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College of Pharmacy News

Part 3: WSU leads in expanding scientific knowledge of natural products

Welcome back to the final segment of our three-part series on the Center of Excellence for Natural Product-Drug Interaction Research (NaPDI Center). Interactions between natural products and conventional drugs are a concern because of their potential impact on drug effectiveness or toxicity.

In case you missed Parts 1 and 2: The NaPDI Center is a multidisciplinary effort involving clinical pharmacologists, natural products chemists, and health informaticists to provide leadership in the study of these complex interactions.

This effort is being led by Mary Paine, who is a pharmaceutical sciences researcher and associate professor at the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Read … » More …

NACDS RxIMPACT Advocacy Day

By: Carmela Guangorena Severin, 2018 WSU Doctor of Pharmacy graduate

Wearing a white pharmacist’s coat in the congressional buildings of our nation’s capital gets one a lot of attention. As I rushed from meeting to meeting as a member of Washington state’s advocacy team, I could feel the buzz that our presence generated.

I had the opportunity to participate in RxIMPACT Day this last March. This annual event is sponsored by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS), and provides the opportunity for student pharmacists to share critical patient access issues with our legislative representatives. This was the 10th anniversary of the NACDS day … » More …

Four WSU student pharmacists receive Chancellor’s Awards

By: Meg Comito

On April 17 College of Pharmacy students Yaoyi (Peyton) Xiao, Thomas Maslo,  Kathryn Rand, and Shannon Kozlovich received 2018 Washington State University (WSU) Spokane Chancellor’s Awards.

This award is an honor bestowed annually to students for their demonstration of exceptional leadership and service to the university and community. Recipients are identified by the WSU Spokane Chancellor Daryll DeWald and supporting committee.

Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences student Shannon Kozlovich received the award for her advocacy and work as the Associated Students of Washington State University (ASWSU) Director of Legislative Affairs.

One nominator said, “Shannon is passionate about advocating for those that … » More …

College of Pharmacy celebrates graduates success

Linda Evans Parlette

Thursday, May 3, the Washington State University College of Pharmacy celebrated the accomplishments of one Ph.D. and one master of pharmaceutical sciences, and 132 Doctor of Pharmacy graduates at its 2018 Commencement Ceremony. Family, faculty and friends gathered at the Fox Theater in downtown Spokane to honor the new alumni of the college.

Former Washington Senator Linda Evans Parlette gave the keynote address and shared insights as a pharmacist advocating for public health while serving in the state legislature.

“The pharmacist of today will be known as part of a patient management team, and not just in hospital or clinical settings,” Parlette said.

As a … » More …

Seminar speaker discusses changes in the pharmacy profession

Michael L. Brandt with studentsSPOKANE, Wash. – On March 29 Pharmacist Michael L. Brandt spoke with Washington State University (WSU) student pharmacists about the changing landscape of the profession and how they can fit into this new role.

“As we grow, things change,” said Brandt. He described how careers in pharmacy have significantly changed since he entered the workforce.

“When I first started, pharmacy was not very clinical,” said Brandt. “Today, pharmacists have a lot of contact with patients and their value is in their consult abilities.”

Brandt discussed that there are many ways that students can fit … » More …

Part 2: WSU leads in expanding scientific knowledge of natural products

In case you missed Part 1: Mary Paine is a pharmaceutical sciences researcher and associate professor at the Washington State University College of Pharmacy. She leads the Center of Excellence for Natural Product-Drug Interaction Research (NaPDI Center) in Spokane.

“Patients often seek herbal and other natural products as a ‘natural,’ and therefore perceived as ‘safe,’ means to alleviate illnesses or supplement prescribed therapeutic regimens,” Paine said. “Co-consuming natural products with conventional medications—either prescription or over-the-counter—can lead to adverse interactions.”

Funded by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, the mission of the NaPDI Center is to contribute to the scientific … » More …

Three student pharmacists accept Presidential Leadership Award

By: Andrew Tabit

Third year pharmacy students Ashley Ta and Duy Ho along with second year student Stefanija Tubbs were recognized at the LEAD Presidential Leadership award ceremony on April 17.

The ceremony is held every year and honors student leaders across WSU campuses who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service.

Third year student Ashley Ta spent this last year as president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) on the Spokane campus, a group that is primarily focused on geriatric patient care and puts on events throughout the community advocating for better senior care.

“I’m really passionate about geriatric patients and senior care pharmacy … » More …

WSU leads in expanding scientific knowledge on natural products

Part 1 (of 3)

Dietary supplements. Natural remedies. Botanicals. Energy drinks. Wellness boosts. Health foods. Vitamins.

There’s a lot out there when choosing whether or not to use dietary supplements or other natural products. There are also many questions about the value of these products and how beneficial they are, or are not. They often tout claims such as “all natural” ingredients, but that doesn’t necessarily make them safe for you. Natural products are not required to go through the same rigorous research and clinical trial process that pharmaceuticals do prior to marketing, so many potential health … » More …

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 … » More …

WSU pharmacy faculty joins national scholars program

Julie AkersSPOKANE, Wash.—Julie Akers, Pharm.D., has been selected for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation Faculty Scholars program.

Akers will receive a $2,500 research grant from NACDS and is currently working on a research proposal. According to the program outline, each faculty scholar will design and implement a patient-focused research project conducted in a community pharmacy setting during the next year.

“Community pharmacy patient-care focused research will lead to better access to care and health outcomes for our patients, which is always my primary focus,” Akers said.

Akers is a clinical assistant professor in … » More …