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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences December newsletter

December 2022 Updates

FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP

Publications

J. Roberts and Marcia Fosberg Distinguished Regents Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Director of the Drug Information Center Danial Baker and one co-author published, “Drug evaluation – dextromethorphan HBr / bupropion HCl (Auvelity),” in Wolters Kluwer Health’s The Formulary Monograph Service (FMS) in November 2022. Wolters Kluwer Health is a drug and health information publisher, the FMS is a resource used in the formulary decision making process for hospitals and managed care systems on recently released and investigational drugs.

Danial Baker published, “Drug evaluation – insulin icodec: preliminary evaluation,” in the FMS in November 2022.

Drug Information Center Academic Resident Brittney Kessel and Danial Baker published, “Drug evaluation … » More …

Understanding the pharmacist’s role in treating HIV/AIDS

December is HIV/AIDS Awareness Month and the college wants to remind you of the important role pharmacists play in treating people living with HIV/AIDS. Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor Rustin Crutchley teaches many topics at the Yakima extension, including Therapeutics of Special Populations and Integrated Pharmacology. However, his passion is illuminating the various breakthrough therapies for people living with HIV/AIDS. Crutchley will resume a six-week rotation to Cape Town, South Africa in May 2023 where he educates student pharmacists about the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Can you tell us more about your background with treating patients living with HIV and how you became interested in … » More …

College alumnus highlights demand for pharmacists in pharmaceutical industry

Randy Legg doesn’t come from a legacy family of pharmacists. In fact, he was the first in his family to go to university, and he knew by middle school that he wanted to become a pharmacist. The class of 1988 college alumnus is now National Clinical Account Director for AstraZeneca, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. He says the path to his current role was not a linear one.

“I relied on mentors in the college as well as people throughout my career to help me progress,” said Legg who has worked in a variety of settings in his 34-year career in … » More …

Prosser resident hopes to provide pharmacy services in her community

Class of 2025 student pharmacist Catalina Yepez, age 29, is one of five students in the inaugural class in the rural health track. The track is part of the college’s Rural Health Initiative to recruit, educate, and embed pharmacists in rural communities across Washington state.

I was born and raised in Prosser, Washington a town of roughly 6,000 people nestled in central Washington where access to medical services are limited. Most of the people in Prosser work in agriculture and my family was no different. My mother worked in a cherry factory for 28 years and my father at a potato packaging plant. … » More …

Student pharmacists work across disciplines to solve complex patient cases

Working with future physicians, nurses, and health care providers across disciplines is a vital part of the WSU Doctor of Pharmacy program. It prepares student pharmacists for a real world setting where they may be collaborating with providers on the best plan of action for unique patient situations. For example, how does one treat a 72-year-old patient who is recovering from prostate cancer and living with type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis? » More ...

Cannabis use could cause harmful drug interactions

Using cannabis alongside other drugs may come with a significant risk of harmful drug-drug interactions, new research by scientists at Washington State University suggests. The researchers looked at cannabinoids—a group of substances found in the cannabis plant—and their major metabolites found in cannabis users’ blood and found that they interfere with two families of enzymes that help metabolize a wide range of drugs prescribed for a variety of conditions. As a result, either the drugs’ positive effects might decrease or their negative effects might increase with too much building up in the body, causing unintended side effects such as toxicity or accidental overdose. » More ...

Acquiring research experience during pharmacy school

Fourth-year pharmacy student Emily Hitt shares her experience with research during her pharmacy education. Getting involved in research can provide a competitive edge needed to secure postgraduate opportunities after pharmacy school, which is vital if you wish to pursue a career in academia or research. Research experience, presentations, and publications are valued by residency program directors and can provide a competitive edge for opportunities after pharmacy school. » More ...

December 2021 Updates

FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP

Publications

J. Roberts and Marcia Fosberg Distinguished Regents Professor of Pharmacotherapy and Director of the Drug Information Center Danial Baker published, “Drug utilization evaluation – asparaginase erwinia chrysanthemi (Recombinant) (Rylaze),” in Wolters Kluwer Health’s The Formulary Monograph Service (FMS) in October 2021. Wolters Kluwer Health is a drug and health information publisher, the FMS is a resource used in the formulary decision making process for hospitals and managed care systems on recently released and investigational drugs.

Pharmacotherapy Clinical Professor and Director of Quality Assurance Improvement & Accreditation Preparation Terri Levien and Danial Baker published, “Drug Utilization evaluation – belumosudil (Rezurock),” in the FMS in October 2021.

… » More …

Alumni Spotlight: Pharmacy Career in Oncology

Natasha Olson, class of 2014, shares her professional journey from becoming a pharmacy intern at Rite Aid to manager of clinical initiatives with NCODA (National Community Oncology Dispensing Association). Her passion for patient-centered care led her on a path to oncology pharmacy, where she now shares her experience and best practice with other clinicians. Hear her story to learn about the various opportunities from a career in pharmacy. » More ...