ARtrial 2 - College of Pharmacy - Idaho State University

T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W
focus attention on compensation for drug therapy management by pharmacists and strengthening of
collaborative practice arrangements with physician colleagues. Particular recognition goes to Drs.
Vaughn Culbertson, Rex Force, and Dennis Sawyer for their enormous efforts in these critical areas.
Over 150 students have graduated from the Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program since
its inception in 1989, and approximately 170 are currently enrolled. As no state-appropriated funds
are allocated to its operation, this program is entirely self-supporting. The nontraditional program
curriculum is challenging and continues to evolve, incorporating more case-based, active learning, and
electronic components. Drs. Vaughn Culbertson and Catherine Heyneman are to be commended for
their leadership of this program.
The research program continues to strengthen in both academic departments. Four
pharmacy faculty currently have research programs funded by the National Institutes of
"I have every confidence Health (NIH). These faculty are Drs. Leslie Devaud, Adeboye Adejare, Anna Ratka, and Rex
that faculty, staff,
students, alumni, &
friends of the College,
working in concert, can
achieve undreamed of
success in the years
ahead."
Force. For both departments, the number of published manuscripts, abstracts, and research
presentations continues to increase.
Dr. Jim Lai spent the spring semester on sabbatical at Yale University School of
Medicine studying alterations in brain metabolism during development, epilepsy, and
ischemic brain injury. Dr. Rex Lott was honored by the university as the Outstanding Public
Servant. The university presents this award to one faculty member each year, and the College
of Pharmacy is honored to have one of its own recognized in this way. Additionally, Dr.
Eric Jarvi was recognized by ISU’s chapter of the Scientific Research Society, Sigma Xi, with
the Jerome Bigelow Award for his contribution to ISU and the community in science,
teaching, and research.
The college continues to contract with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare to
provide staff support for the Idaho Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board. This Board is charged
with maximizing safe and cost-effective drug therapy for Idaho Medicaid recipients. The Board staff,
under the direction of Dr. Vaughn Culbertson, is responsible for analysis of drug use patterns,
designing educational and other interventions, and implementing all Board actions. Our activity in
this program enhances not only our teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, but also our
research and service mission.
The College of Pharmacy is so fortunate to have the highest caliber faculty and staff. The faculty’s
participation and leadership within local, state, and national professional and scientific associations
make a meaningful difference for the profession, our college, and ultimately for patient care in Idaho
and beyond. The staff go far beyond expectations on a daily basis, and do so for the love of the
college. We are so fortunate to be the beneficiaries of their loyalty. A huge thanks is also due our
affiliate and adjunct faculty. Without their many contributions, we simply could not succeed in
offering the highest quality pharmacy education.
The alumni and friends of the college are the final ingredient in our prescription for success.
Their many gifts – time, wisdom, and dollars – enable program enhancements that would otherwise
be impossible and help us transcend boundaries that have limited us in the past. I have every
confidence that working in concert with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the college, we
can achieve undreamed of success in the years ahead.
Dr. Barbara G. Wells
Dean and Professor
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