PDF

 RHO CHI EVENTS ....... 1
Issue 2
 CURRENT EVENTS ...... 3
 ALUMNI PROFILE ........ 5
VOLUME 5
April 2014
The NU
Pharmacist
The Rho Chi Beta Tau Chapter Newsletter
Uswa Ahmad, Newsletter Chair
Angela Fu, Secretary
Alessandra Lyman, Member
Kerri Roach, Member
Dr. Michael Gonyeau, Editor
Pharmacy
Auction
Written by Alessandra Lyman
Photos by Yung-en Fung
The Rho Chi Beta Tau chapter at Northeastern held its first annual Pharmacy Auction this March. All proceeds benefited the
School of Pharmacy Relay for Life team.
Rho Chi raised an incredible $1,400 by auctioning off events offered by both students
and faculty to foster fellowship, collaboration, and communication among those in the
pharmacy profession. Each participant came
up with an event to auction off to a pharmacy
student where they could discuss career
goals, classes, work, applying to residencies
or fellowships, or get to know the person
better in a non-academic setting. Some of the
events included being “Dean for a Day” and
shadowing Dean Reynolds, with the added
bonus of coming up with a new policy or
idea to implement immediately in one of the
pharmacy classes, as well as coffee, lunch,
dinner, and even “a race to breakfast” where
students could sit down with potential preceptors to discuss the future. The event was
hosted by Jessie Signorelli and Ali Lyman,
who had a great time poking fun at faculty
and students according to a questionnaire
they filled out prior to the auction with
things such as “one thing students and peers
may not know about me is __,” and “if I
could describe myself in one word it would
be ___.” The event brought a sense of community to the School of Pharmacy and was
a night full of entertainment, personality,
laughs, and compassion for a great cause.
In addition to the amazing turnout and
support the auction received at Northeastern,
shortly after it occurred the chapter was notified that for the second year in a row, we
received a Project Proposal Award from the
national office during the society’s annual
meeting in Orlando, Florida. This is a tremendous honor and shows the hard work,
determination, creativity, and drive that the
members of our chapter possess. It is great to
be recognized, as it was the highlight of the
year for the current Rho Chi chapter.
We thank all of the professors and students who
auctioned off events, as well as those who bid to help
raise an amazing amount of money to fight cancer.
We also want to thank our advisor, Dr. Gonyeau, and
Dean Reynolds for commenting on the written proposal and helping to organize the event, as well as
Jessie Signorelli, Chair of the Pharmacy Auction
Committee, for all her hard work planning, organizing, and executing this successful endeavor. Congratulations to all of those involved for yet another
stellar event and award for the Northeastern Pharmacy Program!
Professional Speed Dating
Written by Kerri Roach, Photos by Yung-en Fung Kaylee Marino, Dr. Kelly Macedo, Dr.
Victoria Caccioppoli, and Dr. Chuck
Berds who provided students with information regarding the pharmaceutical/
biotechnology industry, fellowships, psychiatric pharmacy, ambulatory care, social and administrative sciences, residencies, and leadership and involvement
during their time at Northeastern. In addition to our wonderful pharmacist
speakers, Christopher Campbell, Chelsea
Binkowski, Benjamin Hohlfelder, Xander Allewell, Aanal Desai, and Jade
Hoang participated as P4 students who
educated younger students on residenOn March 18, the Beta Tau chapter hosted cies, fellowships, research, hospital pharmacy, and academics.
its second annual Professional Speed Dating
After the speed dating rounds ended,
event. Last year, our chapter won a Project Prosome students stayed for a networking
posal Award at the 2013 national Rho Chi
session with the speakers. Many students
meeting at the APhA annual meeting. More
were thrilled to have the chance to exthan seventy students signed up for this year’s
event, during which they had the opportunity to plore different career paths in the pharmacy profession and to have the opportuhear from five speakers in small groups. The
nity to talk with successful pharmacists
event was very similar to last year’s with five
rounds of ten-minute discussions. The Beta Tau and students about how to get to the positions they want. Students particularly
chapter was lucky to have Dr. Annie Partisano,
commented on the ability to learn about
Dr. Christina Gallagher, Dr. Mark Watanabe,
career opportunities that they had less
Dr. Michele Jacobs, Dr. Dave Zgarrick, Dr.
exposure to throughout their schooling, such
as industry and fellowship programs. The
event fostered fellowship among all members
of the school and inspired them to strive for
intellectual and personal excellence as they
pursue success throughout their schooling
and future career paths. We are happy to report this event was a success for a second
year in a row, and we expect to continue this
success in the upcoming years.
Annual Lecture: "Big Data, Observational Studies, and Health Care”
Written by Kerri Roach, Photo by Yung-en Fung
Dr. Steven Pizer is a former research director
for MA Fair Share, worked for MA Senate Human Service Committee, and was Executive Director for MA Citizen Action. He has more recently worked as the Director of Healthcare Financing and Economics Department of Veterans
Affairs, completing evaluations, policy research,
and health services research. Dr. Pizer recently
joined Northeastern University’s Department of
Pharmacy Practice in the School of Pharmacy and
brings to us his leadership in the field of health
care economics.
During the Annual Lecture on April 1, Dr.
Pizer discussed some important background aspects of health care economics and enlightened
the audience on some of his recent projects. Some
examples of the research he has been conducting
are comparative effectiveness of diabetes medications, carotid endarterectomy vs. medications,
prostate cancer treatments, and dabigatran vs.
warfarin. He explained that the reason cost effec-
tiveness research is so important is because it is
the key to controlling cost and increasing the
quality of healthcare in our country, which is currently struggling to control healthcare spending.
Because of large multistate, multi-payer claims
databases and regional health information exchange, the data available for cost effectiveness
research are being transformed. Dr. Pizer gave
an overview on selection bias and reporting
associations without claiming causation and the
use of instrumental variables to reduce the biased introduced to the studies. This lecture was
very informative and provided a brief overview
of important considerations for cost effectiveness research. In addition, the Annual Lecture
served as a reminder of what to consider when
conducting and the importance of such research. The Beta Tau chapter was honored to
have Dr. Pizer present his expert views on cost
effectiveness and pharmacoeconomic research
at our Annual Lecture.
Faces of Pharmacy
Written by Alessandra Lyman
On Tuesday, March 12, pharmacists throughout Massachusetts, as
well as a number of pharmacy students from the three accredited pharmacy programs in MA, gathered at the
Massacusetts State House to advocate
for the profession and help promote
the passage of three bills. These bills
include giving pharmacists the status
of health care providers, allowing
pharmacy student interns to immunize
while on rotations in their last year of
the professional curriculum, and standardizing pharmacy audits.
Northeastern University had an outstanding presence at the event, with a
sea of white coats filling Gardner Auditorium. Current Rho Chi National
President and Northeastern University
School of Pharmacy Dean Jack Reynolds, as well as other NU faculty,
were also in attendance to show their
support. The university had representatives Dr. Jenny Van Amburgh and Matthew Schmidt, current Rho Chi member and Phi Lambda Sigma President,
speak at the event to help students and
pharmacists realize the value of what
they were doing and how it could impact the profession of pharmacy in
Massachusetts. After opening remarks
from MPhA representative Dave Johnson and Senator Harriett Chandler,
pharmacists and students broke off into
groups to visit with legislators and their
aides and advocate for the bills.
Students found the experience rewarding as they were able to work side
by side with current pharmacists and
pharmacy faculty and were happy to put
forward their commitment to the profession by advocating for quality patient
care outcomes that pharmacists can provide. It was great to see such a large
Northeastern University School of Pharmacy turn-out and we expect to participate in more of these advocacy days in
years to come.
CVS Quits Tobacco to Focus on Providing Health Care
Written by Uswa Ahmad
In an attempt to help their patients
kick the cigarette habit, CVS Caremark, the largest pharmacy in the
United States based on total prescription sales, announced in February that
it plans on stopping the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products by
October. CVS is the first national
pharmacy chain to take this step forward to promote the well-being of its
patients.
The announcement is a sign of the
company’s attempt to transition from
being a retail business to a health care
provider. In an official press release,
CVS Caremark President and CEO,
Larry J. Merlo, said "Ending the sale
of cigarettes and tobacco products at
CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for
us to do for our customers and our
company to help people on their path
to better health. Put simply, the sale of
tobacco products is inconsistent with
our purpose."
Although the company estimates
that it will lose about $2 billion in
annual revenue, CVS Caremark is
betting that it can gain more business
by showing an interest in patient care.
CVS recognizes that prescription sales
for baby boomers have much more
growth potential than cigarette sales, so
it has placed a greater emphasis on
forming ties with patient lifestyles. That
is why, in addition to banning the sale
of tobacco products, CVS has also announced that it will launch a nationwide smoking cessation program to
provide patients with access to information and treatment options. This new
initiative will help expand the role of
pharmacists in providing patient care
and may help CVS recover some of its
lost revenue.
CVS Caremark’s decision received
praise from various public health advocates and even from President Obama.
“As one of the largest retailers and
pharmacies in America, CVS Caremark
sets a powerful example, and today’s
decision will help advance my Administration’s efforts to reduce tobaccorelated deaths, cancer, and heart disease, as well as bring down health care
costs – ultimately saving lives and protecting untold numbers of families from
pain and heartbreak for years to come,”
said Obama in a prepared statement.
Currently, it is unclear whether other
major retail pharmacy chains will follow CVS’s lead, but they are now under
pressure from government officials to
address the paradox that exists between
the distribution of medications to promote health and the sale of deadly tobacco products. Northeastern University became a smoke-free campus in
2013, so it appears this social movement away from tobacco will only gain
momentum.
Hypertension Guidelines: What’s New?
Written by Angela Fu
The Eighth Joint National
Committee (JNC 8) guidelines
for the treatment of hypertension were published in December 2013 in the Journal of the
American Medical Association
and have some significant differences from the JNC 7 guidelines, published in 2003. JNC 7
was based on a nonsystematic
literature review that included
observational studies and expert
opinion, whereas JNC 8 considered mainly randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Rather
than defining the cut-offs for
prehypertension and stages of
hypertension, the new guidelines consider only hypertensive
patients and provide thresholds
for drug treatment. Previously,
separate goals existed for
“uncomplicated” hypertension
and subpopulations with comorbid conditions, but now treatment goals are similar for all
hypertensive patients.
JNC 7 recommended thiazide
type diuretics as first-line therapy and listed five alternative
classes, whereas JNC 8 specifies four first-line drug classes
and suggests three treatment
strategies. Notably, betablockers are no longer recommended first-line due to potential lack of protection against
stroke. JNC 7 was broader in
scope and addressed issues such
as lifestyle modifications, blood
pressure measurement methods,
medication adherence, resistant
hypertension, and hypertension
in subpopulations. JNC 8 limits
itself to answering three key
questions regarding thresholds
for pharmacologic treatment
and selection of agents.
are maintained at a blood pressure <140/90 because of adherence to the previous guidelines
may remain on the same antihypertensive regimen as long as
they are experiencing no adverse effects.
JNC 7 recommended lower
thresholds for patients with
diabetes or chronic kidney disease, but JNC 8 found insufficient evidence to support the
cut-off of 130/80. JNC 8 has
also relaxed the treatment
thresholds for those over age 60
from 140/90 to 150/90 because
of some evidence that a lower
systolic blood pressure goal
provides no additional benefit.
However, patients over 60 who
JNC 7 Recommendations
BP Classification
SBP/DBP
Normal
<120/80
Prehypertension
120-139/80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159/90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
≥160/100
Initial Treatment w/out
Compelling Indication
No drug indicated
Thiazide type diuretic 1st
line for most; may consider ACEI, ARB, BB,
CCB, or combination
Two-drug combination for
most (usually thiazide
type diuretic plus ACEI,
ARB, BB, or CCB)
JNC 8 Recommendations
Age 60 years and older
<150/90 mmHg (Grade A)
Age 30-59 years
Age <30 years
DBP <90 mmHg (Grade A), SBP
<140 mmHg (Grade E)
<140/90 mmHg (Grade E)
Diabetes
<140/90 mmHg (Grade E)
CKD
<140/90 mmHg (Grade E)
Other subgroups
Not specified
First line meds, nonblack, with or
without diabetes
First line meds, black, with or without diabetes
ACE inhibitor, ARB, CCB, thiazide
type diuretic (Grade B)
CCB, thiazide type diuretic (Grade
B for general population, Grade C
for diabetes)
ACE inhibitor or ARB (Grade B)
First line meds, CKD
Initial Treatment with
Compelling Indication
Drug(s) for compelling
indications (heart failure,
postmyocardial infarction,
high CVD risk, diabetes,
CKD, recurrent stroke
prevention); CKD/
diabetes goal <130/80
Drug(s) for compelling
indications, other drugs
(diuretics, ACEI, ARB,
BB, CCB) as needed,
CKD/diabetes goal
<130/80
Abbreviations: CKD – chronic kidney disease, CVD –
cardiovascular disease, DBP – diastolic blood pressure, SBP – systolic blood pressure, ACEi – angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, ARB – angiotensin receptor blocker, CCB – calcium channel
blocker, BB – beta-blocker, Grade A – strong recommendation, Grade E – expert opinion in light of conflicting or insufficient evidence
U P C O M IN G E V E N T :
I N DU C T IO N C E R E M O NY
J U N E 1 3 A T 7 PM
ROOM 378 IN 140TF
V IS I T U S A T
W W W . NO R TH E A S TE R N . E D U /
RH OCH I/
Alumni Profile: Linda Wang
Written by Linda Wang
sible. During my 6 years, I worked in a
variety of different pharmacy settings –
operating room pharmacy, inpatient pharmacy, outpatient pharmacy, industry, and
research. However, my co-op at Novartis
in early phase clinical trials, rotation at
Biogen Idec in regulatory affairs, and extensive research experience under Dr.
Waszczak solidified my interest in pursuing a career in the pharmaceutical industry. I loved the dynamic corporate environment and collaboration between the
various departments on projects. My pharmacy knowledge was highly valued and
aided me in critically evaluating scientific
data and medical literature. I could see
myself in this role where I could apply my
clinical knowledge in innovative ways to
improve patient healthcare globally.
pharmacy organizations specific to my
therapeutic area and continue expanding
the fellowship program.
I strongly advise students to step outside of
their comfort zone and take on leadership
roles, whether in a classroom setting or in
a student organization. You will grow
tremendously as a leader and as an effective communicator. During my time at
Northeastern, I was president of three student organizations, co-founder of a dance
crew, treasurer of APhA-ASP, Sponsorship Chair for Relay for Life, and an eboard member for several other organizations. I participated in leadership retreats
and the Lead360: Global Pathways for
Leadership program. As a natural introvert, my broad leadership experience
helped me become a better public speaker
Pharmacy was an ideal career choice for I am currently a Global Medical Affairs
and taught me what kind of leader I
me due to its flexibility in job location and fellow at Bausch + Lomb through the Uni- wanted to be. I advise students to be willdiversity of opportunities postversity of Southern California fellowship
ing to step into new opportunities (the
graduation. Even today, I’m discovering
program. This one year fellowship promore it scares you, the better!) because
other fields where pharmacists are making gram provides intensive training to help
each experience, whether good or bad, can
their mark (e.g., medical education, health me transition from a clinical background to teach you a valuable lesson. As students,
outcomes research, medical communicaone able to handle cross-functional tasks
we have the advantage of being taught new
tion agencies, publication agencies).
involving the clinical, medical, and marskills by experienced pharmacists – you
keting departments. I plan to pursue an
never know when those skills may come
My view towards life, both professionally MBA in the near future while continuing
handy.
and personally, is to be open-minded and
to work in medical affairs. I also hope to
have as many different experiences as pos- take on leadership roles in professional