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The fall semester is going quickly, and students are already preparing for final exams in a few weeks. Outside the classroom, our students have been busy with their chapters of professional associations, pharmaceutical fraternities, and honor societies. The Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy prides itself on the wide variety of programs offered that give students a greater understanding of and appreciation for the profession, the numerous career pathways that exist, and how to maintain a community of caring regardless of the setting.
This fall we gave our well-being program offerings for faculty, staff, and students more structure and formalized our efforts through a newly created position, director, professional well-being and belonging. The college recognizes, and I fully support, the notion that the success of the college is relative to the well-being of those who contribute to our operations.
In October we were honored to receive, $963,000 in federal funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help detect genetic differences among women making some more vulnerable to cancers and other diseases. Read more on this initiative and research at NSU Receives Funding for Early Detection of Cancer, Diseases – Newsroom.
The NSU Health Pharmacy offers well-being services to our community. With flu season here, it is important to take steps to stay healthy. Flu shots and other vaccinations are available at the NSU Health pharmacy. Other services include compounding medicines, disease management programs, counseling, and wellness screenings. For information and to schedule an appointment call (954) 262-4550.
Go SharksRx!
Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.
Dean
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Community Leadership Council Members Provide Student Scholarships | | |
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The Community Leadership Council (CLC) of the Silverman College of Pharmacy supports the college in numerous ways. They engage in community activities, participate in strategic planning, and cultivate philanthropic efforts. Their generous financial contributions provide support to the best and brightest students, and this year, eight students received scholarships to assist with the cost of pharmacy school. The scholarships were divided amongst current students (four) and incoming students (four). Current students are selected based on their academic excellence and demonstrated growth as a leader. Incoming students are selected based on academic achievement, community service activities, and leadership roles. The scholarships provided from the CLC can alleviate some of the financial burden pharmacy students experience while in pursuit of their education and allows them to focus on their studies and clinical training. | |
Cutting-Edge Research Supported by Federal Funding | |
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NSU has received $963,000 in federal funding from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to help detect genetic differences among women that may make some more vulnerable to cancers and other diseases. The funds will be used to purchase cutting-edge instruments that will be used in the early detection of cancers and other diseases.
According to Dr. George Hanbury, NSU president and chief executive officer, “NSU’s Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy has the expertise and research resources to conduct the scientific and clinical investigations but requires additional equipment in order to develop and standardize protocols”. It is our hope that research enabled by the federal funding will provide new measurement techniques, uniform and standardized methods to evaluate data, and evidence-based recommendations for early detection and diagnosis. The gift was presented by U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), a breast cancer survivor who has supported legislation designed to increase breast cancer education and awareness.
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Solidifying Our Commitment to Well-being and Belonging | |
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The Silverman College of Pharmacy has solidified their commitment to well-being and belonging by creating a new position to focus solely on such initiatives. Rochelle Nappi, Ed.D. was appointed to the position, director professional well-being & belonging on July 1. In this role, she is responsible for delivering programs which address multiple dimensions of well-being, such as physical, intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual, occupational, environmental, and financial.
A sample of the programs and activities that have been offered throughout the fall semester include regular meditation sessions, a pet therapy event, yoga classes, and a hydration challenge for faculty and staff titled, “Sip. Smile. Repeat.” Eighteen people signed up to participate in the 4-week challenge. To add a little fun and creativity, participants were asked to create a water alias name to help keep things (semi) anonymous. Additionally, each Thursday, is referred to as “Thirsty Thursday” where participants share the creative ways they infuse their water. We saw water infused with lemon and ginger which is good for boosting the immune system and weight loss, water infused with pineapple and orange which is a good source of vitamin C and supports immunity, and water with ice which is just good!
Congratulations to Narasimman Gurusamy, Ph.D. who consumed the highest amount of water and to Melissa Santibanez, Pharm.D. ('15) who had the most gain in their water consumption. All of the programs aim to create an environment where every member of the pharmily feels as though they are an integral part of and contribute to the success of the college.
| Fostering a Collaborative Culture in Support of Health and Wellness Services | |
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Student organizations from the Silverman College of Pharmacy came together to participate in an annual university event, “Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital – A Day for Children” at the Alvin Sherman Library on the Davie/Fort Lauderdale campus. Events such as this demonstrate NSU’s comprehensive and longstanding commitment to research, education, and community outreach efforts that recognize healthy children are more likely to grow into healthy adults.
This annual gathering has occurred for more than 20 years and provides free and low-cost health and wellness services for children from birth to 16 years of age.
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Additionally, it is a forum for families to obtain, process, and understand basic medical information. Fourteen of our student organizations participated in the community event and provided patient education on First Aid 101, flu vaccines, and medication safety. Other services and education addressed vision, medical, speech, behavioral, and dental health, as well as physical and occupational therapy. It’s always wonderful to see our pharmily come together in support of ONE NSU and give back to the local community. A special thank you to the student members and faculty advisors from AAPP, APhA-ASP, ASCP, AZO, CPFI, IPhO, IPSA, Kappa Psi, NCPA, PDC, PLS, SCCP, SNPhA, and SSHP. | | | | |
Research Findings Presented at National and International Gatherings | |
Benedict Albensi, Ph.D., chair, department of pharmaceutical sciences and professor, had a very busy fall traveling to professional meetings to connect with colleagues, present his research findings, and increase the visibility of NSU. First up was a trip to Winnipeg, Canada to present results from his recent clinical trial on Flaxseed at the International Conference on the Advances of Health Benefits of Agri-Foods at the St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Center. The trial, “Effects of Dietary Flax Beverage on Memory and Consumption” is still in progress. Results to date have shown that (1) memory/cognitive tests of the flax treated group had a trend towards decreased cognitive impairment and increased cognitive functioning compared to the non-flax control and (2) PET scans revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups in the percentage of metabolic alterations, which displayed itself as hypometabolism. | |
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From Winnipeg, he traveled to Chicago, IL to attend the Society for Neuroscience Meeting, the premier global neuroscience event, where his team had four posters. This meeting also provided an opportunity for Dr. Albensi, who is the Editor-in-Chief for the journal Molecular Neurobiology, to brainstorm with other members of his editorial staff and develop ideas for upcoming journal activities. The two meetings were back-to-back and made for a whirlwind few days, but the discovery of new ideas, shared research and networking opportunities made it all extremely worthwhile. | |
Advocating for Equal Access to Care and Treatment | |
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Elizabeth Sherman, Pharm.D. (‘07), associate professor in the department of pharmacy practice continues to press forward as an advocate for issues which impact the infectious disease and HIV landscape. In a video message, posted to the Infectious Diseases Society of America LinkedIn page, she explained what ending the HIV means to her, “…that people with HIV are treated no differently than anybody else in society and they have the same access to care and treatment as anyone else.” (Click the image on the left to view the video.)
The post encouraged the Society’s almost 100,000 followers, to join in on these important advocacy efforts to bring an end to the HIV epidemic. Health professionals need to collaborate on their efforts to educate members of Congress about these important issues.
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Faculty Helps to Propel NSU Research Forward | |
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Basma Gomaa, Ph.D., assistant professor in the department of sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy, is doing her part to help propel NSU forward in their quest to become an R1 research institution. She was recently named co-investigator in a National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grant, and will be working alongside principal investigator, Eric Walsh-Buhi, Ph.D. of Indiana University.
The four-year grant entitled, “Skin cancer on social media: Analyzing current communications, modeling diffusion potential, and developing innovative prevention focused messages” will first characterize the social media landscape regarding skin cancer–related posts, then develop and test scientifically accurate social media content about skin cancer prevention aimed at adolescent and young adults. A goal of the project is to provide a strong basis for the future development of improved and targeted prevention efforts via digital platforms frequently used and easily accessed by adolescents and young adults.
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An Afternoon Tea to Honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month | |
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Jean Latimer, Ph.D., associate professor and Director at NSU’s AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care presented the latest research findings coming from her institute. She, along with her colleague, Stephen Zimberg, M.D. and Ph.D. candidate, discussed their recent discovery of microRNA molecules that can inhibit drug resistance, enhancing the effectiveness of therapeutic cancer treatments. The talk was titled, “DNA Damage Repair in Breast and Gynecological Cancers” and was accompanied by a “high tea” styled event. Attendees learned about groundbreaking research while enjoying an afternoon of delicious finger sandwiches, decadent pastries, and a variety of fine teas and coffees. | |
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Stella Athanas, Pharm.D. - Director of Experiential Education - APPE and Assistant Professor | |
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Stella Athanas, Pharm.D. a graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, has joined the Silverman College of Pharmacy as director, experiential education and assistant professor. She brings extensive experience to this position having worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, spending time as a pharmacist in the community setting, and as an adjunct faculty member. Most recently she was at the VA Medical Center in Boston, where she worked in the outpatient pharmacy, and in the inpatient and oncology departments. A highlight of her time there was as a co-leader of the smoking cessation and cardiovascular rehabilitation groups. She is excited to begin her professional chapter at NSU.
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Students Collaborate with Alumni in Patient Education Event | |
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As the school year was getting underway, several members of the Dean’s Ambassador Program collaborated with local pharmacists to gather and present information on critical topics within healthcare settings, such as HIV PrEP, HIV PEP, HIV treatment as prevention, sexually transmitted infections, and the opioid crisis. The event took place in the Carl DeSantis Building on the Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus and was supervised by a team of pharmacists, many of whom are alumni of the Silverman College of Pharmacy. Cassandra Esperant, Pharm.D. (‘11), coordinated the event alongside Deborah Lolo, Pharm.D. (’11); Sheila Montalvo, Pharm.D. (‘15); and assistant professor Dana Holger, Pharm.D. (‘19). Prior to the event, students were tasked to create an informative pamphlet on an assigned topic.
During the event, they had the opportunity to provide education to other NSU students and with outside visitors and colleagues. The students shared that the experience was immensely rewarding and allowed them to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom. It was an extraordinary day that allowed the students to demonstrate their passion and dedication to providing patient care.
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Students Celebrate Advocacy Week During APhM | |
In support of American Pharmacists Month (APhM) and to showcase the efforts of our student body, the professional organizations, pharmaceutical fraternities, and Legislative Task Force (LTF) partnered together on several events during Advocacy Week. The events offered valuable insights and actionable tips to help students confidently champion issues that matter most in pharmacy. The dynamic programming included, Struggles of an Independent Pharmacy Owner with Chris Cutolo, Pharm.D. (’07), Pharmacy & Law: Navigating the Intersections of Healthcare and Legalities with Wendell Locke, Pharm.D., J.D., Insights on Advocacy Research with John O’Brien, Pharm.D. (‘00), and Advocacy FOMO: Why You Should Fear Missing Out on Pharmacy Legislation, an event that featured several guest speakers from the State Congress, Florida Board of Pharmacy, and Legislative Organizations, the Florida Pharmacists Association and the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacists. | |
Students Celebrate Indigenous Roots | |
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First year students from the San Juan Campus took part in a special event to recognize the 35th anniversary of Turey el Taino, a beloved comic strip character and cherished Puerto Rican cultural icon. At the event, which took place on November 9 at Plaza Las Américas in San Juan, students had the opportunity to join the traditional Areito, and immerse themselves in rhythmic dances, a part of the rich cultural heritage passed down through generations. | | | |
The experience allowed them to embrace the significance of Taino traditions firsthand. The event was a vibrant fusion of Puerto Rican history, culture, and the arts, showcasing the enduring legacy of Turey el Taino as a symbol of the island’s rich history. More than a celebration of a beloved comic strip, the event offered a profound opportunity for the younger generation to connect with, appreciate, and carry forward the traditions that define Puerto Rico’s indigenous heritage. | |
Ph.D. Students Make Their Mark at NIDDK Network of Minority Research Investigators | |
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Students in the Ph.D. program, Haifa Alharbi, Pharm.D., M.S. and Yasser Alharbi, Pharm.D., were both active participants at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Network of Minority Research Investigators Southern Regional Workshop held in October at Florida International University.
The NIDDK is an institute within the National Institutes of Health which conducts and supports research into many of the most common, costly, and chronic conditions to improve health. Both students are pursuing a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus on social and administrative pharmacy. Haifa, under the mentorship of Ioana Popovici, Ph.D., associate professor won a clinical award for her project “Depression and Financial Hardship From Medical Bills Among Adults With Diabetes In The United States. Yasser, who is being mentored by associate professor Alexandra Perez, Pharm.D. (‘05), M.S. presented a poster, "Evaluation Of Social Determinants of Health by Racial/Ethnic Groups among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: Evidence from the NIH All Of Us Database”.
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2024 Annual Experiential Expo | |
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The Office of Experiential Education hosted the 2024 Annual Experiential Expo at both the Davie/Fort Lauderdale and the San Juan campuses in September. This vibrant event connects students with preceptors from various fields. Denise Elia, Pharm.D. (‘93), assistant professor and director preceptor development and Jennifer Steinberg, Pharm.D., assistant professor and director experiential education for IPPEs coordinated the event in Atrium of the Carl DeSantis Building on the Davie/Fort Lauderdale campus. Julie Marin, Pharm.D. ('06), assistant professor and director experiential education IPPE and APPE managed the event in San Juan.
Collectively, the events had 115 sites and 160 preceptors in attendance. There was a wide variety of pharmacy settings in attendance to showcase the available IPPEs and APPEs. More than 300 students were in attendance and used the Expo to make new connections, learn about pharmacy related opportunities, and expand their professional development plans. Further, the event provided an occasion for the students to learn more about the experiences offered to help guide them in their rotation selections, and ultimately achieve their career goals.
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From a national and regional standpoint, a few legislative updates have been in the press regarding fair business practices within pharmacy and expanded practice for other allied health professions. U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (Oregon) and Sherrod Brown (Ohio), on behalf of the US Committee of Finance, have praised the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on their recent lawsuit against the unfair competition of pharmacy benefit managers (PBM). A new term coined “co-manufacturing” has been introduced by the PBMs. This term is still unclear but seems to suggest that manufacturing services are provided by the PBMs, when PBMs are providing consulting services to the pharmaceutical manufacturers in an effort to further control the supply chain. Per a letter from the Senators to the FTC, “The concern with these co-manufacturing agreements is that they are a veiled attempt by PBMs to control additional parts of the supply chain which has resulted in additional harm to consumers in the form of fewer drug choices and higher drug costs.” Alas, the fight for PBM transparency continues.
In other news, the Florida Academy of Physician Assistants plans to lobby the Florida Legislature during the next session to allow physician assistants to independently practice primary care in Florida without a doctor's supervision. Additionally, chiropractors plan to lobby the Florida legislature to allow them to administer IV nutritional products. The latter has been tried on and off since 1980 but has yet to be successful. However, if either is passed this will certainly affect the relationship between pharmacists and other allied professionals on the healthcare team.
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Catalina Acosta, Pharm.D. (‘15) has started a new position as Pharmacy Clinical Practice Manager at Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH).
Samantha Canto, Pharm.D. (’22) has started a new position as a Medical Science Liaison (Psych Division) at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Companies (U.S.).
Vivian Chau, Pharm.D. (‘18) has started a new position as a GU Medical Science Liaison for North Florida at Johnson & Johnson.
Chih Chin, Pharm.D. (’10) was awarded the Division President’s Award of Leadership Excellence at HCA Florida Westside Hospital.
Ashley Dabalsa, Pharm.D. ('22) has started a new position as a Clinical Pharmacist at Broward Health.
Leanna M. Del Calvo, Pharm.D. (24) started a new position as Clinical Pharmacist at HCA Florida Aventura Hospital.
Chad Edgar, Pharm.D. (‘05) has started a new position as Clinical Pharmacy Manager at West Boca Medical Center.
Jorge Garcia, Pharm.D. (‘10) received the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) Dorothy Green Phillips Legacy Award.
Danielle Erika Gay, Pharm.D. (‘23) has started a new position as a Clinical Pharmacist at United Healthcare/The Judge Group.
Ramona Hahn, Pharm.D. (‘10) has started a new position as Senior Clinical Account Executive at MedImpact Healthcare Systems, Inc.
Viviene Heitlage, Pharm.D. (‘08 ) has started a new position as a Medical Science Liaison at AbbVie.
Hong Nguyen, Pharm.D. (‘18) was awarded the Leader of the Quarter Award at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
Dionis Malo, Pharm.D. (‘10) has started a new position as Principle Scientific Account Lead, Value & Evidence Scientific Engagement at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
Laura Pérez, Pharm.D. (‘22) has started a new position as Cardiology Pharmacy Specialist at Broward Health Medical Center.
Tony Pérez, Pharm.D. (‘16), M.B.A. was promoted to Clinical Account Manager at Abarca Health
Marco Ramirez, Pharm.D. (‘19) has started a new position as Pharmacy Manager at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.
Larisa Ruiz Serrano, Pharm.D. (’14) has started a new position as Associate Director, Medical Science Liaison at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals.
Adam Steinberg, Pharm.D. (’17) was a plenary speaker at the Association for Accessible Medicines Generics + Biosimilars Conference.
Acacia Strachan, Pharm.D. (‘06) has started a new position as Principal National Account Executive-NCCN & Clinical Pathways at Genetech.
Stephanie Toledo Ramirez, Pharm.D. (‘19) has been promoted to Senior Medical Science Liaison at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine.
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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 | |
The Silverman College of Pharmacy provides a variety of training programs and workshops. Currently, the following programs are being offered: | |
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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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