PharmUC - University of Charleston

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Dear Friends and Supporters of the School of Pharmacy,
It’s hard to believe that we are in the middle of 2011! I’m not sure where the time goes,
but it definitely flies when you are busy and having fun. This past academic year has
been a smorgasbord of excitement, successes, and outstanding achievements. It is
my pleasure to use this edition of the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy’s
Scripts to whet your appetite with a sampling of the wonderful activities happening in
our growing program.
We were able to start the year with a BANG and take full advantage of the
momentum resulting from the previous year. While it would seem difficult to exceed
the excitement and outstanding events that resulted from the graduation of our first
class of 69 pharmacists, the pioneering class of 2010, WE DID! The class of 2010
achieved an exceptional passage rate of 97% (above the national average) on both
of the examinations required for licensure – the North American Pharmacy Licensure
Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
(MPJE). The school, not to be outdone, was awarded FULL accreditation status by
the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education following graduation of our first class.
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This unique partnership
marries city government,
higher education, health
professional education and
training, working together
to improve the health of
West Virginia citizens.
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The 2010–2011 academic year has been full of excitement and continued
achievement for the School of Pharmacy. This year was significant in many ways and
we continue to make progress in developing a program of distinction. We planned
and implemented several free community outreach activities through PharmUC. We
welcomed new faculty into our ranks, graduated our second class of 78 pharmacists,
hosted our inaugural pharmacy alumni breakfast, launched our School of Pharmacy
promotional video and new University website, initiated our School of Pharmacy
Fellows program, and continue to gain national recognition for our programmatic
efforts in advocacy. This year also brought a new professional organization to UC
when 41 members were inducted into Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy
leadership organization. Our faculty continues to be active in scholarly endeavors –
from garnering research funds and presenting their scholarship at national meetings
to having their work published in journals. Without caring and productive faculty we
would not be able to enjoy our present achievements as a program.
One of the highlights of this summer will be the official consummation of our wonderful
partnership with the City of Charleston to provide medication therapy management
(MTM) to city employees and their family members. This unique partnership marries
city government, higher education, health professional education and training,
working together to improve the health of West Virginia’s citizens. There is so much
more happening in the School of Pharmacy than we can possibly cover in this issue,
but hopefully the content of this magazine will have you looking for the second course
of the meal. “Our Best is Yet to Come” and we thank you for perusing the next several
pages and visiting us at our redesigned website, www.pharmacy.ucwv.edu.
Take care and enjoy!
Michelle R. Easton
Dean, School of Pharmacy
Now’s your chance! The School of Pharmacy magazine needs a new name that reflects
what’s special about our school. Submit your ideas at www.ucwv.edu/namethatmagazine.

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UC graduated its second class of pharmacists May 1. Find
out more about this superb class and who earned this year’s
honors and awards.
Scripts sits down with current student pharmacist Aaron
Norris and alum Wes Romanello for a little Q&A.
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6
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Instructor Barbara Smith makes a big difference in Spencer,
W.Va., by helping residents with diabetes management.
What exactly is Pharm UC and why is it so important
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One year after graduating in the UC SOP’s first class
Dr. Amy Bryan is already giving back to her alma mater.
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Catch up on all the happenings from the 2010-11 school
year in this issue’s Pharmacy News.
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The University of Charleston Doctor of Pharmacy program
is accredited by the
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500
Chicago, IL 60602-5109
312/664-3575 ● FAX 312/664-4652 ● www.acpe-accredit.org.
300 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304
Phone: 304.357.4858 • www.ucwv.edu/pharmacy
University Mission
The mission of the University of Charleston is to educate each student for a life of
productive work, enlightened living, and community involvement.
School of Pharmacy’s Mission
The mission of the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy is to prepare
pharmacists who will provide comprehensive patient care, to advance the
profession through research and advocacy, and to serve the community as leaders
in rural health care.
School of Pharmacy’s Vision
The vision for the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy is to:
• Become nationally recognized
for an emphasis on rural
health care and service to the
Appalachian region
• Maintain its status as an
innovative leader in the use
of technology in pharmacy
education and practice
• Advance the profession of
pharmacy through leadership,
education, research, and
advocacy
• Elevate the profile of the
University of Charleston as
a leading comprehensive
university

2011 Commencement
The first weekend in May was a special one for
the University of Charleston School of Pharmacy,
as the second cohort of UC Doctors of Pharmacy
celebrated with family, friends, faculty, staff, and
returning alumni. The celebration included a
graduation picnic held at Appalachian Power
Park sponsored by the Pharmacy Student
Governance Association and Walmart on Friday,
April 29th, the Hooding & Oath Ceremony on
April 30, and Commencement on May 1.
Pharmacist William S. McFarland, President
of Loop Pharmacy and Home Medical, gave
the keynote address at the Hooding & Oath
Ceremony and 2010 Preceptor of the Year, Dr.
Jude Ziolkowski, Pharmacy Director of Raleigh
General Hospital led the graduates in the
recitation of the Oath of the Pharmacist. Charles
M. Vest, president emeritus of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology was the commencement
speaker. Rain forced the commencement
ceremony indoors, but the sun emerged soon
afterwards to allow graduates one last photo on
the riverfront lawn.
2011 Honors & Awards
The School of Pharmacy held its 5th Annual
Honor and Awards Ceremony on Thursday,
April 21, 2011 in Riggleman Auditorium. The
event recognizes student, faculty, staff, and
preceptor excellence and also includes the
traditional Rites of Passage Ceremony. This
year the Rites of Passage Ceremony honored
the Class of 2012 for their completion of the
first three years of the didactic portion of the
curriculum and acknowledges their entrance into
the fourth year of full-time experiential training.
• Academic Excellence - Robert Browning
(Class of 2012), Carrie Dotson (Class of 2013),
Mike Brown (Class of 2014)
• Academic Achievement - Alexander Zwierko,
(Class of 2012) Brittany Richter (Class of
2012), Beth Conley (Class of 2013), Mark
Deland (Class of 2013), Lauren Bess (Class of
2014), Michaela Leffler (Class of 2014), Wing
Yip (Class of 2014)
• Appalachian Spirit - Abisoye Abisogun
(Class of 2011), Faon Bridges (Class of 2013),
Jessica Cremeans (Class of 2013), Deanna
Lind (Class of 2014), Aaron Norris (Class of
2013), Ghanshyam Patel (Class of 2013),
Katrina Thompson (Class of 2012), Jason
Weaver (Class of 2012), Jennifer Worley
(Class of 2013)
• Harriet and Gerry Nottingham Award - Gary
Roberts (Class of 2011) and Tiffany Dotson
(Class of 2012)
• Catherine S. Bowyer Memorial Scholarship -
Faon Bridges (Class of 2013)
• Pharmacist Mutual Award - Carrie Dotson
(Class of 2013); Book award Jennifer Worley
(Class of 2013)
• CVS Scholarship - Brittany Richter
(Class of 2012)
• Walgreens Scholarships - Jessica Cremeans
(Class of 2013), Brenten Whipkey
(Class of 2011)
Phi Lambda Sigma Inductees
The School of Pharmacy welcomed a new professional
pharmacy organization into its ranks. The induction
of the charter members and establishment of the Phi
Lambda Sigma national pharmacy leadership society
organization was held during this year’s Honor and Awards
Ceremony. Phi Lambda Sigma’s mission is to promote
the development of leadership qualities, especially among
student pharmacists, and encourage participation in all
pharmacy activities.
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• Walmart Scholarship - Jason Weaver
(Class of 2012)
• Fruth Scholarship - Lynn Anyaele (Class of
2011), Tiffany Dotson (Class of 2012)
• Dr. Amy Bryan Postgraduate Scholarship -
Abisoye Abisogun (Class of 2011)
• Leadership Achievement Awards - Abisoye
Abisogun (Class of 2011), Lynn Anyaele (Class
of 2011), Ashley Bailey (Class of 2012), Faon
Bridges (Class of 2013)
• Mylan Excellence in Pharmacy Award -
Abisoye Abisogun (Class of 2011)
• Lilly Achievement Award - Andrew Wellman
(Class of 2012)
• NACDS Scholarship - Katrina Thompson
(Class of 2012)
• Pioneering Spirit Awards - Aaron Norris
(Class of 2013), Ghanshyam Patel
(Class of 2013)
• Maggie King Memorial Scholarship Award -
Brandon Daniel (Class of 2014)
• Outstanding Graduate Student in
Community Pharmacy - Abisoye Abisogun
(Class of 2011)
• Outstanding Graduate Student Health-
Systems Pharmacy - Calisha Roberson
(Class of 2011)
• United States Public Health Service
Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy
Practice Award - Courtney Bruens
(Class of 2014)
• Patient Counseling Competition –
Gary Roberts (Class of 2011)
Tiffany Dotson (Class of 2012)
Deanna Lind (Class of 2014)
Ashley Bailey (Class of 2012)
Jessica Belcher (Class of 2012)
Faon Bridges (Class of 2013)
Jodi Plymale (Class of 2013)
Wing Yip (Class of 2014)
Aaron Sturgeon (Class of 2014)
Stephanie McDonald (Class of 2013)
• APhA-ASP Senior Recognition - Kassie
Castranova (Class of 2011)
• ASHP Clinical Skills Competition - Calista
Jones (Class of 2012), Dylan Rose
(Class of 2012)
• WVSHP Student Scholarship - Debbie Gross
(Class of 2013)
• Preceptor of the Year - Dr. Jason Turner
• SOP Faculty Member of the Year Class
of 2014 – Dr. Dennis Flaherty
• SOP Faculty Member of the Year Class
of 2013 – Dr. Rebecca Linger
• SOP Faculty Member of the Year Class
of 2012 – Dr. Jessica Robinson
• Golden Apple Award – Dr. Rebecca Linger
• SOP Staff Member of the Year – Michael Warren
• Professional Organization of the Year –
Student National Pharmaceutical Association
(SNPhA)
Class of 2010
Gemma K. Attley
Amber M. Beegle
Freddie J. Beegle
Amy Ruth Bryan
Theresa Carboni
Taubman
Sara Elisabeth Claypoole
Mary Elizabeth Clonch
Class of 2011
Abisoye Abeyode
Abisogun
Jill Marie Ashworth
Kassie Dawn
Castranova
Abigail Suzanne Hay
John H. Hudson
Lindsey Christine Judy
Class of 2012
Puja Ajmani
Rachel Marie Deliere
Tiffany Amber Dotson
Linda Anne Musick
Shawn David Osolin
Khyati Pravin Patel
Brittany Rae Richter
Katrina R. Thompson
Andrew S. Wellman
Class of 2013
Faon Marie Bridges
Jason Hamrick
Aaron M. Norris
Ginger Vance
Breanne Donohue
Charlotte Sary Paik
Megan Mooney Rader
Jennifer J. Wang
Amy Nichole West
Ashley A. Voss
Million Yosef
Woldemariam
Olutosin O. Oyelowo
Calisha R. Roberson
Sarah Kerr Stotler
Wacharah Taupradist
Laura A. Vandall
Brenton Ira Whipkey
Christopher Young
Faculty/Staff
Jamie Bero
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Student/Alumni Profiles
What was the coolest project you were able to work on at UC
and why
My experiential education portion allowed me to travel the country,
learning the practice of pharmacy in different sectors. From working
on a Navajo/Pueblo reservation in New Mexico, to working in the
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,
I had a well-rounded finish to my education at UC.
Which UC faculty member made the biggest impact on you
Dr. Michelle Easton. Her professionalism and class sometimes acts
as my second conscience, both professionally and socially.
Wes Romanello
HOMETOWN: Lucasville, Ohio
DEGREE: Doctor of Pharmacy
YEAR GRADUATED: 2010
WHAT I DO NOW: Pharmacist,
Southern Ohio Medical Center
What was your favorite place on campus
The UC Fitness Center.
How did you grow in your time at UC
The curriculum allowed me to grow into a more responsible, time
managed professional. My fellow classmates and professors
allowed me grow into a better person.
What does Learning Your Way mean to you
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UC offers the personal and academic freedom to achieve
your goals without using the over-structured approach used by
other schools.
What makes UC different from other schools
The students at UC are here to work. It isn’t unusual for students to
graduate with double majors in three years.
What is your favorite place on campus
My favorite place to go unwind is in the GSU ballroom at the piano.
How have you grown in your time at UC
I have gathered a better appreciation for diverse ethnicities, food
types, and other people’s beliefs.
Aaron Norris
HOMETOWN: Philippi, W.Va.
MAJOR: Pharmacy (fast track)
YEAR GRADUATING: 2013
What opportunities have been given to you at UC
The best opportunity is to receive my education on a fast track.
I don’t want to spend much of my life in school. I want a quality
education and to get into my career.
What was your favorite event on campus
Because Christ Matters (BCM) is my favorite weekly event. Praise
and worship with friends and then a midnight snack at IHOP.
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UC pharmacy instructor Barbara Smith (middle) poses with
Jennifer Edwards Thacker and Matt Carrico.
Making a Difference
in Rural West Virginia
By Scott Castleman
Ask someone from the Kanawha Valley
how far the University of Charleston is
from Spencer, W.Va., and they will tell you
it’s about an hour’s drive up I-79. Ask the
same question to a Spencer resident and
they will tell you that UC is just a walk
down the street.
The fact is that both people would be
correct. That is because over the past
year and a half, UC pharmacy instructor
Barbara Smith and her Golden Eagle
students have woven themselves into
the Spencer community through the
University’s diabetes management
program at Roane General Hospital.
A native of Spencer, Instructor Smith
knew exactly where she wanted to
set up as a preceptor for UC student
pharmacists when she came on board
in 2010. She wanted to use her passion
for diabetes management to help people
in her hometown, while also allowing her
students to gain invaluable real-world
experience.
According to Smith, the entire diabetes
management program reinforces the
UC School of Pharmacy’s emphasis on
rural health care. “In a state like West
Virginia, we have so many rural areas
that preparing our students the way we
do in Spencer is very important to the
educational process. We also are helping
to fill the void in areas that are traditionally
medically underserved.”
Roane General provides Smith’s program
with office space, and healthcare
providers in Spencer and surrounding
communities refer patients to the clinic.
According to Smith, her program benefits
both the hospital and the patient, because
generally the physician doesn’t have the
time to completely educate people with
diabetes about how to properly manage
the disease.
Once a patient is enrolled in the program,
Smith and her students set up an initial
one-on-one appointment where they take
the patient’s medical history, medication
list, blood pressure, weight and blood
sugar. From there the patient goes
through three, three-hour group classes
in which the students assist Smith with
teaching. Patients learn the importance
of various topics, such as meal planning
and physical activity, while students gain
hands-on experience.
“We have gotten a lot of positive
comments so far,” said Smith. “Patients
are seeing that exercising and dietary
changes are making a difference in their
lives.”
UC pharmacy graduate Jennifer Edwards
Thacker believes that students get
as much out of the experience as the
patients. “You can study as much
as you want, but until you get into
the field with patients you can’t fully
understand how to interact with, and
educate, them. It was an interesting
experience and it reinforced the idea
that diabetes management is a field in
which I want to work.”
On top of working in the clinic, students
also volunteer at the Committee on Aging
to evaluate senior citizens’ medications
and help determine if they need to be
adjusted or replaced. Thacker also said
they were able to create friendships with
the patients through activities such as
bowling on Nintendo’s Wii gaming system.
Thacker reflected, “When we weren’t able
to visit they were always disappointed.”
Since opening the clinic in the spring of
2010, the program has been a resounding
success. “Our community has been
extremely open and welcoming, as has
Roane General,” Smith noted. “The
students are able to apply their knowledge
by seeing how pharmacists practice
pharmacy in unique environments. They
get to build confidence working with
patients and health care providers.” While
Charleston and Roane may be separated
by 50 miles of interstate, it seems UC has
found a home in the heart of the Spencer
community.
“
You can study as much as
you want, but until you get
into the field with patients
you can’t fully understand
how to inte act with and
educate them.
”
Jennifer Edwards Thacker,
2011 pharmacy graduate
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PharmUC
As an integral part of the education process, the University of Charleston offers an
innovative patient care clinic within the school called PharmUC, providing medication
management, immunizations and dependency prevention education, along with a fully
functioning Walmart Pharmacy, both staffed by a combination of licensed pharmacists,
pharmacy faculty and UC student pharmacists.
Dr. Krista Capehart, Dr. Michael Bottorff, and Dr. Michael O’Neil provide services at
PharmUC and serve as preceptors to student pharmacists. Comprehensive services
offered include diabetes management and education; high blood pressure and
cholesterol management; asthma and COPD management and education; smoking
cessation consultation; and substance abuse prevention services. Dr. Capehart, the
pharmacist-in-charge, notes: “The PharmUC patient care clinic is a very exciting place to
work. The relationships built with patients are special.”
In its first full year of operation, the PharmUC patient care clinic offered monthly public
events aimed to raise community awareness about various disease states. In January,
students and faculty held a free blood sugar screening, promoted by the students as key
in diagnosing diabetes before long-term complications develop.
February’s event was a free cholesterol and blood pressure screening. There was also a
free educational session open to the public on heart health.
The National Kidney Foundation, together with PharmUC, held a free Kidney Early
Evaluation Program (KEEP) screening on March 29. Screenings were offered to the
Charleston community and to UC faculty and staff for anyone age 18 and older who has
high blood pressure or diabetes, or has a parent or sibling with high blood pressure,
diabetes, or chronic kidney failure.
In April, the School of Pharmacy hosted its first-ever Medication Take-Back Program.
Members of the community were invited to bring unused prescription medicines to the
PharmUC, and 15 patients were counseled about where and how to appropriately return
or destroy controlled substances. A total of 346 non-controlled prescription drugs were
taken back, which added up to 40 pounds of medications.
Also in April, student pharmacists hosted the second annual “Operation Diabetes
Glucose Screening” at the Capitol Market in Charleston. The activity was sponsored
by the UC chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student
Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), and provided blood pressure measurement, glucose screening
and A1C (average blood sugar) testing, in addition to measuring body mass index, all
free of charge.
Finally, faculty and students, in cooperation with Walmart, hosted a free spirometry
screening to check lung function on May 27. The event also included instruction in the
use of inhaler devices.
2011-12 PharmUC Events
Friday, July 29, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Blood Sugar Screening
Friday, August 26, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Drug Take-Back Program
Friday, September 30, 2011
10:00 a.m. - noon
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
Screening
Friday October 28, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Flu/Pneumonia Immunizations and
Health Literacy
Saturday, November 5, 2011
time TBA
Diabetes Fair (Main Campus)
Friday, December 16, 2011
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Drug Take-Back Program
January 2012
Smoking Cessation Program (throughout the
month)
Febuary 24, 2012
Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Screening
March 2012
KEEP Kidney Event with National Kidney
Foundation & SNPhA
April 2012
Drug Take-Back Program
For more information, visit
www.ucwv.edu/pharmuc.
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TO: U

UC Pharmacy Alum
Gives Back
By Scott Castleman
“It was great to know that my gift would not
go to just any student, but to a pharmacy
student whose goals and ambitions were
very similar to mine,” said Bryan.
Just one year removed from
walking across the stage to
receive her Doctor of Pharmacy
diploma from the University of
Charleston, Amy Bryan has taken
steps to leave a lasting legacy at
her alma mater.
This past spring, Bryan made
history by becoming the first UC School of Pharmacy alum to set
up an annual scholarship to benefit UC student pharmacists.
“I had always wanted to give back to UC, but wasn’t really sure
how I wanted to go about doing it,” said Bryan. “All I had to do
was mention my idea to Dr. Michelle Easton, and she got the ball
rolling.”
Bryan’s scholarship will be awarded yearly to a fourth-year
student pharmacist who chooses to pursue a residency after
graduation. She hopes that this will not only help students
financially, but also be seen as recognition for a job well
done. The scholarship is meaningful because
Bryan recently completed a community
pharmacy residency in Gladstone,
Mo., as the University of
Missouri-Kansas City/
Price Chopper
resident.
Date:
niversity of Charleston $ 500.00
Five hundred and 00/100
armacy
May 2011
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“It was great to know that my gift would not go to just any student,
but to a pharmacy student whose goals and ambitions were very
similar to mine,” said Bryan.
Bryan did not stop with her scholarship though. The Mansfield,
Pa., native is also donating money to purchase plaques that
will hang in the School of Pharmacy to recognize winners of the
patient counseling and clinical skills competitions. Each year the
plaques will be updated with the winners for that year.
DOLLARS
Amy Bryan
“I wanted to recognize those students who put their hard work,
time and talents on display during the year and represented
the school on a national level,” said Bryan.
If you are interested in donating to the school or setting up
a scholarship, please contact Dr. Michelle Easton at
304-357-4928 or at michelleeaston@ucwv.edu.

The University of Charleston announced in June
2010 that the School of Pharmacy had achieved full
national accreditation from the Accreditation Council
for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Full accreditation
is awarded to a new program that has met all ACPE
standards and has graduated its first class.
“We are gratified that the accrediting body has affirmed the
strength of the UC pharmacy program with this grant of full
accreditation,” said university president Dr. Edwin H. Welch.
“Even more exciting is the prospect of these UC doctors
of pharmacy having a positive impact on the health of
communities in West Virginia and beyond. We look forward
to sending 70 to 80 pharmacists into the workforce each
year to make positive contributions to their communities,
both financially and in terms of improving the availability of
quality health care.”
The first class of University of Charleston pharmacists is
already doing the school proud. Ninety-seven percent
of the 69 graduates in 2010 passed the national
certification test (NAPLEX) on the first attempt,
exceeding both state and national averages. A
remarkable number of 2010 graduates garnered competitive
post-graduate positions, six in pharmacy residency
programs and three in clinical research fellowships, for a
total of 13% of the graduating class. The large proportion of
UC graduates in these post-graduate training opportunities
is notable in any pharmacy class, not to mention the first
graduating class from a newly established pharmacy
school. The class of 2011 proved that it was no fluke. Over
10 percent of the seventy-eight members of this year’s
graduates will also serve in post-doctoral programs.
In April, two UC pharmacy
professors accepted leadership
positions with the West Virginia
Society of Health-Systems
Pharmacists. David Bowyer,
director of experiential
education, was named
president elect. Dr. Travis
White, assistant professor of
pharmacy practice, (pictured
on p.10) was elected central
region vice president.
The UC Student Society of Health Systems Pharmacists
presented guest speaker Dr. Eric Eisenhauer on March 31,
2011, as the keynote address for the inaugural Charleston
Against Cervical Cancer event. Eisenhauer is a leading
gynecological oncologist, and a member of the faculty at
The Ohio State University. He specializes in the treatment
of women with gynecologic cancers and favors minimally
invasive procedures when possible.
West Virginia Delegate Bonnie Brown provided opening
comments, and the program included information about
cervical cancer and its prevention, information about the
human papilloma virus (HPV) and HPV vaccination, survivor
testimonials, exhibitors and free refreshments. Vaccination
on site was also available to anyone with insurance coverage.
The event was sponsored by the University of Charleston
School of Pharmacy, the West Virginia Immunization Network,
The Student Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, and the
Kanawha Charleston Health Department.
The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy held its
fifth annual White Coat Ceremony on August 27, 2010.
The white coat is a symbol of the health care profession.
Members of the Class of 2014 donned the coat as part
of their entry into the profession of pharmacy. Students,
faculty, and families gathered to mark this rite of passage.
This year, for the first time, UC pharmacy alumni participated
in the ceremony. Dr. Paul Moore, Senior Health Policy
Advisor to the Health Resources Services Administration,
Office of Rural Health Policy was the keynote speaker.
In February, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern
District of West Virginia held a Summit on Prescription
Drug Abuse co-sponsored by the University of Charleston
School of Pharmacy and state and local government entities.
Featured speakers included U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller,
W.Va. Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblin, U.S. Attorney
R. Booth Goodwin II, and R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of
the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
The University of Charleston School of Pharmacy hosted
our inaugural pharmacy alumni breakfast and continuing
education program on Saturday, April 30th. The event
was open to our inaugural graduates, preceptors, and
licensed pharmacists. Dr. Michael Bottorff was the guest
speaker and presented “At the Heart of the Matter: New
Atrial Fibrillation
Guidelines 2011.”
The event provided
one continuing
education credit.
There were 10
guests in attendance
and door prizes
were won by
alumnus Matt Rafa
and Steven Carter
and pharmacist
Paula Adkins.
Dr. Jessica Robinson began work as an assistant professor at the
University of Charleston School of Pharmacy. After earning her doctorate
in pharmacy, Robinson completed a one- year residency at St. Mary’s
Hospital in Huntington, followed by a second year of a specialty residency
in infectious disease at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. In
addition to her teaching duties, she will be running an antibiotic stewardship
program at CAMC Memorial.
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Dr. Mary Euler, Associate Dean
for Academic Affairs, was one of
only ten pharmacists in the nation
honored as a 2011 American
Pharmacists Association (APhA)
Fellow. The APhA is the oldest
and largest association of
pharmacists in the country, with
more than 60,000 members.
Euler is the first APhA Fellow on
the UC pharmacy faculty. She
was officially recognized at the
APhA Annual Meeting in Seattle,
Washington, in March 2011.
John Hudson, a fourth-year pharmacy student (now a
graduate), of Huntington, WV, was awarded a $3,000
scholarship by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores
(NACDS). John was selected out of more than 500 applicants
to receive the scholarship, which is awarded for exemplary
achievements both inside and outside the school of pharmacy.
Dr. Rebecca Linger and
Dr. Gagan Kaushal were
each awarded grants from the
West Virginia Idea Network of
Biomedical Research Excellence
(WV-INBRE). Dr. Linger was
awarded $10,000 for her project
entitled, Investigating the
Allosteric Signaling in Guanosine
Monophosphate Synthetase.
Dr. Kaushal was awarded
$13,200 for his project entitled,
Cycloserine Transdermal
Formulation Development Based
on an Enhanced Treatment for Acrophobia.
$1000 was awarded by Walmart to faculty member/mentee
pair Dr. Fadi Alkhateeb and Brittany Richter (Class of
2012) to attend the AACP Annual Meeting in San Antonio.
Dr. Krista Capehart, Assistant
Professor of Pharmacy Practice
was elected Vice President of the
West Virginia Asthma Coalition
(WVAC). This coalition uses a
comprehensive public health
approach to reduce the burden
of asthma-related illnesses of
West Virginia citizens.
UCSOP alumnus Dr. Matt Rafa was named a top
Medication Therapy Management (MTM) provider in his
region by Humana Health Outcomes. Matt is employed by
Kroger Pharmacy in the Wheeling area.
UC students Katrina Thompson and John Hudson were
recognized by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores
(NACDS) with the NACDS RxIMPACT “U” Advocacy Award
for active engagement in pro-patient and pro-pharmacy
grassroots activities. The two students received the award
for their leadership in organizing student participation in
Pharmacists’ Day during the 2011 session of the West
Virginia Legislature. Officers of the NACDS commended the
students for their success in engaging student pharmacists
in the policymaking process. The award came with a check
for $2,500 to be used in future advocacy activities.
Dr. Fadi Alkhateeb and Brittany Richter (Class of 2012)
have been selected as AACP Walmart Scholars. The
program provides $1000 to a faculty member and mentee
to attend the AACP Annual meeting, held this year in San
Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Dean Reardon was selected as a mentor for the
WV-INBRE Summer Research Internship for High School
Science Educators. The program matches college faculty
with high school teachers to enable them to conduct
mentored, graduate-level research projects in the field of
biomedical sciences.
Mike Brown, Matthew Dial, Andrew Hadley and Lyssa
Miller, class of 2014, were participants in the inaugural
School of Pharmacy Fellowship Program. Selection criteria
for the program include academic success and leadership
abilities. Members of the year-long program are involved in
advocating for the profession of pharmacy, demonstrating
leadership skills, community contributions, and representing
the School of Pharmacy. A monetary award accompanies
the successful completion of the fellowship. Participants
are eligible for renewal if fellowship criteria, including a 3.25
GPA, are maintained.
Dr. Marcella Hoyland joined the pharmacy
practice faculty at the University of Charleston
as an assistant professor. She is a
graduate of the WVU School of Pharmacy
and completed her pharmacy residency
at Charleston Area Medical Center. She
practices with the internal medicine service at
CAMC-General.
Dr. Travis White joined the pharmacy practice
faculty as an assistant professor. He is a
WVU pharmacy school grad who completed
a residency at the Indianapolis Veterans
Administration Medical Center. His specialty
is ambulatory care and he operates a practice
site at the Holzer Clinic in South Charleston
in addition to his on-campus teaching
responsibilities.
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