Category: PharmD News

The American College of Apothecaries Research and Education Foundation recently announced that PY1 PharmD student Holly Seyler has been awarded the Pharmacists Mutual | ACA Foundation Community Pharmacy Scholarship.

Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company (www.phmic.com) donated funds to the American College of Apothecaries Research and Education Foundation to create the Pharmacists Mutual | ACA Foundation Community Pharmacy Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to student pharmacists who have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to advancing the future of community pharmacy in the United States.

A student member of the American College of Apothecaries (ACA), Holly focuses on the importance of political advocacy for patient choice and access. Holly willingly advocates for the compounding pharmacy profession and volunteered her time as a teaching assistant for the UW Pharmaceutics Compounding Lab Course in Seattle, WA. Her leadership and commitment have contributed positively to the future of compounding pharmacy.

Holly is currently a Pharmacist Intern at Clark’s Compounding Pharmacy in Bellevue, WA, where she continues to distinguish herself as a leader in the pharmacy community and devotes her life to patient-centered healthcare.

PharmD PY1 student Holly Seyler is among 20 student pharmacists across the country recently selected by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for the inaugural cohort of the AACP Aspiring Academics Program.

Aspiring Academics will have the opportunity to learn from two distinct faculty member mentors, one from within their own institution (the home mentor) and one assigned by AACP (the AACP group mentor)-all while building a national network of peers interested in academia.

AACP received more than 200 applicants from student pharmacists across the country, and selected 20 based on their credentials, a statement of experience and future career goals, and their faculty mentor’s support.

By the completion of the program, students will be able to describe the various types of pharmacy faculty positions; state the expectations of faculty regarding scholarship, teaching and service; discuss the process and skills needed to advance in a career in pharmacy academia; develop a network of peers and mentors interested in academia and more.

“Holly sees practicing and receiving feedback to refine skills as an opportunity for continuing development so she and her peers are able to better care for their future patients and community,” said Rachel Allen (PharmD, BCACP), who will serve as Holly’s UWSOP faculty mentor throughout the program. “Her positivity and willingness to lead by example helps to cultivate a culture that embraces a growth mindset and a passion for learning.”

The PharmD office of Recruiting and Admissions is seeking volunteers to support virtual admissions interviews, particularly among recent alumni. PharmD interview days are the most important recruitment events that we host each year. While we are evaluating applicants on their fit for our program, we know that most applicants will use the interview day to determine if UW is the right fit for them.

We’ve heard from many current students that their interview experience was one of the most important factors in leading them to attend UW. One of the most valuable components of the interview day is a panel that we host with current PharmD students and SOP alumni. This year in particular, when we cannot physically invite applicants to campus, the student and alumni panel allows applicants to get a sense of what life is like as a UW SOP student and allows applicants to see themselves as future Husky Pharmacists. The 45 minute panel is led by an SOP admissions staff member and includes introductions, reflections on the UWSOP student experience and concludes with an opportunity for applicants to ask questions directly to the panel. Participants in the panel should expect to address the following types of questions:

• Why did you choose to attend the University of Washington School of Pharmacy?
• Why did you choose to go to pharmacy school?
• What did you like best about UWSOP?
• What is your biggest piece of advice for prospective pharmacy students?
• What types of clubs/organizations were you a member of within UWSOP?
• Did you work outside of school? If so, how did you balance work and school?
• Can you give some examples of the types of sites where you did your IPPEs or APPEs

Interview Schedule:

Friday, February 5

• 9:15am – 10:00am | 10:25am – 11:10am | 12:15pm – 1:00pm | 1:25pm – 2:10pm

Friday, February 19

• 9:15am – 10:00am | 10:25am – 11:10am | 12:15pm – 1:00pm | 1:25pm – 2:10pm

Friday, March 5

• 12:15pm – 1:00pm | 1:25pm – 2:10pm

For questions, please contact Mike Spielman, Director of Admissions and Recruiting: mspiel@uw.edu

A chance meeting on a train between a Seattle pharmacist and Chicago businessman turned an ointment created in L.D. Bracken’s pharmacy into an international brand.

“Many people don’t realize how inventive pharmacists have been throughout history. L.D. Bracken’s story is a great example of the kinds of transformative products and entrepreneurial spirit that often begin in the local, community pharmacy.”—Andy Stergachis, Associate Dean for Research, Graduate Programs, and New Initiatives

The Bracken family has made significant contributions to pharmacy practice—initially through a compounding invention, and decades later through their investment in creating a state-of-the-art pharmacy learning lab here at the UW School of Pharmacy.

Born in Nebraska in 1892—the same year as UWSOP alumna Alice Ball—Louis D. (L.D.) Brackenattended the UW School of Pharmacy from 1912-1913. He went on to found the L.D. Bracken Pharmacy in 1921, ultimately with locations in downtown Seattle in the Cobb Building and on First Hill. In the great tradition of compounding pharmacists, L.D. was an inventor, in addition to being an entrepreneur and health care provider.

Not long after graduating from UWSOP, he created a formula for cold sores that he called Blistex. L.D. was a gifted pharmacist and businessman who needed a partner who could help him with marketing and business expansion. But with Shark Tank 90 or so years in the future, where would he find that kind of business partner?

It was in 1925 when L.D. met Charles Arch while the two were traveling the U.S. by train. Charles was a sales man working for a company that made collapsible metal tubes (like toothpaste tubes), The two struck up a conversation and later agreed for Charles to purchase the rights to make and distribute L.D.’s product.

L.D. kept the trademark and earned royalties on the sales—while continuing his vital pharmacy business in Seattle. His son, Jim L. Bracken, followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from UWSOP in 1945 and then joining his father’s pharmacy business.

Interestingly, alumna Pat Tanac, ’45, also worked for L.D. Bracken Pharmacy when she graduated. She was one of 2 co-founders of Chi Collegiate Chapter of Lambda Kappa Sigma, the professional fraternity for women in pharmacy Pat and her husband Robert Tanac, ’45, are founding members of and the Dean’s Club and Pharmacy Alumni Association.

When L.D. died in 1954, Jim became president of the company. L.D. and Jim were beloved leaders in the profession, serving as presidents of the Washington State Pharmacists Association and as founding members of the American College of Apothecaries.

Jim was also named Pharmacist of the Year for King County. He passed away in 1984. Jim’s wife, Sharon M. Bracken, and their children, Laura Bracken Clough, Carol Bracken Clemency, and John L. Bracken, continue to value and honor the contributions that L.D. and Jim made to the profession of pharmacy.

Sharon established the Bracken Endowment in memory of Jim and L.D. In 2012, UWSOP opened the Bracken Pharmacy Learning Center, which continues as a hub of training excellence for the next generation of Husky Pharmacists.

To study with UWSOP’s top faculty in health economics and outcomes, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics, click here for more information about our Graduate Programs in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy, and Biomedical Regulatory Affairs.

Want to earn your PharmD professional degree at the UW? Start here to learn more.

UWSOP implements the Purple Curriculum with new Wednesdays in Practice, Provider Readiness Training and more

UW School of Pharmacy’s PharmD program trains pharmacists to think critically and be prepared for a future of health care that requires the advanced skills and knowledge of the Husky Pharmacist.

“The UW School of Pharmacy is one of the first pharmacy schools in the U.S. to offer hands-on experiential training to student pharmacists from the start through the transformative Wednesdays in Practice and Provider Readiness series.”—Peggy Odegard, Associate Dean and Lynn and Geraldine Brady Endowed Professor of Pharmacy

As the UWSOP Strategic plan comes into its fifth year, we are launching the new Husky Pharmacist curriculum. This approach to pharmacy training makes the UW one of the few schools of pharmacy nationwide that offers experiential training from the start of our student pharmacists’ first year. Not only that, but our students won’t just be observing as is the case in some other first year experiential programs, they will be working directly with patients, learning to interview, gathering information, considering the patient’s holistic needs, and gaining critical continuity in their learning with application to practice from the classroom.

This novel approach to training prepares our student pharmacists to be active members of the health care team in the new age of Pharmacist Provider Status here in Washington state. Over the past several years, the Curricular Innovation team, led by Associate Dean Peggy Odegard, ’85, ’90, developed a plan to prepare our student pharmacists for a future that calls for more leadership, entrepreneurial skills, even community-building and advocacy—in addition to the excellent training they already receive in medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and patient care. Whether it’s to be full members of the health care team or to pitch a new approach to patient care, to manage an independent pharmacy, or to lead a health system, our student pharmacists’ professional and interprofessional skills need to be as strong as their scientific knowledge.

Research shows that learning gained through direct experience is the most powerful for health providers’ training experience. As more people take medications to manage their health, Washington state recognized the vital role of the pharmacist in improving patient care and health outcomes. Chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, are primarily treated with medications—and viruses like HIV and Hepatitis C are now chronic or curable illnesses, rather than terminal diseases, thanks to advancements in medications.

In addition, the new curriculum places high value on the learning that occurs both inside and outside the classroom—formalizing training in leadership and professional development, advocacy, and innovation and valuing the extensive experience and perspective our students gain through student organizations, at health fairs, and by stepping into the community through events and engagement.

Being a leader is different from being a manager, Peggy emphasized. “When our Husky Pharmacists see gaps and opportunities, we want them to step up and advocate for the benefit of the patient.”

Advance your career as a pharmacist at the University of Washington. Learn more about our nationally and globally top-ranked PharmD Program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

Certificates of Merit in Precepting

Our Experiential Education team recently completed our annual preceptor review process as part of our quality assurance program. This review process allowed us to identify preceptors who have demonstrated excellence in the following major areas:

1. Active participation, as measured by the number of students precepted
2. Quality of precepting based on student evaluations of the preceptor
3. Progression in self-development
4. Sustained and significant contributions to the School and profession

Click  here to see the full list of exemplary preceptors who have been awarded the Certificate of Merit in Precepting this year in recognition of their dedication to the School of Pharmacy and commitment to the education of student pharmacists.

Advance your career as a pharmacist at the University of Washington. Learn more about our nationally and globally top-ranked PharmD Program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

Candice Wong, Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) Preceptor of the Year

The Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) Preceptor of the Year Award is given annually to one outstanding IPPE preceptor. For 2019, Candice Wong, PharmD, ’02, Inpatient Pharmacist Educator at Harborview Medical Center and UWSOP alumna, was named the honoree. She has been in practice for over 16 years and has served as a UWSOP preceptor since 2004.

Candice has received consistently high scores for her teaching abilities and students’ positive learning experience. She has also served on the UWSOP Student Preceptor Experiential Advisory Committee (SPEAC) for the last few years and offered thoughtful guidance to our Experiential Education team to improve and shape our program.

One student wrote, “This preceptor obviously cares about her students and has repeatedly gone out of her way to ensure that students learn all that they want while on rotation at HMC.” Another student shared, “Candice has had a huge impact on my “career” as a pharmacy school student. I feel more invigorated than ever before to pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist!”

As an IPPE Preceptor, she loves that “Aha!” moment when a student fully understands something and always works to set clear expectations and have regular check-ins to make sure the IPPE experience goes smoothly.

‘My favorite thing to do is turn a question around on a student and ask them, “What do you think?” Then I listen to their thoughts before providing mine. It’s my way of gently prodding them towards problem-solving on their own.’ – Candice Wong

Aligning expectations for both student and preceptor is key and something she would share with new preceptors.

Thank you, Candice, for inspiring our students and modeling professional and positive leadership and excellent patient care.

Click  here to see the full list of exemplary preceptors who have been awarded the Certificate of Merit in Precepting this year in recognition of their dedication to the School of Pharmacy and commitment to the education of student pharmacists.

Advance your career as a pharmacist at the University of Washington. Learn more about our nationally and globally top-ranked PharmD Program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

Tony Casanova: 2019 Wayne A. Kradjan Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award Recipient

The Wayne A. Kradjan Excellence in Clinical Teaching Award is presented annually to one outstanding UWSOP Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) preceptor. Congratulations to Tony Casanova, Emergency Department Pharmacist Specialist at CHI Franciscan St. Joseph Medical Center, who was honored for 2019. Tony started serving as a UWSOP preceptor in 2008 and all the students have acknowledged him for his ability to teach and challenge them.

Good preceptors are good facilitators. They set up a learning environment that allows students to build independent practice skills, exemplified by what this student said: “At the beginning of this rotation, I was immediately thrown into full participation in all aspect of patient care. Tony challenged me to rise to the standards he had for himself and students, and brought me quickly up to speed. I was a participating and useful member of the team by the end of my fourth day.”

Another student shared that “Tony managed to be a full-time teacher during our days together, all while performing his daily tasks with mechanical efficiency. He did not sacrifice patient care to teach me things, and yet he did not sacrifice my education to ‘do his job’ either. I am grateful to have had him as a preceptor.”

Tony loves seeing the excitement in the students’ face when they recognize the difference they have made.

“Pharmacists truly can impact a life in so many ways. The excitement and joy that we all have, including students, when we recognize that our many years of schooling have allowed us to have a lasting impact on another person’s life is truly rewarding.” –Tony Casanova

His tip for new preceptors is to have the willingness to adapt – having an open attitude to adapting to personalities, learning styles and changing landscape is a necessity as a preceptor. When asked about ways to motivate and engage students, he shares that his most successful approach is to lead by example. He stresses hard work and independence to our students and recognizes that in order for students to become independent, they need a good role model and a good efficient process.

Given that the emergency department is a new environment to many and can be quite overwhelming, showing students which patients they should be involved with is key. From there, students need to develop their own efficient process that works for their learning and practice style. Tony’s precepting philosophy is to recognize and support people’s differences and lead by example.

Congratulations Tony and thank you for all you do to train our Husky Pharmacists!

Click  here to see the full list of exemplary preceptors who have been awarded the Certificate of Merit in Precepting this year in recognition of their dedication to the School of Pharmacy and commitment to the education of student pharmacists.

Advance your career as a pharmacist at the University of Washington. Learn more about our nationally and globally top-ranked PharmD Program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

Congratulations to the UW School of Pharmacy’s PharmD class of 2018 for distinguishing themselves with a 98.8% initial pass rate–putting our alumni in the Top 5 for initial pass rates in the United States.

The NAPLEX, or North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, measures a candidate’s knowledge of the practice of pharmacy. It is just one component of the licensure process and is used by the boards of pharmacy as part of their assessment of a candidate’s competence to practice as a pharmacist.

The NAPLEX, or North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination, measures a candidate’s knowledge of the practice of pharmacy. It is just one component of the licensure process and is used by the boards of pharmacy as part of their assessment of a candidate’s competence to practice as a pharmacist, according to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Advance your career as a pharmacist at the University of Washington. Learn more about our nationally and globally top-ranked PharmD Program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

The American Pharmacists Association announced this week that it has selected Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) CEO Jeff Rochon, PharmD, ’99, as one of the 2019 APhA-Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management’s (APhA-APPM) fellows.

The APhA Fellow Award was established to honor APhA members for exemplary professional achievements in professional practice and outstanding service to the profession up to that period of time through activities in APhA and other organizations. Recipients of the APhA Fellow Award may continue to utilize the designation, FAPhA, as long as their professional license, if a licensed pharmacist, is in good standing, and they maintain their APhA membership.

Jeff will be officially recognized at the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Seattle, WA this spring.

Congratulations Jeff!

Are you interested in working with the top-rated faculty and studying pharmacy with preeminent student peers?

Click here for more information about our UW PharmD program.

Congratulations to our Plein Certificate, BSPharm, and PharmD alumni and affiliate faculty who were recognized by the Washington State Pharmacy Association!

Holly Henry, Plein Certificate alumna, received the Distinguished Leadership Service Award that pays tribute to a member who has, over his or her career been instrumental in the development and growth of the profession, and who demonstrates a high level of influence and direction with respect to their workplace, the entire health profession, the community, and/or the profession of pharmacy as a whole.

Clinical affiliate faculty member, Ken Kenyon, Valley Medical VP of Pharmacy Services, for being WSPA’s Health System Pharmacist of the Year. This award recognizes outstanding health systems pharmacists and their services to the profession in cooperation with the entire health team as well as to the community.

Ryan Oftebro, ’03, received the Pharmacist of the Year Award that honors a pharmacist who possesses qualities of excellence in routine practice and association activities, is an exemplary role model, and who has contributed in service and skill to the WSPA during the past year.

Bev Schaefer, ’70, received the Innovative Pharmacy Practice Award that recognizes a practicing pharmacist or pharmacy technician using innovative pharmacy practice to improve patient care and outcomes.

Steve Singer, ’81, received the David Almquist Award, which recognizes a member for outstanding work in the endeavors of WSPA promotion and pharmacy enrichment.

Ann Wittkowsky, ’88, received the Rodney D. Shafer Award that recognizes a pharmacy professional who has made pioneering and sustaining contributions to the profession of pharmacy.

Additionally, WSPA shared the new board members at this weekend’s Annual Awards of Distinction Ceremony. Megan McIntyre, UWSOP clinical affiliate faculty, will serve as the new President Elect and Jennifer Wilson-Norton has been re-elected Pharmacist Director.

Congratulations to the 2019 WSPA Board Members from UW School of Pharmacy: Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Jennifer Bacci, faculty representative, and student board members, Erin Williams, PY3, Senior Liaison, and Kyessa Hudson, PY2, Junior Liaison.

To study with leaders in pharmacy practice,

Are you interested in training with leaders in pharmacy practice like UWSOP’s award winning faculty and alumni?

Click here for more information about the UW PharmD program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

David Nguyen, President of the UWSOP Global Brigades team, led a team of students, along with Institute for Innovation in Pharmacy Practice (I2P2) Endowed Clinical Professor Don Downing, to return to Ghana and advance the training program begun last year.

Historically, Global Brigades programs bring health sciences students to under-resourced countries with the goal of providing a three or four day clinic to help people with acute conditions.

In 2015, a team of about twenty students went to Panama to provide care to about 800 people in a matter of days. In three days, with that many patients, there is only so much that can be done: treat minor injuries and ailments, provide ibuprofen and vitamins, check vitals.

Fourth year PharmD student David Nguyen was a part of the Panama team and he saw an opportunity to do more than triage. He wanted to train local health professionals to create a sustainable approach to the trips.

Working with Don Downing and a team of faculty preceptors, David led the Global Brigades team in developing a program to teach the clinic’s nurses and physician assistants to recognize the signs and treat hypertension, the number one killer in Ghana. Last year, the team began this innovative approach in two clinics.

“Leading an entire group to another country and creating a new Brigade taught me more leadership skills than any other experience I’ve had. I couldn’t have done any of this without my team members.”–David Nguyen, 4th year pharmd student

This year, the team expanded into three clinics. PharmD student Job Pan created hypertension stage one and stage two flow charts following the current Ghanaian protocol and included the three most used medications in Ghana for hypertension in order to empower the nurses to identify and take action when therapy is suboptimal or lacking. “The most valuable thing that I learned was how to approach healthcare problems in rural communities of a developing country,” said David. “Like us, they face health care barriers like transportation and economic standing, but it is on a much larger scale in Ghana than here in the U.S.”

Another team on-site brought a polaroid camera. “Everyone was excited and went home to put on their best clothing for their photo. I realized that they’ve never had a picture of themselves before. Sometimes it is the simple things—having a photo of your family—that change lives.”

David hopes the team’s work enables nurses to screen for hypertension for each adult that visits the clinics; that the nurses will be more comfortable to advocate for their patients’ health; and have trained healthcare workers and other nurses to raise awareness about hypertension.

Are you interested in training with the top-rated faculty like Professor Downing and studying pharmacy with preeminent student peers like David and Job?

Click here for more information about the UW PharmD program.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

UWSOP’s student team Iris To, Nina Kim, Derek Louie, and Andrew Nguyen (third year PharmD students) came in second at the national Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) Pharmacy & Therapeutics Competition. Competition is keen with 60 teams participating nationwide. Teams must review drugs for their hypothetical patients and create a dossier that looks at clinical trials, safety, and how the drug fits into therapy. Students research safety and perform an economic analysis for the patient’s benefit. UWSOP has had a finalist team most years over the past 12 years. Congratulations to Iris, Nina, Derek, and Andrew!

Interested in earning your PharmD degree at the UW? Click here to learn more.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

Faculty member Dr. Nanci Murphy will retire from her full time position at UW School of Pharmacy on July 1, 2016. Dean Sean D. Sullivan shared the announcement earlier this spring saying, “Nanci’s personal and supportive style have meant a great deal to students and her influence and effectiveness have been honored nationally with several awards…Her career spans over 25 years with the School.”

At the Geriatric Certificate Commencement Ceremony in June, Nanci was recognized for her years of dedication to the field and to the students of UWSOP. We learned that Nanci had begun her career in pediatric pharmacy, but after spending a little time with Joy Plein, decided to pursue the Plein Geriatric Certificate. At the ceremony, Joy bestowed on Nanci the new title “Director Extraordinaire (DE)” for her years of service to the pharmacy community and UWSOP students.

Later that day, at the UW School of Pharmacy Graduate Recognition Ceremony, students from the class of 2016 presented Nanci with a custom painting, signed by the class, in honor of all her work on their behalf.

In May 2016, Nanci was recognized as the Distinguished Alumni Award winner at this year’s Dean’s Recognition Reception. Here is an excerpt from the citation read for her award: “Nanci has been widely recognized by students and faculty alike as a mentor who encourages, expects, and obtains high commitment and effort from her students. She has directed numerous student research and special projects that have received national awards and recognition, and she has impacted pharmacy practice, pharmacist and interprofessional healthcare education, and patient care both locally and nationally.

One example of this impact is in her founding of ‘Bridges to Health,’ a program focused on improving access to health care, reducing health disparities, raising awareness of important health issues, and participating in health advocacy efforts. The UW Center for Pharmacy Leadership & Professional Excellence, which she also founded and directs, focuses on the development of pharmacy leaders. She has co-authored a number of pharmacy education and leadership development articles. Nationally, among many other commitments, she is currently or has previously been the chair or a member of more than 20 committees or task forces of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, and she has served as chair of the 800-member AACP Leadership Development Special Interest Group.

Her UW career began as a community practice preceptor in 1989, later joining UWSOP as Associate Director of Academic and Student Programs in 1990. She was promoted to Assistant Dean and then served as Associate Dean from 2001-2014, until she became Director of Student Leadership Programs supporting student initiatives such as the PharmD student-run interprofessional New Year’s Health Fair. Nanci has initiated many programs and projects to promote student involvement in the profession and has highly engaged in Interprofessional Education (IPE) at the UW and nationally, through her work with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)—including the recent UWSOP student-led interprofessional Health Fair held in early 2016. She has been recognized with the Gibaldi Excellence in Teaching Award, the APhA-ASP Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award, the Rho Chi and Phi Lambda Sigma Alumni of the Year Award, the Washington State Pharmacy Association Bill Mueller Outstanding Mentor Award. Importantly for the School, she has been the faculty advisor for multiple national award-winning student projects.

We thank Nanci for her years of service and dedication to the professional development of our student pharmacists.

As a community, we were deeply saddened to learn that Geraldine “Geri” (Walcott) Brady, the widow of Professor and former Associate Dean, Lynn Brady, ’60, passed away in March.

The legacy she and Lynn left through planned giving will live on at the UW and School of Pharmacy for decades to come. The Lynn R. Brady Endowed Scholarship Fund has supported students with high academic achievement with two full quarters of scholarship.

Geri’s substantial planned gift to the school ensures student academic excellence will be supported for many years to come and the fund will be renamed in her honor: The Lynn R. and Geraldine W. Brady Endowed Scholarship Fund. She also created the Lynn R. and Geraldine W. Brady Endowed Professorship.

Originally from Nebraska, Lynn and Geri moved to Seattle in the 1950s so that he could continue his research with Dr. Varno Tyler, a specialist in pharmacognosy, the study of medicinal drugs derived from plants and other sources.

Lynn’s time as a faculty member at UWSOP marked the transition from drugs made from plants to the production of synthetic drugs. Like his mentor, he became a national expert on medicinal plants, a passion that naturally led him to advocate for the UW Medicinal Herb Garden, the largest such garden in the Western Hemisphere.

Watching over the Medicinal Herb Garden was the job of two wooden monkeys, said to be copies of statues from Europe’s first medicinal garden in Padula, Italy. Over the years the monkeys were victims of pranks and vandalized. To protect them from additional peril, they were replaced by concrete versions and the original monkeys were tucked away at Geri Brady’s house for years, until they were moved to a shed near the Botany Greenhouse. Recently rediscovered, the monkey pair will return to the School of Pharmacy for a restorative break before their next home is secured. 

To study with UWSOP’s top faculty in health economics and outcomes, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics, click here for more information about our Graduate Programs in Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy, and Biomedical Regulatory Affairs.

Want to earn your PharmD professional degree at the UW? Start here to learn more.

Link to Department of Pharmacy archived news

UW Pharm.D. student, Kelsey Rasmussen, serves as a member of an interprofessional team of students who received a grant to research why some people return multiple times for hospital services. UW’s Health Science NewsBeat originally reported on their research and the student team’s fascinating findings are shared in this follow up story.

Click here for an archive of PharmD news stories.

We asked our students about their favorite preceptors at Snoqualmie Valley Hospital – Ron Bennett (pictured), Elizabeth Fuchs, and Candy Naderi – and this is what we heard.

“They are wonderful preceptors. They involved me in everything an institutional pharmacist does from distribution to clinical pharmacy. They were very receptive to questions, and I was most impressed with their willingness to work with me on clinical subjects that were not even required from the rotation,” said one student.

Another student told us, “Snoqualmie Valley Hospital is an EXCELLENT site for students to begin learning about real-world hospital pharmacy practice. All of the pharmacy staff are supportive and generous toward students, and the small size of the hospital allows students to see the ‘big picture’ more easily than at a larger hospital. I can’t say enough good things. If it were feasible, I would recommend sending the entire Pharm.D. class to do their IPPE at Snoqualmie. It’s that good.”

On Monday, September 27, the UW School of Pharmacy welcomed its newest class of Pharm.D. candidates at its annual Welcome to the Profession Ceremony, otherwise known as the “White Coat Ceremony.”

The theme of the event was based on a quote by writer and artist Mary Anne Radmacher: “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.”

Fourth-year student Brent Leithauser was one of the speakers at the event. Below was his message to the incoming class:

Thank you Dean Baillie. It’s my great honor to be here today. And welcome to the Class of 2014!

It was three short years ago that my classmates and I sat where you are today, put on our white coats, and listened to Dr. Dana Hammer read each introduction to our classmates and families. 

As students, we are faced with countless choices: to join a student organization or not to? To attend a conference or work a weekend shift at my internship site? To spend an evening out with friends, or put in those hours studying? Sometimes the most important thing to do is to get out and exercise, and sometimes nothing is more important than sleep. This week you’ve probably already been faced with some of those choices.

I’ve found that with academics and other pursuits, it’s easy to follow my routine. Before that happens to you, I’d just like to say a word in support of all those unfamiliar extracurricular activities. This program offers a wide array of experiences that build your skills as a student pharmacist, as well as your bonds with classmates. A few activities to consider include heartburn and diabetes awareness events; blood pressure and flu shot clinics; student professional pharmacy organizations and their respective conferences; patient counseling, business plan, and clinical skills competitions; social organizations such as Lambda Kappa Sigma and Kappa Psi; Border to Border; Legislative Day; and when the end of the year rolls around, think about becoming a mentor for a student in the class behind you. Some of you will become officers of your professional organizations; some of you will be academic leaders in the Rho Chi Society; some of you may travel overseas to bring pharmacy services to underserved populations.

All of the opportunities I’ve taken part in came at the expense of other alternatives. Time management is one challenge among many that I have faced in pharmacy school, and I thought I’d say a word this afternoon about challenges.

Lately when I encounter difficult situations—the ones that feel like I’m standing on the edge of something, looking into the void—I’ve been trying to keep a good attitude. Sometimes I’m able to just charge in, headlong. Sometimes I have to talk myself into it, and I remind myself how it feels to know I’ve given something my best. Some of the time, my best turns out to be alright.

Then there are what I think of as “the learning experiences.”As a fourth-year student, I’ve recently started my rotations, and I find I have a lot of learning experiences. I think the way that tough moments are handled is at the heart of what makes a good pharmacist.

I‘ve spent much of the last three years worrying about the prospect of being wrong, or of not knowing an answer. While the prospect of error brings me chills at times, I understand that one of the important skills is learning how and when to say “I don’t know.” I want to be unafraid to admit when I don’t have an answer, or when I’m wrong. I want to listen twice as much as I speak. I want to be the provider who will have the courage stick it out, even when a problem seems too difficult. I want to remember to smile when I greet a patient and tell them my name. I want to always remember that the patient I’m speaking to is a person who may be tired, frustrated, or suffering, but needs the best information I can offer. I want to remember to give back to those who helped me get to where I am, and to lift up those in future generations of our community and profession.

At a recent school event hosted by the Pharmacy Leadership Society, the CEO of our state pharmacy association related a conversation he had with his professor, Al Ellsworth, before the beginning of his fourth year—recommending that he not hold back, and to challenge himself during his rotations. I thought about this, and decided I’d rather look back on this year—and my career—knowing I had challenged myself to grow as much as I could.

As I move past fears of what I consider a complex and constantly morphing discipline, I recognize that a profession with challenging questions is a blessing, and am reminded that this is one of the reasons I’ve chosen a career in patient care. I know I can look forward to years of challenge in this field, and that it’s one I can be proud to serve in.

When I work with an inspiring professor or preceptor, I hope that I will see a day when I can live up to his or her example. As a student at the UW School of Pharmacy, with mentors you will soon come to know, I‘m proud to at least have an idea of what it means to be a great pharmacist. To all of you here, good luck with your own learning experiences, and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Brent Leithauser, ’11

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Herbert Minoru Tsuchiya graduated from the UW School of Pharmacy in 1955. After completing his degree, he worked as a Seattle area pharmacist for more than 50 years — almost 30 of which were spent as the owner, manager and preceptor at Genesee Street Pharmacy in southeast Seattle. Today, he still runs into former clients who recognize him from his time there.

His professional experience also includes working as a clinic pharmacist manager at Columbia Health Center Pharmacy and Rainier Park Medical Clinic. In these roles, he worked with underserved populations, including seniors, immigrants and low-income children. He helped plan and design the pharmacy at the new Columbia Pharmacy clinic site.

Tsuchiya’s professional honors are wide-ranging. He has received an A.H. Robins/Wyeth Bowl of Hygeia Award in recognition of outstanding community service among pharmacy professionals and a Seattle Mayor’s Small Business Award for excellence in management, entrepreneurial spirit and customer service. He is a member of the National Community Pharmacists Association and Washington State Pharmacy Association and a former longstanding member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and Seattle-King County Pharmaceutical Society.

For more than 15 years, he volunteered as a consultant at the Rainier Vista Clinic Pharmacy doing drug-inventory management and helping to locate low-cost drugs. Such community service is a cornerstone of Tsuchiya’s life. In 1991, he co-founded the Seattle Walk for Rice, the annual fundraiser for the Asian Counseling and Referral Service food bank. He also co-founded the Kin On Health Care Center, the nation’s first nursing home operated by the Chinese community to serve non-English-speaking Asian people. His extensive volunteer work has garnered Tsuchiya the Organization of Chinese Americans Golden Circle Award and the Seattle Mayor’s End Hunger Award.

Tsuchiya’s wife, Bertha, herself a UW School of Pharmacy graduate who passed away in 2004, owned Luke’s Pharmacy in the Seattle’s International District for much of her life. The Tsuchiyas’ devotion to the international community led them to host many UW pharmacy exchange students throughout the years. Last year, to honor his wife, Tsuchiya created the Herbert and Bertha Tsuchiya Endowed Student Support Fund for Global Research. This fund seeks to provide sustained support for UW pharmacy students seeking exchange opportunities to broaden their pharmacy education.

The Tsuchiyas had five children — an attorney, a teacher, an auditor, and two optometrists — and twelve grandchildren. While such a large family keeps him busy, Herb Tsuchiya also stays acting in community theater productions. He has even appeared in small roles in a few motion pictures. Tsuchiya considers his greatest passion helping others to succeed using grace, encouragement and humor.

For his devotion to the practice of pharmacy and to better health care for underserved populations, for his extensive community outreach and for his efforts on behalf of global pharmacy, the University of Washington School of Pharmacy is honored to present the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award for Excellence in Pharmacy Practice to Herbert Minoru Tsuchiya.
 

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Andy Stergachis, professor of epidemiology and adjunct professor of pharmacy, has received a 3-year $559,000 award from the federal Health Services Resources Administration (HRSA) to train UW School of Pharmacy students in bioterrorism and public health emergency preparedness. UW received one of 13 curriculum development grants, which combined with the 19 continuing education grants; make up the $26.1 million in funds allocated to 32 universities by HRSA’s Bioterrorism Training and Curriculum Development Program (BTCDP). The BTCDP goal is develop a national health care workforce that can recognize indications of a terrorist event and treat patients and communities swiftly, safely and effectively.

“It is important that pharmacy students and other students within the our health sciences schools receive training on how to best prepare for and respond to public health emergencies, such as bioterrorism, emerging infections, or natural disasters,” says Stergachis who is very pleased to have received the grant.

The UW School of Pharmacy will use these funds to further develop, implement and evaluate a multidisciplinary curriculum in bioterrorism and public health emergency preparedness that provides pharmacy and other regional health care students at the University of Washington Academic Health Center, as well as those at Washington State University (WSU) College of Pharmacy, with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize signs of a hazardous event, meet the acute care needs of patients, and work in a coordinated, multidisciplinary manner in responding to public health emergencies at the community, state and national level.

Pharmacists play an indispensable role in securing the health of our society in the wake of man-made and natural disasters. They represent the third largest health profession group, with nearly 200,000 licensed pharmacists nationwide, and are likely first responders in identifying an emergency situation. Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to monitor over-the-counter (OTC) drug sales and patient inquiries into treatments for flu-like illnesses, the unusual patterns or surges of which may alert of a possible attack.

Pharmacists are also the nation’s most accessible health professionals and boast an extensive infrastructure of 55,000 community pharmacies (many with 24-hour service) and 11,000 hospital and health-system pharmacies nationwide. “Should emergencies arise,” explains Stergachis, “whether urban or rural area, there is usually a pharmacy and one or more pharmacists within five miles of nearly every American household.”

Pharmacists are also socially well-placed for emergency care, they are the most trusted healthcare professionals, experts in educating the public about medications and adept at the triage role (i.e. sending patients to their doctor, to the emergency department, etc.) Also, most are authorized by their states to administer medications including vaccines, which can be instrumental in managing community health in the midst of a disaster or terrorist act.

UW School of Pharmacy has a record of innovation in emergency preparedness and response. Its faculty and staff have established strong links with other academic institutions and continue to collaborate extensively with local, state and federal preparedness agencies. UW is involved with initiatives pertaining to pharmacy education and public health roles for pharmacists, including mass dispensing, the Strategic National Stockpile, risk communication, and surveillance. This grant will be one more step in UW’s commitment to graduating the best and most prepared pharmacists to take on the ever expanding role of the profession and meet the ever growing needs of the community.

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