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As I reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments over the last few months, I am filled with pride and a renewed sense of optimism. The stories in this newsletter are powerful reminders of the passion, dedication, and drive that define the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy. From groundbreaking research and forward-thinking instruction to student-led initiatives and national recognition, we are moving boldly toward our vision of preeminence.
We are also thrilled to celebrate a milestone that reaches beyond our college, Nova Southeastern University’s recent designation as a Carnegie Opportunity College and University. This prestigious, first-time recognition affirms NSU’s strong commitment to student success, access, and integrity. It acknowledges not only that our students reflect the diverse communities we serve, but also that they go on to earn above-average wages within eight years of enrolling—proof that our mission is making a lasting impact.
That mission is alive in every facet of our college: in our faculty’s commitment to excellence, our students’ leadership and service, and our expanding efforts to connect with and support our communities. Whether raising awareness for heart health, elevating pharmacy practice in Puerto Rico, celebrating our finalists and winners at the STUEYs, or preparing the next generation through hands-on mentorship and education—we are making a difference, together.
I hope this newsletter inspires you, as it has inspired me, to celebrate how far we’ve come and to keep pushing forward. With integrity, compassion, and innovation, we will continue to shape the future of pharmacy and uplift the communities we are privileged to serve.
With appreciation and pride,
Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.
Dean
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Walking for Heart Health: NSU Pharmacy Heart Walkers Make a Difference | | |
Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing heart health. Many faculty members at our college align their practice and research with cardiovascular health issues, making it natural for us to form a team and participate in the American Heart Association’s 2025 Broward Heart Walk. Our team, the “NSU Pharmacy Heart Walkers,” coordinated by Narasimman Gurusamy, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of pharmaceutical sciences, raised over $500 in support of this vital cause.
The team, comprised of faculty, staff, students, and family members, united to raise awareness, inspire healthier lifestyles, and make a difference in the fight against heart disease. The event attracted more than 8,500 participants, and the energy was incredible! Seeing so many colleagues, students, alumni, and community members come together for a cause that impacts countless lives was truly inspiring. We had a fantastic time supporting the important mission of improving awareness and raising funds for cardiac disease research.
| | Celebrating Excellence at the 27th Annual STUEYs | | |
The Student Life Achievement Awards, affectionally known as STUEY’s, is an annual celebration of NSU’s best. With thirteen categories recognizing the outstanding contributions of NSU students, faculty and staff, alumni, and corporate partners, the event is a highlight of the year. Students are eligible for multiple categories, Student of the Year, Student Government of the Year, and Graduate and Undergraduate Organization of the Year. This year, the Silverman College of Pharmacy was thrilled to have finalists in nine out of thirteen categories. While we submit nominations for all applicable categories, making it to the list of finalists is never guaranteed.
Our finalists included (the winners are in bold):
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Alumni of the Year: John Michael O’Brien, Pharm.D. (’00)
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Co-Curricular Adviser of the Year: Tricia Gangoo-Dookhan, Pharm.D. (‘00)
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Corporate Partner of the Year: Apotex, Corp.
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Executive of the Year: Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.
- Graduate Organization of the Year Phi Delta Chi
- Professor of the Year: Richard Deth, Ph.D.
- Regional Campus Student of the Year: Alejandra P. Cepero De León (’27)
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Student Government of the Year: Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy SGA
- Student of the Year: Deanna Henry (’25)
The 27th Annual STUEYs took place on April 15, 2025, and it was a night to remember! Our college finalists won in three categories: Alumni of the Year, Executive of the Year, and Student Government of the Year. We are incredibly proud of Dean Clark, Dr. O’Brien, and our SGA for their remarkable achievements. Their contributions truly enhance our campus community and enrich our Shark Pride.
| | Inaugural Critical Care Symposium | | |
The Silverman College of Pharmacy is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its inaugural Critical Care Symposium. Held on March 22, 2025, this full-day event offered 6.5 hours of continuing pharmacy education credit and featured sessions led by a multidisciplinary panel of local and national speakers, including three esteemed guideline authors! With over 90 attendees joining us both in-person and virtually from 15 different states and Puerto Rico, the symposium provided a unique opportunity for participants to network with critical care practitioners nationwide and engage with industry sponsors.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible speakers for sharing their wealth of knowledge, and to our industry sponsors: CSL Behring, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Pacira Biosciences, and Octapharma Plasma. Special recognition goes to faculty co-chairs Karen Berger, Pharm.D., and Melissa Santibanez, Pharm.D. ('15), whose vision and dedication brought this exciting and successful inaugural symposium to life.
For those who missed it, a recap is available from our virtual moderator and ‘Pharmacy to Dose’ podcast host, Nick Peters: https://tinyurl.com/m8h9dt87
Stay tuned for more information on next year’s program!
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Faculty Development Days: A Celebration of Growth, Collaboration, and Student Success | | |
In May, faculty from the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy came together for two energizing days of professional development, an annual tradition that unites colleagues from both the Florida and Puerto Rico campuses. This year’s theme, “Student Success is Our Success,” set the tone for a program filled with learning, reflection, and connection. The event offered a valuable opportunity to share best practices, explore new ideas, and plan for the future of the college, all while strengthening the bonds that make our “pharmily” so special.
The program kicked off with a powerful keynote by Zoe Ragouzeos, Ph.D., LCSW, who led a thought-provoking session on fostering a culture of holistic well-being alongside academic achievement. Her insights sparked meaningful conversations about how we can better support our students—and each other. Other highlights included interactive discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its evolving role in higher education, a high-energy session on maximizing the impact of faculty advising, data-driven insights into predictive factors for student success on the NAPLEX, and a special visit from Harry K. Moon, M.D., FACS, FRCSEd, NSU President and CEO, who shared his inspiring vision for the university’s future. To cap off the experience, faculty enjoyed a lively team-building activity at a local bowling alley. Randomly assigned to ten teams, colleagues competed for the highest score, and maybe even sparked the idea for a future college bowling league!
These two days were more than just professional development, they were a celebration of community, collaboration, and our shared commitment to excellence. The lessons learned will help us continue to evolve, adapt, and lead as we move forward on our path to preeminence.
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Recognizing Faculty with the Prestigious Golden Apple Award | | |
The Golden Apple Award is a time-honored tradition at the Silverman College of Pharmacy. Every year faculty are recognized by the students they teach for their excellence and innovations in the classroom. The process has each class select their faculty finalist, followed by selection of the final Golden Apple winner by a simple majority of the votes by a select group of students. These faculty all have tremendous abilities to communicate course material, promote student learning, demonstrate enthusiasm, and foster student success.
Melissa Santibañez, Pharm.D. (‘15) was the Class of 2025 Finalist, David Gazze, Ph.D., the Class of 2026 Finalist, Luigi Cubeddu, M.D., Class of 2027 Finalist, and Mamta Pansuria, Pharm.D. (‘03) was Class of 2028 Finalist.
Dr. Santibañez was announced as the winner at the April faculty meeting.
| | | Teaching Triumph: Faculty Recognized for Excellence in Teaching | | |
Congratulations to Alexandra Perez, Pharm.D., M.S. (‘05) for winning the 2025 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Innovation in Teaching Award.
https://www.aacp.org/resource/innovation-teaching-award
This is a competitive award and Dr. Perez worked hard to create a portfolio that was above other portfolios. Her project, ‘Bridging the Research Gap: Assessing the Impact of A Required One-semester Introductory Applied Research Course’. The submission featured the course "Evidence-Based Practice 4 (EBP4): Introduction to Data Analytics", a required one-semester applied course designed to address critical gaps in research competencies within the pharmacy profession. Through innovative, hands-on learning that incorporates real-world data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and user-friendly statistical software, Dr. Perez’s course empowers students to build foundational research skills and gain the confidence needed to engage in more advanced research activities within our Program and beyond.
| | Faculty and Student Collaborations Breed Success at AMCP | |
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At the recent Academy of Managed Care (AMCP) meeting in Houston, TX faculty and students from the Silverman College of Pharmacy showcased their collaborative research project titled "Evaluating the Impact of a Training-Based Program on Social Determinants of Health for Healthcare Professionals."
The research team included experienced faculty and enthusiastic students, Tricia Gangoo-Dookhan, Pharm.D. (‘00), Melissa Santibañez, Pharm.D. (‘15), Huy Pham, Pharm.D. (‘18), and Gerardo Ramos, Pharm.D. (‘18), along with pharmacy students Jan Hernandez Velazquez (‘26), Jose Nazario (‘27), and Nicholas Rivero (‘26).
Findings from the project indicate that such training significantly improves healthcare providers' ability to recognize and address social determinants of health, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and more equitable healthcare delivery. Attendees at the meeting were impressed by the project's potential to transform healthcare education and practice, emphasizing the importance of providing healthcare professionals with the skills needed to address the social factors that influence health. Projects such as this exemplify the power of academic collaboration in driving meaningful changes in healthcare.
| | | | From Lab to Life: Impactful Mitochondrial Research | | |
Benedict Albensi, Ph.D., chair, department of pharmaceutical sciences and professor is making significant strides in his research surrounding mitochondria and its connection to Alzheimer’s disease.
Recently, he participated as both a panelist and speaker at the Mitochondrial Transplantation and Next Generation Therapeutics Conference held at Hofstra University. Dr. Albensi expressed his honor in joining the families' support group panel discussion, where he listened to inspiring stories from parents of children with primary mitochondrial disorders. The conference brought together families and scientists who specialize in various aspects of mitochondrial transplantation, transfer, and transfusion, using basic, translational, and clinical approaches.
'Countdown For A Cure,' a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing mitochondrial research and improving the lives of those affected by mitochondrial dysfunction, interviewed Dr. Albensi about his research and the conference. Founded in 2024, 'Countdown For A Cure' collaborates with leading research institutions and patient advocacy groups, such as the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, to fund innovative science and provide essential support to families. The partnership between Dr. Albensi and the organization has thrived, and he will be joining their Board of Directors.
| | Advancing Pharmacy Practice Across Puerto Rico | | |
Puerto Rico National Pharmacists Week (April 7–11, 2025) was a time to honor the vital role pharmacists play in healthcare across the island. This year, the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy proudly recognizes the outstanding efforts of Jose Rodriguez, Pharm.D. (’22) and Rodney Colón Vázquez, Pharm.D. (’20), dedicated faculty members from our San Juan campus, who made a significant impact during the weeklong celebration. In partnership with the Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Puerto Rico, Drs. Rodriguez and Colón Vázquez led a comprehensive Continuing Education (CE) series that reached over 500 pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Traveling to Mayagüez, Caguas, San Juan, Ponce, and Hatillo, they delivered timely clinical updates on GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists, innovative therapies transforming the treatment landscape for diabetes and obesity. The sessions explored clinical benefits and therapeutic considerations, management of side effects and adverse events, patient counseling strategies for optimal care, and the evolving role of pharmacists in therapy recommendations. Their work exemplifies the college’s commitment to leadership, education, and community outreach, and highlights the excellence and dedication of our faculty in advancing pharmacy practice across Puerto Rico.
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Caps Off to the Class of 2025 | |
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On May 9 we had the distinct honor of celebrating the commencement of our graduating students at the NSU Rick Case Arena. It was a day filled with pride, joy, and heartfelt applause as we recognized the achievements of our newest alumni. This year, we proudly conferred degrees upon a remarkable group of graduates, including 223 from our Pharm.D. program, 8 Ph.D. recipients in Pharmaceutical Sciences and 25 graduates from our Pharmaceutical Affairs and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs.
The energy in the arena was electric, and true to tradition, the Silverman College of Pharmacy made their presence known—loud, proud, and full of spirit. Professor Richard Deth, Ph.D., served as Grand Marshal, leading the academic processional with distinction. In this ceremonial role, he had the honor of convening and dismissing the commencement and carrying the university’s ceremonial mace—a symbol of academic authority that is typically displayed in the rotunda of the William and Norma Horvitz Administration Building. We were also privileged to hear from Ambassador Jimmy Kolker, M.S., who delivered an inspiring keynote address. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in global diplomacy and health policy, Ambassador Kolker shared insights from his service as U.S. Ambassador to Burkina Faso and Uganda, his work with UNICEF, and his leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The ceremony concluded on a powerful note as our Pharm.D. candidates stood to recite the Oath of a Pharmacist, led by Georgia Lehoczky, R.Ph., Regional Healthcare Director at Walgreens. This moment marked their official transition from students to professionals, ready to make a difference in the world of pharmacy. Each year, commencement brings a mix of emotions, pride, nostalgia, and excitement for the future. As our graduates step into the next chapter of their journey, we look forward to following their accomplishments across the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of the pharmacy profession.
| | | | Leading with Purpose: Abran Fernandez's NSU Story | | |
We were thrilled to see one of our own, Abran Fernandez (’26), featured in NSU’s newsroom as part of the ‘Shark Sightings’ student spotlight, an initiative from the university’s Division of Public Relations and Marketing Communications.
When Abran started his graduate studies at NSU, he saw it as an opportunity to reinvent himself. From his first days on campus he emerged as a leader in and out of the classroom. As he advanced through the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum, he chose to pursue a dual degree and began working on his M.B.A. In his third year (P3), Abran took on significant leadership roles, serving as the President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and as an Executive Board Member for the Legislative Task Force. These opportunities have allowed him to grow, lead, and make a meaningful impact at NSU.
Watch the video to learn more about Abran and his experience at NSU and with the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy: https://news.nova.edu/uncategorized/shark-sightings-abran-fernandez/
| | Walgreens Professional Development & Leadership Workshop Empowers NSU Pharmacy Students in Puerto Rico | |
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At the end of April, the Silverman College of Pharmacy partnered with Walgreens to host the Walgreens Professional Development & Leadership Workshop. This dynamic event took place at the Hotel Verdanza in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico and offered students a valuable opportunity to build leadership skills, enhance their professional development, and engage in meaningful interactions with peers and mentors. Throughout the day, participants took part in interactive sessions, team-building exercises, and workshops focused on self-awareness, personal growth, and the key traits of effective leadership.
The success of the workshop was made possible thanks to the dedication and expertise of an outstanding team who contributed as coaches and facilitators, panel members, and mock interviewers. These engaging sessions offered students a deeper understanding of the pharmacy field, along with practical experience and personalized feedback to help them prepare for future career opportunities. There was also an informative session on lunch etiquette, equipping students with essential professional dining skills.
Adding to the depth of the workshop was PGY1 resident, Natalia Acevedo-Muñoz, Pharm.D. ('24) who offered firsthand perspectives on the residency experience. This initiative reflects Walgreens’ steadfast commitment to investing in the next generation of healthcare professionals and the continued advancement of pharmacy education. We are proud to collaborate with such dedicated partners who support our mission to prepare future leaders in healthcare and extend our heartfelt thanks to the Walgreens team for their generous support and active participation.
| | | | Mental Health Festival Unites Community in Wellness | | |
This past February, the Silverman College of Pharmacy hosted its annual Mental Health Festival, welcoming over 150 NSU students and community members for a day of healing and connection. Attendees began with trauma-focused yoga sessions designed to help participants process stress and build resilience, while certified service dogs roamed around offering moments of calm and emotional support.
Guests also explored Narcan training demos and heard from organizations such as Women in Distress, local mental health centers, South Florida Wellness, and many other community vendors dedicated to well-being. The festival not only equipped our students and community members with practical skills but also deepened our understanding of mental health challenges and the importance of self-care. By prioritizing community outreach, we developed meaningful partnerships with mental health advocates and personally experienced the power of community.
Jaslyn Jimenez (‘27), president of the student chapter of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) shared “This festival showed me that mental health and self-care are just as critical to patient care as any medication. Witnessing the joy brought by our service dogs and the stress relieved from our yoga session was extremely rewarding. As a student pharmacist, I’m inspired to carry that compassion forward in every interaction.”
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Preceptor of the Year Awards | | |
Each year, the Office of Experiential Education (OEE) proudly hosts a student-nominated award to honor outstanding preceptors. These dedicated professionals are recognized for their exceptional teaching, unwavering commitment to excellence, and high standards of professionalism. Most importantly, they play a vital role in shaping the future of pharmacy by making a lasting impact on their students’ growth and career paths. Students are invited to nominate preceptors who have significantly influenced their journey, sharing a brief narrative that highlights how the preceptor helped shape their goals and aspirations. Awards are presented in four categories, Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) Community, IPPE Health System, Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE), and Faculty APPE. In recognition for their high standards of professionalism and commitment to students as pharmacy mentors and teachers we celebrate the following Preceptors of the Year for academic year 2024-2025:
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IPPE Community: David Mai, Pharm.D. (’17), site: Publix
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IPPE Health System: Alma Nieves, RPh, site: West Kendall Baptist Hospital
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APPE: Daniel Carvajal, Pharm.D., site: Bruce W. Carter VA Medical Center Miami
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Faculty APPE: Genevieve Hale, Pharm.D. (‘13), site: NSU and HCA JFK Heart and Vascular Care Clinic
These preceptors are to be praised for their exceptional dedication to student development through a combination of patience, kindness, and clinical expertise. They foster supportive learning environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and professional growth. By taking time to explain complex concepts clearly, challenging students to reinforce their knowledge, and offering career guidance, these mentors instill confidence and inspire excellence. Their compassionate and structured teaching styles, particularly in areas like community, health system, and ambulatory pharmacy, leave a lasting impact on students’ clinical skills and future careers.
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This year's pharmacy legislation covered a range of important topics, including:
- Protecting pharmacists' role in chronic disease management (SB294/HB689)
- Preserving high-quality, in-person pharmacy care (HB273/SB906)
- Securing fair reimbursement and provider recognition (HB941/SB1124)
Additionally, efforts to increase transparency in Medicaid pharmacy benefits and reduce costly PBM markups remained a focus at both state and national levels, highlighted by the Presidential Executive Order on lowering drug prices. There were significant victories, such as preventing the exclusion of cardiac conditions from collaborative pharmacy practice agreements (SB294/HB689) and halting the emergence of remote pharmacies (HB273/SB906).
However, bills promoting pharmacist compensation and recognition (HB941/SB1124) did not pass this year. Despite this, the introduction of these bills marks a crucial step forward for the profession, ensuring pharmacists remain relevant and financially stable while providing essential services like immunizations and consultations. For more information, visit Florida Pharmacy Association. Stay informed and engaged to see what the 2026 legislative priorities for pharmacies will be!
On another note, effective July 1st, 2025 all healthcare practitioners must comply with background screening requirements when applying for initial licensure or renewing their license. Visit https://flhealthsource.gov/background-screening/ for more information.
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Ahmed Alanazi, Ph.D. ('18) has started a new position as Alumni Unit Supervisor at College of Pharmacy at King Saud University.
Sadys Arencibia, Pharm.D. (’18) has started a new position as Pharmacist Optimal Health Medical Center.
Yevgen “Yogi” Baran, Pharm.D. (‘15) has started a new position as Staff Pharmacist at Hallandale Pharmacy.
Jessie Blaze, Pharm.D. ('23) has started a new position as Associate Director, Omnichannel Orchestration at Sanofi.
Zaritza Cajigas, Pharm.D. (’15) has started a new position as Specialty Pharmacy Clinical Service Manager at Alivia Health.
Madeline Camejo, Pharm.D. (‘97) was selected as Empowered Woman of the Year by International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).
Kelly Desir, Pharm.D. ('21) has started a new position as Clinical Pharmacist PRN at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital.
Indira Dupotey-Rubi, Pharm.D. (‘12) was promoted to Director, DSNP & Medicaid Pharmacy Program Management at United Healthcare.
Amneh Fares, Pharm.D. (’20) has started a new position as Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator – Malignant Hematology and Cellular Therapy at Memorial Cancer Institute.
Glenn Fonte, Pharm.D. (’04) has started a new position as Principal Medical Value Liaison – Oncology at Daiichi Sankyo U.S.
Angela Garcia, Pharm.D. (’08) received the 2025 Bowl of Hygeia Award at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting for her outstanding record of community service.
Angela Garcia, Pharm. D. (’08) has started a new position as Medical Science Liaison – Pulmonary at Sanofi.
Carly Gartner, Pharm.D. (‘17) has started a new position as Medical Science Liaison at Apellis Pharmaceuticals.
Ethan Gohari, Pharm.D. (‘14) has started a new position as Associate Director, LSI Area Trainer at Eli Lily and Company.
Julian Gomez, Pharm.D. (’17) has started a new position as Pharmacy Operations Manager at Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
Aaron Johnson, Pharm.D. (‘22) was honored by the City of Fort Lauderdale for his community efforts to advance health equity and public health with a proclamation in recognition of National Minority Health Month.
Jawad Kamal, Pharm.D. (‘18) has started a new position as Pharmacist In-Charge at Vital Care Infusion Services of Coral Springs.
Jutatip Kanchart, Pharm.D. (‘21) has started a new position as Clinical Pharmacy at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital.
Pablo Lapetina, Pharm.D. ('20) has joined Syneos Health in partnership with ViiV Healthcare as a Senior Medical Science Liaison.
Nayeli Montes, Pharm.D. ('17) has started a new position as Senior Application Administrator - Epic Willow at Memorial Healthcare System.
Belmarie Palén, Pharm.D. (‘19) has started a new position as Manager Clinical Patient Access at Axium Healthcare (Elevance Health).
Shivani Patel, Pharm.D. (‘21) has started a new position as Director, Medical & Scientific Affairs at Envision Communications, part of the Medical Knowledge Group.
Samara Piez, Pharm.D. (‘19) has started a new position as Field Reimbursement Manager at Endo.
Anabel Sedeno, Pharm.D. (’13) has started a new position as Project Lead, NCI Clinical Trials Monitoring Service at Theradex Oncology.
Veronica Sherman, Pharm.D. ('11) has been promoted to CVRM Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca.
Homood As Sobeai, Ph.D. (‘17) was named as the Conference Chair for the Saudi International Conference on Pharmaceutical Research and Innovation.
Trusha Taneja, Pharm.D. ('18) has started a new position as the Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist at Kaweah Health.
Monica Tadros, Pharm.D. (‘18) has started a new position as Medical Science Liaison Hematology/Myeloid at Bristol Myers Squibb.
| | | | We would love to feature your professional achievements! Please email us with updates to copalumni@nova.edu | | SharksRX Alumni Legacy Fund | | The SharksRx Alumni Society created the legacy fund to support the College through the knowledge, skills, and financial resources needed to invest in the future of pharmacy education. The Society's goal is to grow student scholarship opportunities. You can help meet this goal by supporting the SharksRx Alumni Legacy Fund. Your contributions help the next generation of pharmacists in perpetuity. For more information on the Legacy Tree contact Carla Luque, Pharm.D., assistant dean, student services. To purchase an engraved leaf with your inscription click here. | | Upcoming Continuing Pharmacy Education Programs | | The Silverman College of Pharmacy provides a variety of training programs and workshops. Currently, the following program is offered: | | |
Silverman College of Pharmacy Alumni events, training/workshops, and Continuing Education courses are listed on the Silverman College of Pharmacy website.
The NSU Alumni Association (NSUAA) hosts a variety of programs and events to keep you involved and active throughout the year. Please check the NSUAA website for more information.
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