Summer 2012 - Western University of Health Sciences

College of Pharmacy
Executive in Residence 2012
By Rodney Tanaka, Senior Communications Writer
A longtime supporter of Western University of Health Sciences is sharing his
expertise with College of Pharmacy students and faculty.
The College of Pharmacy named Glenn Etow, PharmD, as its 2012 Executive in
Residence. He met with College of Pharmacy faculty and students and WesternU
President Philip Pumerantz, PhD, on April 5, 2012.
Etow is president and chief operating officer of Comprehensive Pharmacy
Services (CPS), the country’s largest hospital pharmacy management company.
His 32 years of experience includes managing small, medium and large hospital
pharmacies.
CPS manages the pharmacy at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton,
Calif., which was one of the first organizations to take on College of Pharmacy
students for rotations. Etow has been involved in residency training for more
than 30 years.
“We need to develop
leaders, people who
are passionate about
improving the
profession and providing
quality care.”
“We need to develop leaders, people who are passionate about improving the
profession and providing quality care,” he said.
Mentoring students is a way of developing future leaders and professionals while
giving back to the profession, Etow said.
“Working with students in a teaching and learning environment is stimulating to
the staff, and it keeps us all on our toes,” he said.
College of Pharmacy Dean Daniel Robinson, PharmD, selects prominent
pharmacists for the Executive in Residence program, those who are leaders in the
profession and who have made significant contributions to the profession and
health care in general, said College of Pharmacy Associate Dean Sam
Shimomura, PharmD.
“Glenn has been involved with our college from the start,” Shimomura said.
“This was a great way to honor and recognize Glenn, and he delivered an
inspirational message to our students at Honors Day.”
This type of leadership initiative allows students to get to know these influential
leaders and learn from their experiences. The program provides a much deeper
interaction than a one-time visiting lecturer.
“All of our Executives in Residence make themselves available to mentor and
counsel our students and help them find jobs as well,” Shimomura said.
Etow said he appreciates the honor of serving as the Executive in Residence.
“I hope the students take the opportunity to reach out to me and seek my
advice,” he said. “If I can help them navigate their careers, I would find that
rewarding.” ■
Glen Etow, PharmD, President and COO of Comprehensive Pharmacy Services, speaks to students at the
College of Pharmacy Honors Day, May 5, 2012.
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