College names new members of advisory council

SPOKANE, Wash.—The Washington State University College of Pharmacy recently named Sunil Wadhwani and Leon Alzola to the advisory council for Dean Gary M. Pollack.

It is important the college stay connected to key thought-leaders and experts within the professional and scientific community in order to stay apprised of the ever-evolving health care landscape. The Dean’s Advisory Council convenes twice a year to provide external perspective and insight on the strategic direction of the college and its initiatives. The council was established by the dean in order to ensure the college’s educational and research focus remain aligned to develop practice-ready graduates who are well-equipped to tackle the health challenges of the future.

Wadhwani joins the group this spring, Alzola was named to the council last fall.

Wadhwani is the chief of pharmacy at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, a master’s degree in pharmacy administration, and completed an American Society of Hospital Pharmacy accredited post-graduate one-year (PGY1) residency in clinical pharmacy.

He serves as a senior leader in building bridges for his organization, supporting VHA’s transformational initiatives and sustaining excellence in serving to improve the health and wellbeing of Veterans.

“I enjoy building relationships and synergy in my workplace to achieve win-win outcomes. It gives me great joy and energy to help others achieve desired outcomes in their lives. It is this joy and energy that keeps me going,” Wadhwani said. Also in his role at the VA, Wadhwani is a preceptor to student pharmacists in the WSU Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Wadhwani is a member of the Dean’s Council at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy. He received the VA Spokane Clinical Excellence Award and the VA Administrator’s Hands and Hearts Award in 2002. He has received numerous special achievement awards from 2002-2014, a Certificate of Appreciation for serving as interim associate medical center director, and in 2014 a Professional Achievement Award from Idaho State University.

Alzola graduated from the WSU College of Pharmacy in 1991. After practicing in home health care and independent pharmacy, he changed paths and has spent most of his professional career with Fred Meyer Pharmacy. He has held a variety of positions, working his way up from staff pharmacist to his current role as the director of pharmacy for Fred Meyer. He is also a member of the WSU Board of Trustees.

Alzola is a past-president of the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) and has received three WSPA awards: Distinguished Young Pharmacist, Bill Mueller Outstanding Mentor, and Pharmacist of the Year. He has served on multiple advisory boards, including the Washington State Board of Pharmacy and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy where he served on several committees. He is also active in his local Southwest Washington Pharmacy Association.