Spring 2016 - Regis University

Spring 2016
School of Pharmacy Class of 2019
Letter from the Dean
I trust that everyone is enjoying (enduring?) our roller coaster Colorado spring weather and looking forward to the end of another successful semester. The Class of 2016 will be
on campus for the month of April for a variety of activities including a NAPLEX and MPJE review, evaluations of many aspects of our program, and many other discussions about
the pharmacy profession and their coming role in it. We hear many voices warning of the oversupply of pharmacists and the tough nature of the pharmacy job market. While it
is true that we are no longer in the signing bonus and company car days of ten years ago, there are still ample opportunities for our graduates, especially in the mountain west.
With the education and skills that a Regis graduate possesses, our students compete very well in the job market. In a straw poll taken last November, 25% of our soon-to-be
graduates already had jobs. We will survey them again in April to get a more accurate picture as they graduate. We do know that this class has continued the success of their
predecessors in securing residency positions. Of the 34 students who participated in ASHP’s PGY1 residency match, 24 matched in the first round. This is greater than 70%,
much higher than the national average in past years (2016 data not yet available) indicating that our students possess the interactional skills and professional focus that
residency programs seek.
Besides the traits our graduates possess, I am optimistic about their job opportunities because of movement that is occurring within the profession. A group from Regis and CU
schools of pharmacy, Colorado pharmacy organizations and employers has been working to get legislation passed in the Colorado legislature expanding our current collaborative
practice agreement options and encouraging payment for pharmacist non-dispensing services. Also, on the national level, legislation making pharmacists providers under
Medicare is continuing to move forward, and, if passed, will add another means for pharmacists to get paid for their cognitive services. All of this should open doors for
practitioners to develop practices based on helping patients get the best outcomes from their medications rather than on selling prescriptions. We see in our graduates the
entrepreneurial spirit necessary to create these new practice models; this strengthens my optimism even more for rewarding positions for them.
All in all, we are approaching a most rewarding time in the life of the School – another class of students graduating with strong prospects for a rewarding career. I hope those
of you who can will attend commencement on April 30 at 2 PM on the Boettcher Commons.
Rodney A. Carter, Pharm.D.
Dean, Regis University School of Pharmacy
SCHOOL OF
PHARMACY
Executive Editor: Rodney A. Carter, Pharm.D.
Dean, School of Pharmacy
Regis University
303-625-1300
Editor: Miki Goldwire, PharmD, MSc, BS, BCPS
Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Regis University, School of Pharmacy
[email protected]
White Coat Ceremony 2016
Members of the pharmacy class of 2019 participated in a special Regis tradition:
The White Coat Ceremony. During this ritual, first-year pharmacy students receive
a white coat from their faculty advisor. The coat symbolizes care and service and
accepting it symbolizes the students’ commitment to the profession of pharmacy.
During the ceremony, Father Dirk Dunfee, S.J., anointed students marking them
as leaders. Throughout history kings, prophets and other leaders were anointed
with oil to mark them as leaders. As part of the ceremony, students also recited
a pledge of professionalism. This year’s event marked the fourth White Coat
Ceremony for the school in which 80 students were “cloaked”. Special thanks to
our photographer, Annie Nguyen a pre-pharmacy student from Regis College.
Father Dirk Dunfee, S.J. anoints Brett Young’s hands.
Dean Carter remarked that a white coat is a visible and practical symbol of entry into the pharmacy profession and when worn identifies you as a
professional. He reminded students of the Jesuit values, magis, cura personalis, and men and women in service of others that form a Regis pharmacist.
Magis - Latin for “more,” magis embodies the act of discerning the best choice in a given situation to better glorify or serve God. Magis does not
mean to always do or give “more” to the point of exhaustion. Magis is the value of striving for the better, striving for excellence.
Cura Personalis - Latin for “care for the person,” cura personalis is having concern and care for the personal development of the whole person.
This implies a dedication to promoting human dignity and care for the mind, body and spirit of the person.
Men and Women for and With Others - This value embodies a spirit of giving and providing service to those in need and standing with the
poor and marginalized. We are encouraged to pursue justice on behalf of all persons.
“One must embrace the magis of professionalism – and add other Jesuit principles to your practice (cura personalis), so patients don’t simply get their
medication needs met, but also are cared for in the broadest sense.” Dean Carter.
Student speakers reflected on the day’s meaning. Amin Zhoui remarked, “As we place both arms through the sleeves of these coats, we not only are
continuing our education, but also are becoming a part of a select group. This moment is one to remember for all of us, especially our families! The look
on their faces once we place these coats on, will be priceless. I know that without them, I wouldn’t have got to where I am today -- 1/8th a pharmacist!”
Blake Sears stated, “We put in the hard work and long, restless hours that made us deserving of our white coats. The white coat symbolizes the start of
our professional journey. It is now that we may begin to have the positive impact on people that we have long desired.”
Dr. Allana Sucher coats her advisee, Christine Pam (left) and Tyler Hetherington (right).
Dr. Pete Cogan coats his advisee, Scott King.
Dr. Charlotte Ricchetti coats her
advisee, Anna Kamsin.
Dr. Leticia Shea coats her advisee,
Fariha Quabili.
Student, Anna Kamsin, reciting the professionalism pledge.
Dr. Pete Clapp coats his advisee, Brooke Betts.
Dr. Michele Hanselin coats her
advisee, Aileen Ludesirishoti.
Arty Fagen pauses as he leaves the ceremony.
Students Kuriko Sakai (left)
and Ian McVickar (right) lead
the students in reciting the
professional conduct pledge of a
pharmacist.
Student Activities
Association of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
Update provided by Sou-Ann Neives, chapter president
The AMCP chapter welcomed Shelia Stadler, PharmD, BCPS (AQ Cardiology), from Kaiser Permanente
who discussed the advantages of joining AMCP, what information is available for students, and
opportunities for residencies. Left to right: Dhiren Patel, Julie Pham, Sou-Ann Nieves, Samantha
Kusher, Kobi Nguyen, Adrian Nguyen, and Viet Nguyen.
American Pharmacists Association Academy of
Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP))
Student Counseling Competition
The goal of the APhA-ASP National Patient Counseling
Competition (NPCC) is to encourage student pharmacists
in their efforts toward becoming better patient
educators. The competition is designed to reflect
changes that are occurring in practice, to promote
and encourage further professional development of
the student pharmacist and to reinforce the role of the
pharmacist as a health care provider and educator.
Several students participated in the annual competition.
Congratulations to all participants and winners!
Brooke Betts similes for the camera holding her NPCC
participant materials.
1st: Brooke Betts
6th: Rachel Monjesky
2nd: Audra Wilson
7th: Jonathan Nguyen
3rd: Eric Furuya
8th: Kelly Stone
4th: Jennifer Fung
9th: Lina Kim
5th: Paul Cornelison
10th: Gina Kim
Script Talk
by Lisa Calliham
Script Talk is the APhA/Regis Radio weekly talk show hosted by Lisa Calliham and Rene Corral. During the show, students air great music from local to
big-name bands/artists and discuss various topics about pharmacy. Topics include interviews with special guests such as Regis University School of
Pharmacy faculty members, facts about nutrition, information about Advanced and Introductory Practice Pharmacy Experiences (APPE/IPPE), and what
it is like to be a pharmacy student at Regis University. In honor of breast and cervical cancer awareness month, Dr. Lauren Burt, former faculty member,
discussed screening, prevention, and treatment regimens. The mission of Script Talk is to gain understanding of the current practice of pharmacy, to serve
as an information source for pharmacy student organizations, and to help pharmacy students learn about what awaits them beyond the classroom. Tune
in Monday evenings at 5:30 p.m. or listen online at http://krcx.org/.
Students Lisa Calliham and Rene Corral on the set of Script Talk.
Lisa Calliham, Rene Corral, and Dr. Lauren Burt smile for the camera.
Annual Meeting
Abagail Taylor, Dr. Christine Feltman, Rommel Fontanilla, and Brooke Betts smile while posing for the camera at the
APhA Annual meeting in Baltimore, MD.
Class of 2019, House of Delegate presentative, Rommel
Fontanilla smiles for the camera.
Dr. Christine Feltman and Dr. Robert Willis of Safeway
smile with a “Hi Hon” lady who represented Baltimore.
“Hi, hon!” is an old Baltimorean greeting that is said
to make people feel welcome.
Kappa Psi
Update provided by Jeannette Bouchard
The Zeta Eta chapter of Kappa Psi inducted and warmly welcomed 8 new members. The initiation was a small ceremony attended by the current members
as well as Kappa Psi alumni. New and current members enjoyed snacks and refreshments after the ceremony and discussed plans for the future. Part of
the Kappa Psi mission is to provide service to the community. Kappa Psi held a fundraiser on Valentine’s day in which small candy bags were sold with
proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Left to right: Rebecca Swayngim, Scott King, and Tess Larson help
to stuff Valentine’s bags for the Kappa Psi fundraiser.
Picture 2: Brandon Kondo helps coordinate efforts to
make over 200 valentine bags.
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
Every year NACDS hosts the RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, which brings together pharmacy advocates from across the country to educate Members of
Congress about pro-patient, pro-pharmacy policy. While at the event, participants discussed bills currently in the House and Senate. One bill discussed,
H.R. 592 and S. 314, the Pharmacy and Medically Underserved Areas Enhancement Act, will increase patient access to health care through pharmacists’
patient care service. Ensuring Seniors Access to Local Pharmacies Act, H.R. 793, S.1190, will allow any pharmacy that is located in a health professional
shortage area or a medically underserved area to participate in preferred pharmacy networks as classified under Medicaid Part D if they can meet
comparable terms and conditions that other in-network providers have operated under in the past.
Jeannette Bouchard, class of 2016, was invited to attend, along with Regis alum, Dr. April Hughes. At the event, fellow CU pharmacy student, Bayli
Larson accompanied Jeannette to meet with Colorado House and Senate representatives. Jeannette commented that, “We helped to advocate for
pharmacy at the national level and it was an amazing experience to see how we can advocate in the future when we are pharmacists.”
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (Continued)
Jeannette Bouchard with Dr. April Hughes, Regis alum.
Students gather for a photo at RxIMPACT Day. Left to right: Dylan Atkinson (University
of Pittsburg), Kristy Nguyen (Western New England University), Mary Rothermal
(University of Michigan), Jacob Chaffee (Ferris State University), Sydney Kehr
(Duquesne University), and Jeannette Bouchard (Regis University).
Jeannette Bouchard with CU student, Bayli Larson.
Jeannette Bouchard outside the Capitol building.
National Community Pharmacy Association
Student Pharmacist Compounding Competition
Regis University School of Pharmacy student chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) hosted the second Student Pharmacist
Compounding Competition (SPCC), sponsored by Medisca. Started in 2010, Medisca founded the SPCC to provide an educational experience that would
increase exposure to pharmacy compounding. Medisca provided all materials and asked each participating school for a commitment to send the local
winning team to the national competition.
The competition consists of two portions: a regulatory challenge meant to engage the students in current legislative, regulatory, and professional practice
issues related to pharmacy compounding; and a compounding laboratory competition where students are given several prescriptions and left to formulate
and prepare the appropriate product. The latter includes writing out the procedure, storage requirements, prescription label, and beyond-use-dating as
well as preparing the prescribed product using the products and supplies provided by Medisca. Seven teams of three students competed. Each team wrote
a stakeholder letter to the FDA regarding several issues surrounding the Drug Quality and Security Act (DQSA) and formulated 3 non-sterile products.
The winning teams were:
1st Place: Steven Wang, Suzette Rovelsky, Nathan Le (Class of 2018)
2nd Place: Sara Mirzaei, Megan Willis, Derrick Waller (Class of 2017)
3rd Place: Scott Denney, Risa Ramirez, Vitaliy Rabinovich — Team Straight Outta Compounin’ (Class of 2019)
4th Place: Lisa Calliham, Rob Wilson, Kristen Rowe — Team Pharmaceutical Elegance (Class of 2017)
Additional teams included:
Jake Brockmeyer, Nick Dicesare, Bob Schultz — Team Wroe (Class of 2018)
Aileen Ludesirishoti, Tyler Maxwell, Meigan Yuen — Team Tie Heads (Class of 2019 & 2018)
Rommel Fontanilla, Courtney McCaughey, Blake Sears — Team Rx Rated (Class of 2019)
Students enjoyed the competition. Suzette Rovelsky said, “I really enjoyed it because we got to know our professors better. Dr. Braun and Dr. Haight helped
answer questions about compounding and pharmacy law. We really didn’t know what to expect during the competition, but we tried our best. I didn’t
realize what little tidbits I’d picked up on from lab! Great experience for anyone wanting to apply more principles from lab and practice compounding.”
Sara Mirzaei noted, that “The NCPA compounding competition was a truly unique and wonderful experience. My team and I studied the latest regulatory
changes and were given the opportunity to showcase our compounding skills. Even though we did not win, it made for a fun afternoon, and I learned much
more than I ever thought I would.” Lisa Calliham exclaimed, “I love playing mad scientist! It was wonderful to get the chance to put my head together
with two of my favorite people and see what we could produce. It is also always nice to put what we learn into action.”
Special thanks the judges, Mr. Tom Heissenbuttel, pharmacy manager for Walgreen’s and area compounding trainer, and Regis faculty members Dr. Marta
Brooks and Dr. Charlotte Ricchetti.
Risa Ramirez, Vitaliy Rabinovich, Scott Denney —
Team Straight Outta Compounin’ (Class of 2019)
Blake Sears, Courtney McCaughey, Rommel
Fontanilla — Team Rx Rated (Class of 2019)
Aileen Ludesirishoti, Tyler Maxwell, Meigan Yuen
— Team Tie Heads (Class of 2019 & 2018)
Lisa Calliham, Rob Wilson, Kristen Rowe —
Team Pharmaceutical Elegance (Class of 2017)
Sara Mirzaei, Megan Willis, Derrick Waller (Class of
2017)
Nathan Le, Steven Wang, Suzette Rovelsky
(Class of 2018)
Bob Schultz, Jake Brockmeyer, Nick Dicesare
— Team Wroe (Class of 2018)
Participants and judge, Mr. Tom Heissenbuttel, smile
for the camera.
Nathan Le, Suzette Rovelsky and
Steven Wang at the national
competition held at the University of
Southern California in Los Angles.
Phi Delta Chi (PDC)
Update provided by Samantha Valdez, worthy chief counselor
Members of PDC visited the Ronald McDonald house and baked
cookies, dipped pretzels, and decorated gingerbread houses with
those living in house.
Left to right: Aileen Ludesirishoti, Jason Marcrum, Brittanii Prahl,
Sam Valdez, Meigan Yuen, and Amanda Proietty
As a fundraiser, members of PDC manned a concession stand at the
Broncos game. Left to right: David Yamanaka, Johnny Huynh, Linda
Truong, Jonny Nguyen, Sou-Ann Nieves, Briana Stapornkul, Sam
Valdez, Tylor Heilman, Vivian Nguyen, Mollie Michel, Holly Rawlings
and Garry Rawlings
Some members volunteered for Stand Up for Kids, a national
non-profit charity that strives to provide life-saving and outreach
services to homeless, street kids and at-risk youth. Members
organized a pot luck dinner for the children. Left to right: Holly
Rawlings, Christine Pan, Kayla Wolfe, Linda Truong, Sou Ann Nieves,
Jason Marcrum, Meigan Yuen, and Jayden Tumbaga.
Phi Lamda Sigma (PLS)
Update provided by Jeannette Bouchard, secretary
As a new club on campus it can sometimes be difficult to have events that are new and interesting. PLS the pharmacy leadership society on campus,
hosted an event that was both new and interesting, a leadership dinner with Dr. Moote. At the event Dr. Moote discussed how she came into a leadership
role after school and residency. She also provided pearls on how to continue to develop and gain leadership experience.
At the end of the event students posed for a photo with Dr. Moote and her new smiley daughter
Eleanor. Left to right: Paul Cornelison, Nyles Fowler (president of PLS), Jeannette Bouchard
(secretary of PLS), Audra Wilson (vice president of PLS), Eleanor and Dr. Moote.
Rho Chi
Update provided by Paul Cornelison, chapter president
The Delta Psi chapter of Rho Chi had its largest service event to date serving at Project Cure. This locally based organization collects unused and
refurbished medical supplies and equipment from hospitals around the United States and delivers them to countries that have desperate need for such
resources. Rho Chi members and faculty volunteered at the Project Cure warehouse, sorting and packing medical supplies for a bulk shipment. Volunteers
and Project Cure staff were pleased with the outcome and plans are underway to participate again.
Danielle Barsalou and Sydney Gaffin
prepaing for Project Cure.
Paul Cornelison checking the supplies at
Project Cure.
Members pose for the camera. Back row, left to right: Rob
Wilson, Sydney Gaffin, Dr. Lalama, Paul Cornelison, Andrea
Reinig, Danielle Barsalou; Front row, left to right: Jeannette
Bouchard and Dr. Berlau.
Student Government
Update provided by Jeannette Bouchard, president
During September, Dr. Hemstreet, with the help of the Student Government held the first Welcome-Back event for the pharmacy students and staff. Prepharmacy students from Regis College also invited. Several remarked on how the event was an incredible opportunity to mingle with future colleagues.
With hot dogs, sandwiches, chips and cookies galore all the students were able to enjoy nice weather on a Friday afternoon after a tough week of classes.
A few professors even showed up to take part in the many games. Dr. Clapp joined in ultimate Frisbee while Dr. Berlau gave his best Peyton Manning
impression. “This event really helped the new pharmacy students get to know the one another in a light atmosphere and also enabled the pre-pharmacy
students to mingle amongst the current students,” stated student government president Jeannette Bouchard.
Student government president-elect Meigan Yuen (far right) will organize the welcome back
event next year. Left to right: Denise Patten, Anna Nguyen, Ann Nguyen, Rachel Aviado and
Meigan Yuen.
Lindsay Ross (tossing the ball) and Lina Kim
(watching in the background) participated in the
fun and games.
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
Update provided by Linda Truong, chapter president
This past semester, SNPhA members participated in several events. The Meet and Greet with National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) members
provided a venue to talk with pharmacists and technicians in NPhA.
Back row, left to right: Marie Claire Desrosier, Samantha Valdez,
Kimberly (from CU), and Lina Kim; middle row, left to right: Katie
Schneider, Linda Truong, Eric Furuya, Andrea Nguyen, and Sydney Han;
front row, left to right: Julie Pham, Maggie Lu, (CU faculty advisor),
and Idana Espinoza.
The Shot@Life Bake Sale provided members the opportunity to show
off their baking skills and to sell those baked goods to raise money for
childhood for vaccines in third world countries. Members also educated
customers and students of the importance of vaccinations. This event
raised over $120. Left to right: Randy Chin, Idana Espinoza, Linda
Truong, Vivian Nguyen, and Johnny Huynh.
During the Diabetes Walk, Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes SNPhA
members Eric Furuya (left) and Julie Pham (right) stop to pose for
the camera.
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) (Continued)
World’s AIDS Day provided an opportunity to raise awareness for HIV and AIDS at the
HIV specialty Walgreens on Colfax. Left to right: Rachel Illias, Annie Woo, and Linda
Truong.
Left to right: Idana Espinoza, Mollie Michel, Randy Chin, and
Suzette Rovelsky.
Members sponsored a chronic kidney disease presentation given by Shannon Clark
of National Kidney Foundation. Back row, left to right: Mollie Michel, Randy Chin,
Annie Woo, Shannon Clark (speaker), Johnny Huynh, CamLinh Vu, Leo Vuong, and
Eric Furuya; front row, left to right: Idana Espinoza, Linda Truong, Brooklynn Betts,
Rachel Aviado, Christina Nguyen, JoeAnna Rodriguez, and Candy Kuriko Sakai.
Movember
SNPhA teamed up with Phi Delta Chi to raise cancer awareness of men’s health and organized the No Shave Movember contest. Participants worked
hard (or not at all) to grow their best facial hair creations in order to win awards in their respected categories. Left to right: Alysia Parks, Meigan Yuen,
Dr. Dan Berlau, Jason Marcrum, Bob Schultz, Dr. Jeffrey Lalama, David Yamanaka, Eric Furuya and Jonathan Nguyen.
Mr. Movember: Dr. Lalama
Most Luscious: Jason Marcum
Mr. Movember Junior: Dr. Berlau
Most Arty: Bob Schultz
Creepiest: Jonathan Nguyen
Best Effort: David Yamanaka
Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP)
The student chapter of ACCP encourages its members to become aware of different career paths available in pharmacy. Audra Wilson, president of
RU-SCCP, established the first RU-SCCP roundtable discussion to promote networking with pharmacy professionals. Pharmacists educated students
about working in internal medicine, ambulatory care, community pharmacy, infectious disease, and critical care/emergency medicine. RU-SCCP has
also continued to host clinical pharmacist dinners, most recently hosting Dr. Paul Shaw, Cardiology Specialist with Kaiser Permanente and Dr. Jeff Gold,
Psychiatry Specialist at the VA.
Students learn about various career paths in
pharmacy; left table: Ambulatory Care with Drs.
Kristin Gardner and Rachana Patel; center left:
Infectious Disease with Dr. Deborah Anderson; center
back: Community Pharmacy with Dr. Kim Swanson
Ward; center right: Critical Care/Emergency Medicine
with Dr. Rachael Duncan; right: Internal Medicine
with Dr. Jody Adams.
Students learn about Ambulatory
Care pharmacy with Drs. Kristin
Gardner and Rachana Patel.
Students learn about Critical Care/Emergency
Medicine pharmacy (back) with Dr. Rachael
Duncan and Internal Medicine pharmacy (front)
with Dr. Jody Adams.
Career Fair
Professionalism Videos
As part of their experiential class experience, second-year pharmacy
students developed public service announcements exemplifying one
professionalism tenet: altruism, honesty/integrity, respect for others,
professional presence, professional stewardship or dedication and
commitment to excellence. Over one month, teams of five to six
students developed, performed in, and recorded their PSA. Class
members voted on the winners. Congratulations to all students for
making this assignment a success!
Best Video:
Team 2 – Men and Women in Service for One Another:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUesrWuNrsE&feature=youtu.be
Eric Furuya, Michael Greiner, Hanh Nguyen, Viet Nguyen, and Suzette
Rovelsky
First Runner Up
Team 13 – Professional Stewardship (watch for faculty cameos!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mINTP7Syhbs&feature=youtu.be
Amy Amo-Quarm, Brooke Burns, Idana Espinoza, Maggie Lu, Jason
Marcrum, and Nicholas Petty
Second Runner Up
Team 11 – Unity of Mind and Heart:
https://vimeo.com/147065395
Rachel Franklin, James Gray, Becca Porter, Katie Schneider, and
David Yamanaka
Littleton Pubic Schools held a career day for Health Science Academy
students. Pharmacy student, Tylor Heilman with his preceptor, Ann
Oberg, Pharmacy Technician Department Chair, Arapahoe Community
College provided the students information about careers in pharmacy.
Best Actress: Suzette Rovelsky (Team 2)
Best Actor: Viet Nguyen (Team 2)
Students Celebrate Broncos
Student celebrate the Broncos superbowl bid.
Class of 2019 students
Class of 2018 students
Class of 2017 students
Students Participate in the ASHP Residency Showcase
Twenty-nine pharmacy students from the Class of 2016 travelled to New Orleans for the 2015 ASHP
Midyear Clinical Meeting to participate in the Residency Showcase, a venue in which students talk
with potential preceptors about pharmacy residency programs.
Service Trip to Greece
by Audra Wilson
Upon arriving to one of the calmest isles in Greece, our spirits were dampened when a local car rental agent told us not to travel to Molyvos, one
of the most beautiful areas of the island, because the refugees had “ruined” it. This was the start of an eye opening experience in which I began to
gain insight into the complexity of the refugee crisis. A group of us travelled from Denver, Colorado on our spring break to help in Moria, a village and
now refugee camp, on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Better Days for Moria is a group of individuals who have come from far and wide to improve the
humanitarian situation in the camp and a group that welcomed us.
Many thoughts appeared in my mind surrounding our potential usefulness at the camp. The seemingly endless amount of obstacles these refugees
face began to overwhelm me. I gathered myself, and remembered this is why I decided to travel to Greece. Help was desperately needed, and I was eager
to begin.
On our first day, we were introduced to Better Days for Moria. At the refugee camp, space was at a premium and living conditions poor. The
importance of Better Days became more evident once refugees from other countries began being deported. The number of family members separated
during travel or forced to stay in their native country was numerous.
My time in the medical clinic, Health-Point Foundation, was educational and inspiring. It was educational because I developed organizational skills
along with learning about various foreign medications such as paracetamol. Meigan Yuen, Suzette Rovelsky, Jason Marcum, and I reorganized the entire
pharmacy, filled five large suitcases full of expired medications, and created a “sterile room” for compounding. It was inspirational because of the
people I worked with. Physicians from around the world were willing to involve us in recommendations and compounding of medications for patients. All
too often, the doctors would come to the pharmacy in tears from learning of the tragedies of their patients. All I could do is take time to listen and offer
to make tea. Many patients and caregivers simply wanted to be heard and release their frustrations and emotions. One man arrived in a state of shock,
which then transitioned to anger, and finally into deep sorrow. He was with his family in the camp, but had lost his mother overboard while crossing the
Aegean Sea. As tragic as these experiences were, it was inspiring to witness these individuals work through their reality. They were strong-willed people,
and extremely grateful for our support.
As the days went on, I lost track of time and lost touch with the outside world. I put aside my doubts, and serving the refugees became a priority.
Outside of the medical tent, I spent most of my volunteering in the clothing distribution center and working with children. The high point of my experience
was a family I met from Afghanistan. The mother had three young girls and a son and planned to travel to Austria. Despite a clear language barrier,
somehow our communication was strong. I almost instantly built rapport with them, especially Verbina, the nine-year-old daughter. They requested
items that were not readily available, but I was determined to retrieve them. I found the family the next day and provided them with a hairbrush, toenail
clippers, and a coloring book. Suddenly, Verbina handed me a beautiful picture that was drawn on the back of their Better Days instructions -- a smiling
blonde with blue eyes was handing Verbina a shirt. The seen was joyous, with a bright sun and beautiful flowers. I was profoundly touched and brought
to tears by this unexpected gift. Their smiling yet worried faces, their peaceful pace, the children’s innocence, and the endless obsession with my blonde,
curly hair are memories I will never forget.
After each eight-hour shift, I was emotionally and physically exhausted, but was also filled with an overwhelming sense of purpose. This was my
first experience volunteering overseas, and I could not have been more satisfied with my experience. I loved the diverse group of volunteers I met, the
kindness of physicians from around the world, and the happiness of the refugees despite their horrible experiences. I remember stories of people losing
family members due to drowning, and others who lost family members from assassination, but most of all, I remember the mutual love shared between
myself and the children of the camp. All of this made it difficult to immerse myself back into reality upon returning home. No, we are not able to solve
this terrible crisis where so many are left homeless or worse, but we are able to volunteer or contribute to those who need us in small. We are able to build
organizations such as Better Days for Moria using grassroots approaches to help refugees feel safe. We are able to create awareness and continue to
be a voice for those who may not be able to share their story. If I learned anything at all, it is that a smile and kindness can offer hope to someone who
desperately needs it.
Meigan Yuen, Suzette Rovelsky, Jason Marcum and Audra Wilson outside
the volunteer tent.
Hand-drawn picture.
Organizing the pharmacy shelves.
Left to right, Jason Marcum, Resl Wilson (my mom), Rhea Beeler (my aunt), Kate (one
of the coordinators at Better Days), Meigan Yuen, Suzette Rovelsky, and Audra Wilson.
Kate was explaining the history of Better Days for Moria and the dynamic process that
the refugees face while at the camp, such as the registration process, which people
are able to claim asylum, etc.
Faculty Accomplishments
Andress M, Lanius P, Swartwood C, Ricchetti C, Willis R, Haight R. Assessing 30-day readmissions and interventions provided by community and
hospital pharmacy residents collaborating with a provider in a transitions of care clinic. Poster presentation. American Society of Health System
Pharmacists Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA December 2015.
Baldwin JN, Bootman JL, Carter RA, Crabtree BL, Piascik P, Ekoma JP, and Maine LL. Pharmacy practice, education, and research in the era of big
data: 2014-15 Argus Commission Report. AJPE. 2015;79(10):Article S26.
Goldwire MA. Management of Insomnia in Geriatric Patients. Module component (1.0 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant
pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided
by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/
optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Goldwire MA. Management of Parkinson’s Disease. Module component (1.0 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant pharmacist
recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided by the
University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/
optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Goldwire MA. Medication Safety in Geriatric Patients. Module component (1.0 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant
pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided
by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/
optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Goldwire MA. Pharmacokinetic Changes in the Elderly. Module component (1.0 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant
pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided
by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/
optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Guzman A*, Nelson A*, Simpson T*, Ricchetti C. Clinical pharmacy intervention to reduce morphine equivalent dose in chronic, non-cancer pain.
Poster presentation. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA December 2015.
Hughes A^, Willis R, Ricchetti C, Haight R, Hamper J, Rogers M. Impact of community pharmacist education through a patient friendly handout
on statin adherence. Poster presentation. American Society of Health System Pharmacists Annual Midyear Clinical Meeting. New Orleans, LA
December 2015.
Janke KK, Nelson MH, Bzowyckyj AS, et al. Deliberate integration of student leadership development in Doctor of Pharmacy programs. AJPE.
2016;80(1):Article 2.
Lalama J, Martell C, Marrs J. Stroke of genius or slight miss: evaluation of the updated secondary stroke prevention guidelines. Presented at:
Colorado Pharmacists Society 24th Annual Winter CE Seminar; January 10, 2016; Copper Mountain, CO.
Maguire M*, Eichner S*, Shea L, Fete M. Investigation of weight loss dietary supplements for banned and discouraged use ingredients. Poster
presented at the Annual ACCP Meeting, San Francisco, CA. Oct 2015.
Norwood R, Sucher B. Management of Dyslipidemia in Geriatric Patients. Module component (1.5 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour
consultant pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient”
provided by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/
consultant/optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/
Ricchetti C, Bemis S, Rivera K. Utilizing residents to effectively expand or enhance pharmacy services. ACPE approved CE (1 hour) give to
pharmacists and preceptors. Regis University, Denver, Colorado: August 2015.
Sarker A, O’Connor K, Ginn R, Scotch M, Smith K, et al. Social media mining for toxicovigilance: automatic monitoring of prescription medication
abuse from twitter. Drug Saf. 2016;39(3):231-40.
Sucher B, Cogan P. Optimizing Care for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease through Appropriate Use of Inhalers. Module component
(1.5 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic
Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at:
http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Sucher B, Norwood R. Management of Hypertension in Geriatric Patients. Module component (1.5 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour
consultant pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient”
provided by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/
consultant/optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Sucher B. Management of the Cognitive Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Module component (1 continuing education credit hour) of a 12-hour
consultant pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient”
provided by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/
consultant/optimizing-geriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Sucher A, Cogan P. Immunizations in the elderly. Module component (1 continuing education credit hour) of a 12-hour consultant pharmacist
recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided by the University of
Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/optimizing-geriatric-carea-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Sucher A, Cogan P. Respiratory infections in geriatric patients. Module component (1.5 continuing education credit hours) of a 12-hour consultant
pharmacist recertification course titled “Optimizing Geriatric Care: A Guide to Therapeutic Considerations for the Senior Care Patient” provided by the
University of Florida College of Pharmacy. Available December 2015 to December 2018 at: http://cpe.pharmacy.ufl.edu/courses/consultant/optimizinggeriatric-care-a-guide-to-therapeutic-considerations-for-the-senior-care-patient/.
Sullivan PW, Campbell JD, Ghushchyan VH, Globe G, Lange J, Woolley JM. Characterizing the severe asthma population in the United States: claims-based
analysis of three treatment cohorts in the year prior to treatment escalation. J Asthma. 2015 Sep;52(7):669-80. doi: 10.3109/02770903.2015.1004683.
Sullivan PW, Campbell JD, Ghushchyan VH, Globe G. Outcomes before and after treatment escalation to Global Initiative for Asthma steps 4 and 5 in
severe asthma. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015 Jun;114(6):462-9. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2015.03.019.
Sullivan PW, Campbell JD, Globe G, Ghushchyan VH, Bender B, Schatz M, Chon Y, Woolley JM, Magid DJ. Measuring the effect of asthma control on
exacerbations and health resource use. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2015 Nov;136(5):1409-1411.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2015.04.046.
Taylor A*, Shea L. Examining health claims provided on dietary supplement packaging. Poster presentation. American Pharmaceutical Association
Annual Meeting. Baltimore, MD: March 2016.
Tweddell S, Clark D, Nelson M. Team-based learning in pharmacy: The faculty experience. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 2016;8(1): 7-17.
*school of pharmacy student; ^alumni
Pharmacy students, Maureen McGuire and Sara Eichner present at
the Annual ACCP meeting in San Francisco, CA.
Abigail Taylor presents at the APhA Annual
meeting in Baltimore, MD.
Vaccinations
Dr. Stephanie James has recently began investigating the potential effects of a protein that specifically targets varicella zoster virus T-cells called
programmed death receptor-1 (PD1).
Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human alphaherpesvirus. Primary infection with VZV causes the disseminated varicella rash (chickenpox),
after which the virus becomes latent along the entire neuraxis (in the dorsal root ganglion.) The virus may reactivate to cause a myriad of diseases
including, but not limited to: zoster (shingles), post herpetic neuralgia, ocular sequelae, nerve palsies, vasculopathy, encephalitis or meningitis. Viral
reactivation has been associated with a decline in cell-mediated immunity due to age, immunosuppressive therapy, positive HIV status or stress.
An estimated 1 million people in the United States experience VZV reactivation (evidenced by appearance of zoster rash) each year; with a rate of 1 in 3
healthy U.S. adults reactivating annually. Since 1996, the incidence of VZV reactivation has increased, resulting in significant morbidity and financial
burden. Although ZostaVax (Merck) was approved by the FDA in 2011, only an estimated 20% of adults over the age 60 receive the vaccine, which only
reduces the risk of developing zoster rash by 51%, leaving a substantial portion of the population at risk.
Increased levels of PD1 receptor on T-cells correlate with VZV reactivation, and it is hypothesized that blocking this receptor may promote VZV-specific
T-cells proliferation. Dr. James, along with Regis students Brennan Jacobs and Vanessa Jamison, are currently evaluating the expression of PD1 on T-cells
from individuals aged 60 years and older who have no history of zoster or Zostavax immunization, and comparing these results to age matched controls
that have received the Zostavax vaccine (or have experienced shingles in the past 5 years.) They will also investigate if blocking the PD1 receptor on
T-cells helps reconstitute VZV specific T cell effectiveness.
If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact Dr. Stephanie James at [email protected] or (303) 964-6168.
Brennan Jacobs working in Dr. James’ lab.
A Visit to England
by Dr. Michael Nelson
I had the privilege of taking an academic sabbatical during the fall semester of 2015.
At Regis, faculty members are eligible to apply for sabbatical after seven years of
service and are encouraged to use this opportunity to explore a scholarly project, reflect
upon their career, and recharge their batteries. For my sabbatical, I chose to research
the experience of faculty members in the United Kingdom who use team-based learning
(TBL), the primary instructional strategy used in Regis School of Pharmacy classroombased courses.
In 2012 our pharmacy school developed a collaborative relationship with the Bradford
University School of Pharmacy in Yorkshire, England, when faculty members at Bradford
approached us for consultation on developing an integrated curriculum delivered by
TBL. Since that time, TBL has spread considerably throughout the UK in a diversity of
academic disciplines. I became interested in researching the experiences of UK faculty
members with TBL, and members of Bradford University was generous to host me as
a visiting professor to help with my research. During the course of this qualitative
research project I was able to interview 26 TBL practitioners at five UK universities,
ranging from the School of Medicine at the University of Dundee to the School of
Business at Reading University. While I am still analyzing the data, preliminary results
indicate TBL is as effective at engaging students and energizing faculty members in the
UK as it is here in the US.
My sabbatical experience allowed plenty of time to run, travel, and reflect. Completing
the Yorkshire marathon while running on behalf of Martin House, a UK Children’s
Hospice, was an incredibly fulfilling experience that reminded me of how fortunate I
am to be healthy enough to run. The amazing accomplishment of Stonehenge, created
thousands of years ago without modern technology, caused me to remember the
need to be humble when reflecting upon my accomplishments. The diversity of ethnic
backgrounds in the Bradford area helped me to understand a little more about the
struggles that accompany being in a minority population.
For these reasons and many others, my sabbatical was
effective for catalyzing both personal and professional
growth. I am privileged to work at a university that is
supportive of academic sabbaticals, and I look forward
to helping other faculty members participate in the
sabbatical experience.
School of Pharmacy Welcomes Dr. Marta Brooks
Dr. Brooks attended the University of Connecticut at Storrs where she received undergraduate degrees in pharmacy
and nutritional sciences. After a general hospital pharmacy residency, she attended the University of Texas and
received a PharmD and then pursued a specialized Nutrition Support residency at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial
Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio. Most recently, she completed a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Outcomes
and Policy at the University of Florida.
Dr. Brooks’ first career out of residency was in healthcare communications where she honed her skills as a medical
writer and scientific director in the development of peer-reviewed journal publications. With close to 20 years in
progressively increasing roles of responsibility for delivering healthcare communications and leading multifunctional
teams, Dr. Brooks has collaborated with numerous stakeholders across academia, industry and the healthcare
community. Her successful career in corporate and academic environments includes diverse areas of expertise
such as administration, departmental supervision, profit and loss management, marketing, scientific content
development, project management, and mentoring of staff/teams. Her past experience encompasses leading,
managing, and mentoring four departments, two companies and over 160 employees.
Prior to joining the Regis University School of Pharmacy, Dr. Brooks was President of ProEd Communications, Inc.® in Beachwood, Ohio for eight years.
Prior to this role she spent 10 years with the Centeon Management Group family of companies, where she held leadership positions in Scientific Affairs,
Client Services, and Program Management culminating in President of the Genesis Healthcare division located in Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Her personal integrity and the respect with which she treats colleagues allow her to assemble the right team of individuals to get the right job done at the
right time. Dr. Brooks has been advancing patient care by delivering quality healthcare education and communications while attending to the needs of
the people who develop them—the academicians, the practicing healthcare professionals and her staff.
From the Office of Experiential Education
My APPE in Costa Rica
By Kathleen Prince
I was fortunate to complete an APPE in Costa Rica where I learned about their health care system and spoke Spanish daily. A normal day consisted of
either working 4 hours in a local retail pharmacy, preparing educational materials for local groups, or visiting local groups in the morning, and attending
4 hours of Spanish class in the afternoon. My favorite group to educate was a group of “abuelas” or grandmas. This was a small group of women who
visited and cared for homebound elderly. As a group we created a “home visit checklist” which ensured we provided information on fall risk, possible
theft, malnutrition, a basic medication list, and over all well-being. After teaching the abuelas to use the checklist, I accompanied them on home visits
and spoke with the homebound. This was the most rewarding activity as everyone was so thankful for our time and energy.
Costa Rica is B-E-A-U-TIFUL and each day felt like a day of vacation. I was able to do or see surf worthy shores, volcanoes, zip-lining, hiking, coffee and
chocolate tours, and lastly many wild animals in the national forests.
While in Costa Rica I lived with a host family who provided two meals each day, and the cleanest laundry I’ve ever seen. Living with a host family forced
me to learn and use my Spanish. This trip and learning experience was a once in a lifetime chance. I have greatly valued everything learned in Costa Rica
from culture to language as it has benefited me greatly in other rotations as well. If you’re considering an international rotation and Costa Rica sounds
appealing, I’d be more then willing to go into more detail about my adventures. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
I worked in a retail pharmacy that had mostly herbals, OTC medications,
and few prescription medications by US standards. When a prescription is
needed, the only medications are controlled substances, antibiotics, and
antipsychotics. Decisions to dispense these prescription drugs are at the
discretion of the pharmacist!
I spent many hours at ELEC, the language school. ELEC stands for Escuela
de Lengua y Experiencias Culturales or The Language and Cultural
Experience School. Classes are no larger then 3-4 students, and I was
fortunate to have one-on-one instruction. I learned about one semester’s
worth of Spanish in 5 weeks!
Office of Experiential Education Update
The class of 2016 is back on campus as they finish up their APPE year and start to prepare for graduation on Saturday, April 30. We will be sad to see
them go, but overall they have done an excellent job this past year and it has paid off with lots of great jobs secured and many PGY1 opportunities landed.
Students made many of their decisions based on discussions and feedback with our preceptors while on rotations, so we thank you for inspiring and
mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.
The P3s are anxiously waiting to start their APPE rotations on May 23, and although they are a smaller class (61 students), they have quite a range of
interests and we have students who will be traveling all over the world - from Cambodia to Alaska for their rotations. The current P1s and P2s are looking
forward to summer break, but with that time off comes summer IPPEs as well! We are currently soliciting for summer IPPE II and IPPE IV rotations (80
hours total) at a variety of hospitals and clinics this summer. If you are able to precept, please email ([email protected]) or call us (303) 625-1326.
We will be hosting our Annual Preceptor Appreciation Celebration in June, so be on the lookout for more information to come on the event – we hope to see
you all there!
Calendar of Events
April 25-28
Finals Week
April 28
Class of 2017 send-off, Walker’s Pub 11 am-5 pm
April 29
Graduation banquet
April 30
Graduation
May 23
APPEs begin