Chief Diversity Officer,” he is a global thought leader having worked with more than 1,000 colleges and universities, Fortune 100 companies, foundations and government agencies, as keynote speaker, strategist, educator and social impact leader. As the University of Michigan celebrates its 200year anniversary, he was recently awarded the Bicentennial Leadership Award, a one-time honor given to 20 trailblazing alumni who exemplify the best of the academic and leadership values of the university’s 200,000 living alumni. He is chief catalyst for the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership & Social Innovation and a senior scholar and innovation fellow at the Wisconsin Equity and Inclusion Laboratory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he previously served as associate vice chancellor and inaugural chief diversity, equity, and educational achievement officer.

Dr. Williams received his Ph.D. in organizational behavior and management from the University of Michigan Center for the Study of Higher and Post-Secondary Education, and his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Miami University in educational leadership and sociology and Black world studies, respectively.

Inaugural Commencement, 2019 The academic year of 2019-2020 was major milestone for the LU College of Pharmacy. In May 2019 we graduated our first class. They are now our alumni working in various settings including residencies all over the nation, but primarily in south Florida.

Our commencement speaker was Dr. Damon A. Williams, a visionary and inspirational leader, and one of the nation’s recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility and organizational change. For four years, he lead a $250 million social impact portfolio for the world’s largest youth development company, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, representing the interests of nearly 4 million diverse youth and teens as senior vice president for programs and chief education officer.

One of the original architects of the inclusive excellence concept in American higher education, he is author of the best-selling books “Strategic Diversity Leadership” and “The

ADMINISTRATION:

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College of Pharmacy Growth The college welcomed a significant number of new employees in both administration, staff and faculty. Some of these were replacement positions as others moved to new challenges and some were due to the growth of the college.

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Jayesh Parmar, Ph.D. – promoted to Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs (previously, Founding Faculty, Associate Professor and Vice Chair, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Social and Administrative Sciences) Antonio Perry, MS – Senior Director of Assessment Alexis Arango, Pharm.D. – Director of Clinical Services and Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences Jonathon May, M.A., Ed.D. – Director of Student Services

FACULTY: ■ ■ ■

Debasish Basak, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Biomedical Sciences) Sandeep Sheth, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacology) Mara Poulakos, Pharm.D., Associate Professor, Depart-

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ment of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Internal Medicine) Jason Range, JD, Ph.D., - Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Social Administrative Sciences) and Director of Development Sweta Andrews, Pharm.D., MBA, BCACP - Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Ambulatory Care) Jennifer Hartman, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP - Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Critical Care)

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Paulette Cardenas, BA – Administrative Assistant, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences Brandon Burrell, MLA – Student Affairs and Admissions Coordinator

tem (ProteinSimple, San Jose, California) along with the BioRad Western blot equipment and accessories were obtained.

For mammalian cell culture and biological fluid work, two biosafety cabinets, incubators and a tabletop autoclave along with liquid nitrogen tank and ultra-low temperature freezer were acquired. These facilities, along with the previously available laboratory instruments, are capable of supporting faculty research projects in the areas of synthesis and characterization of new anti-cancer and anti-infective small molecules, formulation of vaccines and film-based dosage forms, mechanistic studies and remedies of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and prostate cancer, and cytochrome P450based drug metabolism and drug interaction studies with human, rodent and primate tissues.

INAUGURAL PHARMACOTHERAPY FELLOWS: ■ ■

Anthony Allen-Reeves, Pharm.D. Andrea Fuentes, Pharm.D.

Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences, Joshua Caballero, Pharm.D., BCPP, FCCP The DCAS faculty developed and implemented a longitudinal clinical skills-based lab course that occurs throughout a full year focusing on active learning. Drs. Melissa Santibañez and Jordan Sedlacek completed their AACP Scholarship of Teaching and Learning grant “Time Is Ticking … We Must Figure It Out. Mid-Course Concept Reinforcement via Murder Mystery” and will be presenting results at the next AACP annual meeting. Dr. Caballero, along with his co-editors, revised and released the second edition of “Get the Residency: ASHP’s Guide to Residency Interviews and Preparation.” Dr. Caballero authored several book chapters, and other DCAS faculty, such as Dr. Melissa Santibañez, contributed chapters to the book’s second edition. Finally, the department welcomed two fellows with a focus in academia and pharmacotherapy as noted above.

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Subrata Deb, Ph.D. (LCMS.png) It has been an exciting year of laboratory research capacity building for Larkin University College of Pharmacy. During the 2019-2020 academic year, several sophisticated instruments and high performing research facilities were commissioned in LUCOP labs and a glimpse of the major activities are highlighted here. The installation of Agilent 6460C Triple Quadrupole Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was followed by a three-day training to the users. To complement the LC-MS facility, an automated flash chromatography system (BUCHI C-810) was purchased for bulk sample purification during chemical synthesis. In the protein and DNA research, the FluorChem FC3 Imaging Sys-

Spotlight of our student pharmacist professional organizations and events: Larkin University sponsored our first annual community health fair on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon at Trinity Church. The area that Larkin University and Trinity Church serve is a medically underserved area. In an effort to give back to its local community, Larkin University engaged community partners, such as Borinquen Medical Centers of Miami-Dade, Catalyst Miami, CareerSource South Florida, Jasmine Project, Jessie Trice, Miami-Dade AHEC, Oneblood and Optimal Health to help provide access to health care services in the area. Student organizations from Larkin University had booths on medication counseling, blood pressure, HIV education, healthy lifestyle choices, opioid use and voter registration. Although the community turnout was not as high as expected, the College of Pharmacy learned a lot from this experience. We are looking forward to a bigger and better event this year!

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American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Students of Pharmacy About 30 student pharmacists attended Legislative Days in Tallahassee this year along with Dr. Andrea Murzello, Dr. Paul Boylan and Dr. Sandeep Sheth. Although this includes students from any organization within the college, ASP is the organization responsible for organization of the annual event. APhA-ASP hosted a booth at the Larkin University first annual health fair, presenting two posters educating the community about opioids addiction and medication take-back. APhA-ASP and ASHP-SSHP put on a collaborative event inviting Florida Rep. Shevrin Jones to campus to speak about the importance of advocacy and how to get involved. Members of the ASP Executive Board attended both the student leadership conference in Washington, D.C., and the mid-regional conference in Atlanta in 2019. Other events included APhA-ASP participating in the glucose games in support of diabetes awareness; a breast cancer awareness bake sale where funds were donated to breast cancer research; and another collaboration with our brand new IPhO to invite guest speaker Dr. Angel Rosas to talk about influenza vaccine education and awareness. Faculty advisers are Dr. Christiane Chbib and Dr. Paul Boylan.

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Student Society of Health System Pharmacist The LU-SSHP had three events this year to engage fellow students. First, LU-SSHP hosted a membership drive to introduce all the many benefits of joining SSHP, FSHP, and ASHP to the new P1 class and the P2s that weren’t already members. Topics that were discussed included journal club, conferences and professional development gained by the board. They had 42 people in attendance, of whom 31 joined as new members! LU-SSHP also hosted a brief workshop on what P1 students should expect on their introductory pharmacy practice experiences. The LU-SSHP residency preparedness event was geared towards P3 students wanting to apply for residency. The event was streamed live to allow for P3 students on rotation to attend. Dr. Alexandra Angel, PGY1 resident at Baptist Hospital, reviewed the matching process, how to do applications, what to expect during an interview, and what you need to have before the application window opens.

In addition to the collaborative presentation with Florida Rep. Shervin Jones, two pharmacist guest speakers were invited to campus, Dr. Ravi Bacchus to speak to students about residency and APPE preparedness, and Dr. Lipton Gonzalez to discuss his practice at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Dr. Bacchus highlighted some things that are typically expected of both APPE students and residents, and discussed amount of work that residents do to help students better decide if that is a path they would like to explore further. Dr. Gonzalez explained different aspects of compounding medications, USP 797, the importance of pharmacy law and how it will apply to their future careers.

LU-SSHP pa r t ic ipated in ASHP’s Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting. Jessica Bruno and Taylor Harris represented LU-SSHP in Las Vegas, Nevada. They presented a poster about the importance of advocacy in the SSHP Larkin University chapter and how advocacy events can be incorporated into other SSHP chapters in other colleges. The

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poster highlighted a previous event hosted by SSHP where Rep. Jones spoke at Larkin University and gave advice on how to effectively speak to legislators on issues relating to the pharmacy profession. LU-SSHP hosted its annual clinical skills competition where students had a chance to display their clinical skills. The winners, Scott Arrighi and Andrea Duque, represented LU at the meeting for the national competition.

PLS Leaders.png: From left are 2021 inducted leaders Scott Arrighi, Taylor Harris, Panajota Mavrakis, Caitlin Stephens and Gerald Williams.

LU-SSHP also participated in three volunteer events this year. During LUCOP’s first health fair, LU-SSHP had a chance to counsel patients from the local community on the appropriate goals for both cardiovascular health and glucose monitoring. LU-SSHP was given the opportunity to volunteer at SESHP (South East Society of Healthcare Pharmacists) annual meeting on March 7-March 8, signing in pharmacists and directing them to workshops. This was a great opportunity for the chapter to network with future employers and SSHP volunteered at the Ronald McDonalds House to help cook meals for families and patients that are staying at the facility. This event help take the burden off the patients’ parents and provide a meal for more than 20 patients. It was a humbling event because the patients and their families were grateful for the time we spent preparing and distributing out their meals. Faculty advisers are Dr. Jordan Sedlacek and Dr. Mara N. Poulakos.

Student National Pharmaceutical Association During the 2019-2020 academic year, to recognize the vast outreach efforts of this student group, SNPhA expanded to twho faculty advisors. Key events organized by LU-SNPhA this year included the Lotus Drive donation drive for household items for local homeless families; our wildly successful Culture Day, where participants bring home-cooked dishes representative of their native countries; Go Red for Women Day for SNPhA’s Power to End Stroke initiative; and the “Rock Your Socks” fundraiser for World Kidney Day for SNPhA’s Chronic Kidney Disease initiative. Faculty advisers are Dr. Melissa Santibañez and Dr. Priscilla Ryder.

Phi Lambda Sigma, Epsilon Theta Chapter During the 2019-2020 academic year, Larkin University College of Pharmacy’s Phi Lambda Sigma Epsilon Theta student chapter grew its leadership footprint further. Our student officers organized two induction cycles and two induction ceremonies, inducting eight new student leaders from the class of 2021 cohort.

PLS, the pharmacy leadership society, recognizes outstanding student leaders who actively work to promote the profession as leaders in their school and community. Only 10 percent of each student cohort is eligible to be inducted during each cycle. This is LU’s third induction ceremony, after our chapter’s chartering and first induction cycle last year.

We have inducted students from three student cohorts, and the next application cycle for class of 2022 students will begin in fall 2020. Faculty adviser is Dr. Melissa Santibanez.

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Zeta Phi Chapter As with all the other organizations, Kappa Psi participated in the annual health fair. This event gave us the opportunity to work with other leaders within the community to enhance the medical process of patients by listening to their needs and experiences. In August, our philanthropy committee set up a service event at the Pelican Harbor Marina. The pelican island bay area was our focus to clean by partnering up with Critical Splash, an event focused on restoring the natural resources that are precious to our ecosystem, family and communities here in south Florida. During the winter season we were humbled and greeted in open arms by the Sikh Society of Florida. Zeta Phi was able to help pack 20,000 meals for world hunger and those in need. Faculty adviser is Dr. Andrea Murzello.

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Phi Delta Chi, Delta Theta Chapter PDC continues to grow. Seventeen new brothers were inducted into the fraternity in the Gamma class Oct. 28th.

A primary focus of our fraternity is philanthropy. The official charity of PDC is St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and many of the events have focused on raising money for it.

The brothers sold St. Jude pins for fellow students to display on their white coats, as well as cupcakes on a monthly basis.

Other events to raise money included Sing for St. Jude, a karaoke event, and attendance and participation in the St. Jude Walk in Miami.

Furthering the spirit of philanthropy, brothers also executed a clothing drive which benefited Out of the Closet thrift stores, participated in the Glucose Games, in a flag football tournament at Nova Southeastern University which benefits Florida Introduces Physical Activity and Nutrition to Youth, and prepared Christmas boxes for Operation Christmas Child. In Larkin’s first Health Fair, the fraternity ran a counseling booth. The brothers additionally organized a CV workshop to assist P1 and P2 students in the creation of professional CVs. Faculty adviser is Dr. Nicole Lounsbury.

Industry Pharmacists Organization “If chartering Larkin University chapter of IPhO was like planting a seed, then my board and I have been nurturing the sprouting plant all year. Just like with any plant the first goal was to establish the roots,” said Scott Arrighi, the founding president of LUCOP IPhO chapter. In the inaugural year, IPhO was able to establish a membership of more than 30 students . Most of the members are first-year students who will grow with the organization.

With the goal to support students, one of the first events was to sensitize LUCOP students about the available industry job opportunities (e.g., pre-clinical, clinical, advertising, post-market analyses) through a detailed presentation by the board members. IPhO brought several speakers to the school and enriched understanding of industry career and networking. The third and most proud accomplishment for the chapter was their participation in the IPhO Value of Industry Pharmacists competition. During this national competition, each participating chapter needs to prepare and present a comprehensive plan about developing a drug from the lead molecule identification step to all the way to marketing. The team did well, especially in the final round. “It was, of course, our first year competing and there was a bit of a learning curve but with some incredible advice from Dr. Deb (our faculty advisor) and Dr. Naveen Abou-Gharbia (our industry competition partner) we turned in a presentation that I am very proud of Arrighi said. Founding board members are President Scott Arrighi, Director National Engagement Phu Pham, Director Professional Programming Priynk Patel, Director Social Media and Marketing Priya Hira, Director Communications Samuel Esparza, and Director Finance and Fundraising Andrea Duque. Faculty advisers are Dr. Subrata Deb and Dr. Mostafa Elgebaly.

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Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Larkin University welcomed our newest student professional organization officially in February. Along with this recognition, LUAMCP received a $500 grant to assist in the initial expenses of starting a new chapter. There are 10 members of the chapter and the first set of officers have assumed their roles. The officers held their first meeting to plan upcoming activities for the year. Among the activities being considered is a roundtable event where several pharmacists working in managed care and industry will be invited to share their experiences and to introduce LU students to nontraditional pharmacy careers. Students will have the opportunity to rotate among tables and talk with the invited guests. This not only will provide students greater insight to industry and managed care but will also provide them with networking opportunities. Faculty adviser is Dr. Jason Range.

Coming next to Larkin University will be the student chapter of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.

We finish our article with our support and best wishes for success to the graduating class of 2020 who has completed the academic year under great duress.

There have been previous events and disasters in my academic career that have affected local and regional communities. A few that come to mind where colleges of pharmacy affected by Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, South Carolina, and Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the surrounding areas; the Sept.11, 2001, terrorist attacks that impacted so many in the New York metropolitan and tri-state area; and hurricanes Irma and Maria most recently that devastated Puerto Rico.

In each of these cases, whatever college I was at, we offered help to those suffering. However, in this pandemic, we are all in this together and wonder when we will return to normal, or what will our new normal be. We offer best wishes for better days to come to all of the colleges of pharmacy in Florida and to the pharmacists on the front lines, and especially to those that have continued to train the next generation joining you in just the next few weeks to months.

With sincere gratitude, thank you!

Greg M. Levin, Dean

“I’M ALWAYS WATCHING OUT FOR MY PATIENTS, BUT WHO’S WATCHING OUT FOR ME?”

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Call toll free (866) 365-7472 or visit www.pqc.net PQC IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY YOUR STATE PHARMACY ASSOCIATION JUNE 2020

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Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy Nova Southeastern University President and Chief Executive Officer George Hanbury II, Ph.D., appointed Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D., the new dean of the College of Pharmacy. Dean Clark’s vision for the College of Pharmacy for 2020 and beyond is infused with student-centered innovative education, grounded on academic excellence and research-driven success. Our faculty and staff members and administrators are central to execution of this vision. These integral stakeholders will drive programs/opportunities for our students that will ignite their passion for the profession of pharmacy and/or other selected career pathways.

NSU College of Pharmacy students, faculty and staff members hosted and participated in an array of events ranging from health fairs to traveling to conferences. The end of the year was also immersed with fun on-campus activities for students, faculty and staff members. We are especially proud of some of the professional accomplishments of Albert Wertheimer, Ph.D., Georgina Silva-Suarez, Ph.D., and the appointment of Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D., as associate dean, graduate programs. We are particularly delighted that many of our students attended professional conferences. Most importantly, many showcased their research at conferences such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition, and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Annual Meeting.

Our alumni are a source of Shark Pride as they dominate in their chosen professions while volunteering, mentoring and becoming preceptors, making an impact in the lives of students and in the community. The onset of COVID-19 put on display the high-quality graduates produced by our programs as Richard Ashworth, Pharm.D. (’99), took the podium to speak in front of the White House as part of the response to the coronavirus as president of Walgreens. Additionally, our alumni are taking center stage as front-liners in the fight against the pandemic in hospitals and pharmacies around the country and around the globe. I encourage all alumni to send us updates at copalumni@nova.edu so that we may showcase your accomplishments.

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Meet the New Dean: Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D. A member of the College of Pharmacy since 2001, Dean Clark has been an integral part of the college, serving in a variety of key leadership roles while continuing her research and service on external, university, and college committees.

Appointed interim dean in August 2018, Dean Clark has served the college as executive associate dean, interim associate dean for research and graduate education and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Dean Clark has proven herself a visionary leader, finding innovative ways to enhance the college’s program offerings and student success. She was instrumental in the establishment of the college’s Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical sciences that matriculated its first students in 2010 and the development of the master’s of science in pharmaceutical sciences that graduated its first cohort in 2019. Dean Clark is passionate about creating innovative educational opportunities within the College of Pharmacy. As founding member and faculty advisor of the Student National Pharmaceutical Sciences Association, and a dissertation advisor for Ph.D. students, Dean Clark serves as a mentor to all NSU’s College of Pharmacy students.

As a proponent of promoting the pharmacist’s role in health care, Dean Clark focuses her research activities on pharmacy and health-related issues for underserved and underrepresented communities. She involves students in her research, providing opportunities that allow them to develop skills in leadership and scientific inquiry.

New Associate Dean of Graduate Programs Named This year, we welcomed Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D., associate professor, to the newly created position, associate dean, graduate programs in the College of Pharmacy. As a pharmacy educator and researcher for over 20 years, Castejon mentored several undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral fellows during her years in academia.

Castejon’s contribution to science ranges from basic to clinical research with numerous peer-reviewed publications; scientific meeting presentations; funded grants, contracts and a patent she developed; and coordinated and taught elective and core

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courses in the professional and graduate programs. Castejon was instrumental in the design of both the Travel Study Program to Slovakia and the minor in pharmaceutical sciences offered through the Chemistry Department at NSU. She served as the vice-chair, pharmaceutical sciences, later becoming interim department chair over the past two years, providing valuable administrative experience prior to her appoint as associate dean earlier this year.

Faculty Awarded Donald E. Francke Medal Albert Wertheimer, Ph.D. and professor of sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy was named the recipient of the Donald E. Francke Medal by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. The Donald E. Franke Medal was established in 1971 to honor individuals who have made significant international contributions to advance pharmacy practice.

Of the honor, Wertheimer says, “It is a big honor for me and a source of confirmation that the many hours, days, years involved in international pharmacy activities by me must have had some impact on some others.” The award came as a surprise to Wertheimer, who was not even aware he was nominated. The award is decided by the board of directors of ASHP, the largest pharmacy organization in the world according to its website.

This accomplishment is a culmination of years of service to the pharmacy profession around the world. “I have been active in the International Pharmacy Federation as the president of two sections; social and administrative pharmacy, and the academic section,” he explained. “I was a vice president of the organization for the maximum of two terms (eight years) and a member of its governing council.” He adds, “I have directed about 100 Ph.D. students with about one-half from many other countries.” Wertheimer’s achievement is a source of pride for the College of Pharmacy and further proof of the caliber of faculty are students learn from.

Faculty Awarded Pharmacist of the Year by the Florida Health Systems Pharmacists We continue to take pride in providing our students with access to high-quality pharmacy educators. Karen Sando, Pharm.D. was selected Pharmacist of the Year at the Florida Health Systems Pharmacists Conference in August 2019.

Receiving the award was extra special for Sando as she was surprised by her family who were there to watch her receive it and without whom she says she would not be able to do so much.

Dean Clark says of Sando’s selection as the recipient, “We are extremely proud of Dr. Sando’s accomplishment. She is an amazing leader and a great role model for our students.”

Sando has been an active member of FSHP since she was a student and credits her involvement as having helped her develop professionally while making useful and long-lasting professional contacts. Sando also stated that her association with FSHP has allowed her to be engaged in advocacy for the pharmacy profession.

“Earning Pharmacist of the Year for FSHP is one of the most rewarding recognitions of my career thus far,” Sando said. She continues, “I feel completely honored and humbled to receive such a high honor by representing health-system pharmacists through my various roles in FSHP.” Silva-Suarez Leads Research in Puerto Rico The accolades continue in Puerto Rico with Georgina Silva-Suarez, Ph.D., assistant professor of sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy, who launched a new research project, “Optimizing antiretroviral adherence among a group of women living with HIV in Puerto Rico: A pilot study.”

The project aims to develop a pharmacist-led intervention targeted to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy and to decrease viral load among a group of non-adherent women living with HIV in Puerto Rico.

“If our intervention proves to be effective in improving adherence to ART in our sample population, it can later be tested in other populations living with HIV,” said Silva.

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search Institute of HIV and Mental Health. The research, in which NSU College of Pharmacy student pharmacists have been integral, has received Institutional Review Board approval and is in the recruitment phase.

The NSU College of Pharmacy students have been integral to this project, working in the development of the intervention instruments, helping with the IRB submission process, and the students are now immersed in the patient recruitment and implementation phase.

“My goal is to provide students the most complete research experience they could have while studying at NSU,” Silva said.

Silva is also involved with other projects and provides NSU College of Pharmacy students opportunities to participate. She is working as a co-investigator in other federally funded research projects at the Maternal Infant Studies Center in Puerto Rico with several others at NSU. Silva is a shining example of the diverse research opportunities NSU College of Pharmacy faculty members offer its students throughout their time at NSU. NSU College of Pharmacy Palm Beach Pioneer New Program and Service NSU College of Pharmacy Palm Beach Campus continues to create new ways to reach students. This year they hosted “A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist,” designed for high school students from Palm Beach County who have identified an interest in the pharmacy profession. The program provided participants with foundational knowledge and an understanding of the evolving profession of pharmacy. The day was comprised of lectures in pharmacy practice career pathways, an interactive activity focused on compounding medications, and a tour of a local pharmacy practice site to observe what pharmacists do daily. Students and teachers from multiple area schools across the county attended the event.

“We are excited to partner with the School District of Palm Beach County and bring local high school students to our campus to increase their knowledge about the many ca26

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reer opportunities for pharmacists, as well as the tremendous impact pharmacists can have on their patients’ lives,” said Rochelle Nappi, Ed.D., the assistant dean of the college in Palm Beach.

Breaking new ground in response to the coronavirus, they later hosted a virtual version of this event.

Later in the year, after many negotiations between NSU College of Pharmacy and the Florida Department of Health to establish a closed point of distribution, the NSU Palm Beach Campus conducted a full-scale exercise which simulated a response to a hypothetical biological terrorist.

A closed POD provides medical countermeasures in the event of a public health emergency, to NSU Palm Beach students, faculty, employees and their immediate family and extended family members. A closed POD is for a specified population, as opposed to an open POD which provides for the general public.

During the exercise NSU personnel and participants outside the NSU community coordinated the receipt and transportation of medical countermeasures. This culminated in the closed POD activation in order to distribute and dispense the medical countermeasures.

A future full-scale exercise had been scheduled for November 2020 that would bring the Federal Emergency Management Agency on campus to evaluate implementation of the closed POD, but at the present time this has been delayed due to COVID-19.

In Support of Our Veterans NSU College of Pharmacy is proud to be part of the team who will care for our nation’s heroes, our veterans, at the new NSU Veterans Access Clinic. The clinic is designed to be a centralized hub to serve the needs of veterans and their immediate family members. Through funding received from the Florida Legislature and governor, NSU is well positioned to provide services through our dental, optometry, medical and psychology clinics as well as from our in-house pharmacy among others. Further, if the services needed by our vet-

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erans and their immediate family members are not offered at NSU, they will be able to take advantage of a network of community providers which our staff will help identify and provide referrals. The goal is to allow veterans, whether or not they are NSU students, access to the care they need. This integrated approach will help facilitate a coordinated method to care for our veteran’s mental and physical well-being without them having to call multiple offices.

With more than 1,000 student veterans, NSU and the NSU College of Pharmacy are committed to honoring their sacrifice, giving them the tools to dominate long after they graduate.

Additional support was provided through the generosity of the Florida Department of Health. Further, partnering with the VA, United Way’s Mission United, and other organizations, we will provide help for veterans who don’t have access to health care.

NSU APPE/IPPE Dominates Amidst COVID-19 In March as the world was coming to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NSU’s 2020 APPE/IPPE team, Stacey Maravent, Pharm.D. (’02); Jennifer Steinberg, Pharm.D.; Julie Marin, Pharm.D. (’07); and Kimmi Stultz, Pharm.D. (’07); along with the administrative assistants, sprang into action.

They worked with fourth-year students finalizing rotations so that they can graduate on time and keep our third-year students who were slated to start their rotations on track.

The early lockdown in Puerto Rico was a challenge that later other campuses would also encounter. In order to protect our students from exposure, it was decided by administration to minimize the number of students at practice sites. About 50 students scheduled for their last rotations were faced with learning that many of the hospital partners throughout the area, were not permitting students. In fact, of the more than 60 sites NSU College of Pharmacy works with, only one would permit students.

The experiential team mobilized to implement new Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education guidelines, de-

veloped competency tests and collaborated with preceptors to see that competency goals were met. Further, an elective Board Preparation APPE was developed by Robert McGory, Pharm.D., associate dean, professional programs and pharmacy practice.

The more than 150 third-year students also had to reschedule their May 2020 rotations. At NSU College of Pharmacy, students take seven APPE rotations over eight rotation blocks. This gave students the option to take off the first block without delaying graduation. The tireless efforts of the experiential team resulted in the successful move or change of original rotation schedules.

A different process altogether had to be established for IPPE. The way our curriculum is structured worked in our student’s favor because by the time closure began, our students had already met the hospital requirements. To ensure our students are properly prepared to dominate, the team created new sign-off sheets for preceptors.

However, to protect our students, tough decisions were made. This included canceling parts of the summer IPPEs for the class of 2022 as hospitals communicated their plans to not accept students until June or July. To mitigate this, the team onboarded about 10 new sites, many offering remote opportunities for students with structured objectives and outcomes.

The experiential team continues to develop new tools and strategies in this ever-changing environment while doing the necessary to keep students on track to meet rotation and graduation requirements. This collaborative effort led to the successful completion of rotations for our class of 2020 and set our class of 2021 for an on-time graduation next year.

Teamwork is a core value at the NSU College of Pharmacy, and the concerted effort of the experiential team once again proved to be an asset for our students.

NSU Puerto Rico Responds After Earthquakes Rock the Country In response to the January 2020 earthquakes in Puerto Rico, the College of Pharmacy Puerto Rico Regional Campus coordinated counseling sessions for its students with Henderson Student Counseling Services. Two sessions were programed for College of Pharmacy students to provide the necessary tools to overcome stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

Keeping with our student-centered approach, of putting our students’ well-being at the forefront of everything we do, NSU College of Pharmacy provided students the opportunity to express their concerns. Many in attendance reported an increase in stress, anxiety and panic over the every day aftershocks that still moved the island. When the island lost power after the initial earthquakes, students, like most Puerto Ricans, had flashbacks to the days following Hurricane Maria.

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tainty caused those living on the island to question the safety of the roofs over their heads. The greatest threat, however, was not knowing when another earthquake would strike.

A hurricane can be predicted and expected to leave, however, this is not the case with an earthquake. As the ground continued with the aftershocks, people were left in a constant state of anxiety. In a message provided to the students, the faculty and staff members emphasized the importance of leaning on one another and that NSU Puerto Rico would be there for them as family. They encouraged students to support and rely on each other and highlighted how together, they would get past such uncertain times.

The counseling events were led by Mayra Ortiz Reimer who focused her presentation on “Disaster Response Processing and Recovering.” The presentation helped students find peace with the new reality and provided them tools such as yoga, exercise and meditation to better overcome anxiety. The sessions served to destress students and reminded them that the NSU College of Pharmacy personnel will be there to support them through difficult times.

Students a Source of Shark Pride Across Multiple Conferences NSU College of Pharmacy is proud of the work our students do at our NSU campuses and the community to bring forward our mission to transform the profession of pharmacy and improve global health. As such, NSU College of Pharmacy students have represented us and our college with excellence by participating in conferences throughout the country. Twenty-nine of our students presented their posters at the 2019 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting where more than 2,300 students from around the country participated.

Presenting a poster at the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting is a noteworthy accomplishment and we commend our students who were accepted to present.

Students also presented posters at the AMCP Nexus 2019 Conference along with Tricia Gangoo-Dookhan, Pharm.D. (’00), on transitions of care. Future pharmacists Balsam Elajouz and Akilah Fuller represented NSU with lots of SharkPride!

“The experience was very educational, and allowed me to use the knowledge gained about pharmacy led medication therapy management services,” Fuller said. “It was a won28

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derful networking experience, and showed me the many avenues and up and coming topics within the field of managed care.”

Milestone Celebrations Continue Amid COVID-19 Pandemic The NSU College of Pharmacy did not allow the COVID-19 quarantine to stop the celebration of student milestones. The administration, faculty and staff members banded together to create virtual celebrations including an Awards Pinning Ceremony for each of our three campuses for third-year students and a virtual Senior Awards and Recognition Celebration for our class of 2020.

During the event NSU leaders, alumni, faculty and staff shared words of wisdom to attendees which also included family and friends. At the Awards and Pinning Ceremonies, students earned recognition for their achievements throughout the first three years at the NSU College of Pharmacy as well as awards such as Academic Excellence and Dean’s Ambassador of Distinction among others.

At the virtual Senior Awards and Recognition Celebration the class of 2020 was also recognized for their achievements in completing their time at the NSU College of Pharmacy and transitioning into their new role as doctors of pharmacy.

Chancellor of the NSU Health Professions Division, Frederick Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., took part in the celebration sharing his thoughts on their achievement. A highlight of the event was a speech by one of their favorite professors, David Gazze, Ph.D., who dubbed them the WiFi class, which stands for W.armth I.ntelligence F.ortitude I.ntegrity and received a rousing applause.

Our class of 2020 is an extraordinary example of the diversity of our students. Many of our 229 Pharm.Ds, two MSPS and five Ph.Ds reaching the momentous milestone, hailed from around the world representing countries such as Bermuda, India, South Africa, Taiwan, Venezuela, Saudia Arabia and Vietnam.

The class of 2020 has overcome hurricanes, earthquakes and even a pandemic, but through all of it, they exhibited the resilience and tenacity of a true Shark. The class of 2020 is truly a force of nature that is now prepared to dominate.

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Palm Beach Atlantic University Gregory School of Pharmacy

Dr. Jeff Lewis

From the Office of the Dean The Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University is making a difference in communities across Florida and around the world.

It is a privilege to provide this annual update to our friends and colleagues throughout the great state of Florida and beyond, sharing some of the exciting ways in which we are relentlessly pursuing our mission,

Pharmacy with Faith.

The faculty of the Gregory School of Pharmacy have been recognized across the nation for their innovative spirit and leadership in teaching, scientific discovery, clinical practice and professional engagement. Yet, for me, it’s their commitment to preparing the next generation of pharmacists to meet the needs of others – patients, caregivers, colleagues – that truly sets them apart.

I’m grateful for the investment that they make in the lives of students each and every day. But, they cannot do this alone. Without you – colleagues throughout the state who so generously and selflessly invest in the lives of our students as preceptors, lecturers, mentors, scholarship funders, encouragers and so much more – we could not realize the outcomes that you’ve come to expect from a PBAU graduate.

And so, for all that you do, I say thank you. You’re the best!

I also wish to thank our colleagues at the Florida Pharmacy Association for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of our profession and for the opportunity to share this update with you through Florida Pharmacy Today.

Serving others with excellence and compassion, and doing so in a manner that addresses real-world problems, are core to our existence. This update will focus on two areas of engagement, in particular, aimed at pursuing these outcomes: meeting the needs of the under-served and improving the business dynamics of community pharmacy, both of which, I firmly believe, improve the well-being of our communities.

You’ll read of the manner in which our students, faculty, alumni and friends are selflessly investing their time, talent and treasure in bettering the lives of underserved populations in south Florida and around the world. From the full-time clinical presence of Dr. Justine Latif at Caridad Center, Florida’s largest health care clinic for underserved

populations, to short-term medical mission initiatives in countries such as the Dominican Republic and Uganda, our team counts it a privilege to care for those without sufficient means to care for themselves.

You’ll also read of the manner in which PBAU is actively engaging community pharmacies throughout Florida aimed at modeling and implementing sustainable expansions of pharmacist services, improving community health while achieving greater fiscal stability in the pharmacy. From the nation-leading engagement of Drs. Erin Dorval and Laura Rhodes in the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network and the national Flip-the-Pharmacy initiatives to the development of an entrepreneurial spirit in our students via an off-the-charts APPE rotation in Independent Community Pharmacy Ownership, PBAU is doing our part to model and support the ability of pharmacists to thrive in their professional pursuits.

Before turning your attention more fully to these encouraging updates, I want to highlight a couple of very special people in our PBAU community who have been recognized for living out the essence of the Gregory School of Pharmacy.

The first is rising P4 student, Elizabeth Davis.

Davis is not only an excellent student in the classroom, but is also a servant-leader among her peers, always envisioning and implementing ways of improving the lives of

Elizabeth Davis

Sarah Haley

those around her. Her long-term plans include engaging her faith and professional knowledge as a full-time medical missionary. This past year, Davis was recognized for her achievements by the Florida Pharmacy Foundation as the recipient of the 2019 Terry Gubbins Student Leadership Award.

The second is Dr. Sarah Haley, PBAU ’15. Dr. Haley practices at Walgreens Pharmacy and Kindred Healthcare in the JUNE 2020

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greater Tampa area. In both practice environments, Dr. Haley demonstrates a selfless concern for her patients, her colleagues and the students that she regularly educates and mentors. In recognition of her early-career involvement and dedication to the practice of pharmacy, Dr. Haley received the 2019 Pharmacists Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award from the Florida Pharmacy Association.

I trust that you’ll not only be informed but encouraged by this update from Palm Beach Atlantic University. We view ourselves as a resource to the profession of pharmacy and the communities that we, collectively, serve. So, as always, never hesitate to let me know if and how my team can be of service to yours.

Caring for our communities through pharmacy, Dr. Jeff Lewis Dean Serving the Underserved Serving the health care needs of underserved populations in our local community and around the world is a priority at GSOP. This past year our students, faculty and alumni led or participated in an array of medical mission trips, health fairs and community events aimed at educating and serving the citizens of Palm Beach County and beyond.

Gregory Center for Medical Missions

The Gregory Center for Medical Missions was launched in 2013 with a purpose to guide the school’s engagement in medical mission initiatives and raise the bar for pharmacy’s engagement in this very important space. During the summer of 2019, under the direction of Dr. Dana Strachan, GCMM sent mission teams comprised of students, faculty, residents, alumni and various friends of the school to the Dominican Republic, Nigeria and Uganda. During these trips, 1,955 patients were served and 5,250 medications were dispensed.

Since 2003, GCMM and the school of pharmacy have facilitated 55 medical mission teams serving 15 different domestic and international locations. These dedicated servantleaders have been instrumental in meeting the health-related needs of almost 20,000 people.

The Gregory Center for Medical Missions looks forward to serving communities near and far in the coming year.

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In October 2019, GSOP hosted its Annual Community Health Fair at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus. The site was filled with more than 25 health care-related information booths designed to educate, entertain, and serve the health needs of members of the local community. By the time the fourhour annual event wrapped up, 200 men, women and children from the nearby neighborhoods had taken advantage of the services being offered by GSOP students, faculty and alumni.

Seventy-five GSOP student-pharmacists designed, coordinated and operated this year’s health fair, with supportive guidance from six faculty members.

Additionally, the students recruited the participation of the Palm Beach County Health Care District, which brought a mobile clinic along with two physicians and two nurses; the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition; and Premier Dental Care Center. The support of these local agencies/partners contributed greatly to the overall success of the event.

Class of 2017 alumnus Kurt Then, in early November, stuPessa, Pharm.D., was on hand for Walgreens Pharmacy, giving dents, residents and faculty volout 30 free flu-shots. unteered at the Belle Glade Community-Wide Health & Wellness Festival. Despite windy and rainy conditions, our GSOP team served around 100 community guests offering health education along with blood pressure and blood glucose screenings.

Finally, at the invitation of the city of West Palm Beach, our student-pharmacists served the needs of the community at the very popular weekly West Palm Beach Green Market. Over three weekends in January and February, GSOP’s APhA, Phi P4 student Sandra Ghaly serves the Delta Chi and ACCP stu- residents of Belle Glade. dent chapters volunteered to provide blood pressure and blood glucose checks to the market’s attendees. APhA Student Chapter President Javier Barrios called it “an incredible experience that offered us the opportunity to raise awareness about the value pharmacists and student-pharmacists provide our community.”

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GSOP at Caridad Center Developing the next generation of servant leaders can be fostered by direct contributions to like-minded organizations in the community. Historically, a large part of that service has included efforts to engage and enhance the care provided by year round clinics for the underserved in our community.

Caridad Center is the largest free clinic in the state of Florida and has served the local community faithfully since 1992. GSOP has partJustine Lati nered with this organization to provide support to its patients in a number of ways over the years. More recently, the partnership has thrived through the work of Dr. Justine Latif. Dr. Latif began serving at the Center almost two years ago, after she completed an ambulatory care residency at GSOP. Her activities have included patient education as well as assistance to prescribers in the center. Dr. Latif often assists in identifying low cost options for medications and engages patients to understand and manage chronic conditions such as diabetes more effectively.

As a full-time employee of GSOP, Dr. Latif mentors students from the school as they learn critical skills in therapy guidance and patient engagement. The students’ energy and concern are evident in the clinic, and the students quickly become a part of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that defines the care provided across the center’s many programs.

Caridad provides services to all ages, and emphasizes several social programs focused on housing, food security and educational enrichment. In addition to primary care medical services, a dental clinic and an eye clinic are part of the health care services provided by the staff and a host of volunteers. The addition of enhanced pharmacy services contributes a new dimension in care, and the student experience adds to their understanding of service to the underserved community and application of their knowledge to improve the care of individual patients in this unique setting.

Many students point to these experiences as some of the most valuable in their training, as they can see the full potential of their professional activities improving the health and well-being of all patients in the community.

Responding to Community Needs in a Crisis As anxiety about COVID-19 grew, Gregory School of Pharmacy professor Dr. Erin Doval and Atlantis Pharmacy’s owner, Dr. Damien Simmons, put their ingenuity to work to formulate and package hand sanitizer for frontline health care workers and patients.

Dorval, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice, test-

Erin Dorval

ed out a few formulas before settling on the most pharmaceutically elegant version. She made one batch, and then another and another. All told, the team compounded an estimated 350, three-ounce pump bottles of much-needed hand sanitizer for our community. Atlantis Pharmacy gave the bottles to nearby doctors’ offices, hospitals and health care workers, then distributed the remaining supply

to patients.

“It was super cool,” Dorval said. “It was probably the nerdy pharmacist-professor coming out in me. To know that somebody needed it, and I was able to make it, that was the fun part.”

Hand sanitizer compounded at Atlantis Pharmacy by GSOP professor Dr. Erin Dorval.

Entrepreneurism Team GSOP understands that the opportunity to remain engaged in serving people is dependent on sustainable business models, and we are committed to supporting our students/graduates and our professional colleagues in achieving financial stability. We’re doing so in the classroom, in the experiential education arena and in our relationships with community pharmacies. Here’s a glimpse at our endeavors this past year.

‘Shark Tank’-style Student Business Competition Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Dr. John Dougherty coordinates the school’s Pharmacy Application of Pharmacoeconomics, Management and Informatics course. And, in 2019, he infused an entrepreneurially oriented project into the syllabus. Students pitched creative business proposals to treat asthma, reduce hospital readmission rates and improve drug performance. A panel of successful health care business leaders served as judges for the event. The panel included Dr. Punit Patel, president of Red Oak Sourcing; Mr. Raju Mantena, chairman and CEO of Ingenus Pharmaceuticals; and Mrs. Susan Petrovas, founder of Managed Care Network and co-founder of CDMI LLC. The winning proposal was presented by students Ian Clarke, Nicole Latinkich, Mehrnoush Mohammadpour and Isabelle Serbulescu. They called for hospitals to hire additional pharmacists to provide at-home medication counseling to decrease re-admission rates. Using data from a Home Health Care Nurse Association study, the students determined that two additional pharmacists could make 1,412 home visits in a year — more visits than a local hospital would need to service its patients. A decrease of even two or three percentage points in readmission rates would save the JUNE 2020

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health care environments.

The program is directed toward providing didactic and experiential education to students that will allow them to: understand the major functional areas in managing health care organizations and patient care systems; and design and implement strategies and policies that produce effective management practices within changing health care environments.

Judges and the winning team for the Gregory School of Pharmacy’s 2019 Entrepreneurship Challenge (L-R): Raju Mantena, Susan Petrovas, Isabella Serbulescu, Ian Clarke, Mehrnoush Mohammadpour, Nicole Latinkich and Dr. Punit Patel.

hospital thousands of dollars.

“The students’ plan reflected the future of patient care — nurses, doctors, pharmacists and others collaborating,”Petrovas said. “The future of health care should be a team, taking care of patients as whole.”

Independent Community Pharmacy Ownership APPE Continuing the school’s efforts to foster entrepreneurism, the Gregory School of Pharmacy launched an exciting sixweek advanced pharmacy practice experience rotation in independent community pharmacy ownership.

This elective rotation was designed in coordination with Dr. Bill Mincy and Mr. Raju Mantena, both of AlliantRx, to introduce students to the various roles of a pharmacy owner in a community pharmacy practice setting and provide an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired through didactic education and introductory pharmacy practice experiences. The students spend a portion of the rotation at nearby Winships Pharmacy, with owner Daniel Vacca, RPh. MBA, then travel to the New England area to spend time with the leadership of AlliantRx. They have the opportunity to work directly with independent pharmacy owners, engaging in a range of unique pharmacy-related services to a diverse patient population and gain an appreciation of the inner workings of the community pharmacy world – human resources management, supply chain management, payor systems and more. The first several students who completed this unique rotation were also enrolled in the university’s dual Pharm.D./MBA degree program.

PharmD / MBA Dual Degree Track Recognizing that the pharmacy workspace has changed dramatically in the last 10 years, GSOP’s Pharm.D./MBA dual degree program is designed to educate and develop students with foundational skills needed to be executives and managers in the pharmaceutical industry and other 32

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Expanding Community Pharmacy Services As we consider GSOP’s passionate focus on expanding community pharmacy services, it’s our privilege to do so by spotlighting one of our faculty, 2015 GSOP alumni Dr. Laura Rhodes.

During her PGY1 community-based pharmacy residency and community practice engagement fellowship at the University of North Carolina, Dr. Rhodes gained significant knowledge regarding advanced communityLaura Rhodes based pharmacy practice models, the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Networks, and how to provide longitudinal patient care and enhanced clinical services in a traditional community pharmacy setting. While her time in North Carolina was both educational and inspiring, she felt a calling to return to her alma mater to help facilitate the implementation of similar programs and initiatives in Florida.

Through the support and vision of GSOP, Dr. Rhodes has been afforded the opportunity to make this dream a reality within our local communities. The school’s vision of expanding community-based pharmacy practice is being executed through a model in which she consults with community-based pharmacies in Palm Beach County (or neighboring counties) to aid in the integration or improvement of enhanced pharmacy services at the practice site. Examples of projects which have been implemented include securing CLIA waivers, immunization programs and hypertensionrelated services.

Student-pharmacists are immersed in these endeavors via their engagement in the APPE rotation that she leads.

Through partnerships with community pharmacies, the student-pharmacist has the opportunity to network with business owners, conceptualize and develop an enhanced service, and facilitate the implementation of the service at the practice site. The first APPE launched in May 2020 with the first student’s project being focused on the possibility of COVID-19 testing.

Flip the Pharmacy represents an additional opportunity that is complementary to the aforementioned services. Approximately 25 percent of CPESN-USA pharmacies are en-

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gaging in a practice transformation initiative, through which participating pharmacies focus on implementing workflow level changes related to an enhanced service. The program includes a monthly curriculum with details on the focused intervention and milestone goals for eCare plan submissions and/or measurements (e.g., blood pressure, A1C) and a monthly visit from a pharmacy practice transformation coach to help facilitate implementation.

The FtP Program is two years long and focuses on multiple types of enhanced services. The initiative in Florida is being led by Dr. Laura Rhodes and Dr. Erin Dorval. Program results at this time are preliminary, but the six participating Florida pharmacies have successfully completed the first six months of the program and have substantially increased the quantity and quality of hypertension-related eCare plans since the inception of the program.

RXPO 2019: A Careers and Clinical Education Expo for Pharmacy Professionals The Gregory School of Pharmacy hosted its first annual RxPO on Oct 25. This re-envisioned take on the traditional career fair was successful in bringing more than 40 participating pharmacies, health systems, health care companies, and professional organizations to Palm Beach Atlantic University to meet with and engage the school’s 250-plus student-pharmacists. The event was also attended by many GSOP alumni.

Several of RxPO’s participants are preceptors in the school’s experiential education curriculum. RxPO gave these preceptors the opportunity to meet our students and discuss the education and training opportunities available at their respective sites in advance of the APPE scheduling process.

The RxPO was preceded by the What’s Next Pharmacy Professional’s Panel. Student-pharmacists heard from panelists Dr. William Kernan, executive director of pharmacy

for Cleveland Clinic Florida; Dr. Kimberly Jones, a pharmacist, consultant and owner of the Prescription Shop and Wellness Center of Stuart, Florida; Dr. Paulette Turner, a pharmacy manager with Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; and Dr. Amy Henneman, director of PBA’s PGY-1 and PGY-2 Ambulatory Care residency programs.

RxPO 2020 will take place on Oct. 23 from 1-4 p.m. at Palm Beach Atlantic University. For information on registering or attending, please contact Jeff_Snow@pba.edu or visit Go.pba. edu/rxpo20 Calling All GSOP Alumni GSOP Connect As part of our effort to connect and serve our alumni, we are excited to announce the launch of GSOP Connect, the exclusive professional online community for GSOP alumni where members can: ■ Actively engage with classmates and old friends.

■ Network with alums serving in similar geographic or professional areas.

■ Share professional information, articles and blogs.

■ Share personal stories, experiences and encouragements.

■ Learn about and/or support medical mission opportunities in GCMM. ■ Post or discover job opportunities within our GSOP alumni community.

■ Find out about GSOP-related events and initiatives.

GSOP alumni can join the community by visiting www. gsopconnect.com. For more information on GSOP Connect, email Jeff_Snow@PBA.edu

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The University of Florida College of Pharmacy University of Florida College of Pharmacy Profile During one of the most challenging semesters in our history, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy has responded to adversity and risen to the occasion in support of our students, patients, alumni and each other. COVID-19 disrupted many of our plans, including commencement ceremonies for our graduating students, but it never broke our spirit or our commitment to imDean Johnson prove the health of others.

Pharmacists are among the nation’s most accessible health care professionals, and we have shown the world the critical importance of our profession during the pandemic. We’re proud of our alumni and all of you who have worked on the front lines to provide essential health care services. As we have for nearly 100 years, the UF College of Pharmacy will be here to serve Florida pharmacists and train the next generation of pharmacy leaders.

Julie Johnson, Pharm.D. Dean and Distinguished Professor UF College of Pharmacy Rising to the Challenge of COVID-19 When the spring semester began in January, no one in the UF College of Pharmacy could have predicted how it would end in May, but the college successfully moved the curriculum online, identified innovative ways for fourthyear students to complete their advanced clinical rotations and fulfilled a commitment to provide high quality pharmacy education. Additionally, researchers in the college have contributed to the growing literature of understanding COVID-19 and clinical pharmacy faculty have expanded their roles to better serve patients and the UF Health system.

New COVID-19 Website Launches for Health Care Professionals A COVID-19 website developed by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Pharmacy Education, or CPE, launched in late March to provide practical, relevant and timely information about the global COVID-19 pandemic. The website featured video updates from experts 34

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explaining foundational science and epidemiological concepts about COVID-19, as well as practical issues affecting pharmacists on a day-to-day basis. More than 50 advanced pharmacy practice experience students and 13 preceptors helped to build a library of brief COVID-19 drug information summaries.

The website registered more than 30,000 page views from nearly 10,000 users in its first month. In addition, the Office of Continuing Pharmacy Education provided more than 1,000 contact hours of CPE credit to Florida pharmacists at no charge through the website and discounted CPE offers for UF faculty, preceptors and alumni.

Answering the Call: UF College of Pharmacy responds with call center support during pandemic The battle against COVID-19 took place on many fronts, including a sprawling four-story office building on the east side of Gainesville, which houses the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Center for Quality Medication Management. Inside the call center, licensed pharmacists, technicians and pharmacy residents supported UF Health’s COVID-19 phone lines early in the pandemic by triaging patients and scheduling telehealth appointments with physicians.

CQM began its COVID-19 operations on March 30, and in the first month 1,150 patients concerned about whether they had COVID-19 were screened by phone. Pharmacists and staff used a series of questions to determine whether a patient needed to be evaluated by a UF Health physician via

Clinical pharmacist Carolina De Los Ríos, Pharm.D., R.Ph., is among a team of pharmacists and staff in the Center for Quality Medication Management who are supporting UF Health’s COVID-19 phone lines.

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telehealth. They also collected patient information and entered it into UF Health’s electronic medical record system.

The physician considered the patient’s symptoms, travel history and other factors to determine whether a COVID-19 test was needed.

As the University of Florida made plans to reopen its campus, health system leadership also turned to CQM to support its test and trace program. CQM staff reached out to UF employees to schedule a voluntary COVID-19 test appointment. If the employee agreed, CQM ordered the test and entered it into the employee’s electronic health record.

UF Researchers Study Possible COVID-19 Therapeutics University of Florida College of Pharmacy researchers studying the safety of two classes of drugs touted as potential therapeutics for COVID-19 reported mixed results.

Their analysis of 13.3 million reports from the Food and Drug Administration’s Adverse Event Reporting System showed antimalarial drugs hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine were not associated with the risk of abnormal heart rhythm either on their own or when prescribed with the antibiotic azithromycin. Azithromycin on its own, however, was associated with this safety concern.

The FDA has warned individuals not to use the antimalarial drugs outside of the hospital due to heart rhythm concerns, and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases recommended against doctors using the antimalarials with azithromycin for the same reason.

“Multiple ongoing trials are currently investigating the efficacy of antimalarials and azithromycin for COVID-19, but safety concerns are often not resolved in these small-scale clinical studies,” said lead author Joshua Brown, Pharm.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the College of Pharmacy. “Our study’s goal was to verify that these potential treatments don’t cause more problems than they cure.”

Rising to No. 5 in the U.S. News & World Report Rankings The University of Florida College of Pharmacy achieved its highest ranking ever in the U.S. News & World Report list of America’s best pharmacy colleges, climbing four spots to No. 5 in the rankings released March 17.

This is the first time the UF College of Pharmacy has appeared in the Top 5 of the U.S. News list, since the publisher began ranking pharmacy colleges in 1997. UF’s previous top finish was No. 7, which was achieved in 1997.

“Achieving a Top 5 ranking affirms our position as one of the elite pharmacy colleges in the nation and is a testament to all the amazing work by our faculty, staff, students and others to attain this goal,” said Julie Johnson, Pharm.D., dean and distinguished professor of the UF College of Pharmacy. “It’s gratifying to know that our aggressive moves to im-

prove the quality of our pharmacy education, add new faculty and expand research programs are reflected in this new national ranking.”

Under Dean Johnson’s leadership, the college modernized its doctor of pharmacy curriculum to prepare students to be 21st century pharmacists. Today’s curriculum puts a greater emphasis on pharmacists as health care leaders and critical members of the health care team and empowers graduates to be lifelong learners. In addition, the UF College of Pharmacy has aggressively recruited some of the nation’s top pharmacy researchers and clinicians to support more than 50 new faculty positions added in the last seven years.

UF Leads Nation in Pharmacy Residency Matches For the fifth consecutive year, the University of Florida College of Pharmacy matched more students and graduates into pharmacy residencies than any other pharmacy college in the nation. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, or ASHP, match concluded April 8, and 145 UF graduates and soon-to-be graduates matched with a residency program in 2020. UF’s 145 residency matches included 101 PGY1 and 44 PGY2 placements.

ASHP’s match program pairs thousands of student pharmacists across the country with a variety of pharmacy practice settings, including hospitals and community pharmacies. More than 5,300 postgraduate year one and postgraduate year two residency positions were available this year.

From Miami to Seattle, residency programs across the nation selected Gator pharmacists to support their health care institution. UF pharmacy graduates matched with residencies in 23 states and Washington, D.C. The majority will continue their training in the state of Florida, with 95 matching in the Sunshine State.

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Gator Pharmacy Students Celebrate Banner Year The 2019-20 academic year featured the arrival of the UF College of Pharmacy’s Centennial Class and numerous other noteworthy achievements. In August, the college welcomed more than 240 Pharm.D. students to campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville and Orlando. In four years, these students will graduate during the college’s 100-year anniversary. Pharm.D. and graduate students also represented the college on the biggest stages in pharmacy, winning several high profile awards and recognitions.

Washington Elected SNPhA National President You might have noticed a little more pep in Joseph Washington’s step; upon entering his third year at the Gainesville campus of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, he carried a new title as the national president-elect of the Student National PharJoseph Washington will take over as maceutical Association. president of the Student National Washington has done Pharmaceutical Association in July. well in his efforts to address pharmaceutical needs of underrepresented populations in SNPhA’s Gainesville chapter. In his new leadership role, he will have the opportunity to make a national impact. “It is my hope to perpetuate and maximize this organization’s effectiveness and the quality of care we distribute around the world,” Washington said. “Keeping in mind the ideology of Benjamin Franklin: ‘Without words like progress and growth, words like improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.’”

Washington will begin his role as SNPhA’s national president in July 2020.

Trainees Win Top ASCPT Awards The top scoring abstract and trainee awards presented by the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics belong to graduate students in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Marwa Tantawy, Ph.D., won the David Goldstein M.D., Ph.D., Presidential Trainee Award for the highest scoring abstract, while Karthik Lingineni, M.S., won the Jason Morrow, M.D., Presidential Trainee Award, which recognizes the second highest scoring abstract.

Tantawy and Lingineni were two of five UF College of Pharmacy trainees to win ASCPT Presidential Trainee Awards in 2020. The other winners include Rachel Dalton, Pharm.D., Abdelrahman Elsayed, M.Sc., and Cameron Thomas, Pharm.D. 36

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The UF College of Pharmacy has now won 25 of the 120 ASCPT Presidential Trainee Awards presented since 2016.

For five consecutive years, the college has led the nation in Presidential Trainee Award winners.

56 UF Student Posters Presented An impressive 56 student posters from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy were selected for presentation at the 2019 American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Clinical Midyear Meeting in Las Vegas. The annual meeting is the largest gathering of pharmacy professionals in the nation — attracting more than 25,000 people. The venue provided a national audience for UF pharmacy students to showcase their diverse clinical research discoveries.

The 56 student posters presented in Las Vegas represent one of the largest contingents among the nation’s colleges of pharmacy and an increase in participation over previous years. ASHP selected 31 UF student posters at the 2018 Clinical Midyear Meeting in Anaheim, while 46 student posters were selected at the 2017 meeting in Orlando.

Students Advocate for Profession at Legislative Days Pharmacy students from the University of Florida and other pharmacy colleges in Florida descended on the state capitol in Tallahassee for two days in January to advocate for the profession. The annual Legislative Days event is one of the largest statewide gatherings of pharmacy students. This year, more than 100 students from the Gainesville, Jacksonville and Orlando campuses participated.

The UF contingent met with state lawmakers and advocated for pharmacists’ roles to be expanded in health care.

In addition, many UF pharmacy students joined a press conference hosted by the Florida Pharmacy Association to show their support for a proposed bill which would allow pharmacists to test and treat Floridians for influenza and streptococcus.

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Research Funding Reaches Record High Record-breaking research growth has propelled the UF College of Pharmacy into the Top 5 of national rankings. In the 2019 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy annual research report, the college placed No. 4 nationally in both total funding ($23.7 million) and NIH funding ($16.5 million). In a third category measured by AACP, the college ranked No. 5 nationally in total federal funding ($19.3 million). In research labs and faculty offices around the college, scientists are leading new discoveries that span the entire life cycle of a drug, and they are dedicated to solving some of the world’s biggest health challenges through scientific discovery. By the time this story is published, new rankings will have been released and the college expects it will maintain or improve its rankings in 2020.

UF Study: Law Leads to Opioid Use Decline A 2018 Florida law restricting opioid prescriptions for acute pain has led to a drop in opioid use, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open by researchers at the University of Florida.

UF researchers found the number of new opioid users per month dropped 16 percent immediately after the law was implemented, and the number of new users continues to decrease each month. Additionally, the average days’ supply fell from 5.4 days prior to the law to three days. The law was also associated with an immediate decrease in the use of hydrocodone, the most commonly used Schedule II opioid.

“The Florida law is among the most restrictive in the country by limiting patients to a three-day opioid supply for acute pain,” said Juan Hincapie-Castillo, Pharm.D., Ph.D., the study’s lead author and an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the UF College of Pharmacy, part of UF Health, the University of Florida’s academic health center. “We expected to find a decrease in opioid use following the law, but we did not anticipate the significant decline in the number of users.”

The UF study examined claims data from a private insurer over a four-year period and found the number of opioid users and days’ supply declined after Florida House Bill 21 became law in July 2018. The law limits opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a three-day supply — with certain exceptions — and requires physicians and pharmacists to consult Florida’s state prescription drug monitoring database to review a patient’s prescription history.

“In July 2018, people were walking away with six days’ worth of medications,” said Amie Goodin, Ph.D., a co-author of the study and an assistant professor of pharmaceutical outcomes and policy in the UF College of Pharmacy.

“By the end of the study period eight months later, people were walking away with three days’ medications — half the amount of treatment for all the same conditions.”

House Bill 21 only applies to acute pain patients and not chronic pain conditions, such as cancer and trauma. Hin-

capie-Castillo and Goodin said Florida’s law is not well-defined in terms of diagnosis and confusion still exists among prescribers. More than 30 states have passed opioid restriction laws, with many other states considering similar laws.

UF Researches Seaweed, Colon Cancer Consuming a seaweed found near the Florida Keys may offer health benefits in preventing colon cancer and inflammatory diseases of the digest tract, according to researchers in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.

A comprehensive multiyear study identified seaweed compounds responsible for anti-inflammatory activities and their mechanism of action. Researchers tested the natural products in multiple cell-based and animal models and found activation of a signaling pathway responsible for fighting off inflammation and resulting in digestive diseases. In addition, the seaweed components modified gut microbiota composition, increasing the abundance of bacteria found in probiotics that are beneficial for colon health.

“This is an exciting finding because colon inflammation impacts so many health conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease and Crohn’s disease and is a potential precursor for colon cancer,” said Hendrik Luesch, Ph.D., a professor and chair of medicinal chemistry and the Debbie and Sylvia DeSantis Chair in Natural Products Drug Discovery and Development in the UF College of Pharmacy and an affiliate member of the UF Health Cancer Center.

Mineral-rich seaweeds are an important part of human diets, especially in Asia and the Pacific Islands. Scientists hypothesize that seaweed consumption has contributed to lower cancer rates among these populations, but Luesch said there is a research gap in understanding the chemical structures and mechanistic activities responsible for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory qualities.

UF scientists (pictured left to right) Michelle Bousquet, Ph.D., Hendrik Luesch, Ph.D., and Fatma Al-Awadhi, Ph.D., collected seaweed off the coast of Boca Grande Key, an island about 15 miles west of Key West.

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UF’s study addresses some of these gaps and concludes that certain seaweed-derived compounds combat inflammation in the digestive tract.

“We focused on one particular Florida seaweed and pinpointed compounds responsible for the majority of the hostand microbiota-mediated activity,” Luesch said. “Through RNA sequencing of colon tissues, we identified dual beneficial effects on host signaling pathways and gut microbiome, which could have health benefits for the consumer.”

A signaling pathway is a group of molecules that activate each other when they need to pass along a message, such as protecting against oxidative and inflammatory stress. Luesch said if specific seaweed components and natural product preparations can protect healthy cells or reduce the stress on inflamed digestive cells, then the potential exists to prevent the development of inflammatory diseases.

“With any stress response, regulation needs to be tightly controlled,” Luesch said. “Further studies are needed to determine potential dosage and side effects, among many other considerations, before the clinical potential can be fully understood. Additionally, early data suggests this seaweed positively regulates bacteria in the digestive tract that predict responsiveness to immunotherapy for cancer, which means consuming this seaweed might prime patients for a successful outcome with this type of cancer therapy.”

Cymopolia barbata is a marine alga originating in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. UF researchers collected samples of the seaweed off the coast of Boca Grande Key, an island about 15 miles west of Key West, Florida. Luesch is interested in extending the study to other marine algae near Florida and around the world.

Alumni, Friends Support the UF College of Pharmacy The UF College of Pharmacy continues to benefit from the generosity of alumni and friends, who graciously give their time and financial support to the next generation of pharmacists. In 2019-20, the college provided approximately $925,000 in financial support to students, including $230,000 in scholarships for newly admitted students. Beyond financial gifts, alumni and friends mentor pharmacy students through the Career Coaches program, host IPPE and APPE students during their rotations and show their support for the college at Gator receptions and the Annual Alumni BBQ. Crisafi Challenge Raises $140,000 for Student Scholarships The 2019 Crisafi Challenge was one for the record books, as alumni and friends of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy generously gave a record $139,357 in total commitments for student scholarships. Included in the final total is a $50,000 gift from Bob Crisafi, Ph.D., ’56, who challenged supporters to match and exceed his donation during a 10day period. More than 180 people committed gifts in 2019, 38

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Former Crisafi scholarship recipients Hanna Harper, Austin Burnette and Tara Gilliland helped rally support for the fifth-annual Crisafi Challenge.

making the fifth year of the Crisafi Challenge the most successful yet.

Alumni Celebrate 33rd Annual Alumni BBQ and Homecoming Homecoming 2019 proved to be an unforgettable weekend for many Gator fans — and the UF College of Pharmacy’s 33rd Annual Alumni BBQ added to the excitement on campus. An enthusiastic group of more than 300 alumni and friends of the UF College of Pharmacy gathered in the pharmacy courtyard on Oct. 5. The celebration featured a catered barbecue meal, games and face painting activities for the kids and the opportunity to connect with classmates and friends. Dean Johnson provided an update on accomplishments and activities in the college and several Gator chomps were enjoyed throughout the day. Following the 33rd Annual Alumni BBQ, many pharmacy Gators made their way to The Swamp to watch Florida beat No. 7 Auburn, 24-13.

Belotte Francoeur, ’10, and Krystal Rhoden were among more than 300 Gator pharmacy supporters who attended the 33rd Annual Alumni BBQ.

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College of Pharmacy Supporters Stand Up and Holler Here is something to Stand Up and Holler about: The UF College of Pharmacy raised more than $180,000 during the second annual Gator National Giving Day on Feb. 20. The outpouring of support from alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends helped the college finish in the Top 10 for total fundraising dollars among all UF colleges and schools.

Gifts made during Gator Nation Giving Day supported student scholarships, graduate student education and research, a legacy fund for the Working Professional Pharm.D. program and helped purchase white coats for first-year

Pharm.D. students. The College of Pharmacy is especially grateful to these donors who made significant gifts and inspired others to give: Carl, ’76, and Joan Allison made a $25,000 match gift in memory of their son, Jared, ’08. The money raised will support the Jared C. Allison Memorial Fund, which awards scholarships to deserving UF pharmacy students Tom and Janet Schmittgen, ’19, gave a $10,000 lead gift to help establish the Working Professional Pharm.D. Legacy Fund.

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The University of South Florida College of Pharmacy Huge strides for the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy USF Health’s pharmacy program made significant strides in the past year, continuing to advance quality education and student experience across Florida. It was clearly a year of highs and lows.

Our biggest news: A generous $10 million gift boosted our efforts and gave us a new name – the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy.

And our biggest hurdle: COVID-19. Like the rest of the world, our program had to make swift adjustments to keep our students on track while facing a global pandemic that forced us all to work and learn remotely.

Across the past three months, we were reminded just how important our roles in pharmacy are – as part of health care teams, teachers, researchers and career pharmacists, and now as experts in the surge to treat and halt COVID-19.

We are proud that our program prepares our students for the resiliency they just displayed. Through interdisciplinary experiences and collaborative approaches to patient care, we prepare them to work together with other health professionals during “normal” times, and this skill set was undoubtedly necessary during this pandemic.

Here are some highlights of our past year.

USF Announces $10 Million Gift to Name the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy In August 2019, the University of South Florida announced it had received a $10 million gift from Taneja Family Foundation to name the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy. The donation, made through the USF Foundation, is the largest philanthropic gift to a pharmacy school in the

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state of Florida.

As result of the gift, the Taneja College of Pharmacy aims to move into the new USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Heart Institute facility in downtown Tampa, which opened in January 2020. Pharmacy students are tentatively expected to start classes there in fall of 2021.

At a special announcement ceremony Aug. 16 inside the Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa, community and university leaders, students, friends and supporters heard news of the gift and its impact on the young pharmacy college.

“This is a thrilling moment and it is an honor to be here to celebrate another important milestone for USF, one of the fastest-rising universities in the country,” said USF President Steve Currall. “Jugal and Manju Taneja share a passion for education, for giving back to their community, and for transforming the health care system for future generations. This gift will do so much for the trajectory of USF’s success — advancing innovation at our College of Pharmacy and elevating the academic stature of the entire university. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that in recognition of this transformational gift, the USF Health College of Pharmacy will now be known as the Taneja College of Pharmacy.”

The USF Health College of Pharmacy was established by the Florida Board of Governors in 2009 and welcomed its charter class in August 2011. From the start, the pharmacy program set out to build an innovative program that would be a pacesetter in both pharmacy curriculum and clinical experience. Since opening to the charter class of 53 students, the college has steadily progressed with key accreditation and academic milestones. Today, the Taneja College of Pharmacy welcomes 100 new students each year for its Pharm.D. program, and has expanded its offerings to include five master’s degree programs.

Already a leader for attracting Florida’s best pharmacy students, the appeal of USF’s pharmacy school will grow greater with this philanthropic endorsement, said Kevin B. Sneed, Pharm.D., dean of the Taneja College of Pharmacy and senior associate vice president for USF Health.

“This year we celebrate 10 years since the Florida Board of Governors approved the opening of our college. From the very beginning, we set out to build a college built for the future of healthcare, and not simply exist in the past. With the generosity of Mr. Taneja, we will now have the opportunity to build a new home that allows us to truly build the pharmacist clinician of the future.

“Alongside our Morsani College of Medicine, and the Col-

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leges of Nursing, Public Health, our School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, and our Physician Assistant program, the Taneja College of Pharmacy is one of the best positioned pharmacy schools in the country to achieve true interprofessional education, creating the best possible trained workforce for the future,” Dr. Sneed said.

The gift marks a huge milestone for the young school and validates the innovative education experience offered to USF pharmacy students, he said.

This drive to revolutionize how pharmacists are trained is what attracted the Tanejas to USF. “The way that technology is changing, the old way of compounding, the old way of discovering medicines, are going to go away,” Jugal Taneja said. “Now, medicines are going to be targeted for a particular disease. And pharmacists are going to play a big, big role in this. And for that, you have to educate 21st century pharmacists and clinicians.

That’s what we come here today to do.

“Making money makes you happy but when you give money to a cause, to an institution, or to places where money is needed, you gain a special kind of satisfaction. The other day when we signed the gift agreement, with Dr. Lockwood and Dr. Sneed, Manju and I were both going out and we looked at each other. We were much happier and we were $10 million less! But we didn’t feel that – we felt $10 million richer. I often believe in people. Machines don’t make money – people make money. If I ever lost money, it was because it was to a bad man. Not today. We are putting money in very safe hands.”

USF Health MCOM, PT, and Pharmacy Make Gains in USN&WR Rankings The USF Health’s Taneja College of Pharmacy was among several USF Health graduate programs to have significant gains in this year’s rankings from U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News).

In the U.S. News 2021 Best Graduate Schools list released March 17, the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, TCOP, and the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences all moved up in rank. These improvements all highlight advances USF Health has experienced on the national stage, especially over the past five years.

■ #47 in Medical Schools for Research: The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine broke into the top 50 for U.S. medical schools for research, moving up a seismic five spots from last year, from #52 to #47.

■ #49 in Physical Therapy: The School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences shifted a remarkable 30 spots, going from #79 to #49.

■ #68 in Pharmacy: TCOP moved from #77 to #68.

And the USF Health College of Nursing maintained their positions in the top 50 for both its master’s and doctor of nursing practice programs.

U.S. News does not provide new rankings for all gradu-

ate programs each year, so the USF Health College of Public Health maintained its top 25 position, ranking #16.

“These improvements provide clear and unequivocal evidence of the sustained and disciplined commitment by all of us at USF Health to our pursuit of excellence in everything we do,” said Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

“Over the past five years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the competitiveness of our students, impressive increases in our research funding, and rising peer assessment scores from the leadership of other leading universities. Now more than ever, it is fitting that we together honor and celebrate this national recognition of our growing programs.”

Pharmacy Hosts Interprofessional Research Group In May 2019, the USF Health Taneja College of Pharmacy hosted a Interprofessional Translational Research Day, bringing together faculty from across disciplines to forge new collaborations.

Setting the tone for collaborative discovery, Charles Lockwood, MD, MHCM, senior vice president for USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine, urged faculty to find common themes within colleagues’ research.

“As a country, we are in a prime position to advance drug discovery and breakthrough treatments. The United States is already the world’s largest and most advanced pharmaceutical market. We are a behemoth – annual expenditures on pharmaceuticals now account for $500 billion, or about 16.7 percent of total U.S. health care spending.

But what we are facing today is a slowing of our progress – perhaps pointing first to the flat, or even shrinking, federal grant funding. Although USF has fared amazingly well in national research expenditure rankings, we are feeling the impact of that slowing progress.

To remain competitive in a global research environment and to ensure that our return on investment outweighs the time and resources poured into research, we must take action to restructure our research enterprise – we must lower the costs of research while improving its quality and outcomes.

One of my top priorities at USF Health has always been to add value to all the research we do – basic science, translational and clinical – to ensure that it helps improve patient outcomes while lowering costs.

More than ever before, this requires a keen focus on several variables.

It requires public-private partnerships to speed the translation of discoveries from bench to bedside, and to build commercialization opportunities that generate revenue and create new companies and jobs.

It requires promoting philanthropy to establish robust research endowments.

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It requires creating new drugs, diagnostics and devices that dramatically improve quality of life while lowering costs, rather than just marginally improving outcomes at high costs.

And it requires developing our own, as well as recruiting new, top-level researchers in areas of NIH funding priorities – something that will be accelerated by the new MCOM and USFH-HI co-located downtown, and offering a ripple effect felt across all USF Health colleges.

At the heart of all of these variables is collaborative, crossdiscipline work.

There are ample ways we can capitalize on interdisciplinary research opportunities within the College of Pharmacy, within USF Health, and across our university.

And timing could not be better.

Within the pharmacy profession, for example, personalized health care using genetic testing is becoming available within retail pharmacy settings. Additional offerings of genome sequencing now cost under $1,000, and the results can be used to link a person’s genes with personalized, specific treatment to improve overall health outcomes. Patients are working directly with pharmacists to select the best drugs based on their DNA profile. Nanotechnology, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics – there are so many innovative approaches on our horizon.

Our own, young College of Pharmacy has seen great strides, as well. In the past two years, Pharmacy has received two multi-million R01 grants, and last year’s overall research funding increased by 70 percent compared to the year before.

You are also inspiring the next generation of pharmacistscientists by offering a solid foundation for conducting research that your graduates can use throughout their careers.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionately committed to research. And our dedicated scientists in Nursing, Public Health, Pharmacy and Medicine are as equally committed as I am, so I know there is amazing opportunity for greater cross-collaboration here at USF Health.

We have more than 800 faculty among our colleges. We bring in more than $330 million in research. We’ve earned nearly half of the patents at USF. We have a supportive Research Office that aids in grant applications and offers a wide range of core services like biostatistics, epidemiology, research methodology, flow cytometry, microscopy, and even small animal imaging. And we just opened a new centralized clinical trials center.

There is support and encouragement for you all.

I urge you to connect with your colleagues, today and beyond this event, and find the common threads, the themes that will spark new work, and new discovery.

This is how true innovation works – interprofessionally.

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USF Health Takes COVID-19 Testing to Hillsborough Neighborhoods University of South Florida Health teamed up with Hillsborough County to offer COVID-19 testing to residents in several neighborhood community centers. The effort is meant to make COVID-19 coronavirus testing as convenient as possible. The USF Health provider teams use nasopharyngeal swabs to collect specimens. Testing is now available for all, with or without symptoms.

There are three community sites with interprofessional teams from USF Health. They include: ■ Lee Davis Community Resource Center.

■ Plant City Community Resource Center.

■ SouthShore Community Resource Center.

Taneja College of Pharmacy clinical faculty volunteered at various sites throughout May and June. As licensed clinicians, and with new orders from both the governor of Florida and the federal HHS, the faculty were actively engaged in nasopharygeal swabbing of patients, management of sample medium, and putting information into commercial laboratory databases. This community outreach by TCOP clinical faculty couldn’t be more timely, and was greatly appreciated by both residents and county officials. Each site tested at least 300 people each day.

USF Creates Pandemic Response Research Network USF’s COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Grants program selected 28 projects to receive funding for research on potential treatments, technologies and social mitigation strategies in the wake of the global pandemic.

USF required projects to be interdisciplinary, with TCOP faculty involved with various teams. Many of the projects involve patented or patent-pending technologies developed at USF. Four TCOP were awarded the USF Rapid Response Research Grants., including: Remdesivir Ophthalmic Drops for Prevention of Covid-19 Transmission Via Eye PI: Dr. Vijaykumar Sutariya, TCOP The Center for Diseases and Control recommends Remdesivir as therapeutic option for patients with COVID-19. A study from China suggests that up to one third of people hospitalized with coronavirus experienced viral pink eye or conjunctivitis. The virus can spread by touching fluid from an infected person’s eyes or from objects that carry the fluids. The researchers plan to formulate and characterize Remdesivir ophthalmic as a potential for prevention of transmission of the diseases via eye and the potential for treatment for conjunctivitis caused by the infection.

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F L O R I D A' S C O L L E G E S O F P H A R M A C Y

A 2-in-1 Nano-aerosols Development to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread in Both Humans and PPE PI: Dr. Alya Limayem, TCOP The project would develop nanocomponents that have demonstrated effects on multi-drug resistance bacteria and are a promising agent against virus replication. The project will explore if the nanocomponents can be coated onto PPE as a preventive measure and possibly even in humans.

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The USF Rapid-Risk Assessment and Intervention for COVID-19 PI: Dr. Usha Menon, College of Nursing (Co-Investigator: Dr. Kevin B. Sneed, TCOP) The human behavioral response during a pandemic illness such as COVID-19 is not well understood, and the abundance of information shared through various channels can reduce the public’s ability to identify and adhere to evidence-based guidelines. The project will lead an interdisciplinary study to analyze risk behavior, risk mitigation and chronic disease management and work to deliver tailored messaging to encourage safer behaviors among individuals at risk for infection.

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Detrimental Effects of Hyperoxia on COVID-19 Infected Mice Model PI: Dr. Siva Panguluri, TCOP Existing data on SARS-Cov-2 patients indicates an association of mechanical ventilation with the increasing death rates. USF researchers will investigate whether these high mortality rates are due to the viral infection or a condition called hyperoxia, where an excessive oxygen supply can cause heart damage. The study will determine how COVID-19 affects heart function and whether hyperoxia during mechanical ventilator treatment for COVID-19 exacerbates further damage.

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Magic Bullet Antivirals for Prevention of COVID-19 PI: Dr. Shyam Mohapatra, Morsani College of Medicine and TCOP The project would develop a proprietary nanomaterial recently discovered by the research team for the treatment of the common and highly contagious respiratory syncytial virus, which often strikes very young children, for the treatment of COVID-19. Like RSV, the novel coronavirus lands on the nasal mucous membrane. The researchers are working to create a spray that neutralizes the virus and inhibits viral replication.

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F L O R I D A' S C O L L E G E S O F P H A R M A C Y

TCOP Hosts First Virtual Graduation and Awards Ceremony On May 1, TCOP livestreamed the virtual Medallion and Awards Ceremony in celebration of the class of 2020. It was the first time in the college’s history to have not only hosted a virtual Medallion Ceremony, but to have degrees conferred for 93 graduating students.

Dr. Steven Currall, USF’s newly minted seventh president, was present to confer the virtual degrees to the students.

This was followed by an individual recognition of each student, their legacy of participation in the college, and presentation of awards. The following students received departmental awards chosen faculty and administration and Class awards chosen by students themselves: Class Awards: ■ Deena Albashir, BULL-iever Award: This award is given to the student who has taken ownership of the four pillars; leadership, genomics, geriatrics, informatics and embraced the spirit of inter-professionalism of USF Health.

■ Shane Laufer, Prescription Strength Award: This award is given to the student who values teamwork and helps to unify groups of people toward a common goal.

■ Heather Lyons, Unsung Hero Award: This award is presented to the student who helps peers, faculty and staff and exemplifies leadership, commitment and strong ethics.

■ Jay Suresh Patel, Artistic Creator Award: This award is provided to the students who uses their creativity to add value to their academic performance and that of their peers through technology, artistic design and videography, instrumental or vocal talents.

■ Randy Rush, Contagious Enthusiasm Award: This award is given to the student who consistently provides encouragement and uplifting sentiments.

Departmental Awards: ■ Arun Abraham, Outstanding Community Service & Extracurricular Involvement: This award is given to the student who volunteers for community-based events and encourages others to participate.

■ Spencer Heath, Outstanding Scholarship & Research: This award is given to the student who demonstrates well balanced academic and research accomplishments.

■ Ruxandra Ivascu, Outstanding Leadership: This award is given to the student who inspires others through leadership, integrity and professionalism.

■ Michael Lake, Outstanding Professionalism: This award is given to the student who promotes advancement of the profession and of inter-professional collaboration.

■ Shawn D. Somers, Outstanding Change Agent: This award is given to the student who is a leader and collab44

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orator on new concepts within the classroom, team projects and individual work.

Ruxandra Ivascu and Brittany Smith, Dean’s Award.

This award is given to the student of the Dean’s choosing.

Laysa Marleen Vasquez, Student Affairs Award This award is given to the student who values include holistic growth and development, lifelong learning, engagement, leadership, academic achievement, integrity and a dedication to excellence.

Frankie Leigh Patrick, Executive Award This award is given to the student with the highest academic achievement.

Spencer Heath, Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award This award is given to the student as an acknowledgment of academic achievement, personal motivation and a unique ability to communicate drug information.

TCOP Aims to Increase Underrepresented Groups in Clinical Research TCOP has a growing research profile and is home to a dedicated community outreach program known as WECARE, or the Workgroup to Enhance Community Advocacy and Research Engagement.

The goal of WE-CARE is to achieve health equity by educating, engaging and empowering the community, particularly members underrepresented in research and clinical trials, to overcome health inequities that lead to reduced health outcomes for underserved communities. TCOP and WECARE received a $100,000 grant to expand activities into the Tampa Bay community to achieve this ambitious goal.

The college will partner with various community-based and faith-based organizations to identify potential candidates to participate in various types of research being conducted at USF. By broadening diversity of clinical research participants, researchers will be better able to prove efficacy of drug therapies and study beneficial behavioral interventions that serve people from all communities.

WE-CARE also conducts conversations among community members, youth, researchers, clinicians and local leaders regarding effective strategies for engaging all populations in the research process; health equity; and how to optimally, efficiently and effectively address health disparities. The WECARE team is composed of: Dr. Angela Hill, Hiram Green, Kristy Andre, Maisha Standifer, and Executive Director Dr. Kevin B. Sneed.

PR

OTE CTING

N” O SI S

E AT N O I

A Cyberspace Adventure!

PHARMA C Y PR OF E

LE PEOP

Y DL PROU

130th Annual Meeting and Convention Schedule

“P A S S

Thursday, July 9

PASSIONATE PEOPLE PROUDLY PROTECTING PHARMACY

8:00am-8:30am

Welcome and Instructions, FPA President David Mackarey

8:30am-9:00am

FPA Annual Business Meeting

9:00am-11:00am

FPA House of Delegates First Session

11:00am-11:30am

Break

11:30am-1:00pm

Legislative Update 2020, 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH Michael Jackson

1:00pm-2:00pm

KEYNOTE ADDRESS, 1 hr GCE/TECH/STU Emily Jerry’s Story - “From Heartbreak to Victory”- Saving Lives

by Preventing Tragedies Before They Happen! Christopher Jerry

2:00pm-2:30pm

Break

2:30pm-4:30pm

FPA House of Delegates Second Session

4:30pm-5:30pm

Installation of House Leadership Presentation of House Awards Recognition of 50 Year Pharmacists

Friday, July 10

PASSION FOR THE PROFESSION

7:30am-7:45am

Welcome and Instructions

7:45am-9:15am

Putting Nutrition and Supplementation Therapy Into Pharmacy Practice, 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Lynn Lafferty

9:20am-10:50am

Nutrition Plans to Improve Overall Health, 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Marile Santamarina

11:00am-12:00pm

Poster Presentations, 1 hr GCE/TECH

12:00pm-1:00pm

Exhibit Showcase

1:00pm-2:30pm

Biologics and Biosimilars: The Wave of the Future? 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Dana A. Strachan and Harm Maarsingh

2:35pm-4:05pm

Multiple Sclerosis: The Disease of Many Faces, 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Lillian Smith

4:15pm

Pharmacy Foundation Student Awards Event

4:30pm

A Cyberspace Adventure Social

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Saturday, July 11

PROUD OF OUR PROFESSION

7:30am-7:45am

Welcome and Instructions

7:45am-9:15am

Opioids: Past, Present and Future, 1.5 hrs GCE/RC Joshua D. Lenchus

9:20am-10:50am

Marijuana – From Past to Present, 1.5 hrs GCE/RC Carol Motycka

11:00am-1:00pm

Exhibit Showcase

1:00pm-2:30pm

Oncology Pharmacy 101: What You Need to Know, 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Irvin Molina

2:35pm-4:05pm

Pharmacogenomics 101: An Overview of Key Concepts and Case Study 1.5 hrs GCE/TECH/RC Sue Paul

4:15pm

Pharmacy Foundation Student Awards Event

5:00pm

Presentation of FPA Awards

Sunday, July 12

PROTECT OUR PROFESSION

7:00am

Welcome and Instructions

7:05am-7:45am

Installation of 2020-21 FPA Leadership

7:45am-9:45am

Reducing Medication Errors through Implementing a Continuous Quality Improvement Program, 2 hrs GCE/TECH Michael Jackson

9:50am-10:50am

HIV/AIDS Update, 1 hr GCE/TECH Briana Journee

11:25am-12:25pm

Human Trafficking in Pharmacy, 1 hr GCE/TECH Ann Pimental Kerr

12:30pm-2:30pm

Validation and Counseling of Prescriptions for Controlled Substance and Opioids, 2 hrs GCE/TECH Bob Parrado

CONTINUING EDUCATION CODE KEY: GCE = General RC = Recertification Consultant TECH = Technician STU = Student 46

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FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY

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FPA 130th Annual Meeting and Convention July 9-12, 2020  Comforts of Your Home

,

4

Participant Information

Name: _____________________________________________________ Name _______________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ Badge Name: _______________________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________ Mailing Address: ____________________________________________ Phone___ ________________________ City, State, Zip: _____________________________________________ Email________________________________________________

Daily Education Registration

Daily registration includes continuing education and any event offered the day selected. Handouts will be posted on the website the week of the convention.

Before July 3

Amount

FPA Member

$165

$_______

Phone: (W) (H)_______________________ Practice Setting________________________________________

Non Member

$215

$_______

License: PS______________ PU _____________RPT_________ Fax: ______________________________________________________

Member Technician

$65

$_______

NABP Date of Birth___________ License:e-profile#__________________ PS________________ PU_________ Other State________

Non Member Technician

$90

$_______

Emergency Contact Name/Number_________________________

Member Student

$50

$_______

Non Member Student

$70

$_______

2

Registration

Registration includes up to 21.5 hours Continuing Education Credit, House of Delegates, Poster Presentations, Exhibit Showcase, Cyber Social, and Installation of Officers.

Handouts will be available the week of the convention on the

website, www.floridapharmacy.org.

Please select the day(s) you will attend: Thursday

5

Friday

Payment

Saturday

Sunday

Total Enclosed: $______

Before July 3

Amount__

$345

$_______

Non Member

$525

$_______

Pharmacist BEST Value

$540

$_______

Member Technician

$155

$_______

Non Member Technician

$175

$_______

Technician BEST Value

$185

$_______

Billing Address ________________________________________

Student Member

$150

$_______

$170

$_______

Signature ____________________________________________

2FPA Member

3Non Member Student

Check (To: FPA) AMEX Discover MasterCard Visa Account # ____________________________________________ Security Code _________________ Expiration Date __________

(BEST Value includes Registration & Membership)

3

House of Delegates

House of Delegates (Non-convention registrants)

Before June 11

Amount

$165

______

Four Ways to Register

Mail: FPA, 610 North Adams Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: 850-222-2400 Fax: 850-561-6758 Web: www.floridapharmacy.org

Schedule and Fee Subject to Change

JUNE 2020

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47

Pharmacy Insurance

Tomorrow.

Imagine That.

tM

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company | 808 Highway 18 W | PO Box 370 | Algona, Iowa 50511 P. 800.247.5930 | F. 515.295.9306 | info@phmic.com

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