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WSU Health Sciences Spokane

How one professor is combating a silent epidemic in eastern Washington

Just as the COVID-19 epidemic exploded on the world stage in early 2020, a silent epidemic was also taking place in parallel to the spread of the deadly virus: drug overdoses, which increased nationally by 42% in May 2020 compared to year before, according to ODMAP. Law enforcement and public health experts believe the growth of overdoses was a result of state-mandated stay-at-home orders. Job losses, reduced income, and increased stress and anxiety have led to increased drug use as a coping mechanism for many. In 2020, fentanyl overtook methamphetamines as the drug most involved in overdoses in Washington state.

This is where Assistant Professor in Pharmacotherapy Nicole Rodin has made it her mission to educate communities in eastern Washington about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the use of naloxone, the antidote to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

WSU pharmacy graduates lead residency matches in Washington state

WSU PharmD students led in accredited residency matches in Washington state this year. More than 67% of fourth-year pharmacy students seeking a residency matched, according to the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists (ASHP) data, which coordinates the official match process for pharmacy schools nationwide. This year, 47 WSU PharmD students matched, up from 41 students last year.

Residencies are post-graduate training programs which allow new pharmacists to perform as a licensed practitioner to train under the supervision of an experienced preceptor. Residencies are highly sought-after positions to help pharmacists gain experience, leadership skills, advance their growth of clinical judgement, and hone their skills as a practicing pharmacist.