sharxks Newsletter

SUMMER  2023

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Dean's Message

Dr.  Michelle A. Clark,  Dean.

I am pleased to usher the college into its 35th year along with the administrative leadership, faculty members, and staff. With this numerical milestone comes a monumental announcement, we have a new name! Dr. Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy, have made a transformational gift to the university and our college will now be known as the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy. Their generous gift provides student scholarships and endowment support to enhance the financial sustainability of the college helping fuel the college’s path to preeminence. To read more about Dr. Barry Silverman and his wife, Judy, their gift and their commitment to NSU visit https://news.nova.edu/news-releases/transformational-gift-leads-to-nsu-renaming-its-college-of-pharmacy/.

As our college continues to grow and develop, we cannot help but recognize the vital role that each member of the pharmily has in the daily operations of the college. Administration, faculty, and staff, across two locations in Florida and Puerto Rico, each make significant contributions to run the business of the college, while maintaining a pulse on future needs. The faculty and administrators participated in two days of personal and professional development at the annual Faculty Development retreat. As colleagues and friends, we gathered on the Fort Lauderdale/Davie campus for two days of activities to inspire, build trust and stimulate high performing teams. Read the full newsletter for additional details on the retreat and to see lots of pictures. Following the retreat, faculty attended the Class of 2023 commencement ceremony at the Don Taft University Center. The cheers and applause during our portion of the ceremony were full of pride and excitement, our graduates and their supporters were without a doubt the loudest and most vocal group!  

We may slow down slightly over the summer months, but we definitely don’t stop. Current students have the option to complete IPPE Community, IPPE Health System and/or take elective courses. Final year students are deep into their APPEs. Faculty are engaged in their research projects, attending annual conferences to support their professional development, and planning for the coming academic year. We will welcome the incoming Advanced Standing class on June 19 for new student orientation and the beginning of their professional studies. As the months push forward, we will be busy preparing to receive the incoming Entry-Level Class of 2027 the weeks of August 7 and August 14 and will welcome all returning students August 21st.

I encourage you to read this newsletter in its entirety to learn more about our accomplishments. If you have not already, please visit, like, and follow us on social media to see all our activities and achievements as they occur.

Fins Up
Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.
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College Accomplishments

2023 Commencement Ceremony

Graduation

On May 12 we celebrated commencement with our graduates at the NSU Rick Case Arena. In total we had 265 graduates, and in addition to those in the Pharm.D. program, we also had Ph.D. graduates in Pharmaceutical Sciences and M.S. graduates in Pharmaceutical Affairs and Pharmaceutical Sciences. A highlight of the ceremony was when George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., President of NSU awarded Barry J. Silverman, M.D. with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. The crowd of more than 6,500 then listened to an inspiring commencement address from Dr. Silverman who shared spirited tales from his many years as an orthopedic surgeon and why he made it his life’s work to relieve the pain of others. It was wonderful to learn more about the people behind the name, Barry and Judy Silverman, and it is truly an honor to be affiliated with them.

The commencement ceremony concluded with the Pharm.D. candidates rising to recite the Oath of a Pharmacist, led by Madeline Camejo, Pharm.D. (‘97), Chief Pharmacy Officer and Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Baptist Health South Florida. As this year’s group makes the shift from students to alumni, we feel a mix of emotions, but mostly we look forward to hearing about their successes in the diverse pharmacy landscape. Graduates will be an integral part of health care systems, provide leadership in community and specialty pharmacies, make discoveries within the pharmaceutical industry and provide knowledge to the next generation in academia.


Faculty Development – 35 years Strong: Going from Excellence to Preeminence

Faculty Development 2023

The college has always strongly supported personal and professional development activities for its faculty and staff. In addition to regular programs conducted throughout the academic year, the college, led by the Faculty Development Committee hosts a two-day retreat each May. This annual event brings together faculty from both locations in Florida and Puerto Rico to one place for programming designed to improve instruction, to increase one’s scholarship portfolio, to inspire, and to engage in teambuilding activities. The theme of this year’s retreat was “35 Years Strong: Going from Excellence to Preeminence” and kicked off with remarks from President and CEO of NSU, George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D. Although his time with us was brief, it was impactful as he shared his vision for NSU and the role of the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy in his plan. His motivating words segued nicely into the presentation from keynote speaker Mark Brouker (CAPT, U.S.N.-Ret), Pharm.D., founder and president, Brouker Leadership Solutions, who provided the group with everyday tools to help improve communication and ultimately become a more effective leader. His presentation was interactive, and many engaging discussions ensued.

Other highlights of the program included presentations on predatory journals and resources to avoid them, H-index and related metrics in research, and how to create self-regulated learners. The first day closed out with the official unveiling of the SharksRX Well-being Initiative and a celebration to commemorate 35 years of the college. The second day of the program was filled with fun and collaborative team-building activities. Faculty teams competed to build the best charcuterie board and spent time painting small tiles that will be combined into a large mural to commemorate the college’s existence for 35 years. All the lessons learned during the program will continue to guide the college to preeminence. It was a wonderful two days and will be a challenge to top this year’s programming.


RX Games

RX Games

The first annual RX Games on Saturday, March 25 brought together current students, members of the pre-pharmacy society at NSU, prospective students from a variety of other institutions including Florida Atlantic University, Miami Dade College, Florida International University, Broward College, Barry University, and Universidad Santa Maria; and faculty and staff members from Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy in a fun and competitive environment of pharmacy themed games. The PharmSHARKS team emerged as the winning team in the competition; but the RX Rated and Ceflascorins teams also deserve special mention for their incredible performances and sportsmanship throughout the event. It was a pleasure to watch the groups compete in a series of fun and challenging competitions. All the participants had tremendous enthusiasm and energy, which contributed to the success of the event. We would like to express our gratitude to the sponsors, Pill Box Pharmacies & Medical Supply, Walgreens, and NSU Pre-Pharmacy Society. Without their generous support, this event would not have been possible, and we are grateful for their commitment to the success of the RX games. The planning stages for next year’s event are already underway and we look forward to developing this new tradition. Please visit https://pharmacy.nova.edu/rxgames/index.html to learn more about the event.


Dean Clark Participates in International Women’s Day Event

AAUW

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) celebrated International Women’s Day with a panel discussion featuring three accomplished female leaders in the NSU Community. Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D., dean for NSU’s Silverman College of Pharmacy, along with Andrea Shaw-Nevins, Ph.D., dean for the Farquhar Honors College, and Paula Anderson-Worts, D.O., assistant dean at the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine came together to discuss their experiences as women in leadership roles. They shared stories of their personal and professional journeys, as well as insights on how to empower and support women in all areas of life. Attendees were inspired by the speakers and left with a renewed sense of purpose to continue advancing gender equity in their communities. The event was a resounding success and a reminder of the importance of celebrating and supporting women’s achievements. The AAUW Executive board would like to thank all participants for making this event possible and for all the students, faculty, and staff that continue to support the mission of promoting equity for women and girls.


Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy Shines Bright at the STUEYs

Stueys

Each year, the greater NSU community gathers to celebrate the best of the best at the Student Life Achievement Awards, affectionally referred as the STUEYs. This annual university-wide event recognizes outstanding contributions in Academic Excellence, Student Centeredness, Integrity, Innovation, Opportunity, Scholarship/Research, Diversity, and Community.

We were thrilled to have many finalists including

  • Corporate Partner of the Year – Publix Supermarkets, Inc. (Publix Pharmacy)
  • Executive of the Year – Karen Fiano, Pharm.D.
  • Graduate Organization of the Year – Phi Delta Chi (PDC) Pharmacy Fraternity
  • Regional Campus Student of the Year – Gregory Pierre Louis ('25), NSU Palm Beach Campus
  • Regional Campus Student of the Year – Viviana Monserrate ('24), NSU Puerto Rico Campus
  • Staff Person of the Year – Toni Spadaro
  • Student of the Year – Abigail Sundberg ('23)

One of our finalists took home the big prize of the evening; Toni Spadaro, administrative coordinator I, was the overall winner in the Staff Person of the Year category. Toni is very student-centered and helps with processing all the forms for licensure for the Doctor of Pharmacy graduates. These forms are sent to the Florida Board of Pharmacy, and also to other states where graduates pursue employment or post-graduate training. This past year, as we went through the accreditation site visit process, Toni displayed high levels of integrity and administrative support and was an instrumental part of the planning for the team visit. She coordinated meetings, sent calendar invitations, arranged for food, and coordinated student participation. However, despite months of immaculate planning, the site visit was rapidly moved to a virtual platform as Hurricane Nicole approached south Florida and NSU campus closures were announced. Toni’s support through this time was vital and she went above and beyond expectations. We are so honored to have the best of the best in our pharmily!

Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy Welcomes New Staff

New Staff

We are welcoming new staff members in our college:

  • Rani Chedda, Administrative Coordinator I, Department of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy
  • Jennifer Olvera, Academic Coordinator I, Office of Academic Support Services
  • Kathryn Fontana, Administrative Coordinator I, College of Pharmacy
  • Taga Turnier, Administrative Coordinator I, Department of Pharmacy Practice

Notable Faculty

Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty Featured in Sun Sentinel

Dr. Jean J. Latimer

Jean J. Latimer, Ph.D., director of the AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care, and her team are making headlines for their research about the role the environment plays in advanced breast cancer, particularly among women of African American ancestry residing in Broward County. The article entitled “Something in the water? Researchers studying high amounts of late-stage breast cancer in Broward County” appeared first in an online format on March 21, and then a second time in print on April 7.

The research, supported by a $100,000 grant from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation, looks at why rates of advanced cancer in Broward County exceed state and national averages. The research, which focuses on prevention, will analyze data from seven zip codes that are home to exceptionally high rates of advanced breast cancer in minority women. These areas have significant populations of people of African descent, but also higher amounts of arsenic in the tap water than other areas of the county. An additional part of the research involves studying how glyphosate, an herbicide used for agriculture and to prevent weeds on lawns and in parks, affects breast cancer. Latimer and her team will combine breast tissue samples, census data and laboratory research to learn whether arsenic or glyphosate accelerate cancer growth, and if those of African American descent are more vulnerable.

The AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care, which currently has five major projects underway, is dedicated to studying breast cancer and works with community health centers and plastic surgeons to obtain breast tissue samples. If the findings show an environmental connection to breast cancer in both the African American and white communities, Latimer intends to do a larger study that brings in the Hispanic population. Read more about the AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Care.


Pharmacy Practice Faculty Receives Recognition from CDC

Dr. Sherman

Elizabeth Sherman, Pharm.D. (‘07), associate professor received national recognition from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as an HIV prevention researcher. This impressive acknowledgement was the result of her research conducted on medication adherence practices. The study looked at text message interventions for patients with HIV and how those messages facilitated medication adherence and improved retention in care. The findings will be featured as an evidence-based intervention in the CDC compendium of best practices for HIV prevention which is used by other researchers, policy decision makers, and prevention providers. The collaborative project brought Sherman together with faculty researchers from other colleges of pharmacy including Memorial Healthcare System, University of North Texas System College of Pharmacy, Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy, and Qatar University College of Pharmacy. The results were initially published in AIDS Research and Therapy (doi: 10.1186/s12981-020-00275-2) and was supported by funding from the NSU Health Professions Division Research Grant and an NSU President’s Faculty Research and Development Grant.


Professor Named Principal Investigator on National Institutes of Health (NIH) Grant

Benedict Albensi, Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences along with Lisa Robison, Ph.D., assistant professor at NSU’s College of Psychology recently received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for their research on Alzheimer’s disease. They will receive $616,000 over a period of four years for their project titled “Sex-based differences of a high fat diet in Alzheimer’s disease (AD): Can nilotinib reverse bioenergetic and neuropathological deficits?” The grant was given under the NIH Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This grant specifically looks at key features of Alzheimer’s disease that Albensi has been studying for several years; sex differences, diet and exercise, and ways to reverse the negative effects of a high fat diet.

According to Albensi, about two thirds of women get AD and we do not exactly know why that is the case. Longevity alone does not explain why. This study will look at sex differences with an emphasis on brain metabolism. Further, diet and exercise have a tremendous effect on health and specifically on brain metabolism. Some scientists estimate that AD and cancer can be reduced by 40-50% with better nutrition and optimal exercise. This study will look at the effects of high fat diets, especially fats that are not healthy for us. Finally, this study will look at ways to reverse the negative effects of a high fat diet.

Albensi, principal investigator of the project, has a long history of studying and publishing on sex differences, memory dysfunction, brain metabolism, mitochondrial dysfunction, nutritional interventions, in AD. Robison, co-investigator, has also been studying sex differences in AD and memory changes in AD. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute Of Neurological Disorders And Stroke of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R16NS134540. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.


Recognizing Top Teachers in the Classroom and in Practice

Each year the NSU Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy Golden Apple Award is given to a faculty member who has demonstrated excellence and/or innovation in classroom teaching in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Individuals selected to receive this award achieve distinction because of their efforts to communicate course material clearly and concisely; their efforts in promoting student learning; their abilities to demonstrate enthusiasm for course material; as well as fostering student success. Each class year finalist is selected by students in the respective classes. Selection of the final Golden Apple winner, out of the four finalists, is by a simple majority of the votes by students with the highest academic performance (top 10) from each site and class, together with the current class presidents. The four finalists were Mamta Pansuria, Pharm.D. (‘03) for the Class of 2026, Jaime Riskin, Pharm.D. (‘03) for the Class of 2025 and the Class of 2024, and David Gazze, Ph.D. for the class of 2023. Dr. Gazze was announced the Golden Apple Award winner at the annual faculty development program.
Dr. Arce

In addition to recognizing teachers in the classroom, each year we honor those amazing preceptors who provide education across a variety of pharmacy practice settings. This award recognizes a preceptor’s dedication to excellence and their exceptional contributions to the growth and development of future pharmacists. Students in their 2nd and 3rd year nominate for the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) category and those in their 4th year of pharmacy school and 1st year post-graduation may nominate in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) category. Michael Ewing, Pharm.D. (‘09) from Broward Health Medical Center was selected as the IPPE Community Preceptor of the Year; Chih Chin, Pharm.D. (‘11) of HCA Westside Regional Medical Center was the winner in the IPPE Health System category; Nick Jackson, Pharm.D. of Jackson Memorial Hospital was the finalist in the APPE category; and Lillian Arce, Pharm.D. (‘01) won the distinction of APPE Faculty Preceptor of the Year. These preceptors are nominated for their high standards of professionalism, commitment to mentor and teach students, and a spirit of cooperation that is needed when working with students. We consider ourselves very lucky to have such an awesome community of teachers that cover such a wide spectrum of the profession.

Student Achievements

Legislative Task Force Gains Support in Tallahassee

LTF/Tallahassee

The Legislative Task Force (LTF) is a group of motivated students and faculty who are dedicated to advocating for pharmacy policy and legislation. Student task force members are thoroughly trained on current and possible future pharmacy-related issues and/or advancements by knowledgeable faculty who mentor and educate on how to properly read and interpret bills, and how to address state legislators and discuss sensitive legislative topics with efficacy and professional decorum. For many years, the LTF has devoted themselves to expanding the profession by attending Florida Pharmacy Association Legislative Days in Tallahassee and attending local meetings with state legislators to discuss relevant policies affecting pharmacy practice. As a result of this ongoing commitment, the LTF has cultivated a culture of pharmacists that are passionate about making positive changes in their profession.

Earlier this year, at the Florida Pharmacy Association Legislative Days in Tallahassee, LTF members visited the Florida State Capitol Building and spoke to several legislators regarding pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform. Through these meetings and interactions, LTF students brought awareness to this matter and educated legislators on the real-world problems independent pharmacy owners and patients encounter because of PBMs. Ultimately, the LTF was able to attain the support of all legislators they spoke to, resulting in many new conversations amongst the legislators in the Capitol.

During the event, students and faculty were easily identified in their white coats, prompting many spontaneous meetings in the hallways by legislators interested in the topic. After their visit, there was significant commotion amongst the legislators regarding PBMs, their corruption and abuse of the system, and the purpose of PBMs in general. A few weeks later, Governor DeSantis signed into law “The Prescription Drug Reform Act.” It is the most comprehensive legislation in Florida history to increase accountability and transparency for prescription drug costs by requiring accountability among pharmaceutical middlemen, empowering consumers through increased choice among pharmacies, and creating transparency in prescription drug price increases.

It is clear that the LTF is committed to making an impact in the profession of pharmacy. They have accomplished a lot on a limited budget, but with more funding, more goals can be accomplished. As such, we are asking for your financial support. Any donation will greatly help LTF expand its resources for better student legislative education, to have the ability to visit Senators and Representatives at their local offices and in Tallahassee, and to create pharmacist outreach events at NSU and the local community. They aim to raise at least $10,000 to educate more student pharmacists and licensed pharmacists about the importance of advocacy for the pharmacy profession and in order to set up meetings with legislators locally and at the Florida State Capitol. To give, please visit https://www.givecampus.com/r0m0l6 .


Students Actively Pursuing Post-Graduate Training

We begin to educate students about post-graduate training opportunities from the very beginning of their P1 year and much support is provided throughout their pharmacy education. Each year we eagerly await the results from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Matching Program for pharmacy students pursuing postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) or 2 (PGY2) residency positions.

At the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy the 2023 PGY1 match rate was 58.3%, as 49 applicants were matched into positions while 35 applicants were left unmatched. This was similar to last year’s match rate of 62.7%, in which 42 applicants matched. Of those students going for PGY2, there were 10 students who matched; five for early commitment, three in phase I and two in phase II. PGY2 programs included specializations in Cardiology, Infectious Disease, Critical Care, Oncology, Ambulatory Care, Health System Leadership and Administration, Informatics and Solid Organ Transplant, and Internal Medicine. Additionally, we had three students who obtained fellowship positions: Strategic Marketing with Sanofi/Rutgers, Global Medication Safety Operations (GMSO) Pharmacovigiliance with Johnson and Johnson/Rutgers, and Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Research with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

We are so proud of our students as they continue with their professional studies. They are brave to take on additional years of education and training after completing the Doctor of Pharmacy program, which is rigorous by its self. Post-graduate residency programs and fellowships provide advanced training for pharmacists to achieve professional competence in the delivery of patient-centered care, leadership, and pharmacy services. These programs bridge academics and pharmacy practice and showcase the depth of drug knowledge of pharmacists.


Students Celebrate End of Classroom Study

Pinning Ceremonies

Students from the class of 2024, across all campuses, celebrated at their respective Pinning and Awards ceremonies. This meaningful event honors the end of classroom study and welcomes students into a year of experiential education. Each campus had their own ceremony, with an alumni keynote speaker, and Dean Clark was present at all three events to offer congratulatory remarks on this milestone event.

In San Juan, Rosa Vázquez, Pharm.D. (‘12), M.P.H., L.N.D., addressed the audience and shared her professional trajectory as a pharmacist and how perseverance, determination and passion are fundamental in achieving personal and professional goals. In Palm Beach, Cassandra Esperant, Pharm.D. (‘11) provided words of wisdom to the students, reminding them that pharmacy is a small world and that a simple smile can have a tremendous influence. At the Ft. Lauderdale/Davie event, Damien Alpizar, Pharm.D. (’17), shared insight into how to be successful while on rotations and provided a history of pinning ceremonies with attendees. The event, at all locations, concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing students for a variety of achievements. It was wonderful to have family, friends, and faculty present and celebrate with the students.


Not Just Experts in Medication...

Talent Show

The students, faculty, and staff on the San Juan Campus gathered for their annual talent show known as PharmArts on February 15, 2023. This event is a celebration of many art forms where members of the pharmily come together to raise funds in support of their local community. This was the 5th annual event, and everyone involved agreed it was a resounding success! Many in the community have come to expect it and look forward to its occurrence each year.

This year had more than 100 attendees, which included faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. As a result of the increasing size of the event, it was held within the venue of the “Colegio de Farmaceuticos de Puerto Rico”. At the event students showcased their many artistic talents including still photography, vocal performances, and standup comedy. The event coincided with a visit from assistant professor Christopher Lynch, Pharm.D. (‘97) who gladly participated in the event with a standup comedy performance. According to assistant dean Blanca Ortiz, Pharm.D. (‘03), “PharmArts captures our hearts every year through the outstanding talents and performances of our Puerto Rico pharmily. It reunites students, faculty, staff, alumni and invited guests in celebration of our culture, values and commitment to community service.”


Students Make an Impact with the Special Needs Community

CPFI

Night to Shine is a glorious celebration held every year at participating churches around the globe. The event, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, gives the special needs community a chance to sparkle through an amazing prom night centered on God's love. Since 2018, the Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI) chapter from Palm Beach campus has partnered with various churches to celebrate the kings and queens of the local community with a memorable night.

This year’s event was held on February 10 at Generation Church in Jupiter, Florida. CPFI members along with faculty advisor, Miriam Metzner, Pharm.D. participated in the event by acting as paparazzi and taking photos of the guests as they walked down the red carpet. Members also assisted with registration to make the process smoother for the guests and their families and assisted with clean up at the conclusion of the event. Generation Church provided catered food with an outstanding dance floor, beautiful decorations, and lots of delicious sweets, as well as karaoke and photo booths. These amenities allowed the guests to really enjoy a prom night and fully immerse themselves in an awesome celebration. At the end of the evening, each guest is crowned as King or Queen of the prom. According to Ana Torres, (‘25), Vice-President of CPFI in Palm Beach, “Being a part of this event was a great honor and a truly gratifying experience, as we were able to put smiles on the faces of these young men and women. We would love to continue partnering with Generation Church and participating in Night to Shine in the upcoming years.”


Students Celebrate the End of P1 Year

The class officers from the Class of 2026 at the Ft. Lauderdale/Davie campus wanted to put on a special Pharm Gala event at the end of the year to cherish and celebrate all of their accomplishments thus far. The evening was dedicated to the Class of 2026 students at the Ft. Lauderdale/Davie campus. Admission to the event included a full course dinner and desserts. Students danced the night away and had a blast with the photobooth, which provided many treasured memories. The event was held in the Ballroom at the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel with spectacular ocean views. Class officers, Hoai-Quoc Pham ('26)', Jomarie Cruz ('26)', Giselle Calvo ('26)', and Jan Hernandez ('26)' worked hard to put on this event and make some fun memories.

Proud of our Alumni

Alumni Career Moves

  • Richard Ashworth, Pharm.D. (‘99) was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at Amedisys.
  • Deborah Elvire Lolo, Pharm.D. (‘11) was awarded the prestigious Mr. George Community Service Award by Publix Super Markets.
  • Joel Garcia, Pharm.D. (‘16) started a new position as Pharmacy Manager at Safeway.
  • Sherin George, Pharm.D. (’16) was awarded Pharmacy Manager of the Year (Store 819, Market 105) at Walmart.
  • Arthur Graber, Pharm.D. (‘12) was promoted to Field Medical Director, GU Oncology at Pfizer.
  • Sean Grange, Pharm.D. (‘11) started a new position as a Clinical Pharmacist at Elevance Health.
  • Anh Gruber, Pharm.D. (‘14) started a new position as Outpatient Pharmacy Operations Manager at Kaiser Permanente.
  • Scott Kjelson, Pharm.D. (’14) appointed as Manager of Pharmacy Wellness and Brand Development at Baptist Health.
  • Nandita Koodie, Pharm.D. (‘14) started a new position as a founding Success Partner with Medisca Pharmacy Method.
  • Pablo Lapetina, Pharm.D. (‘20) started a new position as a Medical Science Liaison at Karius.
  • Brandon Martinez, Pharm.D. (‘15) started a new position as Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at UCSF Health
  • Celina Pollard, Pharm.D. (‘22) M.B.A. joined Novo Nordisk as a Medical Science Liaison with the Diabetes Team.
  • Israel Santiago, Pharm.D. (‘15) started a new position at Moffitt Cancer Center as a Clinical Pharmacist.
  • Lea Schilit, Pharm.D. (‘09) contributed to an article in the April issue of Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Focus Journal on how to avoid controlled substance handling citations during regulatory surveys.
  • Laura Taylor, Pharm.D. (‘17) started a new position as Clinical Pharmacy Manager at HCA Florida JFK Hospital.
  • Myrelivet Trabal Cardona, Pharm.D. (‘21) started a new position as Clinical Practice Pharmacist at Jackson Health System.
  • Newton Walker, Pharm.D. (‘04) started a new position as Region Director Emerging Leader at CVS Health and was also awarded the CVS Health CEO Award for outstanding performance and extraordinary contributions to the company.
  • Leanne Werdy, Pharm.D. (‘17) started a new position as Pharmacy Manager at Walgreens.
  • Raquib Zamam, Pharm.D. (‘21) began a new position as Senior Manager, Global Risk Management – Hematology at Bristol Myers Squibb.

Alumni Celebrations

Congratulations to our alumni on their special days!

Weddings

Share Your Story

Email your updates and stories to copalumni@nova.edu.
Please include one or two high resolution photos when possible.

SharksRx Alumni Legacy Fund

Legacy Tree and Leaf

The SharksRx Alumni Society created the legacy fund to support the College through the knowledge, skills, and financial resources needed to invest in the future of pharmacy education. The Society's goal is to grow student scholarship opportunities. You can help meet this goal by supporting the SharksRx Alumni Legacy Fund. Your contributions help the next generation of pharmacists in perpetuity. For more information on the Legacy Tree contact Carla Luque, Pharm.D., assistant dean, student services. To purchase an engraved leaf with your inscription click here.

Upcoming Continuing Pharmacy Education and Certificate Training Programs

The NSU College of Pharmacy provides a variety of continuing education training programs and workshops. Currently, the following programs are being offered:

The College of Pharmacy Alumni events, training/workshops, and Continuing Pharmacy Education courses are listed on the College of Pharmacy Alumni website.

The NSU Alumni Association (NSUAA) hosts a variety of programs and events to keep you involved and active throughout the year. Please check the NSUAA website.


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College of Pharmacy Health Professions Division Nova Southeastern University
3200 S. University Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
Phone: (954) 262-1300 or 1-800-356-0026, ext. 21300, Fax: (954) 262-2278