Winter 2024 Newsletter

The Winter 2024 issue of the College newsletter emphasizes the achievements, national recognition and legacies of our students, residents and alumni (and a couple of our faculty too). NAPLEX scores rose to the top tier in the Nation. Our alumni are making a difference in the Cincinnati community and are national, award-winning trendsetters in pharmacy practice and pedagogy. One is struck by the reach and impact the JLWCoP family has at the national and even international level of pharmacy and the pharmaceutical sciences. Our projections for Pharm.D., M.S. and Ph.D. enrollment for the coming academic year are very promising. All things considered, it’s a great time to be a Bearcat, and especially a PharmCat.

This issue begins on a sad but inspiring note. We lost an amazing Ph.D. student, Samar Alanazi, to cancer in 2023. She fought tenaciously and succeeded in achieving her Ph.D. two months before passing. Dr. Alanazi accomplished so much personally and professionally in her 39 years – a life short but well-lived. We will miss her.

The College mourns the loss of a popular and accomplished graduate student, Dr. Samar Alanazi, whose nine-year personal battle with cancer ended shortly after successfully defending her Ph.D. research dissertation on cellular mechanisms of action of breast cancer.  Samar's life was one of extraordinary perseverance, achievement and courage in the face of personal adversity.

Dr. Alanazi was a pharmacist in Saudi Arabia before matriculating into the College’s drug development degree program. Her professional journey ran parallel to her personal battle against a rare type of breast cancer, phyllodes, diagnosed in 2014, just two months after her giving birth to twins.  While receiving treatment at the UC Cancer Center, she joined in 2017 the laboratory of JLWCoP’s Dr. Joan Garrett, Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Science. Dr. Alanazi’s Ph.D. research focused on identifying human epidermal growth factor 3 (HER3) protein binding partners in HER2-positive breast cancer, a particularly aggressive type of cancer.  Collaborating with Dr. Rosalin Mishra, Dr. Alanazi made a groundbreaking discovery, pinpointing non-muscle myosin IIa (NMIIA) protein as a HER3 binding partner. She further revealed that NMIIA levels increased upon HER2 inhibition, opening new avenues for understanding breast cancer pathways. 

Despite her own battle with cancer and the energy needed to maintain a full family life, Samar worked hard in the lab, confirming her findings and generating novel breast cancer cell lines. Her dedication culminated in the publication of her first-author work in the high-profile journal PLOS One in April 2023. She somehow found the time and energy to publish a total of nine research articles as a Ph.D. student.  Samar's impact lives on in part through her research, as the Garrett lab now uses Dr. Alanazi’s cell lines and molecular tools to further elucidate breast cancer mechanisms of action and how to best combat them.  She was always grateful to her mentor, colleagues and labmates for their guidance and camaraderie.

Dr. Alanazi is survived by her husband, Abdulaziz, and four children, Sultan, Khalid, Sara and Nouf.  Samar Alanazi's scientific contributions continue to shape research in breast cancer, and her personal journey serves as an enduring inspiration to us all. 

December brought several JLWCoP graduates to UC’s Fifth Third Arena for the Winter 2023 Commencement ceremony. From left to right, pictured are Erin Smith, Program Manager of Graduate Online Programs, The Bearcat, and Natasha Casas, MS Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Healthcare graduate. Said Ms. Smith, "I had the honor of assisting Natasha in the ceremony, and it was such a joy to meet online students who I had interacted with over email for two years. They finally met their goals of getting their master’s degrees in Cosmetic Science, Drug Development, Pharmacogenomics, or Pharmacy Leadership. It was inspiring to see the delight on their faces of watching them take pictures in their graduation regalia with their families who had supported them, as many of them worked full-time while obtaining their masters. I also felt inspired to learn what several of our new graduates would be doing in the future; for example, one student plans on using her pharmacogenomics degree to learn about the role genetics plays in identifying and treating certain diseases. I felt grateful to play a small role in that."

Congratulations to all of our graduates on your achievement, and best of luck in your future endeavors. Stay in touch!

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) recently released the 2023 NAPLEX and MPJE pass rates by college of pharmacy. For the JLWCoP PharmD Class of 2023, the pass rate was 90.1% for first-time NAPLEX takers, a 10.6% jump over last year. Only 18 of 144 North American schools and colleges of pharmacy exceeded 90%.  By comparison, the average for all institutions was 77.5%, and the Ohio colleges of pharmacy averaged 85.9%.  Our NAPLEX score is 10.6% higher than last year’s.

The College identified improving NAPLEX scores as a priority for academic year 23-24.  Associate Dean Brad Hein formed a NAPLEX workgroup chaired by Dr. Emma Palmer that included Drs. Bethanne Brown, Mike Doherty, Brad Hein, Katie Johnson, Jerry Kasting, Karissa Kim and Patricia Wigle. The head of our business office, Ms. Sara Lehew, found a way for the College to pay for the large majority of RxPrep costs so that our students pay only $75.  Thanks to all of these individuals for leading a very successful campaign.

The College MPJE pass rate was again excellent for 2023.  At 83.5%, the first-time exam taker pass rate from the College compared favorably to those of Ohio schools (79.8%) and institutions nationwide (72.2%).  Thanks to Dr. Michael Hegener, who leads our pharmacy law education effort and thereby plays a significant role in our MPJE success, and to Dr. Bethanne Brown for her hard work in the exam prep capstone course.

Above all, congrats to the Pharm.D. Class of 2023 on rising to the challenge!

The College opened its doors to prospective students and guests at the second annual Pharm.D. Open House in September 2023.  JLWCoP faculty, staff, and Pharm.D. student “PharmBassadors” Cassie Talbot, Kristine Kreusch and Julie Gordon volunteered as tour guides at various pedagogical and clinical lab stations, providing insights into our curricular and extracurricular offerings. Program applications and financial aid information were provided and explained.  Attendance was excellent, and should again this year translate into solid fall semester enrollment. Prospective students and guests left the event with a deeper understanding of the College's career pathways, its roles in the community, and its dedication to shaping future leaders of the pharmacy profession. 

Two College Pharm.D. student teams emerged victorious at the Ohio Society of Health System Pharmacy (OSHP) annual meeting and residency showcase held in Columbus in October 2023. The weekend event featured competitions between Pharm.D. students from all Ohio colleges of pharmacy that put student clinical and academic skills to the test.

JLWCoP students secured victories in two competitions, showcasing their excellence in both clinical and academic arenas. UC students Ryan Ruehl and Tate Coleman won the clinical skills challenge, while the team of Daniil Giller, Adam Klaserner, Kennedy Brennan, and Julie Gordon secured the top position in the academic skills competition. Winners were eligible to compete nationwide at the annual ASHP conference in Anaheim, CA.

A JLWCoP Pharm.D. student team reached the Elite Eight round of the ACCP Clinical Skills Competition. Eight of 114 teams secured a spot in the national finals in Dallas, TX.  Under the guidance of Prof. Anne Metzger, the team of Pat Ellbogen, Nick Sebree, and Adam Shuder became the first UC team ever to advance to the Elite Eight.  The ACCP Clinical Skills Competition, held annually in the fall, attracts participation from pharmacy students across the country.  Teams of three students from various colleges of pharmacy engage in online rounds, and the highest-scoring teams earn the opportunity to advance to the next stage. The final three rounds of the competition take place in person at the ACCP conference each fall.  Congratulations to Pat Ellbogen, Nick Sebree, and Adam Shuder for their achievement, and congratulations to their mentor, Anne Metzger!

In November 2023, College students and faculty participated in the ASHP Midyear Conference in Anaheim, CA, showcasing the commitment of our faculty, students, and alumni to excellence in pharmacy practice and research. In addition to several faculty podium presentations, eight Pharm.D. students presented original faculty-guided research or clinical site overviews at various poster sessions. This was a valuable opportunity for our students to network with future colleagues, mentors and employers while being exposed to advances and real-world applications too new to be found in their textbooks.

The annual Alumni Reception was brought back this year, the JLWCoP social event of the year, with an estimated attendance of 150 alumni, faculty and students.  The reception was organized and funded by the UC Foundation; we especially thank Anna Gormley, Katie Arce, and Matt Pearce of UCF for their attendance and hard work in making the reception a huge success. 

You can view College highlights of the ASHP Midyear Meeting here.

Dr. Steven Myre was a fixture in the College for 32 years, a clinical pharmacy professor popular with students and colleagues.  He recognized early the importance of the field of pharmacokinetics to pharmacy research and practice. He was internationally recognized for his publications and expertise in renal transplantation. Dr. Patricia Klein, PharmD, MPH and JLWCoP Class of 2008, said, “Dr. Myre was a wonderful teacher. He brought his knowledge and experience with him into the classroom where he combined them with empathy and a true desire to improve the practice and profession of pharmacy. His dedication to his profession and to his students was clear. I am glad to know that, through his endowed scholarship, he will continue to impact students and the profession in positive ways.”  Current JLWCoP faculty member Dr. Patricia Wigle, PharmD, offered that, “Steve was well-known to the students for his down-to-earth nature and sense of humor. He never shied away from incorporating patient stories into his teaching, including his own experiences. He inspired students to think critically and had high expectations of them. However, he also knew when to take it easy. Steve would ask questions, but if they could not answer, he’d just wink at them and ask an easier question.”

In honor of Dr. Myre's legacy, his UC-educated wife Susan and their daughter have launched the Steven A. Myre Endowed Scholarship Fund.  The goal is to raise $50,000 to support pharmacy students at the University of Cincinnati for generations to come.  The Fund will be a testament to its namesake’s life well-lived and career dedicated to shaping the minds of future pharmacists. Those who would like to donate to the fund are encouraged to do so here.

The Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, held on October 13th, acknowledged and celebrated the achievements of three exemplary JLWCoP alumni.

Dr. Tina Hamilton (PharmD, 2007) was honored with the Arthur C. Glasser Distinguished Alumni Award. This annual award recognizes exceptional contributions of time and expertise to the College and its degree programs in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences to enhance student learning, training or research.  After completing a PGY1 residency at Providence Health and Services in Portland, OR, she assumed an ambulatory care clinical pharmacy position at the Cincinnati Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, focusing on home-based primary care and women’s health. Upon becoming the PGY1 Residency Program Director and Student Coordinator in 2018, she helped develop several new clinical APPE rotations for the College.  Dr. Hamilton teaches in the PharmD program, volunteers by conducting mock interviews and CV reviews, instructs College residents participating in the UC Teaching Certificate Program, and serves as a guest speaker for the Pharmacy and Medical Student Interprofessional Program.  She is a student advocate and mentor, and her passions include clinical services, precepting, leadership, and process improvement.

Dr. Eric Mueller (BS Pharmacy, 1999; PharmD, 2001) received the Robert J. DeSalvo Distinguished Alumni Award, a recognition given annually for contributions to the pharmacy profession at the national or international level.  Following his UC education, Dr. Mueller completed a critical care/nutrition support pharmacy residency and a critical care research fellowship at the University of Tennessee.  He currently serves as the Director of Acute Care and Infusion Pharmacy Services at UCMC and at West Chester Hospital. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration and serves as a preceptor for the clinical pharmacy administration rotation.  Dr. Mueller has held leadership roles in several professional organizations including ACCP, ASHP and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.  He has authored many peer-reviewed publications, textbook chapters, and research grants. His work and dedication to the pharmacy profession has been recognized via the College’s Preceptor of the Year Award, UC’s President’s Award for Outstanding Adjunct Faculty, Fellow of the American College of Critical Care Medicine, and Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.  Dr. Mueller’s favorite aspects of his work are helping patients get better, and seeing “the light come on” when students or mentees realize that they are learning something.

Dr. Rusty Curington (PharmD, 2013) was presented with the G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Distinguished Alumni Award.  This award is reserved for an alum who graduated from the College within the last ten years and has made significant contributions to the College and the pharmacy profession.  Dr. Curington is a servant-leader whose passion for underserved care and innovation has significantly impacted the Cincinnati community and profession of pharmacy.  He serves the College as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy while working full-time as the Director of Pharmacy of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Charitable Pharmacy.  Originally a SVDP volunteer, his devotion to the cause coupled with his pharmacy education drove his rise to Clinical Coordinator, Manager, Assistant Director, and now Director.  At SVDP, he created a diabetes self-management education program to for high-risk patients.  He negotiated a collaborative practice agreement reducing the need for continuous communication on prescriptions and improving the pharmacy’s ability to see more patients and fill more prescriptions. He created an emergency referral program that provides a 30-day supply of free medication while securing continued access to the pharmacy.  Dr. Curington was recognized for his contributions as a Safety Net Health Care Champion Award Finalist with the National Association of Free Clinics in 2018, and a Health Care Hero Winner and Forty Under Forty Winner with the Cincinnati Business Courier in 2022.  He had much to do with St. Vincent de Paul winning the national 2023 Pinnacle Award.

To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards and explore past honorees, visit the official page here. Congratulations to this year’s Distinguished Alumni for advancing their respective pharmacy fields while serving the UC and Cincinnati communities.

Dr. Brenda Barnes (PharmD, 2014; MS Pharmaceutical Sciences – Health Outcomes, 2016), Clinical Operations Manager at The Kroger Co./Kroger Health, has been identified by Progressive Grocer as a 2023 GenNext Honoree.  This award celebrates Dr. Barnes as a changemaker in the retail food industry, highlighting her contributions to positive change.

Dr. Barnes actively contributes to her local community’s health. Her dedication to improving the well-being of others aligns with Kroger Health's mission to help people live healthier lives.  She additionally serves as a preceptor in the Kroger Health/UC residency program and volunteers her time to assist with mock interviews for P4 PharmD students, sharing her insights and expertise to help shape the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

You can view the entire 2023 Class of GenNext'ers here.

Dr. Tami Rodriguez (MS Pharmacy Leadership, 2022) is the Chief Pharmacist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and an officer in the US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS).  Within the USPHS, one of our nation's eight uniformed services, members like Dr. Rodriguez play a crucial role in responding to public health emergencies, including hurricanes, natural disasters, and the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.  These officers are stationed in agencies that cater to underserved populations, such as federal prisons.  Her service falls under the Department of Health and Human Services, where the Surgeon General serves as her chief officer.  She states, “I am the director of pharmacy programs for the BOP.  It's the kind of position where no two days are alike.  I oversee 180 pharmacists across 121 locations, providing care to approximately 145,000 patients in our custody.  Additionally, another 10,000 to 15,000 patients are situated in facilities like halfway houses or residential re-entry centers.” 

Dr. Rodriguez began work with the BOP soon after receiving her PharmD degree.  After working as a regional chief pharmacist covering several states and Puerto Rico, she began to consider a master’s-level pharmacy degree path and was eventually directed to JLWCoP’s pharmacy leadership program, matriculating in 2019.  COVID’s toll on the US prison system workload forced her to pause her M.S. education until 2021, at which point she finished and graduated in 2022.  She praised the program’s leader, JLWCoP faculty member Dr. Jenelle Sobotka, saying, “As I’ve moved up at work, I’ve incorporated Dr. Sobotka’s teachings many times.”  Dr. Rodriguez’s bolstered leadership skills have led to her establishing opioid treatment programs, leading BOP telehealth efforts, and engagement in the labor negotiation process.

You can read the full article on Dr. Rodriguez here.

Dr. Jenelle Sobotka was recently honored as the recipient of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 2024 Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award. This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in the field of pharmacy and played a pivotal role in nurturing future leaders through mentorship. Named after pharmacist Gloria Niemeyer Francke, the award's criteria mirror the exemplary career and mentoring legacy of its namesake.  Dr. Francke, a pharmacy leadership trailblazer, served as the 1986 APhA Honorary President and received the 1987 Remington Honor Medal.

Dr. Sobotka is a former APhA president and chaired the executive committee of the AACP Leadership Development SIG. She held leadership roles at Procter & Gamble and Ohio Northern University before being recruited to UC’s JLWCoP in 2016 to create pharmacy leadership M.S. degree and certificate programs.  She received a UC Faculty Excellence Award in 2020, and is recognized as a Fellow of the APhA, Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP), and National Academies of Practice.

You can read more about Dr. Sobotka's accomplishments and the Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award here.

Dr. Alicia Brunemann (PharmD, University of Cincinnati): Community-based residency with an emphasis on geriatrics with Medication Managers/LifeLine Pharmacy.

Dr. Tanara Ellis (PharmD, University of Oklahoma): Community-based residency with an emphasis on underserved communities with the City of Cincinnati Health Department.

Dr. Joe Kirkpatrick (PharmD, Butler University): Community-based residency with Walgreens and UC.

Dr. Emily Nguyen (PharmD, UC San Francisco): Community-based residency with an emphasis on geriatrics with Medication Managers/LifeLine Pharmacy.

Dr. Sabrina Saunders (PharmD, University of Cincinnati): Community-based residency with an emphasis on underserved communities with Five Rivers Health Centers.

Dr. Treston Warren (PharmD, University of Cincinnati): Community-based residency with an emphasis on underserved communities with St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy.



The UC Clinical and Translational Science Training (CCTST) program announced that Dr. Nihal El Rouby, faculty member in JLWCoP’s Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, is a 2023 recipient of the KL2 Scholar Award.  KL2 Scholars receive a two-year grant meant to be a springboard for longer-term NIH K- or R-grant funding and an independent research career. This recognition reflects Dr. El Rouby's contributions to and promise for the field of pediatric health, particularly in her project addressing the risks associated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) in youth populations. SGAs are commonly prescribed in pediatric and youth populations, but their use comes with a significant risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS), affecting approximately 40-60% of this demographic.  Metabolic syndrome can lead to severe health complications, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular issues.  Dr. El Rouby's project aims to first establish SGA-MetS prevalence in the real-world pediatric population by leveraging the vast and diverse electronic health records available through the electronic medical records and genomics network (eMERGE). Next, existing metabolic polygenic risk scores (PRS) will be assessed for their value in predicting SGA-MetS.  This research not only addresses the immediate health concerns associated with SGAs but also delves into the genetic factors that may influence susceptibility to metabolic syndrome. 

The long-term vision of Dr. El Rouby's project extends beyond research discovery, aspiring to bridge the gap between clinical practice and genetic insights with the ultimate goal of integrating clinical and polygenic risk scores into routine patient care. This integrated approach holds the promise of identifying high-risk patients at the initiation of treatment, enabling early interventions and personalized healthcare strategies.

Ohio State Senate Bill 144 (SB144) is a critical piece of legislation that was introduced to the Ohio Senate Health Committee (OSHC) in September 2023.  The bill would increase public access to vaccines by expanding the authority of pharmacy technicians to administer routine immunizations, bypassing the need for patients to make appointments with pediatricians. The scheduling of a hearing in early October 2023 necessitated a rapid response from OSHP members.  On October 11^th, Dr. Daniel Arendt, faculty member in JLWCoP’s Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences, carried his prepared testimony to the Ohio Statehouse. He presented verbal testimony and navigated questions from the OHSC. The recorded testimony and Q&A session can be viewed here. At this writing, SB144 has been referred to the Health Provider Services Committee of the Ohio House.  Dr. Arendt’s dedication to the profession and aptitude for legislative advocacy are a strength of the College, and contribute to OSHP's mission of advocating for the best interests of health-system pharmacists and the patients they serve.

JLWCoP students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders are encouraged to share content showcasing the College in a new social media form.  Whether it's capturing events, spotlighting students or employees, or sharing student photos, we welcome your contributions.

Alumni, we're eager to hear about your latest endeavors and achievements!  Feel free to share your updates with us as well.

Submit your content through the provided form here.  Your contributions will help us celebrate the accomplishments of our College community.

University of Cincinnati

James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy

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161 Kowalewski Hall

Cincinnati, Ohio 45229

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