Student Affairs/PPRA Update

and AK ALH co-director specializing in inventory. “Our primary goal is to give back to our community and protect those at increased risk of disease or with limited access to health care. Our second goal is to produce high-quality health care providers. And our third goal is to educate the community and those at risk of health care issues or just confused about their health.” Taking place Oct. 9 and 16, participation during the immunization program was at an all-time high. Over the two weekends, 64 students and volunteers traveled to 112 assisted living homes and administered 1,059 flu vaccines and COVID-19 boosters. Reception from assisted living home patients and staff was overwhelmingly positive, all of whom appreciated the flexibility to ask questions and talk about concerns, which is something not always possible in a typical pharmacy — all of the benefits of going to a pharmacy without any of the limitations. “We were actually able to take the time to talk with the individuals that we’re immunizing. That’s something that is not always an option in a retail pharmacy where it’s constantly go, go, go,” said Joseph Diaz, first-year pharmacy student and co-director of AK ALH. “Any vaccine hesitancy we were able to talk through. That really helped make a difference and we were able to immunize a portion of the population that otherwise would have held out much longer.” Supervising the students in the field are registered nurses and pharmacists volunteering their time. Each one answered a call put out to local medical organizations, as well as to UAA’s own nursing, public health, public administration and WWAMI programs.

Dr. Megan Penner Receives Award

Congratulations to Dr. Megan Penner, clinical assistant professor at UAA/ISU. Mat-Su Regional Hospital’s Chief Quality Officer Jen Moore recognized an exceptional staff member who put Safety First. Dr. Megan Penner was awarded the 2021 Q3 HRO award for her consistent use of error prevention tools to keep patients and peers safe. Thank you, Dr. Penner, for working hard to provide exceptional S.A.F.E. care to every patient!

Student Affairs/ PPRA Update

The student pharmacists in all four class levels perhaps faced even more pandemic related challenges in 2021 than in the year prior. Nearly every aspect of the student experience, beginning with remote admissions interviews, classroom and lab time, along with efforts to provide outreach education and immunizations continued to be conducted using modified methods. Despite the challenges, students at all three campus locations remained committed, shining with optimism and resilience. Their strength and dedication are inspiring. Two drive through flu and COVID vaccine clinics were held with the support of the Idaho Immunization Coalition and Albertsons. Over 1,000 received were immunized in Meridian and Pocatello. “House call” visits were made by Anchorage students to provide over 1,000 vaccines to assisted living residents as well. The Office of Student Affairs and the Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences Department worked to connect students with faculty, peers, and resources in order to keep them engaged and prepared. A virtual P4 graduation awards ceremony was held for the second year in a row, celebrating the Class of 2021.

PharmD Students

# of student applicants 150 # of students matriculated 58 Idaho resident students 37 Alaska resident students 7 Out of state/country students 14 Male/female 32/26 Age range 19-49 Average GPA - PharmD 3.35 Average GPA - Prepharmacy 3.34

$500,000+

Dollar amount of Scholarship Awarded

Clinical Psychopharmacology Students

# of student applicants 7 # of students accepted 5 Idaho resident students 2 Alaska resident students 0 Out of state/country students 3 Male/female 1/4 Average GPA 3.74

$10,000+

Dollar amount of Scholarship Awarded

Graduate Programs Students

# of student applicants 23 # of students accepted 18 Idaho resident students 6 Alaska resident students 1 Out of state/country students 10 Male/female 7/10 Average GPA 3.76

$134,211

Graduate Tuition Fees Awarded $228,942

Graduate Assistantships Wages