Winter 2009 [pdf] - University of Kentucky - College of Pharmacy

Focus on Pharmacy Winter 2009
F o c u s o n
PHARMACY
A Publication for Alumni and Friends of the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
WINTER 2009

Focus on Pharmacy is published twice a year
(January and July) by the University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy.
Editor
Kristi Lopez
Design & Production
Karl Lawrence
Writers
Kristi Lopez
Ann Blackford
Photography
Karl Lawrence
Tim Webb
Tim Collins
University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy
725 Rose St.
Lexington, KY 40536
Kenneth B. Roberts, Ph.D., MBA, Dean
Dean’s Office
Phone: (859) 323-7601
Fax: (859) 257-2128
Pharm.D. Admissions
(859) 323-6163
Graduate Program Information
(859) 257-1998
Alumni & Development
(859) 218-0343
pharmacy.mc.uky.edu

F o c u s o n
PHARMACY
A Publication for Alumni and Friends of the Univer sit y of Kentuck y College of Pharmac y
Winter
2009
C O N T E N T S
F E A T U R E S
5
Rho Chi Launches ‘Bedside Back to
Bench’ Program
7
Bob
8
Glasscocks
12
15
17
Rapp -
Change for the Pharmacy Good
Kickoff
Quarterbacks for Kids
College of Pharmacy Building
‘Topped Out’
Robert Yokel Leads Team That Receives
Largest EPA Grant for Nanotechnology
Postdoctoral Profile:
Marharyta “Rita” Pivavarchyk
Cover: Josh Lykins of Flatwoods, Ky, a class of
2010 pharmacy student, “captures” the moment
of the last steel beam being hoisted into place
at the College’s Topping Out ceremony held in
August. Full story on page 12.
D E P A R T M E N T S
2 Message from the Dean
4 Awards and Achievements
10 Events
14 Research
16 Faculty/Staff Updates
18 College Briefs
20 Alumni & Friends Photos
22 AlumNotes
23 Guest Column - Kevin Lamping
24 In Memoriam
Winter 2009
3

A Message
from the Dean
Dear Alumni and Friends,
The litany of troubling economic news continues to come in on nearly a daily
basis. While the College of Pharmacy is not immune to the same economic forces
that affect our nation and you, we are trying diligently to keep those unpredictable
forces from determining our fate. In the face of this adversity we are moving
along as best we can on those priorities that will allow us to remain among the
best colleges of pharmacy anywhere. Let me give you some examples of how
we have and will continue to keep our momentum going in the right direction.
On the research front, the College is holding its own and then some. During
the last eight years, NIH research funding has flattened. However, in that same
period, the College has increased both the number of grants submitted and
funded. Those funding awards are a significant reason our research faculty were
ranked 4th in the country in research productivity compared to their peers in
nearly 350 departments. In the face of greater competition than ever before,
our faculty have engaged in the kind of scholarly productivity that you can be
proud of that isn’t just about dollars but research advances in the treatment
of cancer, neurological diseases, diabetes, and drug and alcohol abuse.
In the arena of pharmacy practice, we once again have produced the best crop
of graduates in the country. Again this past year, 100 percent of our graduates
passed the NAPLEX exam, giving our College the highest first-time pass rate in the
country for nearly a decade. To put this in context, more students are taking the
exam each year due to more pharmacy programs opening. Yet even with increased
competition, our graduates remain the best performers, and now, practitioners.
Another bit of good news is that construction on our new building continues
to remain on schedule. Projects of this size are usually falling behind for
any number of reasons but we have been able, thus far, to stay on schedule.
Barring any unforeseen problems, we anticipate to move to the new facility
in early 2010 and welcome the Class of 2014 for the fall semester.
Finally, our PharmacistCARE program continues to receive national honors,
most recently from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
as recipient of the 2008 Best Practices Award. This marks the second occasion
for national recognition by PharmacistCARE which received the prestigious
2005 APhA Pinnacle Award. What an achievement by recent graduates of
the College who grew up in Kentucky and subsequently developed and
implemented this renowned program emphasizing medication therapy
management that today is admired by so many across the nation.
We know much of the news these days is grim and we are prepared
to do our part in being fiscally conservative and ride out economic
instability in our state and our country. However, we are fortunate to not
have to look far to find reasons for optimism – our students, our faculty
and our research and practice innovation endeavors are strong and
resilient and give me the confidence that our future remains bright.
Sincerely,
Dean Kenneth B. Roberts, Ph.D.
4 Focus on Pharmacy

2008 UK Pharmacy Graduates Achieve
100 Percent Pass Rate on NAPLEX, MJPE
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy graduates once
again achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the NAPLEX,
national pharmacy licensing exam.
The perfect pass rate ensures the UK program will keep its
status as having the highest percentage of students with a
successful first-time pass rate in the nation.
“The performance of our graduates on the board exam is
exceptional and demonstrates not only the commitment of
our students but the excellence and dedication of our faculty
and staff in providing an exemplary educational program,”
said Dean Kenneth B. Roberts, Ph.D.
UK students completing the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
program and taking the licensure exam required for practicing
pharmacists had the highest composite first-time pass rate from
2002 to 2006 and from 2003 to 2007 among 90 accredited
pharmacy programs.
“With the 2008 pass rate being 100 percent, I think we can
assume we will have the highest five-year moving average at
the end of 2008 as well,” said William Lubawy, Ph.D., executive
associate dean at the UK College of Pharmacy.
Overall, 101 UK graduates achieved an average NAPLEX score
of 126.89 compared to the national average score of 114.11.
In addition, 100 percent of UK graduates passed the Multistate
Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MJPE), the pharmacy law exam
required in 44 states, on the first try compared to the national
average of 91.82 percent.
130
National Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) Scores 1999-2008
125
120
115
110
105
100
95
90
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
National Average
UK Average
Winter 2009
5

UK PharmacistCARE Receives 2008 ASHP
Best Practices Award
UK PharmacistCARE, a medication
therapy management program at the
University of Kentucky, was selected to
receive the 2008 American Society of
Health-System Pharmacists’ (ASHP) Best
Practices Award.
The national competition recognizes
innovative and outstanding practitioners
in health-system pharmacy. Recipients
of the ASHP Best Practices Award are
recognized and present posters of the
implementation of an innovative program,
which improved the quality of patient
care in their health system, at the ASHP
Midyear Clinical Meeting being held
Dec. 7-11 in Orlando.
UK pharmacists Holly Divine, Pharm.D.,
CGP, CDE, Carrie Johnson, Pharm.D.,
CDE, and Amy Nicholas, Pharm.D., CDE,
received the award for PharmacistCARE,
a unit of the UK College of Pharmacy and
part of UK HealthCare.
The UK College of Pharmacy, in
partnership with the University’s
benefits department, created the
pharmacist-administered disease
management service for health plan
members who include UK employees,
retirees and their families.
Currently the program is a free-standing
pharmacist-managed clinic located in the
Kentucky Clinic, the primary ambulatory
care facility owned by UK HealthCare.
The nationally recognized program has
become a model for employers facing
the increasing challenge of providing
affordable healthcare benefits that enable
employees to maintain good health at a
reasonable cost.
As a result of the success of the
PharmacistCARE program at UK, clinical
outcomes have improved for persons with
diabetes and inpatient and emergency
department costs have been significantly
reduced.
PharmacistCARE has proven to be an
ideal training site for pharmacy residents
and students as well as a model for
other health care systems that want to
create pharmacist-run clinics to benefit
their employers and their employees.
In addition, the November/December
2008 issue of Journal of the American
Pharmacists Association (JAPhA) recently
PharmacistCare pharmacists (seated) Carrie
Johnson, (standing) Holly Divine and Amy Nicholas.
included three articles published by
the UK pharmacists that describe the
development, implementation, and
outcomes of the UK program.
Maddox Receives 2008 Parker Award
Ray R. Maddox, Pharm.D., a 1977
graduate of the University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy and R#44 in the
UK Pharmacy Residency program, was
honored with the 2008 Paul F. Parker
Award at a luncheon on Dec. 9, held
in conjunction with the American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists in
Orlando.
Each year, the Paul F. Parker Award
is given to a former resident of the UK
Pharmacy Residency Program or an individual associated with
the success of the program. It recognizes someone who has
displayed a contribution to the profession, teaching or research.
The recipient has a commitment to high ideals and excellence in
their chosen field and encourages the personal and professional
growth of others. The award honors the legacy of Paul F. Parker
who came to UK in 1960 and was essential in the establishment
of the UK Hospital, first serving as its Director of Pharmacy and
Central Supply. Parker developed the nation's first hospital-wide
unit dose system and drug information center. He was also
instrumental in the development of clinical pharmacy practice
and teaching programs in the UK College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Maddox received his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at the
University of Georgia and completed a postgraduate residency
in hospital pharmacy practice at the Medical University of South
Carolina before completing the doctor of pharmacy degree and
clinical pharmacy residency program at UK.
Currently, Dr. Maddox is director of Clinical Pharmacy, Research
& Pulmonary Medicine for the St. Joseph's/Candler Health System
in Savannah, Ga. In this capacity, he directs the clinical pharmacy
and pulmonary medicine departments as well as the research
program for the health system and is principal investigator on
numerous studies conducted with collaborating physicians.
He remains active in clinical service program development
and research and has been an advocate and innovator in the
implementation of hospital medication safety technology.
He is extensively involved in professional practice and
educational organizations and has served in leadership positions
of committees of the American Society of Health-System
Pharmacists and Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties.
He also serves in various capacities in state and local
professional societies and is a past-president of the Georgia
Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He was recognized as a
Fellow, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FASHP)
in 1998.
6 Focus on Pharmacy

UK Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate student Yolanda Williams shares information with Daisy Tawiah, a second-year Pharm.D. student.
Rho Chi Launches ‘Bedside Back to Bench’ Program
Although both are students at the University of Kentucky College of
Pharmacy, Daisy Tawiah and Yolanda Williams may have never crossed
paths without a new program developed and sponsored by the UK
Chapter of Rho Chi.
Williams is a 2009 Ph.D. candidate in the pharmaceutical sciences
graduate program and spends most of her days in a research laboratory.
Tawiah is a second-year student in the professional Pharm.D. program
and spends much of her day in the classroom. Thanks to a new “Bedside
Back to Bench Program” that promotes research opportunities for Pharm.D.
students, Tawiah now shadows Williams and the two meet to discuss
research and career paths.
The focus of the Bedside Back to Bench Program is to expand and
build upon the connections between the professional and graduate
programs at UK and to give Pharm.D. students hands-on and personal
experience with laboratory research.
Although the program was developed by Rho Chi members, the
program is offered to all UK Pharm.D. students. Last fall, graduate
students in the pharmaceutical sciences program gave a presentation
to interested Pharm.D. students and those looking for more information
about research-related careers and opportunities were matched with
UK graduate students.
Since being matched Tawiah and Williams have discussed career paths
over lunch and studied together. Tawiah also learns about Williams’ work
focusing on the study of lobeline, a natural alkaloid, and its efficacy in
treatment of ADHD.
Tawiah is originally from Indianapolis and received her undergraduate
degree from Yale University. Although she is interested in research, she
decided to pursue a Pharm.D. because of the opportunities for interaction
with patients.
Williams, of Durham, N.C., received a bachelor’s degree from Spelman
College in 1995. After working as an analytical chemist and a forensic
chemist, she decided to attend pharmacy school and earned her Pharm.D.
from Hampton University in 2003. She began the pharmaceutical sciences
graduate program at UK in the fall of 2003 and joined the lab of Linda
Dwoskin, Ph.D.
“I was involved in research as an undergraduate at Yale and this past
“I was involved in research as an undergraduate and I find it is
something I definitely want to continue, especially clinical research. It is
helpful to have someone who already has a Pharm.D. to talk to about
the research opportunities that exist and the different paths to consider.”
summer at Procter and Gamble and I find it is something I definitely
want to continue, especially clinical research,” Tawiah said. “It is helpful
to have someone who already has a Pharm.D. to talk to about the
research opportunities that exist and the different paths to consider.”
As a Pharm.D. student you become aware early on of your options in
retail and hospital pharmacy, Williams said. “However, hands-on experience
in a laboratory and seeing what it is like to work in a research field is an
opportunity I hope more students will take advantage of.”
Celebrating 60 Years
of Rho Chi at UK
Look for more information on special
events in your mailbox soon!
Winter 2009
7

NATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Dr. Pat DeLuca, professor of pharmaceutical sciences,
was installed as president of the American Association
of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) at the organization’s
annual meeting held in November in Atlanta.
Japanese Pharmacy Group
Visits UKCOP
Members of the Japan Women’s Pharmaceutical Association
(JWPA) visited the UK College of Pharmacy in October. The
group, founded in 1966, has more than 40,000 members and
works to advance public health, medical care and women in
the profession in Japan.
The 15 members visiting UK for a five-day educational tour
included the organization’s president, Yoshiko Kondo, a
pharmacy management and education consultant, as well as
several community pharmacists, pharmacy owners, hospital
pharmacists and pharmacy educators. Takako Komiyama,
professor and director of pharmacy at Kitasato Medical Center
Hospital, instrumental in other UK-Japanese pharmacy cultural
and education exchanges, accompanied the group and is an
advisory board member.
While on campus, the group toured the UK campus, UK
Healthcare pharmacy services including the inpatient
pharmacy and satellite pharmacy, and learned about the
College’s curriculum. Their tour also included stops at the
Kentucky Capitol, the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion, and a
horse farm.
Rapp Honored with Prestigious
ACCP Parker Medallion
Bob Rapp, Pharm.D., professor in the
Department of Pharmacy Practice at the
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
and professor of surgery at the UK College of
Medicine, received the 2008 American College
of Clinical Pharmacy’s Paul F. Parker Medal
for Distinguished Service to the profession of
pharmacy. The medal was presented during
the Opening General Session at the 2008
Annual Meeting in Louisville on Oct. 19. Later
that evening, he was honored at a reception
sponsored by the UK College of Pharmacy.
Paul Parker was one of clinical pharmacy’s
most influential proponents. Before his death
in 1998, Mr. Parker spent 24 years as director
of pharmacy at the UK Chandler Medical
Center. His innovations include development of
decentralized pharmacy services, which placed
pharmacists in the hospital’s clinical areas, as well
as development of the nation’s first pharmaciststaffed
drug information center. Mr. Parker’s
vision for pharmacy practice was passed along to
more than 150 residents and fellows who trained
in the Kentucky program during his tenure.
These disciples include many of today’s leaders
in clinical pharmacy who continue to pass on his
wisdom and vision to their trainees. The Paul F.
Parker Medal recognizes an individual who has
made outstanding and sustained contributions
to the profession that improve patient or service
outcomes, create innovative practices, affect
populations of patients, further the professional
role of pharmacists, or expand the recognition of
pharmacists as health professionals.
“Paul Parker and Bob Rapp had many
things in common. Their passion for
pharmacy and love for Kentucky were
the most obvious. But, the quality
that always impressed me the most
was their understanding of what
it truly meant to be a pioneer,
a pioneer at a time when our
profession was significantly
risk averse,” said Robert
Blouin, Pharm.D., dean and
distinguished professor at the
University of North Carolina.
“They were able to create
environments that made others
around them better and the
impact on our profession has
been enormous.”
8 Focus on Pharmacy

Bob Rapp –
Change for the Pharmacy Good
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy professor
Bob Rapp credits his success to his ability to change – from
continually shifting his focus to solve some of the biggest clinical
pharmacy problems of the day to changing his mindset on
fundamental philosophies in the profession.
His introduction to pharmacy was as a delivery boy for Cole
Drugstore in Louisville when he was 13 years old. From there he
moved to Taylor Drugs and worked
for 1954 UK pharmacy graduate
Bob Sandlin during his high
school years and learned
the ropes in a true “oldtime
pharmacy” where
service and patient care
were paramount.
During pharmacy
school at UK, Rapp
answered a “help
wanted” flier posted
on a bulletin board
in the Department of
Pharmacy and Central
Supply to help prepare
for the opening of the
new UK Hospital in 1962.
He was one of five students
chosen to work with
Paul Parker.
Even then, Rapp says he knew he was involved in
something bigger than a sideline job. “At that time I
knew there were three ‘thought leaders’ in the country
in clinical pharmacy and I was learning and working
with one of them.”
Rapp, Parker and others would work together from
1962 to 1985 to revolutionize clinical pharmacy and
patient care services. Since Parker’s retirement in 1985,
Rapp has continued to leave his own legacy through a
new generation of clinical specialists he has mentored
and trained at UK.
Rapp initially specialized in sterile product technology
and his first assignment was clinical pharmacist for
the general surgery team. Later came the era of total
parenteral nutrition (TPN) in late 1970s and early
1980s and Rapp was asked by Dr. Byron Young, chief
of neurosurgery at UK, to investigate ways to improve
the treatment of post-traumatic epilepsy. For the next
10 years, he worked with UK neurosurgeons on antiepileptic
drugs and was awarded several NIH grants.
In the 1990s, antibiotic resistance was emerging as
an increasing problem in the hospital setting and Rapp
again took the lead as an infectious disease clinical
specialist in establishing a nationally-recognized
antimicrobial control program at UK that has been
modeled across the world.
“When I look at my career, my work with the
antimicrobial team is one of the areas I’m most proud,”
Rapp said. And as an acclaimed invited speaker and
lecturer to pharmacists and organizations throughout
the U.S., it is the message he can’t emphasize enough.
His work in infectious disease has also led to one
of the other biggest changes – his way of thinking
regarding pharmacy specialization.
“In 1995, I strongly believed variety and training
in multiple clinical areas was best, but now
I undoubtedly see the value of pharmacy
specialization,” he said. “In fact, I believe it to be
one of the profession’s major accomplishments
with no further proof than the Department
of Pharmacy Services at the UK Chandler
Hospital where we now have
specialists in cardiology, critical
care, oncology, clinical nutrition,
critical care, infectious disease and
internal medicine.”
Winter 2009
9

Glasscocks Kickoff
Quarterbacks for Kids
Pharmacist-Led Program is a Touchdown for Kentucky’s Sickest Children
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy alumni
Tobi and Scott Glasscock of Danville know their
pharmacy colleagues are compassionate, giving
people. But they also know most of them have
demanding schedules that prevent them from volunteering
in their communities. So they developed a unique fundraising
program that allows them to make a difference without
leaving the pharmacy.
With the support of the their employer, Walmart, the
Glasscocks established Quarterbacks for Kids, a program
benefitting the Pediatric Drug Fund at Kentucky Children’s
Hospital through the Children’s Miracle Network. Just a few
months into the program, they already have set a goal of raising
$150,000 in their first year. “Pharmacists have big hearts, they
just don’t have the time and flexibility in their schedule outside
the normal scope of their job to be involved in volunteer
programs,” Scott Glasscock said. “We’ve already seen tremendous
support from pharmacists who have really gotten involved
in their stores and even challenged other Walmart stores in
neighboring communities in fundraising competitions.”
The Quarterback for Kids was launched during the
beginning of the 2008 fall football season with a kickoff of the
program during the UK versus UofL game. Containers were
set out in Walmart pharmacies encouraging customers to
donate extra change when purchasing their prescriptions. The
program has expanded to offer customers the opportunity
to buy a card replicating a football with their name printed
on it that is displayed in the pharmacy. Soon the Glassocks
hope debit and credit card scanners in Walmart stores will
give a prompt to add a donation to purchases. “The program is
continuing to evolve as we are learning different strategies to
provide people ways to give,” Scott Glasscock said.
Matching the Money to the Cause
When the Glasscocks joined the University of Kentucky
Fellows Society they worked with Caroline Barrow, special
assistant to the dean for philanthropy at the UK College of
Pharmacy, in finding a way to designate their financial gift to
“something close to their hearts”. They decided to give their
support to the pediatric drug fund directed by UK pediatric
pharmacist Bob Kuhn.
The Pediatric Drug Fund is part of the UK Department of
Pediatrics and provides financial support for several projects
including clinical medication studies at the Children’s Hospital
and for research in pediatric medication safety issues that will
benefit both patients in the hospital and provide education in
communities, said Kuhn.
“I can’t imagine any greater stress than to have a sick
child that needs medical care,” said Tobi Glasscock. “We are
fortunate to have healthy children and have even found this
to be a great way to teach them about giving and the need to
help others.”
(continued on page 9)
“Pharmacists have big hearts,
they just don’t have the time
and flexibility in their schedule
outside the normal scope of
their job to be involved in
volunteer programs,”
-Scott Glasscock
UK pediatric pharmacist Bob Kuhn visits with Kentucky
Children’s Hospital patient Allison Vassil.
10 Focus on Pharmacy

(continued from page 8)
Walmart and Beyond
Scott Glasscock credits his employer for supporting the
development of the program. “Walmart promotes the
philosophy of community sustainability and encourages
employees to be involved in volunteer programs,” he said. But
at many department stores, the pharmacists were the piece
often left out of fundraising. “When our stores have had special
events in the past such as picnics or in-store celebrations, the
pharmacists rarely attend because they obviously can’t leave
the pharmacy.” With the Quarterbacks for Kids program they
are able to be involved and even take the lead in getting the
rest of the employees to support the initiative. “Walmart is a
large corporation, but we have been able to make the size work
to our advantage in promoting the program.”
Although Quarterbacks for Kids was developed by the
Glasscocks, both Walmart Pharmacy Market Managers, it is
their goal to involve pharmacists beyond their retail chain.
“It has always been our intention to get this concept rolling
but not limit it to Walmart pharmacies,” Scott Glasscock said.
“We see this as a ‘pharmacist program’ not a ‘Walmart program’
and welcome others who want to get involved.”
Tobi and Scott Glasscock support the University of Kentucky with the development
of Quarterbacks for Kids, a pharmacist-led fundraising program.
Scott and Tobi Glasscock
Scott Glasscock was raised on a farm in Lebanon, Ky.
He was an engineering student at UK but switched to
pharmacy school because he was told he could go back
home or get a job in any small town in Kentucky with
a pharmacy degree. A 1996 graduate of the Pharm.D.
program, he has worked at Walmart since he was a
student and currently is Pharmacy Market Manager for
Louisville (15 stores).
Tobi Glasscock, a native of Elkhorn City, went to
Pikeville College for her pre-pharmacy courses and then
graduated with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from
the UK College of Pharmacy in 1995. She has been with
Walmart since 1994. Currently, she is the Pharmacy
Market Manager for Lexington (16 stores).
Winter 2009
11

AAPS
November 8-12
White Coat Ceremony
August 21
Graduates at the Grange
May 7
Alumni & Friends
Spring Weekend
April 17-19
APhA
April 3-6

Graduation Recognition
Ceremony
May 8
Pre-Professional Day
May 29
Reunion Weekend
October 30-31
ASHP
December 6-10
Alumni & Friends
Golf Outing
September 21

C o l l e g e o f P h a r m a c y B
14 Focus on Pharmacy
Ceremony Commemorates
The new University of Kentucky Col
for completion in early 2010, reach
in August 2008. To commemorate
place the final steel beam at the to
“The topping out ceremony is an impor
University of Kentucky,” said UK President
to see this portion of construction comple
scope of this new building will help peopl
the state envision what UK’s academic me
I am looking forward to standing here in a
of Pharmacy’s students, faculty, and staff t
education and research in the Commonwe
The 280,000 square foot facility will be t
and among the largest in the nation. Stan
state-of-the art academic and research fac
seat classroom, a 54-seat classroom, a teac
classrooms and study areas. The innovativ
foster collaboration and interaction.
“The new UK College of Pharmacy Build
mean more opportunity for Kentucky’s be
who want to pursue careers as valued pat
every county in the Commonwealth,” said
Pharmacy.
In addition, the building will be the first
of UK’s academic medical campus of the fu
project on the south side of campus that w
health education in Kentucky.
“The new UK College of Pharmacy build
B. Chandler Hospital, is setting the momen
unprecedented opportunities for the citiz
state-of-the art research, education and p
campus,” said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK execut
Topping Out is the term used by ironwo
steel is being hoisted into place on a build
The project is not completed, but has reac
of iron is hoisted into place with a small ev
growth and luck. An American flag is also
the UK College of Pharmacy’s final beam h
dignitaries, including faculty, staff and stu
“EOP Architects along with Ellenzweig a
forward to the completion of this state-of
said Richard Polk, Ekhoff, Ochenkoski and
this building will do its part in helping ma
number one pharmacy program in the nat

u i l d i n g ‘ To p p e d O u t ’
Placing of Final Steel Beam
lege of Pharmacy Building, scheduled
ed its maximum height in construction
this milestone, a ceremony was held to
p of the building.
tant moment for the future of the
Lee T. Todd, Jr. “Not only is it exciting
ted, I think the impressive size and
e across our campus and throughout
dical campus of the future will look like.
couple of years alongside the College
o embark on a new era in scientific
alth.”
he largest academic building in Kentucky
ding five stories high, it will house
ilities, two 235-seat auditoriums, a 110-
hing laboratory, small group learning
e research laboratories will be created to
ing won’t just mean more space, it will
st and brightest young men and women
ient care providers in communities in
Kenneth Roberts, dean of the College of
academic facility constructed as part
ture, a 20-year, $2.5 billion expansion
ill further accelerate research and
ing, coupled with the new UK Albert
tum for the university to offer
ens of the Commonwealth as we add
atient care space on our medical
ive vice president for health affairs.
rkers to indicate that the final piece of
ing, bridge, or other large structure.
hed its maximum height. The final piece
ergreen tree atop which symbolizes
attached and, in keeping with tradition,
as been painted white and signed by
dents.
nd the entire design team are looking
-the-art academic and research facility,”
Polk Architects. “We are confident that
ke the UK College of Pharmacy the
ion.”
Winter 2009
15

Novel Anti-Overdose Drug Studied
Devastating bodily
harm caused by cocaine
overdose may soon be
avoided because of a
new drug discovery
made by University of
Kentucky College or
Zhan
Pharmacy researchers.
By tweaking a naturally occurring
enzyme, Chang-Guo Zhan, PhD, professor
in the Department of pharmaceutical
sciences at UK’s College of Pharmacy,
and his colleagues created a molecule
that could flush a cocaine overdose
out of the body before it can cause
irreparable damage to the body.
Currently, doctors can only try to
relieve the symptoms of a cocaine
overdose. If the enzyme undergoing
research works in humans, it could
remove the drug from a user’s body.
Enzymes in the body combine cocaine
with water and then, over a sequence of
reaction steps, break it down into two
harmless products. However, this process
is very slow – it takes up to 90 minutes
to dispose half of even a tiny dose, and
much longer for a large overdose. Zhan
says that the molecule his team created
can break down cocaine much faster.
Courtney Swadley, a graduate student
in the lab of Dr. Audra Stinchcomb, has
been awarded a National Research Service
Award Fellowship from the National
Institute on Drug Abuse. Prior to joining
the Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate
program in 2005, Courtney received a BS
degree in chemistry from the University of
Pittsburgh.
Courtney’s project focuses on studying
and optimizing the skin permeation of
cannabinoid 1 (CB1) receptor agonists and
their analogs. CB1 receptor agonists show
therapeutic potential in the treatment
of numerous medical ailments including
pain (e.g. chronic and neuropathic),
nausea and vomiting, and substance
abuse (e.g. alcoholism and smoking)
“Our drug discovery was based
on rational design using a novel
computational approach,” said Zhan.
Zhan and his colleagues, including
scientists at the University of Michigan
Medical School, calculated the energy
required to perform each reaction step,
which enabled them to determine how
much energy a molecule should have
to successfully react. Using computer
simulations that systematically tweak
the structure of the enzyme and predict
the effect of these tweaks on the energy
barrier, Zhan and his colleagues arrived
at a candidate molecule that promised
to speed up the degradation of cocaine
by 2,000 times faster than the naturally
occurring enzyme. The molecule
was then synthesized and tested on
animal models to determine whether
it might work in the human body.
Zhan says the overdose therapy should
have few side effects in humans.
“We expect that this candidate
molecule can be tolerated very well in
the human body because it is a variant
of the primary cocaine-metabolizing
enzyme in the human body and
we have not made any change on
the enzyme surface,” Zhan said.
Swadley Receives NRSA Fellowship from NIDA
making them very interesting for drug
delivery research.
These compounds are being investigated
for transdermal delivery because of this
delivery system’s advantages of providing
a patient-controlled method of use,
potential for controlled release and
long term delivery application, and the
ability to bypass first-pass and gastric
metabolism. CB agonists are generally
of large molecular weight and very
lipophilic, making them good models for
understanding the skin permeation of
compounds with similar physicochemical
properties for which little information
about skin permeation is available. This
project is funded by grants from the NIH
(F31) and the American Cancer Society.
New Research Accounts
July 1, 2008 to Dec. 15, 2008
Dr. Bradley D. Anderson
$60,001 from Boehringer Ingelheim
for “Optimizing Oral Absorption of
Poorly Water Soluble Drug Candidates:
Mechanisms and Predictive Models
for the Selection of Excipients to
Maintain Supersaturation by Inhibiting
Nucleation and Crystallization.”
Dr. Karen M. Blumenschein
$5,000 from American Foundation
for Pharmaceutical Education for
“Do Patients and Pharmacists
Agree on the Interpretation of
Verbal Probability Statements.”
Dr. Peter A. Crooks
$72,550 from University of Rochester
for “A Novel Thiadiazolidine-Dione
Targets Human Leukemia Stem Cells.”
Dr. Charles D. Loftin
$20,000 from PhRMA Foundation for
“Fellowship for Julie Oestreich: The Effects
of P2Y12 Polymorphisms on Platelet
Receptor Expression and Activation.”
Dr. Audra L. Stinchcomb
$7,325 from AllTranz for “Evaluation
of a Drug for Dermal Delivery.”
Dr. Audra L. Stinchcomb
$30,524 from National Institute on
Drug Abuse for “NRSA Fellowship
for Swadley: Transdermal Delivery of
Hydroxyphenylarachidonylamides.”
Dr. Jurgen Rohr
$251,484 from National Cancer
Institute for “Novel Aureolic Acid-
Type Antitumor Agents.”
Dr. Jeffery C. Talbert
$905,686 from Department for Mental
Health Mental Retardation Service
for “Research Information Systems
Management for KY Department for
Mental Health/Mental Retardation.”
Dr. Jeffery C. Talbert
$1,722,468 from KY Cabinet for
Health and Family Services for
“Money Follows the Person (MFP).”
Dr. Steven Van Lanen
$10,000 from Daiichi Pharmaceutical Corp.
for “Biosynthesis of Nucleoside Antibiotics.”
Dr. Chang-Guo Zhan
$498,945 from National Institute
on Drug Abuse for “High-Activity
Mutants of Cocaine Esterase for
Treatment of Drug Addiction.”
Pharmacy Totals: $3,583,983
16 Focus on Pharmacy

Dr. Eric Grulke, UK College of Engineering; Dr. Uschi Graham, UK CAER (Center Applied Energy Research); UK President Lee T. Todd Jr.; Dr. Russell Wright Jr., deputy regional administrator
for EPA region 4; Dr. Tseng, UL School of Medicine Department of Anatomical Sciences; and Dr. Robert Yokel, associate dean for research and graduate education at UK.
Robert Yokel Leads Team That Receives
Largest EPA Grant for Nanotechnology
A research team led by Robert Yokel, Ph.D., associate dean
for research and graduate education at the UK College of
Pharmacy, has received the largest single U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Science to Achieve Results (STAR)
grant for the study of nanotechnology. The $2 million grant
is being used to investigate how the sizes and shapes of
nanoparticles affect their ability to enter the brain.
The multi-disciplinary collaborative team includes experts
from UK’s Center for Applied Energy Research, chemistry,
engineering and the department of anatomical sciences at
the University of Louisville’s School of Medicine.
The research team will study potential health impacts of nanosized
cerium oxide, as a model (or example) of nanoscale
material. It is used as a diesel fuel additive. Used presently
in Europe, it is claimed to improve fuel efficiency, suppress
soot from exhaust and reduce the concentration of other
ultra-fine particles in air that have known health effects. Ceria
nanoparticles are a key abrasive nanomaterial for chemicalmechanical
planarization (CMP) of advanced integrated circuits.
The research project will be funded for four years.
“Our research will study the structural and chemical properties
of manufactured nanoscale materials, being developed here
at UK and elsewhere to identify the properties that influence
their distribution in the body, particularly the brain,” Yokel said.
Nanotechnology is the science of manipulating extremely
small particles – ranging in size from 1 to 100 nanometers.
The physical, chemical, electronic and optical properties of
these nanoparticles may be different from the larger form of
the same material. As such, nanomaterials may have unique
impacts on the environment and human health.
As nanotechnology progresses from research and development
to commercialization and use, it is likely that manufactured
nanomaterials will be released into the environment. The EPA
is charged with protecting human health and the environment,
as well as ensuring that the uses of engineered nanotechnology
products occur without unreasonable harm to human health
or the environment. This research will provide relevant
information needed for risk assessments that can inform
decision making related to nanotechnology products.
“I am proud to award this research grant to the University
of Kentucky,” said Russell L. Wright Jr., deputy regional
administrator (acting) for EPA Region 4 in Atlanta, Ga.
“Nanotechnology is an exciting new field with the potential
to transform environmental protection. With nanomaterial
use increasing every day across industries from health care
to manufacturing, it is essential that we understand the
implications of nanotechnology for human health and the
environment.”
Winter 2009
17

UK College of Pharmacy Welcomes Three
New Faculty Members
Heidi Mansour, Ph.D., Younsoo Bae, Ph.D., and Wooin Lee, Ph.D., have joined the College as assistant
professors in the Division of Drug Development.
Dr. Mansour’s research
focuses on the application of
interfacial phenomena and
biocolloidal chemistry in the
design of advanced drug
delivery self-assembly systems
and development of pulmonary
inhalation aerosols for targeted
lung drug delivery (pulmonary
disease treatment) and for novel
needle-free vaccine inhalation
aerosol delivery (pulmonary
disease prevention) as
multifunctional microparticles and nanoparticles.
She earned a B.S. in pharmacy (1996) and a Ph.D. in
pharmaceutical sciences (2003) from the University of
Wisconsin at Madison. Dr. Mansour recently was honored
during the 2007 American Association of Pharmaceutical
Scientists annual meeting in San Diego, receiving the PhRMA
Postdoctoral Fellow Award in Pharmaceutics and the AAPS
Postdoctoral Fellow Award for research excellence.
Prior to her appointment at UK, she was an Instructor (both
in the Graduate and Pharm.D. Programs) and a postdoctoral
fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School
of Pharmacy, in the Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics,
receiving the 2007 UNC-Chapel Hill Postdoctoral Award for
Research Excellence from the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Staff Changes at UK COP
Stephanie Wurth joined the College in
November as Recruiter and Pre-Pharmacy
Advisor. She previously served as the
International Student Advisor in the
UK Office of International Affairs. She
received a B.S. in Integrated Strategic
Communications from UK and is currently
completing a M.S. in Community and
Leadership Development.
Mary Morse joined the College in
November as administrative assistant
to Dean Kenneth Roberts. She
previously served as executive secretary
to the president of the Council on
Postsecondary Education.
Dr. Bae’s research is focused on
the development of intelligent
polymer nanovehicles for
controlled combination delivery
of potential bioactives to targeted
lesions. Bioactives may include
anticancer drugs, proteins, and
nucleotide drugs while targeted
legions are tumor vasculatures,
hormone-sensitive human
cancers (breast, ovary, uterine
and prostate), and drug-resistant
cancers. Heat shock proteins and
proteasomes are the major molecular targets of interest for the
combination therapy using intelligent polymer nanovehicles,
along with conventional chemotherapy.
He received a B.E. in textile/polymer engineering (1999)
from Hanyang University, South Korea, and a master’s degree
(2002) and Ph.D. in materials science (2005) both from the
University of Tokyo, Japan. Prior to his post at UK, Dr. Bae
served as a postdoctoral researcher and research associate at
the University of Tokyo, School of Engineering and School of
Medicine, and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School
of Pharmacy.
Dr. Lee’s research focuses on the
genetic and molecular bases for
interindividual variations in drug
metabolism and transport and the
role of drug transporters in cancer
development and progression.
She also has been also developing
translational research programs
incorporating pharmacokinetic,
pharmacogenomic and other
correlative studies into early
clinical trials.
Dr. Lee received her doctoral
degree in pharmaceutical sciences (2002) at the State
University of New York at Buffalo and a master’s degree
(1995) in pharmacology at Seoul National University. She also
received a bachelor’s degree (1993) in pharmacy from Seoul
National University.
Prior to her appointment at UK, she completed
a postdoctoral fellowship in the Division of Clinical
Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University and worked as a
research assistant professor in the Division of Hematology and
Oncology at Vanderbilt University.
18 Focus on Pharmacy

POSTDOCTORAL PROFILE:
Marharyta “Rita” Pivavarchyk is one of 22 postdoctoral scholars currently working at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.
Marharyta “Rita” Pivavarchyk
Science is a common language and common bond
for Marharyta “Rita” Pivavarchyk and her co-workers and
colleagues who work and study in the laboratory of Dr. Linda
Dwoskin, endowed professor in pharmaceutical education at
the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.
Pivavarchyk, is a postdoctoral scholar and native of Grodno,
Belarus. Belarus is in Eastern Europe and borders on Poland,
Lithuania, Latvia, Russia and Ukraine. The country declared its
independence in 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
She received her Ph.D. at the University of Belarus and worked
as a biochemist at the Institute of Biochemistry, Academy of
Sciences of Belarus and as a research scientist of the scientific
laboratory of Grodno State Medical University for more than
15 years. She learned of Dr. Dwoskin’s research from a colleague
at the Institute of Biochemistry of Grodno who also had
completed postdoctoral studies at UK. “After I read about her
research and learned of the chance to come here, it was a
chance of a lifetime,” she said. “Dr. Dwoskin is a wonderful
mentor and scientist and working in her lab is a great honor
and opportunity.”
As a pharmacologist and biochemist, Pivavarchyk investigates
the capacity of new compounds to inhibit nicotine-evoked
dopamine release from superfused rat striatal slices. She hopes
her group will find new selective compounds which will be
candidates for the treatment of nicotine abuse.
Pivavarchyk admits she struggled with English when she first
arrived in the United States three years ago, but today she
considers UK and Lexington her family’s second home. At UK
she works alongside fellow researchers who are not only from
the United States but also come from countries including
Romania and India. “We learn about each other’s countries and
habits and holidays, which are very different, but the science
and the research, for us that is what is the same,” she said.
Pivavarchyk is appreciative of the opportunity coming to the
U.S. has not only provided for her but also her family. “My daughter
is so happy to be here, she doesn’t even talk with an accent.”
Winter 2009
19

COLLEGE BRIEFS
COLLEGE BRIEFS
Dwoskin Selected for National Academic
Leadership Fellows Program
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
selected Linda Dwoskin, Ph.D., endowed professor in the
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, to participate in
the Academic Leadership Fellows program.
Now in its fifth year, the year-long faculty development
Dwoskin
program in health professions education is designed to
develop the nation’s most promising pharmacy faculty for roles as future leaders
in academic pharmacy and higher education.
UK Pharmacy Graduate Appointed to UK Board of Trustees
UK pharmacy alumnus and Louisville eye surgeon, Dr. E. Britt Brockman, (Class
of 1982) began a six-year term on the UK Board of Trustees in July. Brockman
was chosen by Gov. Beshear from a list of nominees prepared by the bi-partisan
Postsecondary Education Nominating Committee.
Brockman, who earned degrees from UK’s College of Pharmacy and the University of
Louisville School of Medicine, is a cataract, glaucoma and refractive surgery specialist
practicing in Louisville, New Albany, Ind., and Jeffersonville, Ind. He replaces Billy B.
Wilcoxson, whose term has expired. Brockman’s term will expire June 30, 2014.
Kuhn Named Associate Director of Pharmacy
Services at KCH
Bob Kuhn, Pharm.D., professor, Pharmacy Practice and Science,
and professor of pediatrics in the College of Medicine, has been
named associate director of pharmacy services for Kentucky
Children’s Hospital.
Kuhn currently serves as program director of the pediatric
Kuhn
pharmacy residency training program which has trained over
30 residents over the last 20 years.
Fink Elected to Serve Two Organizations
Joseph L. Fink III, professor, has been elected chair of The Center
for Rural Development in Somerset and has been elected as
a public member of the National Board on Certification and
Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA).
The Center for Rural Development is a non-profit organization
whose primary mission is improving the quality of life for
Fink
individuals in its 42 county service region by providing leadership
that stimulates innovative and sustainable economic development solutions.
The NBCRNA consists of two constituent groups, the Council on Certification of
Nurse Anesthetists (CCNA) and the Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists
(CRNA). He will work most directly with the latter group.
Drs. Ryan and Smith Named ACCP
Fellows
Dr. Melody Ryan and Dr. Kelly Smith were
named to the 2008 Class of Fellows of the
America College of Clinical Pharmacy.
Drs. Ryan and Smith joined 21 others from
around the country honored at the ACCP
Ryan
Smith
Annual Meeting in October.
ACCP is a professional and scientific society that provides leadership, education,
advocacy, and resources enabling clinical pharmacists to achieve excellence in
practice and research. The organization’s membership is composed of practitioners,
scientists, educators, administrators, students, residents, fellows, and others
committed to excellence in clinical pharmacy and patient pharmacotherapy.
Hatton Elected to ACCP Research Institute
Board of Trustees
Jimmi Hatton, Pharm.D., chair of the UK Department of Pharmacy
Practice and Science, has been elected a Research Institute
Trustee for the American College of Clinical Pharmacists (ACCP)
for a three-year term (2008-2011).
ACCP is a professional and scientific society that provides
Hatton
leadership, education, advocacy, and resources enabling clinical
pharmacists to achieve excellence in practice and research. The organization’s
membership is composed of practitioners, scientists, educators, administrators,
students, residents, fellows, and others committed to excellence in clinical pharmacy
and patient pharmacotherapy.
Student KSHP Group Recognized
The UK College of Pharmacy’s student chapter of the Student Society of Health-
System Pharmacy (SSHP) has been recognized by the American Society of Health-
System Pharmacists (ASHP) as one of the leading student ASHP chapters in the country.
The UK chapter of the Kentucky Society of Health-System Pharmacists (KSHP) –
also part of the Kentucky Alliance of Pharmacy Students (KAPS) – was among
the student groups from across the U.S. which met the criteria for official ASHP
recognition for promotion of membership in local, state, and national health-system
organizations. Jennifer White served as student president for 2007-08; Brittany
Warrick is president for 2008-09. Aaron Cook, Pharm.D., pharmacy specialist in
neurosurgery and critical care for UK HealthCare and adjunct assistant professor, is
advisor for the student chapter which has 271 members.
Martin and Winstead to Serve as
Directors
Craig Martin, PharmD, BCPS, (Class of
1999) has been selected to serve as the
Education and Scholarship Program Director
(ESPD) and P. Shane Winstead, PharmD,
(Class of 1999) has been selected as the
Martin
Winstead
Pharmacy Practice Program Director (PPPD)
for University of Kentucky HealthCare Pharmacy Services.
Macaulay named 2008 UK Pharmacy Residency
Preceptor of the Year
Tracy Macaulay, PharmD, BCPS, was selected the 2008 UK
Pharmacy Residency Preceptor of the Year. This award is given to
the UK Pharmacy Preceptor who has demonstrated continued
interaction and involvement with the residency and who freely
serves as an educator, mentor, and advisor to all residents.
Macaulay
Policastri
Linked in
Policastri named 2009 Kentucky Board of
Pharmacy President-Elect
Anne Policastri, Pharm.D., (Class of 1982) assistant director of
experiential education at the UK College of Pharmacy, was
elected president-elect of the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for
2009 and will become president in 2010.
Are you Linked in?
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy now has a
Linkedin Group. Please join us to get news and information.
www.linkedin.com
20 Focus on Pharmacy

COLLEGE BRIEFS
COLLEGE BRIEFS
Carter and Mitchell
Carter, Mitchell Named Lyman T. Johnson Award Honorees
UK pharmacy student Monique Carter and clinical assistant professor Trenika Mitchell,
Pharm.D., were honored as recipients of the Lyman T. Johnson Torch of Excellence and
Torch Bearer awards presented Oct. 17.
The annual awards are inspired by the legacy of Lyman T. Johnson. Johnson, the
grandson of slaves, is best known as the plaintiff whose successful legal challenge
opened the University of Kentucky to African-American students in 1949. He died in
Louisville in 1997.
Carter is a 2009 doctor of pharmacy candidate and a graduate of Henry Clay High
School in Lexington. Upon graduation in May, Carter plans to pursue a career in clinical
pharmacy.
Dr. Mitchell received her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2002 and
doctor of pharmacy degree in 2004 from the University of Mississippi. She completed
a pharmacy residency program at UK Health Care. In 2006, she joined the UK College
of Pharmacy as a lecturer in the Lesshafft Patient Care Laboratory. She recently has
been promoted to assistant clinical professor.
Ryan Named Distinguished Practitioner in NAP
Melody Ryan, Pharm.D., MPH, associate professor, has been
named as a Distinguished Practitioner in the National Academies
of Practice in Pharmacy. NAP is a non-profit organization
founded in 1981 to advise governmental bodies on our health
care system. Distinguished practitioners and scholars are
elected by their peers from 10 different health professions to
Ryan
join the only interdisciplinary group of health care practitioners
dedicated to these issues.
Kuhn
Rapp
Kuhn, Rapp among Faculty,
Students Honored by KSHP
Several pharmacy faculty and students
were honored at the Kentucky Society of
Health-System Pharmacists Meeting held
in Lexington in November.
Bob Kuhn, Pharm.D., professor and
associate director of pharmacy services,
was honored with the KSHP Pharmacist of the Year award, and Bob Rapp, Pharm.D.,
professor, received the KSHP Special Achievement Award.
John Armitstead, M.S., assistant dean, medical center pharmacy services, was
named a KSHP Fellow, and Aaron Cook, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy specialist and
assistant adjunct professor, was named to the KSHP Board of Directors.
Mike Farley, PG2 Resident, was honored as the Outstanding Pharmacy Resident,
and UK Pharm.D. students Ellen Krajewski, Katie Long, and Stephanie Oliver were
presented KSHP Foundation scholarships. In addition, pharmacy students Melinda
Morgan and Lindsey Clark Barnes, winners of the clinical skills contest, received travel
stipends to attend the ASHP meeting and compete in the national contest.
Roberts and Mobley
Roberts Receives Mobley Development Service Award
Pharmacy Dean Kenneth B. Roberts was selected as the recipient of the Terry B.
Mobley Development Service Award. The award is given annually to a UK employee
who is not a professional fund raiser, but who has demonstrated extraordinary support
for the development effort at the University and is a strong advocate for UK through
their service to local, state or national service organizations.
The award, presented Nov. 12, was established to honor the extraordinary development
career of Terry B. Mobley by recognizing and rewarding staff who have demonstrated
outstanding performance and professional achievement.
facebook
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy now has a Facebook page. Please join our new group to get news and information.
If you don’t have a Facebook account, you will have to register (free) and then search for “University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.”
If you have questions, please contact Kristi Lopez, director of communications, at kristi.lopez@uky.edu.
Winter 2009
21

The 2008 UK College of Pharmacy Golf Outing
had more than 80 alumni and friends of the
college competing at the University Club of
Kentucky. All proceeds from the tournament
benefit scholarships for pharmacy students.
Four UK College of Pharmacy alumni who serve as
pharmacy deans across the country joined UK Dean
Kenneth B. Robert in honoring UK professor Robert
Rapp (1963, 1970) recipient of the prestigious American
College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Paul F. Parker Medal for
Distinguished Service. From left is Joseph Dipiro (UK
Pharmacy 1981) Executive Dean of the South Carolina
College of Pharmacy; Robert Blouin (UK Pharmacy
1975), Dean of the University of North Carolina School
of Pharmacy; Roberts, Rapp, David Allen, (UK Pharmacy
1985), Dean of The Northeastern Ohio Universities College
of Pharmacy; and Don Letendre (UK Pharmacy 1979),
Dean of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.
22 Focus on Pharmacy

Associate Executive Dean William Lubawy
celebrated his selection as the 2008 Robert
K. Chalmers Distinguished Pharmacy
Educator Award recipient with family,
alumni and friends aboard the Mystic Blue
in Chicago in July.
College of Pharmacy faculty, staff,
alumni and friends enjoy tailgating
before the UK vs. Arkansas game.
Winter 2009
23

AlumNotes AlumNotes AlumNotes
APPOINTED:
Kentucky Pharmacists Association (KPhA) board members are
Jessika Chinn (Class of 1999), president-elect of KPhA;
Lewis Wilkerson (Class of 1993) KPhA treasurer; Stan Scates
(Class of 1974) as secretary; and Jason Wallace (Class of 1999)
as director of the board.
Joel Thornbury (Class of 1992) and Larry Hadley (Class of 1974)
were appointed by Gov. Steve Beshear to serve on the Kentucky
Board of Pharmacy. They will begin their term on the in January.
Jared Combs (Class of 1996) was appointed by the Kentucky
Board of Pharmacy to serve on the Pharmacist Recovery Network
(PRN) Committee. The PRN Committee works with the Kentucky
Board of Pharmacy and serves as a source of information for
practitioners seeking help negotiating their way through the
discovery of their disease, treatment, aftercare, and petition
for reinstatement. Jared, now in recovery for 8 years, has also
authored a book titled Incomprehensible Demoralization - An
Addict Pharmacist’s Journey to Recovery.
Carol G. Gallagher (Class of 1989) has been named Chief
Executive Officer of Seattle –based Calistoga Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a company dedicated to developing innovative medicines for
the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases. Dr. Gallagher
most recently served as president and CEO of Metastatix, a private
oncology company.
Daniel Grantz (Class of 2004) was named Assistant Director of
Pharmacy Services - Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy (KCP). Dr. Grantz
will be responsible for the Kentucky Clinic Pharmacy and the
Student and Employee Health Services Pharmacy as well as in
other ambulatory care pharmacy leadership roles.
Del Miller, MD, (PharmD Class of 1980, R90) professor of
psychiatry at the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver
College of Medicine and a physician with UI Hospitals and
Clinics, has been appointed for a five-year term to the Kathrine
Griffin Professorship in Schizophrenia and Major Mental Illness.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the UI College
of Pharmacy, a PharmD from the University of Kentucky and a
medical degree from Case Western Reserve University. In addition,
he completed a residency in hospital and clinical pharmacy at
University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center and a residency in
psychiatry at UI Hospitals and Clinics. He was a postdoctoral fellow
in mental health at the UI prior to joining the UI faculty in 1992.
Darshini Trivedi (PS 2007) has accepted a postdoctoral position
at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
in the lab of Dr. Robert Langenbach. Darshini and Dr. Brett Jones,
former PS postdoc in the lab of Dr. Penni Black, are planning a
wedding ceremony for next May.
AWARDS:
Jeremy Flynn (Class of 1999) has been selected by the American
College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Board of Regents as the
recipient of the College’s 2009 New Clinical Practitioner Award.
This award, which is conferred annually, recognizes a College
member less than six years since completion of training who has
made outstanding contributions to the health of patients and to
the practice of clinical pharmacy.
Joan Haltom (Class of 1988/1997) recently received the
2008 Kentucky Hospital Association’s Quality Award. The
award recognized Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical
Center in Danville, Ky. for electronic innovations in medication
reconciliation.
Mike Hegener (Class of 2005) a member of the University of
Cincinnati faculty, will be receiving the American Association
of College of Pharmacy’s Crystal APPLE award for precepting
excellence in February.
Nancy Horn (Class of 2002) owner and pharmacist at Corner
Drug in Winchester, has been named Preceptor of the Year (in the
pharmacy category) by the Northeast AHEC. She was honored at
the NE AHEC Preceptor of Recognition Banquet Nov. 14.
Russ Judd (Class of 2007) Infectious Diseases (PGY2) Specialty
Pharmacy Resident, was selected by the University Health System
Consortium to serve on the UHC Pharmacy Practice Advancement
Committee. This committee acts to foster multidisciplinary
synergy and collaboration to promote improved patient
outcomes through adoption of efficient and effective pharmacy
practice models and evidenced-based medication use policies
and guidelines.
Joseph C. McMurtry (Class of 1950) of Nicholasville, was
selected by the University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on
Aging Foundation Board of Directors as one of the prestigious
2008 William R. Markesbery Senior Stars and was honored at the
UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging Foundation’s 22nd annual
dinner Oct. 16 in Lexington. The Senior Star awards recognize
Kentuckians who are making lasting contributions in professional
and/or community life and who set high standards to inspire
others. McMurtry purchased Hemphill Pharmacy in downtown
Nicholasville in 1949. In 1971, he sold his interest and opened
Drug Mart, a larger pharmacy expanding in the Nicholasville
area where he still works part-time and has acquired a business
partner.
Tiffany D. Self (Class of 2004) of Louisville was recognized as
the Young Pharmacist of the Year at the Kentucky Pharmacists
Association meeting in Lexington this past June. She is also
currently serving her second term as grand treasurer for Lambda
Kappa Sigma pharmacy fraternity.
Tom Smith was selected as the UK HealthCare Pharmacist of
the Year (Robert P. Rapp Award). Tom was selected based upon
his longstanding commitment to providing exemplary service
on nights to UK HealthCare patients along with a great team of
co-workers.
CONGRATULATIONS:
Laura McCargar Land (PS 2004), husband Chuck and big sister
Isabella welcomed Natalie Sophia born on August 28, 2008. Laura
and her family live in Cincinnati where she is employed at P & G.
Holly Wessel (Class of 2006) and Jimmy Byrnes (Class of 2004)
were married on April 26, 2008 in Louisville.
24 Focus on Pharmacy

Thank You
Thanks to the following pharmacists
who volunteered their time as
admissions interviewers in 2008-09.
Practitioners
Alyson Schwartz
Amber Lawson
Bob Oakley
Cathy Shely
Chris Killmeier
Don Cooper
Don Kupper
Donna Smith
Greg Bausch
Jeff Mills
John Burke
Katie Busroe
Kevin Lamping
Leon Claywell
Lewis Wilkerson
Lynn Harrelson
Michael Box
Mike Burleson
Mike Montgomery
Mike Sparkman
Mike Wyant
Nancy Randall
Ralph Bouvette
Ralph Deitemeyer
Randy Gaither
Rudo N’Dia
Steve Hart
Tony Womack
Faculty
Ann Amerson
Anne Policastri
Bill Lubawy
Bob Kuhn
Dan Wermeling
Dave Feola
Doug Steinke
Joe Fink
John Piecoro
Jurgen Rohr
Karen Blumenschein
Kelly Smith
Linda Dwoskin
Matt Lane
Melanie Mabins
Melody Ryan
Pat McNamara
Paul Bummer
Penni Black
Peter Cohron
Sheila Botts
Steve Dunn
Tera McIntosh
Tim Clifford
Tracy Macaulay
Trenika Mitchell
Trish Freeman
If you are interested in volunteering
in next year’s admissions process,
please contact:
Phyllis Nally
Director of Admissions
(859) 323-5023
pnall2@email.uky.edu
Do you share
the Passion for
Pharmacy?
I am excited to have the opportunity to share with
you some thoughts about the profession of pharmacy.
I am a 1990 graduate from the University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy, and I can state with most
certainty that your UK College of Pharmacy consistently
provides graduates of the highest quality to this state
and other states.
Why are we so fortunate?
It is YOU who make this a reality. It starts with the grassroots effort that each
of you should be performing on a daily basis. You are the face of pharmacy.
Whether you work in the public eye or behind closed doors, the simple fact
remains … people look at you as a role model.
How can you further this legacy of being a role model for future graduates?
It is a simple as two words….get involved.
Upon graduation, I immediately made a conscious effort to stay involved
with the College by attending sponsored events, participating in the interview
process for admissions, serving as a preceptor for students, and contributing
financially to the College. This has been extremely rewarding. These experiences
have all allowed me to feel as part of a team, a team that is entrusted to educate
UK College of Pharmacy students.
I am sure many of you are already involved at some level with the College.
By being involved, we are setting an example for past and future graduates. By
expanding your involvement with the College, whether that involvement is of
talent or of money, we will make the College even stronger than it is today. The
education and experiences we received at the College provided a foundation for
our success. It is our duty to continue this legacy.
It is imperative you share your passion for the profession with others and that
you show this passion at every opportunity. Accentuate the positives that the
profession provided to you and will provide to the future alumni of the College.
This is an exciting time for the College of Pharmacy! We are getting closer to
occupying a premier education and research facility. We continue to graduate
students who begin their professional careers armed with the best pharmacy
education available. We have faculty who are dedicated educators and support
staff that enables these students to be successful.
By investing in your profession and by showing the PASSION that you have for
pharmacy we will continue the legacy that our mentors provided for us.
We are extremely fortunate to be able to call ourselves alumni of the University
of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.
Share the legacy! Show the passion!
Guest Column by
Kevin Lamping
Winter 2009
25

Remembering Jerry B. Johnson 1938 – 2008
The distinguished career of
Dr. Jerry B. Johnson began in the
University of Kentucky College
of Pharmacy where he served
on the Faculty from 1962-1976.
He was the first pharmacist
registered in Kentucky to practice
at the University Medical Center
when it opened in 1962, and, in
1969, Johnson was one of the
first of two graduates to receive
the Doctor of Pharmacy degree
from UK.
As an undergraduate,
representing the Upsilon Chapter
of Kappa Psi on the UK Student
Council, he formulated the first student health insurance
program at the University. He also served as president of the
UK Chapter of Delta Tau Delta fraternity from 1967 to 1971 and
as its faculty chapter advisor from 1970-75.
In 1976, Johnson accepted a position in the medical
research division of Lederle Pharmaceutical in Pearl River,
New Jersey, where, during his tenure of 21 years, he spoke at
pharmaceutical seminars nationwide. From 1975-1978, he
was one of 12 pharmacy professionals selected to serve on the
National Board of Pharmacy Licensing Examination Committee.
While living in New Jersey, the UK College of Pharmacy
named Johnson a Distinguished Kentuckian for his
dedicated service to Pharmacy and to the College and for his
accomplishments and for exemplifying noble character and
responsible civic performance.
Johnson, commissioned a “Kentucky Colonel” in 1968,
remained loyal to his “Big Blue” University of Kentucky roots.
He was a member of the University Fellows Society, serving
on its long-term planning/steering committee for university
growth.
Retiring and moving to Hot Springs Village in 1995, Johnson
designed his dream home with sweeping views of Lake Balboa,
became active in tennis and serving as the President of the
Tennis Association in 2003-04. When injuries and surgeries
restricted his tennis and golf play, Johnson became active in
his life-long passion of jazz music. He was currently serving on
the Board of Directors of the Hot Springs Jazz Society as vice
president and chairman of the scholarship committee.
Dr. Johnson died suddenly of an aortic dissection on
February 6 at age 70. A private memorial service was held
at the Cedarvale Funeral Home Chapel on February 10,
and on February 16 at his residence, 250 friends attended a
celebration of his life tribute. Always a fierce competitor, this
message was found on one of his frayed bookmarks: “Accept
every challenge given to you and give it your best shot.”
Honoring Friends
and Loved Ones
In Memoriam
William V. Atherton, Class of 1950, died June 15, 2008
Clay C. Brandenburg, Class of 1945, died June 13, 2008
Idris Cader, Class of 1983, died July 25, 2008
Charles A. Cooper, Class of 1959, died July 28, 2008
With In Memoriam giving, you pay tribute
to a classmate, peer, friend or loved one with
a gift that bears the name of the person you
wish to honor.
In Memoriam gifts may be directed to the
fund of the donor’s choice.
For more information on Giving In
Memoriam, please contact:
Mary Beth Vicini at 859.218.1301.
Terry Dennis, College of Pharmacy staff, died Aug. 8, 2008
Rudolph W. Doerhoefer, Class of 1950, died Aug. 13, 2008
Thomas W. Hudson, Class of 1960, died Sept. 24, 2008
Jerry B. Johnson, Class of 1959, died Feb. 6, 2008
Ray McKinney, Class of 1953, died Feb. 5, 2008
Edward T. Rogers, Class of 1950, died July 31, 2008
Harold N. Rowe, Class of 1940, died Jan. 22, 2008
Vicki J. Rymell, Class of 1975, died June 19, 2008
Leo J. Wagner, Class of 1960, died July 13, 2008
26 Focus on Pharmacy

The University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy
Welcomes the Following New
Community-Based Faculty
Allison Aldred, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Stacy Alexander, Target, Louisville CEC
Ann Armbruster , Lexington Clinic East, Lexington
Katherine Aschbacher, Walgreens, Louisville CEC
Kyle Burleson, Rite Aid, Lawrenceburg
Scott Burris, Isom Community Pharmacy, Isom
Lauren Cottingham, Saint Joseph Healthcare Lexington
Mark Cox, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Angel Daniels, Rite Aid, Lexington
William Dutton, Cardinal Hill Hospital, Lexington
Deborah Eck, Norton Healthcare, Louisville CEC
Stacey Emmons, Rite Aid, Lexington
Patrick Higginbotham, VA Medical Center, Lexington
David Hodge, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Norris Hollon, Saint Joseph Healthcare, Lexington
Patricia Hughes, Lourdes Hospital, Paducah
Ammie Hurter, Nations Medicines, Owensboro CEC
Michael Ivey, Owensboro Medical Health System, Owensboro CEC
Don Kupper, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Carl Lewis, Nations Medicines, Owensboro CEC
Kim Lewis, Nations Medicines Owensboro CEC
Michael Lin, Target, Louisville CEC
Jessica Little, Walgreens, Lexington
Patrice Lucas, Central State Hospital, Louisville CEC
Mary Mollerus, Norton Healthcare, Louisville CEC
Carol Neel, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
John Nicholson, Walgreens, Lexington
Sarah Nordmeyer, Saint Joseph Healthcare, Lexington
Eric Norrington, Kindred Hospital, Louisville CEC
Leigh Pass, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Mallika Patel, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Anthony Samaan, Toyota Family Pharmacy, Georgetown
Stacy Shadburne, University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville CEC
Jonathan Stevens, Norton Healthcare, Louisville CEC
Lisa Strunk, VA Medical Center, Lexington
Sarah Vickey, Rite Aid, Nicholasville
Michelle Waymeyer, Grant County Drugs, Dry Ridge
Amy Weir, Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington
Clinical Education Centers Plan
for Continued Growth in 2008-09
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Clinical
Education Centers (CECs) continue to expand as third year
pharmacy students complete plans for their Advanced
Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) with rotations for the
2009-2010 academic year beginning in May.
The UK College of Pharmacy CEC at Owensboro will have
eight students participating in the upcoming academic year,
up from four in its current inaugural year. In addition, the
program, a partnership with Owensboro Medical Health
System, will have 19 rotation sites. The Owensboro center
serves the greater Daviess County area including eight counties
in all, said clinical training coordinator Michael Berger, Pharm.D.
In Louisville, the CEC, a partnership with Norton Healthcare,
has seen a dramatic spike in enrollment for the upcoming
academic year with 25 students registered to complete
rotations at sites throughout Jefferson County and including
two sites in Oldham County. The CEC at Louisville has 20
students enrolled for the 2008-09 academic year and had nine
in its inaugural year. The first year in Louisville we had a lottery
to pick students to participate in the CEC, said Trish Freeman,
Ph.D., associate professor and Director of Professional Practice
Programs. “In contrast, this year 25 slots weren’t enough to fill
the need,” she said. “Besides the advantage for some students
of all 10 rotations in one geographic location, I believe the
interaction and camaraderie between the CEC students, along
with the support and resources from having a faculty member
at the CEC site have made them an increasingly popular option
for students.”
Along with additional pharmacy students interested in
participating in the CEC, new preceptors also are continuing
to come on board, said Chris Miller, Pharm.D., clinical training
coordinator at Louisville. The CEC at Louisville currently has
52 APPE sites with 75 community-based faculty and serves all
of Jefferson County as well as two sites in Oldham County.
For more information about the Clinical Education Centers
or becoming a preceptor, please contact:
Trish Freeman, Ph.D., director of professional practice
programs, at trfree1@uky.edu or 859.323.1381.
Anne Policastri, Pharm.D., assistant director of experiential
education, at apoli2@uky.edu or 859.323.0893.
Chris Miller, Pharm.D., CEC clinical training coordinator at
Louisville, at cmmill1@email.uky.edu or 502.629.6838.
Michael Berger, Pharm.D., CEC clinical training coordinator
at Owensboro, at mcberg0@uky.edu or 270.688.4226.
(Pending UK Board of Trustees approval)

Nonprofit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Lexington, KY
Permit 51
2009 UK College of Pharmacy Phonathon
The UK College of Pharmacy will be reaching out to alumni and friends in the
next few days, during its annual phonathon. Please answer the call and make a
difference in the life of a current pharmacy student with a gift to the College’s
scholarship fund.
Thanks to our UK College of Pharmacy alumni and friends who answered
the call last year, 83 students received need-based or academic scholarships
ranging from $500 to $18,000. Three of these students are profiled below. As
you read their stories, you will see that the aid they are receiving is making a
world of difference in their studies. It will also make a world of difference in the
lives of those they impact in their future careers.
University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Bldg., Rose Street
Lexington, KY 40536-0082
Make a Difference. Take the Call!
Shashank Patel
Class of 2010
Lexington, Ky.
Jonathan White
Class of 2009
(Pharm.D./MBA)
Brookville, Ind.
Julie Baldridge
Class of 2009
Pikeville, Ky.
Jonathan White
Growing up in a small town in Southeast Indiana, Jonathan
White is a fourth generation licensed auctioneer in the family
business started by his great-grandfather in the 1920s. With
strong family ties, going away to school wasn’t an easy decision,
but Jonathan says he’s found a second home at the UK College
of Pharmacy and an extended family in the Class of 2009 which
he serves as class president. He also has found a career path
allowing him the flexibility to maintain his ties to his family’s
business and fulfill his goal of becoming a pharmacist.
Shashank Patel
Shashank Patel has aspired to be a pharmacist since he was
a small boy helping out in his uncle’s pharmacy. By working
as many as 80 hours per week to finance his education, he
completed the challenging pre-pharmacy curriculum and
was admitted to the UK program. Today, receiving scholarship
assistance keeps Shashank’s dream alive.
Julie Baldridge
Julie Baldridge grew up in Eastern Kentucky and wouldn’t
think of practicing pharmacy anywhere else. She completed
her pre-pharmacy requirements at Georgetown College and
now, after three years on campus at UK, is happy to be spending
nearly all of her fourth-year rotations in and around Pike County.
Julie is one of several married students in her class. She shares
that scholarship assistance has made a huge difference in the
education debt she and her husband accumulated while they
have been getting by on one income.