Issue #5
May 2016
This issue is GOLD!
Gamma Omicron Literary Dose
Three keys to success are Brotherhood, Leadership, and Service!
Flashback…..……………………………………………………………………………2 Brotherhood: A Tale of Brotherhood……………………………………..……………………... 3 The Gathering………………………………………………………………………… 4 The Haunted…………………………………………………………………………… 5 Big Happenings in the Brotherhood…………………………………… 6 & 7 The Graduates……………………………………………………………….……….. 8 Leadership: A Hero Among Us……………………………………………………………………. 9 A Quest for Wisdom………………………………………………………………. 10 Power Leaders ……………………………………………………………………… 11 Worthy Leaders……………………………………………………………..……… 12 Service: On a Mission………………………………………………………………..…….….. 13 Defeating the Smoke Monster……..…………………………………………. 14 Fundraising for St. Jude ………………………………………….……………. 15 Flash-forward………………………………………………………………………. 16
rior to becoming a Brother of the Gamma Omicron chapter of Phi Delta Chi, the definition of Brotherhood was new to me. Phi Delta Chi introduced me to the true meaning of Brotherhood. Brotherhood consists of individuals that share their unique ideas, and connect regardless of their age, demographics, background beliefs, and walk of life. The ideals of Brotherhood is what moved me, and made me take on the position of Worthy Chief Counselor for the Gamma Omicron chapter of Phi Delta Chi. After taking the leadership position as WCC in the Gamma Omicron chapter, I became more involved within the chapter, and was introduced to the different views of Brotherhood, and the various types of commitments given by each Brother toward the growth of the chapter. This year PDC Brothers were involved in many chapter activities and non-chapter activities. Many of the Brothers were involved in mission trips. The chapter came together to throw our annual Halloween party. We also came together to throw baby showers for both a faculty and collegiate Brother. The culmination and pride of our year was hosting MARC. It wasn’t an easy feat, but through dedication and collaboration we had a very successful regional meeting! As the semester progressed, I experienced the beauty of true Brotherhood through PDC. It became evident to me that no matter what level of disagreement that may arise between us Brothers, the mutual love of our fraternity allows us to adapt, accept differences of opinion, and ultimately overcome adversity through the common thread that binds us all. I have seen each Brother commit to the chapter in different ways, whether it’s setting up a paint nite event or volunteer at relay for life, or creating a charity event to help raise money for St. Jude, Brothers have committed their time to help the chapter grow. With the help of all the officers, we are looking forward to change to make us bigger and better and make our bond stronger and everlasting for years to come.
A TALE OF BROTHERHOOD
Few people ever find the true meaning to the word “Brotherhood”. I myself misunderstood the word completely and could never truly find a definition other than the traditional generic bloodline meaning of Brotherhood. It took me losing a loved one to truly define and respect the true meaning of “Brotherhood.” Having lost a parent late last year to a terminal illness left me shattered and lost, I felt the need to shut myself out of humanity and felt deceived and disappointed with life. However, my Brothers did not allow me to seclude myself. The support that my Brothers gave me is something that I will never forget. They helped me through one of the toughest times in my life by being there for me and showing me that loss is not a means to an end. My Brothers took the time out of their studies to be with me and spent hours just listening to my fears and sorrows. A year ago, I would have never thought that I would express my true feelings to anyone, but pouring my heart to a Brother was more than I could have ever asked for. It gave me that closure and strength that I needed.
As an Australian, college fraternities were a foreign concept to me. It is therefore not a surprise that my portrayal of fraternal Brotherhood was what you would see in traditional Hollywood movies, nothing more than an organization set up to have you accepted amongst a group of peers that strive to have “too much” fun amongst all the stresses of college life. At least that’s what I had assumed prior to pharmacy school, my belief changed completely when I met my soon to be PDC Brothers who showed me the true meaning of “Brotherhood”. As an incoming first year pharmacy student, I was bombarded by all the organizations that my pharmacy school had to offer. The one organization that stood out to me amongst the others was the Phi Delta Chi pharmaceutical fraternity that had many attributes that sparked an interest in me and a need to find out more about the fraternity. The Brothers of PDC immediately captured my heart and soul when I found that they not only shared common interests but they also seemed to have a bond amongst each other that I could not begin to understand or define.
As WMA, I felt the need to devote my time to give back to the incoming Brothers in the hope that they will also learn to capture that true feeling of “Brotherhood”. But what is the true meaning of “Brotherhood”? I can finally say that I found the true definition of the word that bypasses that of the traditional bloodline definition, it is however not something that you can describe with words, but something that can only be felt when surrounded by those that begin to define it for you in a spiritual, loving, and caring manner and that can only be achieved by those that you can call your Brothers. I can honestly say that I am proud to call myself a Brother of Phi Delta Chi and hope that I can show future Brothers of PDC the true meaning of “Brotherhood”.
The Gathering: MARC 2016 By: Matthew Smithmyer (Class of 2018) and Jessica Wearden (Class of 2018, WMA)
This past April the Brothers of Phi Delta Chi descended
upon Ocean City, MD for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference; hosted by the Gamma Omicron chapter. The Brothers of Gamma Omicron worked long and hard to make sure MARC would be a success. With their knowledge and experience, our P2 and P3 students did the planning while our P1 students worked to assist in raising funds. Come April 15th, we put all our efforts together and hosted our fellow Brothers. Preparing for MARC was certainly challenging at times but in the end it was worth all the work. Meeting our Brothers and learning about each other and what others do in their chapters was so motivating! We had such a great time hosting everyone and enjoyed all the company on the Eastern Shore. With 150 registered attendees from 15 chapters - A huge thanks goes out to all those who joined us! We hope you had as much fun as we did and if you ever want to visit you know who to call. AAAE! "1,000 mile journey begins with the first step." -Dr. Tom Sisca, Founding Advisor My most memorable event from MARC is of Dr. Sisca’s speech during the banquet. He recalled his chapter Brothers and each of their personalities, and shared with us the various times in which they called upon each other and supported when it was needed. His recollection of his Brothers, and how they came together in times of need really stuck with me, and has made me so grateful to be in an organization where everyone feels like family. - Jessica Wearden, Class of 2018, WMA
The feeling of Brotherhood is what I remember most when I think of MARC. I met so many Brothers from different chapters and had such a great time in only 3 days! I was able to rekindle and build new relationships that, I think, will last. I’m really glad we were all able to unwind and socialize even when some of us had exams coming up. I have so many wonderful memories and I think everyone who attended can say the same! -Matthew Smithmyer, Class of 2018
The Haunted On Friday, October 30 , PDC hosted our Annual Phi Delta Chi Halloween Party at Warehouse Bar in Salisbury, MD. It was a th
fun night filled with games and dancing! Students came dressed in their Halloween costumes and our very own Brothers Jessica Wearden and Alexis Smith won best costume! They both dressed as gumball machines and rocked the dancefloor! The “twins” along with Brother Matthew Smithmyer won best dancers that night as well! The event raised $335 for our chapter and was overall a great success. It was definitely a memorable night and we hope to see more people join us this year! -Aneesha Garg, Class of 2018, WKRS
Just your friendly neighborhood……
The PDC Halloween party was one of the highlights of my first year. Everyone came together as a pharmily. I personally was looking forward to it for days, and spent a lot of time planning ahead about what I was going to dress up as. I finally decided to go with Ursula. I researched YouTube tutorials to get the makeup perfectly accurate to the character. For the costume, I picked up supplies and makeup from Michaels. I made the tentacles using purple mesh cloth and for the hair I spray painted it white just like Ursula had. It came out great and I got so many compliments on the look. The event was an extreme success for our chapter and gave a chance for all of us to get together. I can’t wait to do it again next year all over again. -Aqsa Malik, Class of 2018
Big Happenings in the Brotherhood Congratulations to Brother Danielle Krastel and her husband Matthew Olszewski. On May 10th, 2016, Eloise Jane Olszewski was born, weighing 8lb 13oz! We know Matt and Nellie will be amazing parents!
Congratulations are also in order in for Brother Melissa Buff and Alumni Brother Eric Barbye! Eric and Melissa got engaged August 15th, 2016. They also closed on their first home together on March 22nd, 2016. We are so excited for them!
PREMIER APPE ROTATIONS
Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde’s Baby Shower
Several incoming 3rd year Brothers will be experiencing premier rotations. Congrats! Astra Zeneca:
Geoff Saunders, Shoghag Aktavoukian US Food and Drug Administration:
Andrew Lee, Michelle Sebok
We were also excited to be able to host a baby shower on Dec 4, 2015 for our faculty Brother Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde. She welcomed a beautiful, healthy baby girl, Abigail Oreoluwa Ayotunde on Dec 20, 2015 at 6:17pm weighting 6 pounds and 19 in long.
Johns Hopkins Hospital:
Geoff Saunders, Michelle Sebok, Sara El-baff Indian Health Services: Shoghag Aktavoukian,
Ashley Payne, Gregory Hayes, Andrew Lee Tying the Knot Congratulations Alumni Brother Brandi Inkrote on her wedding day….same day as MARC 2016! “Even though I wasn’t able to make it to MARC this weekend, I was still there in spirit.”
RESIDENCY Two of our Brothers will be beginning PGY1 residencies this year. Congratulations to Keesha Kline on her residency at Charleston Area Medical Center in West Virginia and Dallas Tolbard on her residency with McGuire VA Medical Center in Virginia!
…Continued
Congratulations to our faculty Brothers, Dr. Fred Tejada and Dr. Jayesh Parmar! These two advisors were promoted to associate professor positions. Dr. Tejada will be an associate professor in the department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Dr. Parmar will be an associate professor for the department of Pharmacy Practice and Administration.
Congratulations to our Brother Ahmed Elfadaly and his wife Marwa. This couple welcomed a baby boy, Yaseen Elfadaly, on December 31st 2015. He weighed 7lb 5oz! Congratulations Ahmed and Marwa!
“Met by destiny, separated by time; but now we are getting hitched for a lifetime.” A heartfelt congratulations to our Brother Trupti Sindhi on her marriage to Hitesh Mahboobani. The two were wed May 9th in Salisbury.
The Class of 2016 has finally made it to the end of an epic journey, and the beginning new one. It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we congratulate our Brothers upon graduation! They will all make the transition to superheroes that will fight for patient education and care. They have all worked very hard to get to this point, and we wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.
The Class of 2016 Lidia Abrahalei Bart Anderson Melissa Buff Mineille Gakuu Alexander Walk- cum laude Ryan Hines – CUM LAUDE
KEESHA KLINE KAPIL PATEL DALLAS TOLBARD AMANDA RICHARDS RICHARD YIM VINCENT VO
By: Lincy Abraham, Class of 2018, WAL Matt Balish was one of the 10 inaugural class members who came together in August 2010 with the intention of chartering a Phi Delta Chi chapter at the UMES School of Pharmacy. In October 2010, the colony was formed under the guidance of local alumnus Dr. Geoff Twigg (Beta Pi). Dr. Tom Sisca (Epsilon) served as the first Chapter Advisor and Matt served as the WCC of the colony.
Six years later‌‌ I am currently a pharmacist at the Pemberton Pharmacy and Gift in Salisbury & St. Michaels, MD. My work involves dispensing, immunization, MTM services, pharmacy management, wrapping gifts, and even delivery of prescriptions when necessary. I stay connected with PDC GO through other alumni who have remained local in the Eastern Shore. I am also involved with PDC by starting an alumni chapter on the Shore. I work with an alumni Brother, Jordan Rowland, who fills in shifts at my pharmacy. Recently, I have participated at the 2016 MARC as a CE speaker. Additionally, I have been able to mentor and interact with other PDC Brothers and pharmacy students through guest lecturing at UMES School of Pharmacy, precepting, and serving on a pharmacy school committee.
I see a trend in our profession that is possibly not good for all pharmacists. Pushing for advanced training past the PharmD is splitting the profession. I do not agree with this. Every pharmacist needs the opportunity to continue to advance their practice and training, not just the pharmacists who go into PGY1 & PGY2 residencies. Yet I see a deepening divide between residency requirements for certain jobs and a growing number of pharmacist who do not get residencies. There are only 3,000 residency slots each year, and 8-10,000 graduates. There is a huge amount of underutilized talent in the profession. Yet as a community pharmacist I know many pharmacist who have PharmD or BS degrees who can adapt to almost any area with the opportunity for training. I see a profession that is so caught up on provider status that we are splitting. I do not agree with this now nor when I initially joined this profession. I hope this trend is mitigated and that a route through board certification and other training can close this gap. My vision for our pharmacy is one where all pharmacist are providers, pharmacists have the appropriate training and certifications to serve patients, and close the health crisis created by fewer practicing physicians.
Being involved with PDC GO has helped build a network of connections through Brothers. It also gave me opportunities to distinguish myself from other pharmacy students with leadership opportunities, such as projects like setting up a Diabetes education booth on campus and serving as an officer in the chapter. All of these activities gave me experiences to add to my CV and talk about in interviews. As a community pharmacist I get to know all of my patients. I find that most people really need a good pharmacist to give advice and suggest alternate medications for problems. Good relationships also develop. In my two years of practice I have seen several trends in healthcare on the Shore. First, most patients who come to our pharmacy tend to be more ill, and need more of the services an independent pharmacy provides. Second, most patients have problems affording medications even with coverage. We are seeing the Affordable Care Act having unintended consequences where more people are covered, but they are having higher deductibles. Along with this trend is the PBMs using the Beers List inappropriately as an excuse to restrict, or not pay for meds on the list for any person over 65 years of age. This affects the CMS star ratings for pharmacies and high risk medications. Most PBMs do not evaluate the patient or medication regimens using the high risk medication. It is our job, in conjunction with the prescriber, to evaluate the patients and the use. In most cases, patients who have relied on medications for a long time tend to have a hard time giving them up! Pharmacists need to come up with a mechanism for evaluation and use of these meds to help ensure appropriate use.
A Quest for Wisdom By: Amanda Lehmann, Class of 2017, WVC This year was quite EPIC for the scholarly Brothers of Gamma Omicron. Their missions to achieve academic excellence, recognition, respect, justice, and in some cases a little spending cash or an awesome personalized award were very successful!
UMES SOP End of the Year Awards Amanda Lehmann Eastern Shore Pharmaceutical Society Scholarship Highest SP2 GPA
Dr. Fred Tejada Dean’s Recognition Award
PDC Awards Banquet Highest P1 GPA: Shadow Spiers Highest P2 GPA: Amanda Lehmann Highest P3 GPA: Ryan Hines Michelle Sebok Pledge of the Year Award (for earning the utmost trust and respect of her pledge Brothers)
Keesha Kline PDC Dr. Geoff Twigg Brotherhood Award (for her unwavering commitment to the Fraternity and her constant demonstration of Brotherhood)
Annual Hooding Award Recipients Ryan Hines PDC Dr. Thomas Sisca Cup Brother of the Year Facts & Comparisons Award of Excellence in Clinical Communication
Vincent Vo Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Recognition Award -
Amanda Richards Maryland Society of Health Systems Pharmacy Student Achievement American Society of Health Systems Pharmacists Award
Kapil Patel & Dallas Tolbard CVS Scholarships
Dr. Bob Freeman Faculty Preceptor of the Year
Rho Chi Pharmacy Honors Society Inductees Shoghag Aktavoukian Amanda Lehmann Geoff Saunders Michelle Sebok Dr. John Jordan Dr. Fred Tejada Phi Lambda Sigma Inductees Amber Benitez Amanda Lehmann Michelle Sebok Congratulations! All Gamma Omicron Brothers agree that their legendary quests through an accelerated doctor of pharmacy program are made possible only by the help of their loyal PDC cronies. Each of us truly needs the help of the other! AAAE!
By: Keesha Kline, Class of 2016
Gov. Hogan’s Visit On April 21st, Gov. Hogan visited the UMES campus for the first time since becoming Maryland’s governor as part of a multi-day tour of the lower Eastern Shore. The university rolled out the white coats to welcome Gov. Hogan and his wife. Selected students held “Thank You” signs to show their appreciation to Gov. Hogan’s support of a proposal to make construction of an allied health classroom building a state priority. PDC Brothers who participated were Jessica Wearden, Shadow Spiers, Amber Benitez and Alexis Smith. Other PDC Brothers who participated but not shown in the picture were Kamal Patel, Lincy Abraham, and Dallas Tolbard.
Development with the Great Grabenstein The UMES SOP was very privileged to host Brother John D. Grabenstein, who presented for a professional development seminar in August 2015. Gamma Omicron Brothers not only gained knowledge from his discussion on leadership and career development, but also were able to network and fellowship by taking him to lunch.
Grand Council
Photo credit: Maryland.gov, Office of Governor Larry Hogan: Governor’s Photo Gallery
We were excited to be able to have 2 collegiate Brothers, Keesha Kline and Melissa Buff, and an alumni Brother, Eric Barbye attend Grand Council 2015.
AACP PRESIDENT, Dr. Boyle @ MARC
Worthy Chief Counselor: Azhar Munshi
Worthy Alumni Liaison: Lincy Abraham Worthy Keeper of Records and Seals: Aneesha Garg
Worthy Prelate: Alexis Smith Worthy Keeper of Finance: Shadow Spiers
Worthy Inner Guard: Amber Benitez
Worthy Correspondent: Michelle Sebok
Worthy Master at Arms: Jessica Wearden
Gamma Omicron displayed exceptional service to the profession of pharmacy by not only impacting the community, but by impacting the world. Public health endeavors in the forms of medical mission trips are a prestigious opportunity for student pharmacists during such a busy phase of life. In total, 7 Gamma Omicron Brothers served multiple areas of Haiti, Nicaragua, and India for a combined estimate of at least 182 service hours, providing direct patient care for over 3710 people.
This is a job for‌‌.. Wonder Mineille and SuperSho
In addition to the tremendous service displayed in the form of the tasks described above, Gamma Omicron Brothers were able to shed light on the role of a pharmacist by working intimately with other health professions while on the trips. Surgeons, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, and even translators were able to appreciate and value the care and services a pharmacist is able to provide. Not to mention, children and adults of all ages from Haiti, Nicaragua, and India were directly impacted by pharmacists and student pharmacists. Just as the patients were immensely grateful, Gamma Omicron is likewise appreciative of the services that our Brothers were able to provide in representing our fraternity and our profession proudly. Service to Haiti: Shoghag Aktavoukian, Mineille Gakuu, Keesha Kline, Alex Walk Service to India: Danielle Krastel Service to Nicaragua: Bart Anderson, Dallas Tolbard
These efforts not only serve a community, but also pushes forward the profession of pharmacy. Public health and global service missions broaden the scope of practice and positively influence the reputation of pharmacists. It can be considered somewhat surprising that pharmacists and student pharmacists are able to perform measurement of vital signs, triage patients, provide medication information, administer injections, and counsel patients in foreign languages.
Dallas and Keesha
MERCI !! Mineille and Sho!! I’m so Happy!
BART
DEFEATING THE SMOKE MONSTER By: Michelle Sebok, Class of 2017, WC
The Phi Delta Chi Gamma Omicron chapter is proactive in protecting youth by reducing underage access to tobacco through educating vendors and the community. Brother Ryan Hines obtained a $3,000 grant
through
the
Somerset
County
Health
Department (SCHD) that focused on educating vendors on rules and penalties for underage tobacco sales. Ryan also collaborated with the Phi Lambda Sigma Society, a pharmacy leadership society, on this project. Through Ryan’s leadership, several Brothers visited 50 vendors throughout Somerset County,
and
promoted
responsible
retailing
of
tobacco products. Educational brochures generated by the chapter were also distributed during the vendor visits. In addition, Ryan also led two town hall meetings, along with Brother Keesha Kline and SCHD officials, which were open discussions with the general public. The first town hall meeting was held at the McCready Memorial Hospital in Crisfield MD, and the second town hall meeting was held at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne MD. On April 19, 2016, Brothers Ryan and Geoff presented current Somerset County and national data on underage tobacco usage and sales to county officials and organization leaders. They also led the discussion on retail availability of tobacco
products
to
minors,
reinforcement
of
county policy and ways proactively reduce underage tobacco access to defeat the smoke monster.
Smoke-Monster Buster Geoff Saunders conducting vendor education at a Family Dollar store in Princess Anne, MD.
Fundraising for St. Jude By: Keesha Kline, Class of 2016
Gamma Omicron quadrupled their efforts to St. Jude in the 2015-2016 year! We created two very innovative methods for St. Jude fundraising. First, we had an expecting Brother who wished to keep the gender a surprise for even herself. In order to spin some fun on this exciting time, we decided to relate her mystery toward the children at St. Jude. Gamma Omicron hosted a St. Jude Baby Bet in which for $2, the School of Pharmacy faculty, staff, and students could place their guess on the gender, the arrival date, and weight for the Brother’s baby. This was a huge success and so much fun!!
News Flash: Baby Elosie was born May 10th weighing 8lb 13oz. Congratulations Nellie!!
Secondly, the hosting of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference brought a few touches of unique events and ideas as Gamma Omicron wished to make their “mark” on “MARC.” Perhaps the most exciting feature included the creation of two signature drinks!
MARC FRIDAY MIXER
The MARCerita was a classic margarita with a “dregs of wine” salted rim. The Grand Poobah Sour was a whiskey sour topped with red wine, named after the great Grand Poobah, Ralph Saroyan. These drinks were available at the conference and each drink purchased raised $1 for St. Jude.
These successful events brought our total to $405 raised for St. Jude. We are excited to be making a stronger effort toward our philanthropy, and hope to greatly surpass this amount for next year!
The past Worthy Chief Counselor, Kapil Patel, had done a great job in organizing and making sure Gamma Omicron remained competitive with other organizations, and I intend to follow in his footsteps. Attending events like The Halloween party and MARC made me realize what real Brotherhood is, and more importantly how each needs the help of the other. None of these events would have been possible if it weren’t for Kapil’s leadership skills, along with the support, drive, and dedication from all the other Gamma Omicron Brothers. Taking over as the new Worthy Chief Counselor for Gamma Omicron chapter, I have undertaken a great responsibility in involving all Brothers in future events, being more organized, and bringing fresh ideas to our chapter. I hope to implement some improvements to past events, and continue to carry on activities that have worked successfully while remaining competitive. I also plan on having a successful pledging process this year, which would help with expanding our chapter and diversifying us as a group. Having Faculty PDC Brothers like Dr. Tejada and Dr. Parmar as mentors has helped me transition smoothly into my new leadership role, and hope to look to them for future guidance. -Azhar Munshi, Class of 2018, WCC
Where?