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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Connie Young

College faculty collaborate on interprofessional training to combat opioid epidemic

In the face of the escalating opioid epidemic, the need for comprehensive and collaborative care has never been more urgent, particularly in rural regions where access to health care resources can be challenging. Recognizing this critical issue, the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences faculty have come together with faculty from the Colleges of Nursing and Medicine and Eastern Washington University (EWU) School of Social Work to develop a groundbreaking training program focused on pain management and opioid misuse. This unique initiative, funded by a significant grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), has provided vital training to thousands of students and health … » More …

WSU brings ambulatory care expertise to rural Washington

Matthew Nelson’s new position at Providence Centralia Hospital is partially funded by generous donations to the Rural Health Initiative and part of an ongoing effort to bring accessible care to rural and underserved communities.  

Matthew Nelson always knew that he wanted to offer care in a rural setting. Growing up in Wichita, Kansas, Nelson was recently hired as an assistant professor who will lead students on rotations in the pharmaceutical care clinic at Providence Centralia … » More …

Megan Willson appointed Associate Dean for Professional Education

Pharmacotherapy Professor Megan Willson will be taking on the role of Associate Dean for Professional Education effective July 1. Willson’s exceptional clinical experience and unwavering commitment to teaching have positioned her as a top contender for this prestigious position.

With over 15 years of experience as a practicing pharmacist, Willson brings a profound understanding of the scope of practice expected of students upon entering the field of pharmacy. Having served in pivotal roles as a preceptor and clinical pharmacist at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, she has remained at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape … » More …

Reduced Doctor of Pharmacy tuition for non‑resident students

To remedy the acute pharmacist shortage in the state, Washington State University has reduced non-resident tuition for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Effective fall semester of 2023, all students living outside of Washington state will receive a 30% discount on annual tuition, translating to a $12,044 savings. The discounted tuition aims to attract out-of-state students to pursue a career in pharmacy in Washington, where there is currently an ongoing shortage of pharmacists. The COVID‑19 pandemic … » More …

College celebrates 71% match rate, nearly 70% of matches stay in Washington state

The WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is pleased to announce that 71% of participating registrants matched with a residency program this year. Nearly 70% of those matched will be staying in Washington state, with the remaining students matched to programs in other states including Oregon, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Nevada.

“The college helped prepare me for the residency match process in many ways, but what stands out to me the most is the mentorship I have received throughout my time at [the college]. It is through these mentor relationships that I have been able to identify my career goals and the variety of … » More …

WSU launches undergraduate biomedical degree program to address health care worker shortage

Following the post-pandemic exodus of health care workers across the nation, Washington State University is stepping up to meet the growing demand for pharmacists, physicians, and other health care providers. The new Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical and Medical Sciences program is designed to help community college students enter health care fields.

“We are pleased two of WSU’s outstanding health sciences colleges have partnered in developing this unique joint degree program,” said Daryll DeWald, executive vice president of WSU Health Sciences. “This degree not only creates a pathway for students to further their education in the health sciences but also opens the door for immediate … » More …

Real talk on the future of pharmacy jobs and pay

By Elina Schmauch, class of 2025 student pharmacist

I think every pharmacy student has asked themselves, “What the heck am I doing?”

If we aren’t fighting imposter syndrome or the fear of entering the field, we stop and think about what we want to do when we graduate pharmacy school and how it will be a reflection of the 4 years of the Doctor of Pharmacy program that we just underwent.

I am only in my second year (PY2), but I am looking ahead always—asking pharmacist how much they are making per hour at my local community pharmacy or looking into residencies and their time … » More …

Tips and Tricks for Funding Pharmacy School

By Elina Schmauch, class of 2025 student pharmacists

In my two years of pharmacy school I have learned a lot outside of the pharmacy program. A few things of note are that I learned how to set up utilities, Wi-Fi, and how to drive a U-Haul truck (not very well, I’ll admit). Most importantly, I learned how to budget and find ways to extend my student budget as far as I can. You are welcome to take my advice, modify it, or leave it, as I have no formal financial training and my lowest undergraduate grade was in Econ 101. While maybe not financially literate, … » More …

PhD student to educate Capitol Hill lawmakers on health science research

Paul Panipinto researches rheumatology, a branch of medicine which focuses on the management of inflammation in the bones, joints, and internal organs. After receiving his bachelor’s from the University of Washington, he followed his long-time mentor Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor Salah Ahmed to Washington State University to continue their work on researching the inner workings of rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating autoimmune disease which affects 1.3 million people in the U.S.

Panipinto was recently named a 2023 Fellow for the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) where he and a select group of scientists across the country will influence policy for the development of new … » More …

CBD shows promise for reducing cigarette smoking

By Sara Zaske, WSU News & Media Relations

SPOKANE, Wash. – Cannabidiol or CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, inhibits the metabolism of nicotine, new research has found, meaning it could help tobacco users curb the urge for that next cigarette.

A team led by Washington State University researchers tested the effects of CBD and its major metabolite on human liver tissue and cell samples, showing that it inhibited a key enzyme for nicotine metabolism. For the … » More …