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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences September newsletter

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. » More ...

Scholarships propel student to pursue her dreams

Kellyan Nguyen, class of 2022, has spent her pharmacy school career giving back to the community. As the first person in her family to attend pharmacy school, Kellyan credits her parents with instilling in her an appreciation for hard work, dedication, and resilience. She has put these traits to the test over the past year as the Women’s Health Fellow, working alongside non-profit, community organizations that reduce gender-based inequities in health care and cater to the overall well-being of young girls and women of Washington. » More ...

Meet pharmacy’s new dean

Pharmacy and research were never part of WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Dean Mark Leid's life plan, but dreams of becoming a Division 1 football player and following his then girlfriend to the WSU College of Pharmacy, led him on an unlikely path to a lifelong career as a pharmacist and researcher. » More ...

CPPS virtually welcomes class of 2024

Each Doctor of Pharmacy student at the Washington State University begins their journey with the donning of their white coats. This simple coat is symbolic. It represents professionalism, caring and trust that each future pharmacist must earn from their patients. While this year’s celebration looked a little different, the symbolism is all the more significant in these world-changing times. For the first time, the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences took to the web to welcome over 100 incoming pharmacy students with a virtual white coat celebration on Friday, August 21. Over 600 people attended the event online. » More ...

September 2020 Updates

FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP

Publications

Pharmaceutical Sciences Assistant Professor Travis T. Denton, with pharmaceutical sciences and molecular medicine graduate students Dunxin Shen and Laken Kruger and Doctor of Pharmacy student Tyler Deatherage published, “Synthesis of a-Ketoglutaramic acid,” in Analytical Biochemistry in August 2020.

Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor Kimberly C. McKeirnan published, “ACIP updates vaccine recommendations for 2020: what pharmacists need to know,” in Pharmacy Times in August 2020.

Kimberly McKeirnan, Pharmacotherapy Assistant Professor (Yakima) Anne P. Kim,  Pharmacotherapy Associate Professor (Yakima) Angela S. Stewart, Pharmaceutical Sciences Assistant Professor Connie M. Remsberg and co-authors published, “Study behaviors associated with student pharmacists’ academic success in an active … » More …

Behind the scenes: Doctor of Pharmacy interviews

By Karen Vo, class of 2023

For Doctor of Pharmacy applicants, the interview is often seen as an intimidating experience, but it doesn’t have to be. We caught up with second-year pharmacy student and student ambassador Karen Vo to share a behind the scenes look at the interview process, while reflecting on her time as an interviewee.

Over two years ago, I was sitting in a conference room as a prospective student practicing my elevator pitch. I was terrified of what my interviewers would ask me later that afternoon; my mind ran through a series of questions- what are my stances on various ethical issues … » More …

Lauzier grant to serve rural and homeless populations in Yakima Valley

The Paul Lauzier Foundation has awarded the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) a $47,500 grant. The grant will fund patient care services for those experiencing homelessness and rural communities in the Yakima Valley in central Washington state. 

“The work being done by the students, faculty and volunteers who participate in this program is extremely important.  We are pleased to have this opportunity to join in the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences’ efforts to provide health care services to rural communities,” said Paul Lauzier Foundation trustee, Michael Rex Tabler.

Working with the Yakima Union Gospel Mission Medical Center, … » More …