SOP NEW SLETTER SUMMER 20 24
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLA SS OF 20 24 !
Cap t ion for p hot o g oes here
Cap t ion for ot o g oe here
Cam Med ina ant icip at es t he b eg inning of t he cerem ony
Grad uat es lining up for t he cerem ony.
Luke XXX p rovid es t he XXXX. Devin Rivera (cent er) sm iles b efore t he cerem ony.
Sam Nam koong b eam s w it h excit em ent .
Cryst al Varg as show s a cheerful sm ile b efore t he cerem ony st art s.
Kryst ella Hand 's face lig ht s up b efore t he st art of t he cerem ony.
Luke Wed ekind b eam s w it h ant icip at ion b efore t he st art of t he cerem ony, w hile A rt ie Pelt on g azes in t houg ht .
Frances Messa w ears a sm ile as t he cerem ony ap p roaches.
Dr. Mart a Brooks hood s Kyle Ot t en.
Dr. Mart a Brooks hood s Kat ie But z.
Charlie Huyhn p rovid es a st ud ent 's p ersp ect ive. Luke Wed ekind ad d resses t he crow d .
Islam Ferig shakes Presid ent Aceves' hand .
Kyrst ella Hand sm iles at her ad visor, Dr. Em ily Clem ens.
Rose Brehon shakes Presid ent Aceves' hand aft er receiving her hood .
Left , Long Ng uyen Cent er, Kyrst ella Hand Rig ht , Kw aku Mensa
Nick Richard s, Devin Rivera, Ryan Boyer, Malia Dust in, and Nikki Kochm ann sm ile aft er receiving t heir d ip lom as.
Cryst al Clem sm iles aft er t he cerem ony w it h her p arent s.
Charlie Huyhn sm iles w it h his fam ily. Kiley Ot t en sm iles w it h her p arent s aft er t he cerem ony.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEA N Dear students, alumni, friends and colleagues, Firstly, a big congratulations to the Class of 2024! We know they are fully prepared to excel as pharmacists and look forward to watching them continuing to do great things and make the world a better place. One of the highlights of this year ?s summer was the Class of 2014 reunion in June. It was delightful to meet so many graduates from that class and learn about their inspiring careers. We hope to see a strong turnout next year for the Class of 2015 reunion. Geoff Metcalf has hit the ground running at the School in his role as Director of Business Development. He has designed a new website which will be launched soon and is building affiliation agreements with a number of feeder schools. The School of Pharmacy has been approved by the University to offer a new Master ?s of Drug Development (MSDD). This new program will be a total of 32 credits and will be launched in Fall 2025. Students in this program will complete all four courses offered in our Pharmaceutical Industry Affairs certificate in addition to new courses developed by DPS faculty. Students will then complete a research thesis with DPS faculty and/or an internship with industry partners. Many thanks to Dr. Stephanie James, Dr. Pete Clapp and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DPS) faculty for their creativity and hard work in developing this innovative program. The Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS) published the final report of their workplace conditions and well-being survey this summer. Many thanks to Dr. Vahram Ghushchyan and Dr. Marta Brooks for their contributions to this very important report. The University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Regis University School of Pharmacy will be hosting a summit on September 30th to review the findings of this survey in which 75 leaders from over 50 different organizations have been invited. I look forward to this summit and collaborating with pharmacy leaders and stakeholders to explore strategies and solutions to create a healthier and supportive professional environment for pharmacists. Best regards, Samit Shah, PhD, RPh, MBA
GRA DUATION BA NQUET The pharmacy graduation banquet was a grand celebration filled with joy, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment. The planning committee thanks Kristen Thomson (Class of 2026) for the great photos.
Members of Phi Delta Chi smile for the camera.
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Ryan Boyer (left) with Malia Dustin and Devin Rivera
Dr. Pete Cogan and Dean Samit Shah in conversation.
Tristan Berger, Andrea Robles, Katie Butz, and Yasmin McGee
Anastasia Mustoe (left), with Dr. Cassandra Hanna and Charlie Huyhn, who was awarded valedictorian.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES Nat io nal Co m m unit y Pharm acist s A sso ciat io n ( NCPA ) The student NCPA chapter recently hosted an impactful rural health fair in Lamar, CO. The event featured comprehensive health services, including blood pressure screenings, A1c measurements, vaccinations, and personalized education sessions where patients learned about their medications and supplements. The chapter 's dedication to community health made a significant difference in the lives of many residents.
Nicole Weakley, Marc Catbagan, Vincent Tavalez, Dr. Leticia Shea (faculty advisor), Hailey Murphy, Haemin Park, Joyce Lim, Alyssa Fukunaga, Hamad Alam, Anh Ly, and Alyssa Herrod.
Dr. Leticia Shea (standing) helping with vaccine preparation.
Anh Ly measures a participants blood pressure.
CLA SS OF 20 14 CELEBRATES 10 -YEA R REUNION The School of Pharmacy proudly hosted the Class of 2014 Alumni Event, celebrating the memorable 10-year anniversary of the Class of 2014's graduation. Nearly 40 members attended the event at Walker ?s Pub, accompanied by their family members and faculty. Past faculty members also made an appearance and included Drs. Matt Fete, Rebecca Moote, and Charlotte Ricchetti. The evening was filled with laughter, memories, and the joyous reconnection of old friends. It was a special occasion that honored a decade of achievements and shared experiences, leaving everyone with a sense of pride and nostalgia.
Alumni Ryan Leyland and Peter Nguyen
Alumna Megan McDowell (center) with former faculty member Matt Fete (right) and wife, Beth
Alumnus Shaun Mazur and faculty member Chad Martell
Faculty member Allana Sucher with alumni Mallory McCullough and Samantha Su
Alumni Elizabeth Le and Brian Johnson
Alumni Tiffany Hoang and Quoc Nguyen
Por t er Billu ps Leader sh ip Academ y even t The Porter Billups Leadership Academy event at Regis University is a transformative program designed to empower young individuals through mentorship, leadership development, and academic support. The event aims to cultivate character, integrity, and resilience in participants, fostering their growth as future leaders in their communities. Dr. LaToya Braun, Director of the Pharmacy Lab, facilitates a session with participants.
High Sch ool St u den t visit t h e Sch ool of Ph ar m acy The School of Pharmacy recently welcomed a group of enthusiastic high school students for a special visit. During their time on campus, the students participated in engaging lab activities, gaining hands-on experience and a glimpse into the world of pharmacy. The event aimed to inspire and educate future healthcare professionals, offering them a unique opportunity to explore the various aspects of pharmaceutical science.
STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS Pharm acy Qualit y A lliance ( PDA ) Diversit y in Qualit y Scho larship by Daniella Salawu
It was an honor to be selected for the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) Diversity in Quality Scholarship. This scholarship paid for my housing, registration, travel and most meals for the PQA Annual Meeting. I participated in the first-timer orientation, industry showcase, PQA leadership conversation, breakout sessions, and research poster symposium in Baltimore, Maryland. As a pharmacy student with a deep passion for health informatics, pharmaceuticals, population health, and research, this experience became a transformative and has profoundly enriched my academic and professional journey. On the first day, I participated in the pre-meeting workshop ?Medication Use Quality? and the Opening General Session ?Creating Prepared Minds to Advance Value-Based Care.? It provided me with an exceptional opportunity to delve into the intricacies of quality measurement in healthcare. I was introduced to the principles and methodologies used in developing and implementing quality measures, which are crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and ensuring effective healthcare delivery. This exposure has significantly broadened my understanding of how quality measures are designed, validated, and applied in real-world settings. Therefore, it reinforces the importance of evidence-based practices in improving population health. One of the most impactful aspects was the focus on addressing health disparities. Specifically, the breakout session ?Progress Over Perfection: Innovative Programs to Eliminate Racial Disparities.? I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of health inequities and the role that quality measurement can play in mitigating these disparities. I learned about the challenges faced by underserved populations and the strategies that can be employed to ensure equitable access to high-quality healthcare. This knowledge has further fueled my commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and integrating equity-focused approaches into my future work as a pharmacist. Lastly, I attended an optional continuing education seminar by the PQA and Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). In the "Building Quality Improvement Skills for Quality Medication Use" seminar, I worked alongside experienced professionals and researchers who are at the forefront of healthcare quality improvement through interactive team-base games and puzzles. By engaging in collaborative projects, it allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, enhance my research skills, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions to pressing healthcare issues. This experience honed my analytical and problem-solving abilities; it also underscored the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork in advancing healthcare quality. Overall, I learned about the AIM Statement, clinical measures (balance, process, and outcome), and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. Daniella (on the left) poses with fellow awardee,
The PQA Diversity in Quality Scholarship has been a pivotal experience Ayanna Gooden from the University of Florida. that has enriched my academic pursuits, expanded my professional network, and deepened my commitment to improving healthcare quality. I look forward to contributing to the field of pharmacy with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and experiences, and recommend pharmacy students apply for this scholarship next year.
ACHIEVEMENTS A lp ha Sig m a Nu Ind uct ees Alpha Sigma Nu (ASN) is the esteemed honor society of Jesuit colleges and universities, celebrating its rich legacy since its founding in 1915 at Marquette University. ASN recognizes and honors those who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, loyalty, and service. Each year, a select group is inducted into this prestigious society, reflecting their dedication to academic excellence, commitment to the Jesuit values, and impactful community service. We are proud to acknowledge these outstanding individuals who continue to uphold and advance the mission of Jesuit education. Inductees include Katie Gribble, Yasmine Ashour, Daniella Salawu, Ross Colburn, Mitch LeRoy, and Dr. Stephanie James who are pictured from left to right. Not pictured is inductee Caden Robertson.
NCPA Fo und at io n Presid ent ial Scho larship The NCPA Foundation Board of Trustees announced that Hailey Murphy has been awarded the prestigious NCPA Foundation Presidential Scholarship. This award recognizes exceptional leadership qualities, academic achievements, and a strong commitment to independent pharmacy. The scholarship will be applied directly to tuition. In addition Hailey receives complimentary student registration to the NCPA Annual Convention and a travel stipend.
CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS Pharm acy Clinical Skills Lab The Clinical Skills Lab at our School of Pharmacy offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning environment where students enhance their understanding of disease states covered in the Integrated Pharmacotherapy sequence. The lab focuses on physical assessment, documentation, and essential clinical skills, providing students with practical experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. Through interactive sessions and simulated patient encounters, students develop proficiency in assessing patient conditions, accurately documenting clinical findings, and applying their knowledge to improve patient outcomes. This immersive experience prepares our future pharmacists for the complexities of modern healthcare practice.
Students (left to right) Ian Zinck, Kellan Covery, Marina McDonald and Julisia Mireles prepare for daily lab activities.
Dr. Emily Clemens (center) prepares students Sabin Ghimire (left) and Haemin Park and Michael Minang (right).
Dr. Leah Behrmann (center) reviews with students.
CPS A NNUA L MEETING Regis University School of Pharmacy had several pharmacy faculty present at the annual Colorado Pharmacists Society Meeting in Glenwood Springs at the Hotel Colorado. In addition, Dr. Jeff Lalama was installed on the board of directors.
Regis Unviersity SOP members, left to right, front: Tina Perez, Kaitlin Wells, Marc Catbagan; back: Katie Gribble, Vincent Tavalez, Dr. Katie Carnett, Dr. Jeff Lalama, Hailey Murphy, and Dr. Marta Brooks
Dr. Jeff Lalama speaking.
Dr. Marta Brooks o Facilitated a brainstorming activity as part of the Workplace Conditions and Wellbeing Taskforce Presentation
Dr. Marta Brooks received the CPS appreciation award.
Guat em ala Med ical Service Pro ject As part of the RHCHP Global Health Pathway concentration, an interprofessional group of students from the School of Physical Therapy and the School of Pharmacy participated in an international immersion program in Coban, Guatemala. The group provided clinical services and a rural health fair, forging new partnerships with a private hospital and a non-profit school for individuals with disabilities. Through this experience, students and faculty gained insights into the challenges of limited healthcare access and the impacts of domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of holistic and culturally sensitive care. Below the pharmacy students provide highlights of their experience.
by Alex Gomez Mendoza
by Lucy Johnson During our time in Coban, Guatemala we were provided COVID 19 vaccinations to the kids in rural villages. The kids in this picture are eagerly waiting for their vaccine (some were a bit nervous too). It was such a rewarding experience to provide care and support to an underserved community and see the smiles on these children's faces!
As a group of health care professionals that consisted of nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy, we were able to provide health services to a rural area of Guatemala. In the picture shown, I was discussing her point-of-care results. Her results indicated elevated glucose levels. After explaining the potential consequences of uncontrolled diabetes: nerve damage, cardiovascular issues, and the risk of ocular damage, she understood the seriousness of her situation and the importance of following up. We were able to refer any patient who presented with abnormal health screenings, such as elevated blood pressure and elevated blood sugar readings, to a clinic which provided free services. Most of the patients we saw had never been to a clinic. Overall, It was a great experience and a reminder of the impact of healthcare education in empowering individuals to take control of their well-being, even in resource-limited settings like rural Guatemala.
A PPE SPOTLIGHT Fr om Sk ylin e View s t o In du st r y In sigh t s: M y Un f or get t able Jou r n ey t o Pf izer Headqu ar t er s by Ashley Campanella, Class of 2025 I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Pfizer headquarters in New York City. It was my first time in the city, and I left with some amazing insights into the pharmaceutical industry. NYC's bustling vibe hit me the moment I arrived. Stepping onto Pfizer 's campus for a comprehensive tour was thrilling. One standout moment was lunch on the 66th floor of their headquarters. The panoramic city skyline views were something I'll never forget. A central part of my experience was collaborating with Ms. Catherine Skobe, Senior Director for Publications Management, who was also my preceptor and pictured below. Catherine has mentored me through a significant project analyzing trends in manuscript resubmissions. Our goal is to streamline publication processes to accelerate the dissemination of critical medical knowledge. This project not only deepened my appreciation for effective publication strategies but also highlighted the potential to enhance efficiencies in medical research. Networking at Pfizer was incredibly enriching. I had the honor of meeting some esteemed professionals like Dr. Edith Eby, VP of Worldwide Medical and Safety; Dr. Margaret Essex, Senior Director of Medical Affairs; Dr. Adia Habtezion, Senior VP and Chief Medical Officer; and Dr. Lisa Tarasenko, Senior Medical Director of Global Medical Affairs and Fellowship Director for Rutgers University. Their insights broadened my understanding of Pfizer ?s global impact and future healthcare directions. One of the highlights was engaging with the Pfizer Summer Growth Experience Worker program and interacting with their talented interns. This gave me valuable perspectives on career pathways within Pfizer and reinforced my passion for the pharmaceutical industry. Reflecting on this journey, I've discovered a newfound interest in publications within the pharmaceutical sector? a field I hadn?t fully explored before. Working closely with Catherine during my first two APPE blocks, I feel I'm on the brink of clarifying my career goals and understanding the profound impact I can make in advancing medical practices. Beyond professional growth, my trip to NYC helped me forge meaningful connections that will undoubtedly shape my future in the industry. The knowledge gained and relationships built during this experience will serve as a solid foundation for my career aspirations in pharmaceuticals.
A PPE SPOTLIGHT An Alask an Adven t u r e: M y Tr an sf or m at ive Rot at ion w it h t h e 673r d M edical Gr ou p by Madison Watts, Class of 2025 My rotation with the 673rd Medical Group at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson was a fantastic experience, offering exposure to various pharmacy areas including ambulatory care, inpatient, outpatient, and retail, all within one rotation. Primarily focused on ambulatory care, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this new experience. Our knowledgeable preceptor, Kaleigh, encouraged us to take charge of patient care, which was an invaluable learning opportunity. Being on a military base provided a unique perspective on pharmacy, involving commonly dispensed medications for biological and chemical warfare, such as treatments for radiation poisoning, anthrax, and neurologic agents. We even had the chance to try on protective gear, thanks to Major Jacobs, a Regis alumnus (Class of 2018), who brought in his equipment (pictured below). This hands-on experience highlighted the extensive safety measures in place. Spending six weeks in Alaska was incredible! I explored seven out of the eight national parks in the state, went hiking, ice hiking, whale watching, and flightseeing, and enjoyed many other adventures around Anchorage. This rotation not only allowed me to grow as a future pharmacist but also provided the opportunity to see parts of the country I might not have otherwise experienced.
FACULTY A ND STA FF ACCOMPLISHMENTS Faculty and staff from Regis University's Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions (RHCHP) School of Pharmacy were honored with awards at the college's annual ceremony. -
Faculty Ignatian Service Award: Dr. Peter Cogan Distinguished Staff Award: Ms. Valerie Roby
Dr. Stephanie James was named to the American Association of Immunologists Public Communications Committee for 2024-2025.
GRA NTS The Sch olar sh ip of Teach in g an d Lear n in g Gr an t s (SOTL), sponsored by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE), provide up to $4000 for AACP members conducting educational research, with funds awarded in July for the following school year. These grants emphasize the importance of faculty engagement in creating new knowledge in teaching and learning and encourage interprofessional collaboration by not requiring AACP membership for co-investigators. A team from Regis Unversity SOP, headed by Dr. Allana Sucher as principal investigator and Mr. J.T. Smith, Associate Vice President and Dean of Admissions at Regis University, as a co-investigator along with six SOP faculty members (Drs. Behrmann, Braun, Carnett, Clemens, James, and Smith) and one student (Daniel Ballotti) were awarded a SOTL grant for their research, "Impact of Strengths-Based Teams on Student Outcomes in Team-Based Learning Courses," which aims to study the influence of the number of domains present in strengths-based teams, as assessed by the Clifton Strengths assessment, on various factors such as individual performance, team performance, team dynamics, and student perceptions of teams. Former faculty member, Dr. Brandon Sucher was instrumental in development and submittion of the grant. Dr. Stephanie James received a $5,000 Regis Un iver sit y Resear ch an d Sch olar sh ip Cou n cil (URSC) to study differences in viral load and immune responses in cells from individuals with and without Down syndrome. Dr. James has developed a cell infection model in trisomic fibroblast cells using Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and Dengue Fever Virus. Using these models, she will investigate potential abnormalities in intrinsic immune systems and protein translation in those with Down syndrome.
FACULTY PUBLICATIONS Claib o rne MR, Sm it h- Gab ai H, St oop s K. Pharm acot herapy. In: Sm it h- Gab ai H, Holm SE, ed s. Occup at ional Therapy in Acut e Care. 3rd ed . AOTA Press; 20 24 . Johnson ST, Go ld w ire MA , A b d alla M, et al. From ed ucat ion t o p ract ice ? 20 24 up d at e: A n op inion p ap er of t he Drug Inform at ion Pract ice and Research Net w ork of t he A m erican Colleg e of Clinical Pharm acy. J A m Coll Clin Pharm . 20 24 ; 7( 5) :4 92-50 4 . d oi:10 .10 0 2/ jac5.194 5.
FACULTY PRESENTATIONS Jam es S, Clap p P. Using Team Based Learning t o Teach Im m unolog y- Online?! ( B10 8) . Post er p resent ed at t he 20 24 A m erican A ssociat ion of Im m unolog ist s A nnual Meet ing ; Chicag o, IL. May 5, 20 24 . Jam es S, Clap p P. Using Team Based Learning t o Teach Im m unolog y-Online?! Oral Present at ion p resent ed at t he 20 24 A m erican A ssociat ion of Im m unolog ist s A nnual Meet ing ; Chicag o, IL. May 6, 20 24 .
UPCOM ING EVENTS Aug 22-23, New Student Orientation Aug 26, Classes begin Sep 2, Labor Day (no classes) Sep 5, Mass of the Holy Spirit
Executive Editor:
Editor:
Sam it Shah, PhD, RPh
Mik i Gold w ire, Pharm D, MS, MA , BCPS
Dean, School of Pharmacy
Professor, Director of Drug Information
Regis University
Regis University, School of Pharmacy
30 3-625-130 0
mgoldwir@regis.edu