TCOP Deans Update 2023-2024

DEAN'S 2023-2024 UPDATE

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

“SCIENCE IS THE PROCESS THAT TAKES US FROM CONFUSION TO UNDERSTANDING IN A MANNER THAT'S PRECISE, PREDICTIVE AND RELIABLE—A TRANSFORMATION, FOR THOSE LUCKY ENOUGH TO EXPERIENCE IT, THAT IS EMPOWERING AND EMOTIONAL.”

- BRIAN GREENE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY THEORETICAL PHYSICIST AND MATHEMATICIAN

TCOP is undergoing a dramatic transformation, centered by our recent move to Touro University’s new flagship campus at 3 Times Square, at “the Crossroads of the World.” We have joined seven other Touro schools in a 30-story landmark skyscraper that embraces new state-of-the art facilities.

The move is more than a physical relocation. We are active participants in shaping our future and moving onto the world stage and into the first rank of professional education, while broadening our commitment to underserved communities around the corner and across the globe.

The profession is also undergoing a remarkable transformation. We are at the threshold of what the New York Times hails as a golden age of medicine, where the pace of advancement has entered an exponential phase and pharmacists play an increasingly integral part.

TCOP has built a solid foundation and is well prepared for the future.

Last year, our graduates ranked second among New York pharmacy schools in first-time NAPLEX pass rates and topped the New York State rate for the second straight year. Graduate employment continues at nearly 100 percent and our alumni are making their mark in community pharmacy, hospitals, clinics, industry and academia.

Our growing status and reputation have

enabled us to attract exceptional teachers and scholars. Our Drug Information Center serves the profession through its publications and analyses of medical literature that promote evidencebased medicine. Most recently, we have added administrators dedicated to alumni, career services and continuing education.

TCOP’s Center of Excellence, funded by a fiveyear federal grant, is enhancing the diversity of students and practicing pharmacists; expanding accessibility for culturally sensitive patient and family-centered care; improving patient outcomes; and reducing healthcare disparities in medically underserved areas.

Our new collaborative PharmD/M.P.H. degree program with New York Medical College offers the opportunity to earn dual degrees more quickly and at less cost than completing each degree separately.

We are very proud of what TCOP has become and excited for what the future holds for the school, its students and graduates, and the profession.

Sincerely,

Henry Cohen, PharmD, MSc, FCCM Dean and Professor Touro College of Pharmacy

TCOP Dean Dr. Henry Cohen, with students Dorina Birce and Anwar Alhariri and Dr. Batoul Senhaji-Tomza, founder of the PharmD/M.P.H. collaborative program (Story on next page)

Embracing Public Health

TOURO PHARMACY STUDENTS EXPAND SCOPE OF PRACTICE THROUGH COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM WITH NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE

For Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) P4

Dorina Birce, a pharmacy career was a path to work-life balance. She loved pharmacy, but also loved her family and had a five-year-old at home. Additionally, Birce was in a new program at TCOP in collaboration with New York Medical College (NYMC) that allowed her to obtain both a PharmD and a Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) at the same time.

“Pharmacy started off as a way to establish career flexibility. But after I started taking my first few M.P.H. courses, it became so much more than that,” she said.

At TCOP she learned about diseases and proven risk factors that contribute to them. But through the M.P.H. program she was learning how social, environmental and socioeconomic factors can affect behavior and development of disease.

“It helped me dive deeper,” said Birce. “I would love to utilize both degrees to make a bigger impact on patient health outcomes.”

That is exactly the outcome TCOP Associate Dean and Associate Professor Dr. Batoul Senhaji-Tomza had in mind when she founded the PharmD/M.P.H. Collaborative Program in 2021.

The idea was borne from Senhaji-Tomza’s work as a clinical pharmacist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where she saw that implementation of a simple hand hygiene program compounded with a checklist significantly reduced infection rates in individuals and, more broadly, in the intensive care unit patient population.

“It was amazing,” she recalls. “Up until then, I had more of a tunnel vision about clinical care, and once I understood the impact of public health tools on patient care, my vision expanded.”

The awakening propelled her to pursue an M.P.H. at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and after joining TCOP, she was determined to offer her students the same opportunity.

“I felt the world expanded,” Dr. Senhaji-Tomza explained. “A clinical degree gives you the tools to serve patients one-on-one, but an M.P.H. can expand the impact of care to an entire population. It is exhilarating to be part of this type of positive change.”

COLLABORATIVE PROGRAM LAUNCHES

In 2019, TCOP and the School of Health Sciences & Practice at NYMC received approval to start the collaborative program, providing a path for students to receive both a PharmD and an M.P.H. with a Health Behavior & Community Health focus. Students learn to research the effects of behavioral, social and cultural influences on individual and community health.

The first cohort of 10 students began their studies just before the COVID-19 pandemic. Interest in the program has since grown, with increased awareness and interest among students in the impact of viruses, climate change, HIV and the opioid problem, among other issues, said Dr. Senhaji-Tomza.

“Public health is definitely more on the forefront among incoming students,” she observed. “The

increased need for healthcare professionals is undeniable. The pandemic raised a lot of interest about the role of public health and how we can optimize the tools that public health offers to enhance the way we deliver patient care. This new generation is very attuned to providing the utmost quality care to not only individuals, but to populations at large.”

While some students want to broaden the clinical scope of services and increase medication adherence or quality of service, others are focused on healthcare policy and expanding access to care. Some are setting their sights on working in industry, or with regulators, or with global organizations on disaster relief and other issues.

“There is really a variety of interests,” she said, “and that is the beauty of studying public health—it provides a platform to help students deepen their understanding of how they could broaden their future practice’s impact, regardless of the setting. The students that have enrolled in the program have a palpable excitement and genuine passion for public health!”

One student, P4 Meshal Imran, said her passion for public health was ignited when she visited her native Pakistan and saw disparities in access to healthcare.

“I am deeply committed to promoting equitable access to healthcare and advocating for evidence-based interventions that address the social determinants of health,” she said, such as food, housing and transportation insecurity.

COMMUNITY PHARMACY

In 2022, about half of TCOP’s graduates chose to work in community pharmacy, which includes chains and independent pharmacies. Community pharmacists can affect chronic conditions like heart disease, hypertension and diabetes on a broad scale through education to change behavior.

“They can have informal conversations with

patients to help tailor treatment plans based not just on clinical needs, but on the whole person—the social determinants that affect a patient’s decisions,” said Dr. Senhaji-Tomza. “Few understand the potential role of public health in elevating community pharmacy practice. Now that pharmacists are immunizers, testers and data collectors in addition to their everyday duties of filling prescriptions and counseling patients, it is even more important to leverage the available public health tools to enhance pharmacy practice.”

Martin Patrick, PharmD, TCOP Class of 2023 and a PGY-1 resident at the West Haven VA Medical Center in New Haven, CT, is completing his M.P.H. A 10-year U.S. Navy veteran and member of the inaugural cohort, Patrick worked in the ER throughout pharmacy school and the pandemic, handling calls and scheduling appointments for vaccines and testing.

“With COVID-19, I saw the bigger picture and how important we are to public health. Pharmacists had a big impact not only at the VA, but in the community, by decreasing spread and educating vets and others about COVID. There was so much misinformation about it. A lot of pharmacists will be needed for public health initiatives in the future,” he said.

Martin Patrick and Meshal Imran

Touro Pharmacy’s Center of Excellence

TCOP HOLDS “PHARMACY SUMMER BOOT CAMP” AND SPONSORS “SCHOLARS” TO INCREASE PROFESSION’S UNDERREPRESENTED MINORITY WORKFORCE AND SERVE THE UNDERSERVED

In June, 19 first and second-year college students from the Tri-State area descended upon Touro College of Pharmacy’s (TCOP) new Times Square campus, where they played a pharmacy version of “Jeopardy,” answering questions about using over-the-counter pharmaceutical products. They also made medicated dog biscuits in the lab; learned how to check blood pressure and sugar levels; and how public health professionals design education and prevention programs by researching the health of local communities using “virtual” data.

It was all part of a three-day summer camp organized to increase awareness of the pharmacy profession and the work that pharmacists do among college students who have expressed interest in the field. The “campers”—about half of whom were underrepresented minorities (URM)—also had a give-and-take with faculty, current students and alumni. When it was all over, many also went home CPR-certified.

“The students were very happy and excited

to have engaged in active learning-based programs,” said Associate Dean of Assessment and Associate Professor Dr. Bupendra Shah. “Every day had a theme. We wanted to give them a 360-degree exposure to what they can expect to learn in pharmacy school and the many career options available to pharmacists.”

$3 MILLION GOVERNMENT GRANT

The Pharmacy Summer Boot Camp for College Students is but one initiative TCOP is diving into as part of a newly established Center of Excellence for Pharmacy Education and Pharmacist Care Services. The Center also aims to provide training and research opportunities for faculty and students to address minority health issues and social determinants of health impacting underserved communities in New York City.

The Center is supported by a five-year $3 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to increase the numbers of underrepresented minorities in pharmacy. Nationally, Black/African American and Hispanic students are underrepresented in pharmacy

programs, according to data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. In fall 2020, URM accounted for 18.2 percent of pharmacy students nationwide, which does not come close to matching the racial and ethnic/cultural diversity found in the city’s five boroughs.

“Our goal is to leverage the growing role of pharmacists in patient care by enhancing the diversity of pharmacists, expanding access to culturally sensitive care and improving patient outcomes—especially with chronic diseases like asthma and hypertension, which disproportionately affect minority communities,” said Dean Dr. Henry Cohen.

“SCHOLARS” PROGRAM KEY PART OF STRATEGY

A major part of the Center is a “Scholars” program for URM applicants. Once an applicant is admitted to TCOP, they are eligible for a oneyear scholarship from the Center in the form of a tuition remission and expenses that can be used for educational needs.

In the 2022-23 academic year, the school

helped support 20 Scholars and expects to support about the same number in the 2023-24 academic year, Dr. Shah said.

Other recent Center activities have included a Faculty Speaker Series for the TCOP community and the hiring of a teaching and learning specialist to strengthen academic advising, peer tutoring and address other challenges and needs at TCOP.

Barriers to pharmacy enrollment are also addressed through linkage agreements with undergraduate colleges that allow qualified URM applicants to complete their PharmD education at TCOP a year earlier than usual.

As they progress through the TCOP curriculum, URM students receive their clinical training in community-based healthcare settings throughout NYC to address both minority health issues and social determinants of health. These include The Mount Sinai Health System, St. Barnabas Hospital and Health System and Bronx Heath Care Network. New partnerships with hospitals and other community-based organizations are planned.

A Medical Mission to Poland: Touro Travels to Help Ukrainians

TOURO COLLEGE OF PHARMACY PROFESSORS VOLUNTEER AT A CENTER IN WARSAW SERVING 2,500 DISPLACED UKRAINIANS

Eager to help citizens from her home country of Ukraine, Dr. Anastasiya Shor, assistant professor and director of the Drug Information Center at Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP), traveled to Poland to help people from her homeland impacted by the war. She was joined by TCOP Professor Dr. Dipan Ray. Below Dr. Shor shares their experience at the Global Expo Transit Center in Warsaw, which housed a temporary shelter built by the Polish government.

PLEASE TELL US ABOUT THE CENTER.

The Center provided shelter, meals, childcare, clothing, haircuts, laundry, pet services, help with visas and finding work and, of course, healthcare in a 24-hour makeshift clinic. It housed 2,500 displaced Ukrainians when we were there. Sleeping areas with cots were created out of what used to be a large conference space. Many people had very few personal belongings. When they checked in, they received bedding and basic supplies. People from all over the world came to volunteer. Anyone was welcome to help—be they translators, cooks, custodians, caretakers, barbers or teachers.

WHAT DID YOU DO?

The clinic had a team of 35 people, including two pharmacists—Dr. Ray and me. There were also doctors, nurses, a dentist and mental health

Touro College of Pharmacy professors help treat acute illnesses and manage medications at a clinic in Ukraine

"Being able to apply my knowledge and to deliver help in such a versatile and meaningful way is the real reason I became a pharmacist."— Dr. Anastasiya Shor

experts. We provided comfort and stability by helping to treat acute illnesses, like upper respiratory infections, constipation and diarrhea. We managed the medications inventory, answered questions about foreign drugs and discussed available treatments with the doctors, including patient-specific recommendations. As pharmacists, we are trained to find drug substitutes when there are limited resources. As a first-generation Ukrainian American, I was also able to counsel patients and translate when needed. Dr. Ray, a specialist in alternative medicine who teaches an elective at TCOP on the topic, advised on herbal remedies that are often used alongside medical treatments. Previously, when pharmacists were not on duty, doctors would have to search the pharmacy shelves on their own, taking time away from patients. At the very least we hoped to improve the accuracy of inventory records and increase the time physicians could spend with patients. We created a formulary system based on the types of drugs people were asking for so that they could be accessed easily.

WHAT DO YOU THINK WAS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

Doing my job as a pharmacist despite an unfamiliar environment gave me the greatest sense of professional accomplishment. We received donations of non-U.S. medications and herbal treatments to review daily, and no day was like the other because patients’ needs were constantly changing. We had to be prepared to navigate the inventory and provide options for each patient. A great sense of personal accomplishment came from daily interactions with volunteers, providers and patients. Clinic staff was made up of Polish volunteer nurses, doctors and emergency medical technicians; Canadian volunteers; and doctors from Ukraine,

Sweden and Germany. During lunch we shared our stories, and when the Ukrainians joined us, we chatted about everyday things and enjoyed a briefly restored sense of normalcy.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN?

The resilience of the human spirit is remarkable. I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities in crisis. Seeing the strong conviction, hope and optimism among the displaced Ukrainians inspired me to go beyond what I thought I could do. I also learned that burnout is very real, and while enthusiasm is valuable, it’s important to rest and keep up your energy so you don’t run out of steam and become a patient yourself.

DID ANYTHING SURPRISE YOU?

I was surprised to see just how multicultural Warsaw is. I communicated in a mix of English, Russian and Ukrainian without skipping a beat! Also, the support shown by the government and the Polish people is incredible—the most obvious being the multiple Ukrainian and Polish flags flying alongside each other. Supportive messages appear on doors, windows, T-shirts, necklaces, billboards and in songs. A rock band performed "Ya ne zdamsa bez boyu" (I won't give up without a fight) in the city’s central mall while a crowd sang along. There are many places where displaced persons can apply for visas, take passport pictures or just warm up with a cup of coffee while their children play.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

Being able to apply my knowledge and to deliver help in such a versatile and meaningful way is the real reason I became a pharmacist. Dr. Ray and I saw firsthand the positive impact that just two individuals can have on hundreds of lives, and we can say with confidence that anyone can make a difference. Medical missions are ongoing, and help is needed more than ever.

TCOP professors Dr. Dipan Ray (top) and Dr. Anastasiya Shor, a first-generation Ukrainian American (bottom) at work in Ukraine

RESEARCH TRACK

TOURO PHARMACY STUDENTS PREPARE FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN RESEARCH

Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) has a strong history of preparing students for careers in research, where pharmacists are in everincreasing demand. Led by Associate Dean of Research and Professor, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Zvi Loewy, Touro offers students the opportunity to enroll in a Research Track the fall semester of their second year.

Students are trained in experimental design, data analysis and scientific communication; study pharmacology through an advanced elective at New York Medical College’s School of Medicine; and collaborate with a pre-eminent engineering program, where they are exposed to product innovation and design. With a research background, there are opportunities in basic research; clinical research (clinical trials); scientific and medical affairs; and business development. With didactic offerings that include biotechnology and pharmacogenomics, coupled with a unique practice experience elective series, TCOP students are strong contenders for fellowships and industrial positions.

Meet four students who enrolled in the Research Track and are preparing for a variety of careers, including as residents, entrepreneurs and researchers.

Adina Kagan

CLASS OF 2025, ADINA HAILS FROM WOODMERE, NEW YORK. KAGAN ATTENDED LANDER COLLEGE FOR WOMEN—THE ANNA RUTH AND MARK HASTEN SCHOOL.

WHAT TOPIC ARE YOU INVESTIGATING AT TCOP?

We are researching the effects of cannabis-derived molecules on biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that are especially resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria that we are investigating is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a very drugresistant species that is responsible for many hospital-acquired infections.

DID YOU HAVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE BEFORE TOURO? HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT TCOP?

Before I came to TCOP, I had no prior research experience. The summer before I started school, I heard that there were opportunities for students to do research, so I applied and have been doing research since then.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR TOPIC? WHO AT TOURO HELPS YOU WITH IDEAS AND HOW?

When I expressed my interest in a summer research opportunity, I met with Dr. Zvi Loewy, the dean of research at TCOP. He told me about all the research opportunities and this topic interested me most. He has been mentoring me throughout the project.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDY? WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER AND WHO WILL IT IMPACT?

Cannabis molecules have an impact on biofilms. While more research must be done, the results seem very promising, as it can be a potential treatment for those with infections and few or no other treatment options.

HAVE YOU DELIVERED PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES OR PUBLISHED?

I have not yet presented my research at a conference, but I have given a presentation about it at school. Recently I and some of my peers submitted our findings for journal publication.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESEARCH SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED (AND ARE LEARNING) AT TOURO?

Learning how to search through scientific literature, gather information from many different articles and synthesize the writings are all great skills I have learned. As a future pharmacist who may be asked drug information questions that require sifting through scientific papers, having this skill will be very useful.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS TO DO RESEARCH?

Research is a great opportunity for students to learn about a topic in depth. Additionally, research is an extracurricular activity that distinguishes students and looks great on a CV when applying for a job, residency or a fellowship.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL, AND HOW HAS TCOP HELPED PREPARE YOU?

I am unsure about my ultimate career goal, but I may pursue a position in the pharmaceutical industry. Research experience equips me with a unique skillset that has helped me with other aspects of my schooling, and I see that it can assist me in my future endeavors as well.

Andrew Kobren

FROM SYOSSET, NEW YORK, EARNED A B.S. IN BIOLOGY FROM SUNY COLLEGE OF OLD WESTBURY. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE TCOP CLASS OF 2024.

WHAT TOPIC ARE YOU INVESTIGATING AT TCOP?

Pharmacogenomics.

DID YOU HAVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE BEFORE TOURO? HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT TCOP?

At SUNY, I led a bioinformatics study that analyzed the effects of DNA sequences on 34 different plant species, compared to baseline for those species. I also taught high school students how to conduct college-level research and develop their own studies. I got involved in research at TCOP by participating initially in TCOP’s Summer Research Experience. After the summer of research, I enrolled in the Research Track, and I also conducted research the following summer with Dr. Natalie Hohmann from Auburn University. I completed the Research Track and will be conducting research with Dr. Zvi Loewy during an upcoming biomedical pharmaceutical research rotation.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR TOPIC? WHO AT TOURO HELPS YOU WITH IDEAS AND HOW?

Dr. Loewy introduced me to pharmacogenomics and was teaching it. I knew I wanted to research the subject and he helped me turn my idea into a study concept and actualize it as well.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDY? WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER AND WHO WILL IT IMPACT?

It is a prospective observational survey that assesses cardiologists’ knowledge and use of pharmacogenomics and concepts of ideal pharmacogenomic resources. We discovered that an educational program and easily accessible resources for pharmacogenomics are necessary for the personalization of medicine to become widely practiced.

HAVE YOU DELIVERED PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES OR PUBLISHED?

I presented my bioinformatics study at the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) annual conference. The study I conducted with Dr. Hohmann was presented at a midyear meeting of the American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists (ASHP).

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESEARCH SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED (AND ARE LEARNING) AT TOURO?

How to apply critical thinking in evaluating study outcomes; design and conduct a pharmaceutical research project; and analyze and apply information from previous or related studies.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS TO DO RESEARCH?

Doing research is important for pharmacy students who would like a career outside of retail pharmacy. For students interested in clinical (hospital) pharmacy, research helps develop the skills needed to conduct research and practice-related projects during residency. For students interested in industrial pharmacy, pharmaceutical research is important for similar reasons. Generally, research is a great way to differentiate yourself when applying for postgraduate positions.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL, AND HOW HAS TCOP HELPED PREPARE YOU?

My goal is to work in research and development, working on the repurposing of old drugs and development of new ones using pharmacogenomic data. Another goal is to work as an entrepreneur with biomedical and biotechnology companies.

Jonathan Lara

A NATIVE OF MIAMI, FLORIDA, CAME TO NEW YORK TO ATTEND TOURO COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. HE GRADUATED WITH HIS PHARMD IN SUMMER 2023. LARA EARNED A B.S. IN CHEMISTRY FROM FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY.

WHAT TOPIC DID YOU INVESTIGATE AT TCOP?

The pharmacological potential of cannabisderived molecules, determined in consultation with Dr. Mariana Babayeva, with whom I worked while a student at TCOP.

DID YOU HAVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE BEFORE TOURO? HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT TCOP?

In college I helped peers with experiments and learned how a research lab operates. I began a study in Florida at a cannabis company analyzing cannabinoid compounds. While applying to pharmacy schools, I noticed that Dr. Babayeva had published studies on cannabidiol. I came to Touro to work with her.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR TOPIC? WHO AT TOURO HELPS YOU WITH IDEAS AND HOW?

Dr. Babayeva, who has done previous studies on cannabidiol and CBD interacting with other drugs, helped me design my experiments and analyze the data.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDY? WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER AND WHO WILL IT IMPACT?

With the legalization of cannabis in many states and approval of cannabis-containing medications, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of the PK (what the body does to a drug) and PD (what a drug does to the body) with cannabinoids. My goal was to determine the plasma protein binding of CBD. This is not thoroughly understood and is essential to estimate the magnitude and duration of CBD’s pharmacological impacts, aid in the discovery of new drug interactions and minimize potential negative side effects.

HAVE YOU DELIVERED PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES OR PUBLISHED?

With the help of TCOP and supervision of Dr. Babayeva I was able to publish my article on plasma protein binding of cannabidiol in Phytotherapy Research (Wiley). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ ptr.7443

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESEARCH SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED (AND ARE LEARNING) AT TOURO?

I have learned proper lab protocol and safety precautions, and how to properly describe the results of experiments for a scientific journal and work with editors to publish research.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS TO DO RESEARCH?

Research allows students to explore their interests, delve deeper into subjects and make meaningful contributions. It can help students identify their passions and potential career paths. It has allowed me to research my passion, which has opened up opportunities to work in the cannabis field.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL, AND HOW HAS TCOP HELPED PREPARE YOU?

Pharmacy and cannabis have become closely intertwined topics due to the increasing interest in the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its derivatives. Schools and professional organizations have recognized the need to educate pharmacists about cannabis and its therapeutic applications. Research on cannabis continues to expand. My ultimate goal would be to continue navigating the cannabis industry as a pharmacist.

Rajsumeet Macwan

CLASS OF 2025, LIVES IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK. HE EARNED A B.S. IN PHARMACY FROM ARIHANT SCHOOL OF PHARMACY IN INDIA.

WHAT TOPIC ARE YOU INVESTIGATING AT TCOP?

I am studying the role of the tropomyosin (TPM4) gene in premalignant colon cancer. We hypothesize that overexpression of TPM4 prevents maturation of colon epithelial cells.

DID YOU HAVE RESEARCH EXPERIENCE BEFORE TOURO? HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN RESEARCH AT TCOP?

I did not have prior experience. I got involved at TCOP by attending a seminar on research opportunities hosted by the TCOP Office of Research administration... Dr. Michael Papetti presented his research on colon cancer, and I was fascinated by the topic. So, I asked to join his team.

HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR TOPIC? WHO AT TOURO HELPS YOU WITH IDEAS AND HOW?

My topic emerged from discussions with Dr. Papetti, from whom I acquired the skills and knowledge to conduct experiments for my project and also the ability to apply the scientific method to my research question.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDY? WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER AND WHO WILL IT IMPACT?

Using the Caco2 cell line derived from colon carcinoma, we studied the effects of overexpression of the TPM4 gene on differentiation. The data collected suggests that high TPM4 levels may lead to tumorigenesis. Our result could enable early diagnosis of colon cancer in patients with elevated levels of TPM4.

HAVE YOU DELIVERED PRESENTATIONS AT CONFERENCES OR PUBLISHED?

We presented a poster at the annual meeting of the American Association for Cancer

Research. We are preparing a manuscript for journal publication.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST VALUABLE RESEARCH SKILLS YOU HAVE LEARNED (AND ARE LEARNING) AT TOURO?

How to conduct a literature search and critically evaluate research. This helped me identify gaps in the literature and form a clear and testable research question and hypothesis. I learned how to use sterile techniques to perform cell culture experiments and to investigate the effects of gene overexpression. Finally, I learned how to design primers for polymerase chain reactions using genome databases. These skills have prepared me well for my future career in pharmacy and healthcare.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR PHARMACY STUDENTS TO DO RESEARCH?

It helps develop critical thinking and problemsolving skills that are essential for future practice. By exposing pharmacy students to the latest scientific knowledge and innovations in the field, research prepares students to become lifelong learners and leaders. Overall, research is valuable and rewarding and can help students achieve their goals.

WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE CAREER GOAL, AND HOW HAS TCOP HELPED PREPARE YOU?

My goal is to complete two years of residency. For the second year, I am interested in pursuing either cardiology or oncology. TCOP has outstanding professors who have provided me with the most current information and supported me in achieving my goals.

TCOP “Brown-Bags” Make A Difference

FACULTY AND STUDENTS TAKE PHARMACY TO THE COMMUNITY

Eugene Lareau likes to drop by his neighborhood Y of Washington Heights-Inwood, where a healthy lunch for seniors is served five days a week. Recently he got more than a meal: he received advice from Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) faculty and students about the importance of taking his meds regularly, and a colorful plastic pill box to organize them and make them easier to access.

“This is really important. Now I can do everything the night before and have it all ready—one, two, three—instead of having it in bottles,” he said. “Sometimes you have to push down and turn, and my hands are weak. I have carpal tunnel syndrome. I can’t do anything about it because of my age.”

Lareau is one of over 100 New York City seniors who learned firsthand about their medication regimens and possible side effects from TCOP faculty and student pharmacists.

It was all part of a series of “Brown-Bag” events in Harlem and other medically underserved communities in NYC, to engage the local population and help develop pharmacy students’ skills in providing care.

MEETING HEALTHCARE NEEDS

“The execution of high-quality community events are a true demonstration of our college’s mission; that is, to develop the next generation of pharmacists vested in promoting wellness, especially among the underserved populations in NYC and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Liu, assistant dean of clinical and professional affairs, who organized and supervised the events.

During April and May, TCOP held the Brown-Bag events at community centers in Upper Manhattan, Harlem and Jackson Heights, Queens, where prescriptions and over-the-counter medications were reviewed along with their proper use and common side effects, and interactions with herbals, vitamins and supplements were checked.

Along with providing education, the Touro team distributed plastic pill organizers and tote bags.

The events were funded by a Civic Engagement Microgrant from the national health research advocacy group Research!America. Sponsors included the New York City Department for the Aging, Union Settlement in East Harlem and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Harlem. Additionally, the Touro teams counseled over 200 seniors at a “Healthy Aging Educational Day” at the Rochdale Village Senior Center in Jamaica, Queens, sponsored by Touro University's Interdisciplinary Institute on Healthy Aging with the support of New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

“I had a few questions about taking my vitamins and my cholesterol medication together, to make sure I’m not poisoning myself. I can take everything,” said Evelyn Cruz, who comes to the Y to exercise and have lunch. “I’m fine. Good to go!”

The seniors were counseled on medications for diabetes and hypertension and the importance of adhering to instructions and self-monitoring blood glucose levels and blood pressure at home.

“The event went very well with a great turnout. Touro staff was amazing, and the members felt

very comfortable,” said Dee Hernandez, director of the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. “The fact that they brought swag was a gamechanger.”

“PATIENT-CENTERED CARE”

Students said the Brown-Bags helped them apply knowledge and skills learned at school to real-world scenarios, and that it was rewarding to help underserved communities and have a positive impact on health.

Ryan Fabian, TCOP Class of 2025, learned that, when talking to patients, “you have to meet them where they are at. It’s pretty easy to come up with optimal drug regimens based on facts alone, but communicating all of that information is hard. I became more confident and was ready to jump into any conversation.”

Being able to counsel the multiple patients who feel rushed at the doctor’s office and do not know why they are taking certain medications was gratifying and confirmed the value of the work that lies ahead when they leave school and go to work.

Stephanie Tawfik, TCOP Class of 2024, said a patient she advised was taking over nine meds to control her diabetes, all prescribed by different providers. She was counseled to take them all and visit an endocrinologist to simplify her diabetic medication regimen.

“This small event was able to make a large impact in her life and may have even saved her. This showed me that the profession of pharmacy can truly change a patient’s life,” Tawfik said.

TCOP faculty and students counseled seniors in Harlem and Washington Heights about their medications

FEATURES

NEW LOCATION

TOURO COLLEGE OF PHARMACY MOVES TO TIMES SQUARE

As Touro University continues to grow and expand, Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) has joined seven other Touro schools at a brand-new campus, centrally located in one of the most iconic places in New York City—Times Square. The new Cross River Campus brings together faculty and students from different disciplines, such as business, technology and other health sciences, increasing opportunities for research and academic collaboration and for students to meet one another. TCOP occupies the top two of eight floors renovated into classrooms, science and technology labs, a library, study and conference rooms, offices and event space.

MEET THE STUDENTS

MADRONA BOUTROS, CLASS OF 2023

Madrona Boutros, Class of 2023, always knew she wanted to work in medicine, but it was after her aunt began receiving treatment for breast cancer that she became inspired to pursue a career in pharmacy. “The oncology pharmacist was my aunt’s voice,” she recalls. “She worried about the person as a whole.” Immediately after earning her biology degree from the College of Staten Island, Madrona enrolled at TCOP (which she calls “the best thing I’ve ever done!”), where she received numerous awards. She also completed rotations at the FDA and Pfizer, which set the stage for her thrilling next step: a newly-created postgraduate Rutgers University Industry Fellowship working at Novartis as a Global Development Fellow in “Clinical Development Excellence.” Boutros is now the firstever pharmacy fellow in a role that’s usually reserved for medical doctors, and that combines her interests in clinical practice, patient care and medication safety. Looking to the future, she hopes to build on the opportunity and apply the skills she developed at TCOP to lead clinical trials. “I feel I’d be able to support them,” she muses. “It’s a chance to make a difference on a global level.”

LEILA HESSAM, CLASS OF 2023

For Leila Hessam, Class of 2023, becoming a pharmacist is a way to give back—and to give others help and advice to which they may not otherwise have access. Her love for the field blossomed while working in pharmacies on Staten Island and in underserved East Flatbush, where every day she saw pharmacists going the extra mile and treating customers with empathy and care. “A lot of the patients had questions, and the pharmacists were gentle and amazing. They inspired me to serve my community in the same way.” Hessam recently graduated from TCOP and is already making her mark, receiving the 2023 Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award issued by the Pharmacist Professional Advisory Committee of the United States Public Health Service. The award is for her work that has positively impacted the local community. “That’s what I love,” she enthuses, “serving my community and helping patients at a much deeper level.”

GRETEL MORALES MENDOZA, CLASS OF 2025

Gretel Morales Mendoza, Class of 2025, came to the U.S. from Cuba at age 11 and is thrilled to be fulfilling her American dream at TCOP. “I fell in love with pharmacy working as a certified pharmacy technician while I finished undergrad at the University of South Florida,” she shares. Drawn to TCOP by the diversity and the extra semester of rotations and clinical exposure, she’s already thriving in the program. Not only has she received the Walgreens Multilingual Scholarship Award, but she also founded the National Hispanics Pharmacists Association Touro Student Chapter, which aims to raise awareness about healthcare disparities in the Hispanic community and close the gap.

“I felt like we needed this due to the high population of Spanish-speaking patients in NYC. I look forward to helping this great organization grow and making a positive impact in the Hispanic community!”

ALUMNI CORNER

Serving and Learning

COLLEEN KIM, PHARMD, CLASS OF 2015, PHARMACY OFFICER (LIEUTENANT COMMANDER), COMMISSIONED CORPS OF THE U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE, COMPLETED A 6-WEEK ROTATION WITH THE CDC AND WORKED THE FRONT LINES DURING COVID-19

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN PHARMACY?

I had a strong desire to make a positive impact on people's lives. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry constantly advances with drug research, development and innovative therapies. I became interested in the opportunity to be a part of a dynamic field that combines with my scientific background.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TOURO?

I chose Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) for two main reasons. Firstly, I was drawn to the College's strong dedication to public health and community service, and teaching students about the pharmacist's role in promoting public health and reducing health disparities. This aligns with my passion for making a positive impact in underserved communities. Secondly, the College's location, at the time in Harlem, N.Y., caught my attention.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION, AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE A DAY IN YOUR LIFE ON THE JOB?

I am a pharmacy officer (Lieutenant Commander) in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). I serve as a regulatory officer at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On a typical day, I play a role in the agency’s mission to protect public health by reviewing documents and collecting evidence to make informed admissibility decisions of imported products based on

compliance with FDA regulations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, my responsibilities included reviewing entry documents of drugs, research products, vaccine products and medical devices related to COVID-19. My job was to make admissibility decisions for products under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) during the public health emergency.

Additionally, I have been deployed to work on the front lines of public health emergencies. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was deployed for a six-week mission as a vaccinator at the White House COVID-19 Vaccination Center in Rochester, N.Y. During this assignment, our team administered over 600,000 vaccinations to the citizens of New York.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

Being a PHS officer has its challenges, such as juggling dual responsibilities and being away from my family during deployments. However, what I love about it is the abundance of opportunities to serve and learn. I find fulfillment in making a meaningful impact on public health and being surrounded by a dedicated team. Each day brings new learning experiences, and the diverse nature of the work allows me to grow professionally. Despite the challenges, the sense of fulfillment and the chance to contribute to public health make it a rewarding position.

HOW DID TCOP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE?

TCOP played a vital role in preparing me. I learned about the importance of pharmacists in public health and reducing health disparities. Effective communication and education to promote medication safety and improve overall health were emphasized. Numerous hands-on opportunities that allowed me to apply what I learned in real-life situations were provided. I participated in training programs, internships

and conferences on HIV/AIDS, prescription drug use and other public health topics. These experiences, along with diverse rotations and involvement in student organizations, helped me actively serve the community and prepared me for my role as a pharmacy officer of the USPHS.

In summary, Touro College of Pharmacy equipped me with the necessary knowledge, skills and practical experiences to excel in my professional role, focusing on public health and community service.

Ready for Action

MICHAEL BOADU, PHARMD, M.A., CLASS OF 2020, CAME TO THE U.S. FROM GHANA, PASSIONATE ABOUT BECOMING A PHARMACIST AND TODAY PLAYS AN INTEGRAL ROLE IN PATIENT-CENTERED CARE

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN PHARMACY?

I developed the passion to become a pharmacist way back in 2003, when I had an opportunity to work with a pharmaceutical company in Ghana (KAMA Health Services). Upon immigrating to the United States in 2011, I researched how to become a pharmacist and worked very hard towards that goal. I acquired tremendous skills and hands-on experience as a pharmacy technician and pharmacy intern at both Montefiore Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. I have gained a deep respect for the integral role that clinical pharmacists play in driving evidence-based medicine and patient-centered care.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TOURO?

I chose TCOP because it had a unique program at the time, popularly known as the “2 + 2”. The curriculum offered two years of didactic courses and two years of practical experience. As a pharmacy technician, I knew and understood the importance of having both practical experience and book knowledge, so comparing TCOP to other pharmacy schools, TCOP was at the top of my list. I was also motivated by the TCOP interns who were working at my hospital.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION, AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE A DAY IN YOUR LIFE ON THE JOB?

Currently, I am a staff pharmacist at Montefiore Medical Center—Moses Campus. As a nightshift pharmacist, my typical night could be very

busy. I start work at 9:30 p.m. and work until 8:00 a.m. After checking my e-mail at work, I am ready for action. My main duty is verifying medications, and making sure indications are correct, as well as dosing and other parameters and protocols. I check patient-specific medications and floor stocks, and also prepare IV medications when needed.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

As a science, pharmacy practice keeps changing. For example, new protocols, guidelines and newly approved medications keep coming up. These changes turn out to be challenging sometimes during practice; nevertheless, I see these challenges as opportunities to sharpen my brain and develop myself to help my patients receive the best care.

HOW DID TCOP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE?

In addition to the didactic knowledge in pharmacy, my two years of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations also solidified my clinical experience in areas such as neurosurgical acute practice; pediatrics critical care unit; cardiac care unit; internal medicine; institutional leadership and management; and ambulatory care. In addition, the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department taught me the importance of teamwork in providing patients with the best care possible.

Improving Quality of Life

NINO BARAYEV, PHARMD, CLASS OF 2020, WORKS WITH COLLEAGUES AROUND THE WORLD AT PFIZER, INC. TO HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MIGRAINE SUFFERERS

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN PHARMACY?

I started volunteering in the Department of Pharmacy of Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center while completing my undergraduate studies. I learned what a difference pharmacists make and the important role they play in patient care, and I wanted to be a part of that.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TOURO?

I attended Touro as an undergraduate and learned that Touro always makes their students a top priority. I always had mentors at Touro who were ready to listen and give advice when I needed help. When I decided to pursue a career in the field of pharmacy, Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) was the clear choice. To my knowledge, there isn’t another university where the dean and top administration meet with students frequently and hear students out and take action to meet students’ needs. I was lucky to have earned my PharmD degree at Touro College of Pharmacy.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION, AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE A DAY IN YOUR LIFE ON THE JOB?

Currently I am a global medical manager at Pfizer, Inc., where I support the company’s Medical Global Migraine franchise. A day on the job entails

meeting with my cross-functional colleagues to discuss current and future initiatives that may lead to improvement in migraine treatment and patients’ lives.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

Since I support a global team, I have the pleasure of working with colleagues from all over the world. The challenge that we face is the time differences that make it tricky to meet with colleagues. I like spending each day at work working towards helping patients who suffer with migraines have their voices heard and improve their quality of life.

HOW DID TCOP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE?

Various opportunities TCOP has provided helped me gain skills necessary to succeed in my professional role, such as time management, teamwork and problem solving. Moreover, TCOP has provided opportunities to gain experience in industry prior to starting my pharmaceutical fellowship—for example, the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations in industry. Above all, TCOP has provided me with therapeutic knowledge that has helped me make a difference for patients who suffer with migraines.

A World View

SHALON M. JONES, PHARMD, M.P.H., CLASS OF 2016, TACKLES GLOBAL DISEASE STRATEGY AND TACTICS

AT THE MULTINATIONAL PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB

HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN PHARMACY?

During high school, I worked for a period as a pharmacy technician. This experience gave me a first look at how influential the pharmacist is in supporting patients on their healthcare journey. This is really what began my journey within the pharmacy field.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TOURO?

I liked that Touro was one of the few nearby schools that primarily took students that had already finished their first four years of college. I was an older student and appreciated having classmates who were in school but also had families with real-life daily responsibilities. We supported each other in this.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT POSITION, AND CAN YOU DESCRIBE A DAY IN YOUR LIFE ON THE JOB?

Currently I am Director, Global Medical Affairs, Myeloid Diseases. I collaborate with key global physicians on better understanding rare hematologic diseases and ways to treat patients. I work alongside cross-functional team members on disease strategy and tactics as the global medical lead. I am currently leading a recruitment and engagement project to support one of our company priority clinical trials. My daily job consists of LOTS of meetings; these meetings now are on the phone, but prior to COVID, they were live. Pre-COVID-19,

I traveled all around the world spending most of my time in Europe meeting with physicians, attending global congresses and attending global internal meetings.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES, AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

My group is a pretty high-profile team with lots of visibility. A number of the company priority brands sit within my team. So there are a lot of big projects that always need immediate attention and execution. Managing your time and projects efficiently is a must and can become a challenge when you are a part of so many projects, spending most of your workday on the phone talking about those projects instead of working on them. Although this is a challenge, this is also the very reason why I love my job. It is super fast-paced and our group is great at making sure the work you do is seen and heard.

HOW DID TCOP PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE?

I think one of biggest positives in comparison to other traditional schools is TCOP’s openness to non-traditional pharmacy careers. They spent time making sure we knew the number of avenues we could take utilizing our professional skills, and did not thwart students from taking paths that may be considered outside the box. Because of this, I am where I am today.

WELCOME NEW FACULTY

MONICA DOUGLAS, PHARMD

A New Jersey native and graduate of Rutgers University, Dr. Monica Douglas joined the TCOP Department of Pharmacy Practice as an assistant professor in 2022 and is excited to be back in New York after completing her PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Residency in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A board-certified ambulatory care specialist, Dr. Douglas is an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at SUNY Downstate’s Special Treatment and Research (STAR) Health Center in Brooklyn, New York. She has conducted research in the areas of vaccine hesitancy in gender diverse patients; antimicrobial prescriptions during the pandemic and how pharmacists impact the readmission; and length of stay for high-risk patients. She has also been published and has spoken on topics that align with her clinical interests in diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, HIV management and gender-affirming care. She has given presentations addressing HIV, portal vein thrombosis, diabetes management and more.

TAMARA HERNANDEZ, PHARMD, MBA, M.A.

Originally from Northern Kazakhstan, Dr. Tamara Hernandez joined TCOP in 2022. A board-certified pediatric pharmacy specialist, Dr. Hernandez is a pediatric pharmacotherapy specialist at the Brooklyn Hospital Center in Brooklyn, New York, and an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. She is passionate about pharmacy advocacy, and her research interests include therapeutic drug monitoring, pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric emergency medicine. She serves as a pediatric pharmacy representative on the Immunizations Committee of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association and as a co-chair of the Advocacy Committee of the New York City Society of Health-System Pharmacists. She earned her PharmD and MBA from the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy of Long Island University (LIU) and completed pharmacy residencies at Maimonides Medical Center (PGY-1) and the Pediatric Pharmacy Residency Program at Yale New Haven Children's Hospital (PGY-2).

RAJ KUMAR, PH.D., M.S.

Dr. Raj Kumar joined TCOP as the chair and professor of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences in 2022. He previously worked as professor at the University of Houston College of Medicine and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, where he also served as director of research. With over 20 years of medical and graduate school teaching experience, he has played an integral role in strategic planning and the development of new programs—in addition to authoring over 100 highly cited publications and serving as an editorial board member and reviewer for several journals. Dr. Kumar has been a widely invited speaker at various national and international events and has received several research grants, including NIH RO1s. Dr. Kumar’s laboratory is currently working on an NIH RO1-funded research project entitled “Structural Dynamics of Progesterone Receptor-Coactivator Complexes” with a long-term goal of developing effective, reliable and clinically relevant therapies to target endocrine cancers.

FRAIDY MALTZ, PHARMD

Before joining TCOP as the director of student engagement, developmental portfolios and co-curricular learning in 2022, Dr. Fraidy Maltz worked as a clinical pharmacist and preceptor in community pharmacy practice, where she provided transitions of care, medication therapy management and disease state management. She also has significant expertise in the development of pharmacy practice skills labs and has taught courses in pharmacotherapeutics, managed student professional development portfolios and assessed learning outcomes. A board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist, Dr. Maltz earned both her B.S. in Pharmacy and PharmD from the Arnold and Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences of Long Island University (LIU). In addition, she completed a residency in Community Pharmacy Practice and Ambulatory Care with Duane Reade and LIU. She has authored numerous publications and peer reviewed presentations on the scholarship of teaching and learning and community pharmacy practice.

JOANNE SON, PHARMD

Dr. Joanne Son joined TCOP and Touro College of Dental Medicine as an assistant professor in 2022. She currently precepts both pharmacy and dental students to facilitate interprofessional education, while teaching classes on pharmacotherapeutics, physical assessment and comprehensive self-care. Her current work as a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist at Touro Dental Health includes providing consultations for dental providers and establishing pharmacist-led smoking cessation services. Dr. Son earned her PharmD from St. John’s University and completed residencies at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey (PGY-1) and The Brooklyn Hospital Center Pharmacy Residency ambulatory care program in Brooklyn, New York (PGY-2). She is also a prolific presenter and conducts research focused on interprofessional collaboration and chronic disease state and medication management for such conditions as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and anticoagulation.

TCOP WELCOMES THREE NEW FELLOWS FOR THE 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR

NANCY ASSAKER, PHARMD, RPH

Dr. Nancy Assaker has joined the TCOP family as its 2023-24 Academic Fellow. A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Assaker brings a wealth of practical experience to her new position. After earning her PharmD from the University of North Texas Health Science Center, she worked in frontline and supervisory positions in community pharmacy, sterile compounding, specialty medications (including chemotherapy), medication therapy management, mail-order and long-term care pharmacy. She is a licensed pharmacist in Texas, Pennsylvania and New York (pending), and has earned certifications in Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Advanced International Pharmacovigilance and Argus Safety (APVASC), Medication Therapy Management, Sterile Compounding and Pharmacy Immunization Delivery. The Academic Fellowship is a 12-month program designed to prepare pharmacy professionals interested in a career in academic pharmacy through postgraduate training in program development, teaching, scholarship and practice. The fellow works with administrators and faculty to gain experience in teaching in a variety of classroom settings, precepting and participating in research and scholarship. The program also includes opportunities to design curricula and assess students.

EMMANUEL DAMANAKIS, PHARMD

Dr. Emmanuel Damanakis joins TCOP as the new Drug Information Fellow. He earned a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Pharmaceutical Sciences and his PharmD from the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences of Long Island University and has worked as an intern in community and hospital pharmacy settings and as a staff pharmacist at Flushing Hospital Medical Center in Queens, New York. He has started to develop a record of leadership, publications and presentations, having served as director of communications for the Student Pharmacists Society of the State of New York (SPSSNY); co-authored “Smell Disturbances in the Era of COVID-19” in the monthly retail pharmacy magazine Drug Topics; and made presentations at Weil-Cornell, Mount Sinai and the International Drug Information Center. The Drug Information Fellowship is a 12-month program for pharmacy professionals interested in careers in drug and medical information. Working at TCOP’s Drug Information Center, the fellow develops advanced skills in medical/drug information practice and gains experience in pharmacy education/academia through teaching and precepting.

JULIAN AZZOUZI, PHARMD

Dr. Julian Azzouzi has joined the TCOP family as the inaugural Health Disparities and Community-Based Intervention Outcomes Fellow, continuing the pursuit of his passion for public health and healthcare equity. That journey has taken him from his native San Francisco to Minneapolis-St. Paul, and to North Dakota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and his PharmD from North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo. His practice experience includes stints as a pharmacy intern at community pharmacies in Minneapolis, Minnesota and West Fargo, North Dakota, and extensive volunteer work with organizations providing meals and other assistance to residents of senior and low-income housing and to seriously ill children. While at NDSU, he was awarded a North Dakota Department of Health Scholarship for organizing a student-led effort to expand clinical hypertension and diabetes services provided at community pharmacies.

His 12-month appointment, an initiative of TCOP’s Center of Excellence (COE), is designed to prepare a pharmacy professional to become a leading researcher and advocate for reducing health disparities through pharmacist-provided community-based interventions. The fellow participates in research on health disparities and community-based pharmacist interventions; studies pharmacist-provided services and their impact on patient outcomes; engages with community organizations to help design interventions to reduce health disparities; and works with student pharmacists and student organizations to create and evaluate communitybased interventions. Funded by a five-year federal grant, the fellowship is dedicated to graduating pharmacists who are prepared to serve patients in medically underserved areas and address minority health issues and social determinants of health in medically underserved communities in New York City.

FACULTY PUBLICATIONS 2022-2023

PHARMACEUTICS; PHARMACOLOGY; BIOMEDICAL; ACADEMIC PHARMACY; MEDICAL HALACHA: 2022-2023

Lara, J., Schweky, N., Babayeva, M. Plasma protein binding of cannabidiol. Phytother Res. 2022;36(7):2683-2685. doi:10.1002/ ptr.7443

Bock, R., Babayeva, M., Loewy, Z. G. COVID-19 Pharmacotherapy: Drug Development, Repurposing of Drugs, and the Role of Pharmacogenomics. Methods Mol Biol. 2022;2547:187-199. doi:10.1007/9781-0716-2573-6_8

Babayeva, M., Azzi, B., Loewy, Z. G. Pharmacogenomics Informs Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy. Methods Mol Biol. 2022;2547:201240. doi:10.1007/978-1-0716-25736_9

Babayeva, M., Loewy, Z. G. Cannabis Pharmacogenomics: A Path to Personalized Medicine. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023;45(4):3479-3514.

Published 2023 Apr 17. doi:10.3390/ cimb45040228

Kumar, R. Structure and functions of the N-terminal domain of steroid hormone receptors. Vitam Horm. 2023. doi:10.1016/bs.vh.2023.02.001

Kumar, R. Cryo-EM technique and its application: Structure of steroid hormone receptors. Vitam Horm. 2023. doi:10.1016/bs.vh.2023.02.002

Khan, S. H., Kumar, R. Role of amino acid sequences within the N-terminal domain in regulating AF1-mediated glucocorticoid receptor activity [abstract]. Cancer Res. 2023;83(7S), 3085. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM20233085

Khan, S. H., Carbe, C., Ling, J., Kumar, R. A novel mechanism for therapeutic targeting of glucocorticoid receptor in triple-negative breast cancer [abstract]. Cancer Res. 2023;83(7S), 3063. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM20233063

Rosenwasser, Y., Berger, I. and Loewy, Z. G. (2022) Therapeutic Approaches for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Exacerbations. doi: 10.3390/pathogens11121513

Loewy, Z. (2023) Clinical Trials for COVID-19 Vaccines: Halachic Perspectives on Volunteering in Placebo-Based or Open-Label Clinical Trials. Touro University New York Medical College Medical Halachah Annual, Volume 1: The Pandemic and Its Implications. 71-76. Mosaica Press

Ray, S. D., ed. Side Effects of Drugs Annual: A Worldwide Yearly Survey of New Data in Adverse Drug Reactions. Vol 44. Elsevier Science; 2022. ISBN: 978-0-323-98909-1 https://www.sciencedirect.com/ bookseries/side-effects-of-drugsannual/vol/44/suppl/C

Kennedy, D. R., Clapp, P., DeLuca, J. L., … Ray, S. D. Enhancing Pharmacy Faculty Well-Being and Productivity While Reducing Burnout. Am J Pharm Educ. 2022;86(5):8764. doi:10.5688/ajpe8764

Kaler, J., Azhar, H., Ray, S. D.. The Benefits Outweigh the Risks of Treating Hypercholesterolemia: The Statin Dilemma. Cureus. 2023;15(1): e33648. doi:10.7759/cureus.33648

Tetenbaum-Novatt, J. E., Alexander, A.J. Connecting improvisational exercises and pharmacy communication skills: A how-to guide. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2023;15(2):201210. doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2023.02.027

Kinney, S., Janzen, K. M., Shields, K. M., Tetenbaum-Novatt, J., Mandal, M., Owens, R. E., Seeger, C. M., Smith, S., Tran, E., Wagner, J. L., Zitko, K., Kinney, J., Eiland, L. S. Mentorship Landscape and Common Practices in an Academic Pharmacy Association. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023;87(5):100049. doi:10.1016/j. ajpe.2022.10.010

Tetenbaum-Novatt, J., Andrade, J., Liu, M. and Ray, S. D. In: Reference Module in Biomedical Sciences Elsevier; 2023.

Kaler, J., Hussain, A., Patel, K., Hernandez, T., Ray, S. Respiratory Syncytial Virus: A Comprehensive Review of Transmission, Pathophysiology, and Manifestation. Cureus 2023;15(3):e36342. doi:10.7759/ cureus.36342

CLINICAL PHARMACY: 2022–2023

Simon, S. P., Li, R., Silver, M., Andrade, J., Tharian, B., Fu, L., Villanueva, D., Abascal, D. G., Mayer, A., Truong, J., Figueroa, N., Ghitan, M., Chapnick, E., Lin, Y. S. Comparative Outcomes of Candida auris Bloodstream Infections: A Multicenter Retrospective Case-control Study. Clin Infect Dis. 2022 Sep 5:ciac735. doi:10.1093/cid/ciac735. PMID: 36062367

Alosaimy, S., Morrisette, T., Lagnf, A. M., Rojas, L. M., King, M. A., Pullinger, B. M., Hobbs, A. L. V., Perkins III, N. B., Veve, M. P., Bouchard, J., Gore, T., Jones, B., Truong, J., Andrade, J., Huang, G., Cosimi, R., Kang-Birken, S. L., Molina, K. C., Biagi, M., Pierce, M., Scipione, M. R., Zhao, J. J., Davis, S.L., Rybak, M.J. Clinical Outcomes of Eravacycline in Patients Treated Predominately for Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Microbiol Spectr. 2022 Oct 3:e0047922. doi:10.1128/ spectrum.00479-22. PMID: 36190427

Andrade, J., Sessa, L., Ephrat, M., Truong, J., DiGregorio, R. A Case Report of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) After Administration of the COVID-19 Vaccine. J Pharm Pract. 2022 Dec 19:8971900221147584. doi:10.1177/08971900221147584. PMID: 36537083

Andrade, J., Truong, J., Ciaramella, C. Expansion of a Pharmacist-Led Culture Follow-Up Program to Real-Time Notification of Multidrug-Resistant Microbiology Results in the Emergency Department. Hosp Pharm. 2023;0(0). doi:10.1177/00185787231155833

Dixit, D., Jen, P., Maxwell, T., Smoke, S., McCracken, J. A., Cardinale-King, M., Haribhakti, A., Patel, P., Cani, E., Choi, S., Jagpal, S., Varughese, T., Tatem, L., Bhowmick, T. Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Candidemia Associated with Severe COVID-19. Crit Care Explor. 2022 Sep;4(9). doi:10.1097/ CCE.0000000000000762

Raymond, L., Cani, E., Park, T. E., Zeana, C., Lois, W. Clinical Outcomes of Single Versus Double Anaerobic Coverage for Intra-abdominal Infections. Infect Dis Clin Pract (Baltim Md). 2022;30(6). doi:10.1097/ IPC.0000000000001175

Park, T. E., Cani, E., Raymond, L., Kelly, P., Zeana, C., Banibrata, R., Menon, A. Predictors of Resistance to Ceftazidime-Avibactam in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales. Infect Dis Clin Pract (Baltim Md). 2023;31(1). doi:10.1097/ IPC.0000000000001189

Lee, V., Kowalski, J., Liu, M., Thayer, B. Impact of discharge medication reconciliation across a five-hospital health system. J Healthc Qual Res. 2022;44(4):194-200. doi:10.1097/ JHQ.0000000000000335

Hussain, A., Kaler, J., Lau, G., Maxwell, T. Clinical Conundrums: Differentiating Monkeypox From Similarly Presenting Infections. Cureus 2022;14(10):e29929. doi:10.7759/ cureus.29929

Son, J., Kim, E. M. Evaluating the Effect of Timing on Pointof-Care Testing of INR. J Pharm Pract. 2023;8971900231177198. doi:10.1177/08971900231177198

Appiah, D., Quinn, N. J., Messing, E. G., Veltri, K. T. Safety and Efficacy Analysis of Apixaban Compared to Heparins in Hospitalized Non-Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients. Hosp Pharm. 2022;57(6):727-733. doi:10.1177/00185787221095764

Basu, P., Das, P., Levin, D., Bloemer, J., Akin-Adejimi, O., Veltri, K. Reconsidering Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine in Treatment of COVID-19: Lessons learnt. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2022;12:S1:178-200.

Basu P, Greenberg R, Hassoun A, Nestor R, Veltri K. Updates in Vaccine Development for COVID-19: Evidence on Currently Available

Vaccines. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2023;13:S1:009-032.

Nguyen, T., Wang, Z. A. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs Use in Older Adults and Kidney Disease. Am J Ther. 2022;10.1097/ MJT.0000000000001556.

doi:10.1097/

MJT.0000000000001556

Lee, K. C., Park, S. K., Lebovitz, L., Wang, Z., Hall-Lipsy, E., Hardy, Y. M., Dey, S. We Must Do Better to Ensure Equity, Transparency, and Clarity in Service Workload. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023;87(6):100092. doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100092

ACADEMIC PHARMACY; PUBLIC HEALTH; CLINICAL PHARMACY:

2022–2023

Addo-Atuah, J., Fuchs, H., Tetenbaum-Novatt, J., Jeger, A. M. Making a Case for Faculty Advisor-Advisee Concordant Pairs. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023:100138. doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100138

Senhaji-Tomza, B., Unni, E., Ng, K. E., Lonie, J. M. Pharmacy student perceptions of remote learning and wellness during the pandemic: Lessons learned from a metropolitan commuter city. Curr Pharm Teach Learn. 2023;15(2):130-138. doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2023.02.018

Marwitz, K., Gaither, C., Haugtvedt, C., Kostrzwea, A., Lewis, N., Selkow, L., Senhaji-Tomza, B., Weis, L. Address System-Mediated Patient Safety In Community Pharmacies to improve Public Health. 2023 American Public Health Association Policy Cycle. Accessible by APHA members only. Published on APHA website on 2/24/23 until 3/21/23 (Open Comment period)

Hung, M., Lipsky, M. S., Phuatrakoon, T. N., Nguyen, M., Licari, F. W., Unni, E. J. Teledentistry Implementation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Scoping Review. Interact J Med Res. 2022;11(2):e39955. doi:10.2196/39955

Putney, K., Gupta, V., Williams, E., Unni, E. J. Viewpoints of Residency Program Directors Regarding Depressive Symptoms in Pharmacy Residents. Accepted for publication with the Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 2022;0(0). doi:10.1177/08971900221134647

Warholak, T., Barner, J. C., Unni, E., et al. Reliability and Validity Evidence for an Academic Gender Equity Questionnaire. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023;87(4):ajpe9049. doi:10.5688/ajpe9049

Unni, E., Haines, S., Stein, S., Tucker, S., Van Amburgh, J. Career Vitality: Perceptions from Women Faculty in Health Professions. Am J Pharm Educ. 2023:100131. doi:10.1016/j. ajpe.2023.100131

Prescott, G. M., Jonkman, L., Crutchley, R. D., … Unni, E. J., et al. Characteristics of Successful International Pharmacy Partnerships. Pharmacy (Basel). 2023;11(1):7. doi:10.3390/pharmacy11010007

Unni, E. Medicine Use in Chronic Diseases. Pharmacy (Basel) 2023;11(3):100. doi:10.3390/pharmacy11030100

Unni, E., Han, J., Dillon, P. A Theory of Planned Behavior informed factorial survey of New York community pharmacists to determine their intentions to monitor antihypertensive medication adherence among older adults. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2022;62(5):1572-1580. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2022.03.018

Thomas, T. F., Devraj, R., Quiñones-Boex, A. C., … Unni, E., et al. Gender equity perceptions among social and administrative science faculty: A qualitative evaluation. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003). 2023;63(1):50-57.e2. doi:10.1016/j. japh.2022.05.014

Shiyanbola, O. O., Maurer, M. A., Virrueta, N., … Unni, E., et al. Feasibility of a Randomized Controlled Mixed Methods Trial to Address Health Literacy, Beliefs, Medication Adherence, and Self-Efficacy (ADHERE) in a Clinical Pharmacist-Led Clinic. Patient Preference and Adherence. 2022;16:679-696. doi:10.2147/PPA. S349258

Sozen-Sahne, B., Cavaco, A. M., Yumrukaya, L., Aksit Vural, E. E., Postma, M. J., Wertheimer, A. I., Yegenoglu, S. A qualitative study on female executive pharmacists with convergent roles. JAPhA 2023;63(2):614-622.e3. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2022.11.015

SPOTLIGHT TCOP ON

Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish stopped by the compounding lab and made solutions with students.

Students in advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) practiced chest compressions on a neonate together with pharmacy residents during a mock neonatal code.

AROUND CAMPUS

Pharmacy Industry Networking Night on campus.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

33 high school students from AHEC (Area Health Education Centers) program learned how to make a solution that helps with mouth and throat sores, and about careers in pharmacy.

Class of 2027 settled into Orientation Week!

Rho Chi hosted the annual cleanup of the stretch of the Henry Hudson Parkway (near the George Washington Bridge) adopted by TCOP.

Students made and mailed heartfelt cards to children's hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses nationwide.

CELEBRATIONS

Touro College of Pharmacy held its White Coat Ceremony for the Class of 2026 at the Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem!

Multicultural Day celebration on campus brought together students and faculty from diverse cultural backgrounds to share music and cuisine.

MEETINGS, EXHIBITIONS & COMPETITIONS

A Certificate of Appreciation was awarded to Vickie Powell, B.S., PharmD, M.S., FASHP, site director of pharmacy operations at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, for advancing health equity and encouraging students to go to underserved communities and share what they know.

Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) alumnus, Class of 2014, Evan Sasson, PharmD, BCPS, associate director of pharmacotherapy services and PGY-1 pharmacy residency director at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, meets with a member of the TCOP Class of 2024 at the TCOP Career Fair 2023 in 3 Times Square to share information about their residency program.

Saqib Khan attended the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) Pharmacy Ownership & Leadership Academy (POLA) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he enhanced his leadership skills, networked with pharmacy owners and developed a business plan for opening a pharmacy.

GRADUATE SUCCESS

RESIDENCIES & FELLOWSHIPS

PGY-1 RESIDENCIES

Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport, CT

BronxCare* Bronx, N.Y.

NYU Langone Hospital – Long Island (2) Mineola, N.Y.

Nuvance Health – Norwalk Hospital Norwalk, CT

One Brooklyn Health (2) Brooklyn, N.Y.

SBH Health System (4) Bronx, N.Y.

VA – West Haven, CT – VA – Connecticut Healthcare System

West Haven, CT

*outside the formal match

PGY-2 RESIDENCIES

One Brooklyn Health Ambulatory Care Brooklyn, N.Y.

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center

Ambulatory Care Paterson, N.J.

FELLOWSHIPS

National Community Oncology Dispensing Association, Inc.

Oncology | Advocacy | Health Policy & Equity Fellowship Cazenovia, N.Y.

Novartis

Clinical Development Excellence Post-Doctoral Fellowship East Hanover, N.J.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration

FDA Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Toxicology/ Pharmacology Jefferson, Ark.

Spectrum Science Scientific Fellowship Program New York, N.Y.

LICENSING SUCCESS RATES

NAPLEX pass rate for first-time attempts of 2022 graduates as published by NABP on January 31, 2023:

77.8%—The Highest in New York City

Please

support the Touro College of Pharmacy

To make your gift online, please go to www.touro.edu/giving and choose to direct your gift to Touro College of Pharmacy. Your gift to Touro College of Pharmacy is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

The Touro College of Pharmacy New York’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603, Phone: 312.664.3575, Fax: 866.228.2631, www.acpe-accredit.org.