UMN College of Pharmacy

Miss South Dakota—Joelle Simpson—is pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), but will defer a year to tend to the duties of her crown and to prepare for the 2025 Miss America pageant in January. While she loves the performing arts, she knew she wanted a career in science.

“I love science and I love being a woman in STEM… but I have so many other passions too that I want to continue to pursue,” Simpson said. “I think having that balance between being a scientist while also having all my other outlets will be really beneficial for me and my life.”

Read Joelle's story > https://bit.ly/3MAly48

We are proud to welcome Dr. Ameya Kirtane, to the Department of Pharmaceutics. Read more about the expertise and experience Dr. Kirtane brings to this role in the College of Pharmacy > https://bit.ly/4d9OKcM

Department of Pharmaceutics Welcomes New Faculty Member, Ameya Kirtane Assistant professor Ameya Kirtane, PhD, has joined the College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutics.

PharmD students: Are you interested in connecting with a mentor? Hear what other students have to say about their experience with the program:

"Your relationship with your mentor is based on you, and it’s ok if you don’t connect with your first mentor. Every mentor becomes the first stem to a long line of connections as they can introduce you to others who may help you along your journey. " - Laylia Yang, P4, Twin Cities campus.

Visit. z.umn.edu/CoPMentoring to learn more and sign up!

Anyone else missing the Minnesota State Fair like us? Aside from all the great food and fun, there was important research happening, too. The college gathered data for two research projects at this year's fair. One focused on public perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccines and the other focused on public perceptions of pharmacies and pharmacists. Many thanks to everyone who stopped by the booth to share your insight with us.

Lauren Ganske and her younger sister Rachel have experienced pharmacy school through two different curricula. Lauren, now in her fourth year at the College of Pharmacy, has learned through the CI-1 curriculum, while Rachel, currently in her second year of the PharmD program, is part of the first cohort of PharmD students participating in the new MNspire curriculum.

Hear about Lauren’s insight on the curriculum and student experience transition. → https://bit.ly/3ARv0gO

The PharmD class of 2014 gathered at the North Mississippi Regional Park last weekend to share memories and catch up. Big thanks to event coordinators Lindsay Hur and Chelsey Poquette!

Through the College of Pharmacy’s PGx ECHO group, health care professionals can receive free education on pharmacogenomics (PGx)— genetic testing used to understand how an individual’s unique makeup may affect their body’s reaction to specific medications. Around two years ago, the college became the hub of the nation’s first pharmacogenomics ECHO program, led by PGx expert Dr. Pamala Jacobson and supported by fellow professors Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, Dr. David Stenehjem, and Dr. Jacob Brown.

“We're doing this to educate and we're trying to bring cutting-edge tools to health care,” Jacobson said. “We want pharmacists and others to use this tool and practice at the highest level possible.”

Read the full story here→ https://bit.ly/3My8Se7

Free education on the possibilities of pharmacogenomics Program offers health care professionals free education on pharmacogenomics (PGx).

Graduate students Federico Facciolo and Cindy Lee (pictured right), along with alum Kate Smith (pictured left) and Dr. Kristin Janke received the Innovations in Continuing Professional Development Award for their work in evaluating the AACP Leadership Development Special Interest Group (SIG) Leadership Circles Program.

PharmD students: Are you interested in connecting with a mentor? Hear what other students have to say about their experience with the program:

"My mentors have always been there when I needed them and have allowed me to grow as a student, colleague, and friend to patients, peers, and providers." - Kate France, P4, Duluth campus.

Visit. z.umn.edu/CoPMentoring to learn more and sign up!

The College of Pharmacy was proud to be a sponsor and participant in the recent Mino Bimaadizi Science and Medicine Fair at Park Point Recreation Area in Duluth. More than 200 people of all age groups took part in the event. Representing pharmacy were Grant Anderson, Olihe Okoro, P3 student Cody Staydohar, alum Heather Fahey, and Conor Ronayne (with trainees Kavita Kavita, Anuj Singh, Zachary Gardner). Together they staffed tables focused on introduction to pharmacy, introduction to fun science activities, introduction to medicinal plant identification and uses, and medicinal plant walking tours (in collaboration with Megan Lhotka from the Center of American Indian and Minority Health). Special thanks to Kristina D’Allaird for helping organize the team that put this event together. (photos courtesy of Jon Krumm).

The BE ME (Being Equipped for My Excellence) Program wrapped up its pilot year, during which students from underrepresented backgrounds received mentorship, support sessions, and more. Now, the initiative is collecting more detailed student feedback, assessing impact, and preparing for the second cohort of students.

“I think we saw a tremendous amount of growth amongst individuals as they challenge themselves...and they liked it,” said Dr. L'Aurelle Johnson, faculty lead for the program. “They built up confidence; at the beginning, they're a little nervous, facing a bit of impostor syndrome in a new environment, but I think we saw the students blossom throughout the year.” Read more > https://bit.ly/4dyueE1

The BE ME Program is made possible through the support of a grant from the McKesson Foundation.

“Being Equipped for My Excellence” completes inaugural year The College of Pharmacy’s BE ME (Being Equipped for My Excellence) program just wrapped up its pilot year, during which students from underrepresented backgrounds received mentorship, support sessions, and more.

If you haven't done so already, please RSVP to join the college in honoring the 2023 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal recipient, Dr. Lucinda Maine. The event will take place Wednesday, Sept. 11 from 4-6 p.m at Campus Club West Wing in Coffman Memorial Union. We're looking forward to celebrating Dr. Maine and her many contributions to the college and the pharmacy profession. RSVP > https://bit.ly/47eV6X6

Give back to the next generation of pharmacists by becoming a PharmD mentor. Our goal is to pair current PharmD students with pharmacists who share career interests, life experiences, and/or identity affiliations for ongoing conversation, networking, and support. Register here: https://bit.ly/4ganQV4 Visit: z.umn.edu/CoPMentoring for more information.

An official welcome and welcome back to our graduate students and the occupational therapy and medical laboratory sciences students starting classes today. And continued best wishes to our P4 students deep in their rotations. The gang's all here and we couldn't be happier! Have a great semester, everyone!

A study led by Maxim Cheeran in the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Ling Li in UMN College of Pharmacy, and Walter Low in University of Minnesota Medical School confirms COVID-19 triggers neuroinflammation, leading to brain fog and cognitive issues, especially in older adults. Read more: https://z.umn.edu/9qs4

Align Summit 2024 REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO SEPT. 6! You have just three more days to register to join us this fall. Leaders in medication management and regional partnership development are coming together to create conversations, define and apply lessons, explore strategies that build collaboration, all to further improve patient health outcomes through pharmacist service delivery. Don’t miss it! Visit z.umn.edu/CoPAlignSummit for more details, full program agenda, hotel information and a registration link! ..
ASHP, American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), Pharmacy Quality Alliance, CPESN Networks, AMCP, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Alliance for Integrated Medication Managaement, Surescripts, Pyrls, Boehringer Ingelheim, DocStation, Consana Health

Align Summit Align Summit: Advancing Provider-Health Plan Partnerships for Optimizing Medication OutcomesHosted by the Center for Leading Healthcare Change in partnership with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Alliance for Integrated Medication Management (AIMM).Supported by the University of M...

One year ago, the college embarked on its new MNspire curriculum in the PharmD program. While updates in curricula every five to 10 years are typical for colleges and universities, MNspire represents more than a mere upgrade in content; it is also an elevation of the student experience.

“We're using an approach that has a lot of evidence-based literature around it, but we're also kind of forging new ground by applying it to a whole curriculum,” said Dr. Jean Moon, associate dean of student affairs. “Whole task learning has been used in courses or modules in our program, but not really to the extent that we're now undertaking.” So, why MNspire? >

Why MNspire? New curriculum, new student experience Fall 2023 marked the first semester of the College of Pharmacy’s new MNspire curriculum in the PharmD program. While updates in curricula every five to 10 years are typical for colleges and universities, MNspire represents more than a mere upgrade in content; it is also an elevation of the student...

Faculty and staff members on the Duluth campus participated in Unity in the Community last week. This back-to-school event brought students of ISD709 and their caregivers out for a fun and informative evening. At the pharmacy station, kids got to learn more about being a pharmacist, try on a white coat, and test out some kid-sized pharmacy equipment - not to mention win a little candy! It was a great night with wonderful community partners!

Classes are underway for our second- and third-year PharmD students. Welcome back, everyone! We're so glad you're here.

A full week of orientation is drawing to a close for the PharmD Class of 2028. Welcome aboard, everyone! We're so glad you're here and can't wait to see what this year has in store.

"It frees up a lot of space and mental energy, time and money to take care of some of the other things that we all need to live healthy lives," alum Tony Olson, research scientist with Essentia Institute of Rural Health and part of the team building the health system's Resourceful public resource directory. Read more about the tremendous impact this work is having on the health of Minnesotans. University of Minnesota Alumni Association

Essentia directory bridges gap between health care, community programs The Resourceful system received national recognition for its public resource directory, containing thousands of verified programs providing free and reduced-cost services to underserved populations.

This Sunday!

Congratulations to rising third-year PharmD student, Chenwei Yan, who has been named to this cohort of the AACP Aspiring Academics Program!

Meet the 2024 Aspiring Academics See the story

With less than a month to go before the 2024 Align Summit, we’re thrilled to see registrants representing health plans, health systems, independent community pharmacies, large chain community pharmacies, state pharmacy associations, colleges of pharmacy, national pharmacy organizations, industry leaders and health IT. Also, we are pleased to welcome PQA CEO Micah Cost to deliver an engaging plenary that will explore the landscape of clinical and quality metrics in value-based partnerships! It’s not too late to join them. Registration closes on Sept. 4! z.umn.edu/CoPAlignSummit ..
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, American College of Clinical Pharmacy - ACCP, Pharmacy Quality Alliance, CPESN Networks, Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, National Community Pharmacists Association, AIMM - Ault International Medical Management, Surescripts, Pyrls, Boehringer Ingelheim, DocStation

Following the retirement of Dr. Peggy Martin, new leaders will oversee the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Program, which is part of the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Diane Anderson, associate professor, will serve as the interim program director for occupational therapy. Dr. Terianne Jones, associate professor and capstone director, will serve as the head of the Department of Occupational Therapy. Read more about the strengths and skills each brings to their role > https://bit.ly/46VOzAt

Changes in occupational therapy program leadership Following the retirement of Dr. Peggy Martin, new leaders will oversee the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy (OT) Program.

Researchers at Center For Drug Design, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota created a novel technology using biomimetic decoy molecules to boost the skin's natural ability to mitigate ultraviolet-induced damage, a development that has the potential to revolutionize the skincare industry.

Read more here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3SIKQjN

When MLS faculty first considered the application of a student who has a service dog, it was foreign to think about a dog in the lab. To their knowledge, there was no precedent for a service dog in a health science teaching lab. By the next faculty meeting, everyone was prepared to make it happen. Faculty fashioned the dog a neck-to-tail lab coat to pair with safety goggles and booties, reorganized the lab space, created a lab safety service animal policy, and helped the student advocate for their placement at clinical rotation sites. “Our students work hard to get accepted into the program as it is, so once they're here, we're very invested in our student success," said lab manager, Christine Maleck.

Read the full story here → https://bit.ly/3Spf8Z0

Important deadlines are approaching for the 2024 Align Summit. Be sure to book your room by Aug. 26 and register by Sept. 4 so you don’t miss this important event. Visit z.umn.edu/CoPAlignSummit for details and to check out the current agenda. Medication management and regional partnership development leaders are eager to collaborate with you on strategies and solutions to improve patient health outcomes through pharmacist service delivery. ..
American College of Clinical Pharmacy - ACCP, Quality Alliance PQA, CPESN, , American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy - AACP, Surescripts

A Wide-Open Field | AACP New opportunities await future pharmacists as schools build a playbook for sports pharmacy in the curriculum.