Dean Olsen visits Alumni & Preceptors across the State

Dean Keith Olsen spent several days this spring and early summer visiting alumni and preceptors in communities across Nebraska on trips sponsored by the College of Pharmacy Alumni Council.  The visits included: Kearney, North Platte, Gothenburg, Cozad, Lexington, Holdrege, Grand Island, Fremont, Columbus, Norfolk, Gretna, Ashland, Crete, Beatrice, Lincoln and Omaha. Dean Olsen will have further trips planned both in Nebraska and outside the state to visit alumni. "My sincere thanks to the alumni and preceptors who welcomed me into their pharmacies or attended a welcome reception," Dean Olsen said. "It is always a pleasure to see fellow alumni and extend our thanks for all you do to serve the College and our students."  View more photos from the welcome events.

Amy Hornig, PharmD '07, President of the Pharmacy Alumni Council, also expressed appreciation to the alumni who participated in one of the Council's receptions. "Thank you to all the alumni who have extended a warm welcome to Dean Olsen," Dr. Hornig said.  "We look forward to working with Dean Olsen to find ways for alumni to stay involved with the College." Dr. Hornig is pictured with Dean Olsen in the photo above at bottom right, along with Kyle Meyer, PhD, PT, UNMC Alumni Association President and Dean of the UNMC College of Allied Health Professions.
Faculty News

Tatiana Bronich, PhD named Associate Dean for Research & Graduate Studies

Tatiana Bronich, PhD was named Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Bronich is currently  a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parke-Davis Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Director, COBRE Nebraska Center for Nanomedicine and Co-Director, Center for Drug Delivery and Nanomedicine. Dr. Bronich has been part of the legacy that enhanced the College's research portfolio over the past several decades. 

Dr. Bronich was UNMC's Scientist Laureate in 2014, when she was recognized for her work with synthetic polymers and finding an application for them in biology and medicine. The Scientist Laureate is UNMC's highest honor bestowed on a researcher.
Kim Scarsi, PharmD receives national research award
 
Kim Scarsi, Pharm.D., associate professor of pharmacy practice and science in the UNMC College of Pharmacy, received the 2019 Constance B. Wofsy Women's Health Investigator Award at the annual AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) meeting in Washington, D.C. The award was established to honor the memory of Wofsy.
 
Wofsy was one of the pioneers in furthering the understanding of HIV in women and in establishing the ACTG's original Women's Health Committee, now morphed into the Women's Health Inter-Network Scientific Committee. Prior to her death in 1996, Wofsy was a tireless advocate for women with HIV. Like Wofsy, awardees must be active clinically in the care of HIV-positive women, active in researching questions important to women with HIV, active in the networks and dedicated to successfully mentoring junior investigators.  
Charlie Krobot
Krobot awarded Bowl of Hygeia
 
Congratulations to Dr. Charlie Krobot who was the 2019 recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia at the NPA Annuual Convention in July.   
 
Dr. Krobot has served on numerous committees and task forces, written many articles, taught classes and made presentations during his career. From the Nebraska Patient Safety Coalition, to the Uniform Credentialing Rewrite Committee, the Nebraska Comprehensive Cancer Control Statewide Partnership, Omaha Metro Medical Response System, the NPA Legislative Committee, and many others.  
 
He is a Past President of the NPA and the Nebraska Society of Health System Pharmacists. He currently serves on the NPA Finance & Legislative Committees.
Drs. Cook and Prescott present at regional Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference

Dr. Kristen Cook and Dr. Drew Prescott presented  in August at the regional Heartland Interprofessional Education Conference on their work on a novel model in pain management. They discussed their role in the development of a pain class for patients at the Nebraska Medicine Midtown Clinic. The class is taught by pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing to patients on opioids upon referral from providers.  Pharmacy educates patients on risks of addiction with opioids, adverse effects, laws related to controlled substances, drug interactions, safe storage, and options for tapering opioids. Patients work with pharmacy, behavioral health, and nursing to set goals for non-pharmacologic treatment of pain and medication use. Telephone interviews and chart review are being performed to determine impact on patient's perception and clinical outcomes.
Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D.
Symposium will double as tribute to Courtney Fletcher, PharmD.

When they attend scientific conferences, former fellows of Courtney Fletcher, Pharm.D., dean emeritus of the College of Pharmacy, find each other. They are proud members of an exclusive club and "a pretty tight group," said Anthony Podany, Pharm.D., assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science.

But now, the "band is getting back together" at UNMC. The College of Pharmacy's sixth annual Biopharmaceutical Research and Development Symposium will double as a tribute to Dr. Fletcher and his career of pioneering work in the field of infectious diseases. The symposium is set for Sept. 4-5 in the Sorrell Center's Truhlsen Events Center.

The slate will include speakers from both academia and industry -- but several of the headliners will be mentees of Dr. Fletcher, who have since gone on to impressive careers in their own right.

Student News
 
COP Class of 2023 participate in orientation events 
 
Incoming P-1 students were introduced to life at COP and UNMC, from academics to community norms to resources and support services.  Students participated in IPE (Interprofessional Education) Day, learned about academic success, study skills, and tips on handling stress and received their iPads.Welcome Class of 2023.
                              P-1 students picked up iPads during orientation.
The Class of 2023 recite the Pharmacist Oath during the White Coat ceremony
Kappa Psi chapter honored at Grand Council Convention

Gamma Epsilon was honored with the William R. Smith Most Improved Chapter Award at the 59th Grand Council Convention in July.This award is a testament to the time and dedication each and every GE member has put into the chapter over the past year to increase our chapter's involvement and promote the pharmacy profession in our community.  Congratulations!!
COP Dean's Office welcomes Mandi Fishler

Mandi Fishler joined the Dean's Office as the Student Service Associate.  Mandi come to the COP with several years of customer service experience.  In her spare time Mandi enjoys baking, quilting, and chasing her two little boys around.  Stop by and welcome Mandi to the College.
Anna Mueller joins Dean's Office

Anna Mueller, Administrative Assistant, joined the Dean's Office in July 2019.  Anna was a staff member in the Pharmacy Practice and Science department from 2008-2016 then worked at UNO as an academic advisor prior to returning to COP. Welcome, Anna!
Upcoming Events

Alumni Events - please contact Alumni Relations for more information
UNMC Alumni Weekend 
October 11-12, 2019

Biopharmaceutical Research & Development Symposium
September 4-5, 2019
Contact Renee Kaszynski for information

Fall Honors Convocation
October 15, 2020,3 PM
Truhlsen Events Center
Contact Mandi Fishler for information

Spring Honor Convocation (P4 hooding ceremony)
May 8, 2020, 2PM
Salvation Army Kroc Center
Contact Anna Mueller for information

Omaha Commencement Ceremony
May 9, 2020
Baxter Arena
UNMC College of Pharmacy | unmc.edu/pharmacy
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