News & Events
Resident Learning Workshop Hosted on STLCOP Campus
 Dr. Amie Brooks (center) reviews residency materials during the workshop with Drs. Sue Bollmeier (right) and Pat Rafferty (left). |
From the onset of his presentation, Miller stressed the importance of having quality preceptors that residents can emulate. “I ask residents, ‘Who’s your hero?’ And they describe the preceptor they want to be like,” he said. Miller advised participants to make talking with their residents and developing relationships with them a priority. “You must provide great feedback,” he said. “If you have one or two weak links, they affect the whole.”
Among participants from across the region were several groups of STLCOP faculty who represented several residency training programs.
“Working with other preceptors from my program, we were able to apply the content from the presentation directly to our materials and update some of them during the session,” said Amie Brooks, associate professor of pharmacy practice at STLCOP and program director for the St. Louis College of Pharmacy/St. Louis County Department of Health PGY1 residency program. “I think the workshop will allow us to better respond to resident needs by customizing the program when possible and to be better at providing high quality feedback to residents.”
With a goal of developing new residency training programs and expanding current programs, an important aspect of the College’s strategic plan, STLCOP’s residency program leaders hope that the RLS workshop will contribute to a teaching model for residents that helps broaden specialty areas recognized in the pharmacy profession.
Ken Schafermeyer Featured on KTVI’s Fox 2 News in the Morning
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In the past year, the use of e-prescribing has tripled, although there has been some skepticism surrounding the security of prescriptions sent online. Schafermeyer explained that the benefits of e-prescribing far outweigh the risks noting that, similar to online banking and bill pay, Surescripts is a secured Web site.
A recent study found that patients who have their prescriptions sent directly from a physician’s office to the pharmacy are more likely to both pick up and take their medications. “It’s a lot more convenient,” Schafermeyer said. “If a patient leaves their doctor’s office and their sick, want to go home, or have a screaming child with a fever, they can just stop one time and get the prescription rather than having to come back or wait.” Schafermeyer went on to highlight that direct communication with the physician’s office allows the pharmacist to make sure that prescriptions are written for drugs covered by the patient’s insurance plan, eliminating the need for a prescription to be changed after it has already been received by the pharmacy.
Watch Schafermeyer’s full appearance.
Associate Professor Talks with Fox 2 News About Birth Control Concerns
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Studies that analyze the medications show mixed results. “Overall, they’re concluding that these medications do increase the risk for blood clots. However, the overall risk is fairly low,” Forinash said during her interview. “The newer drugs increase the risk about 1.5 times higher compared with older contraceptive medications.”
Forinash went on to explain how the increased risk for blood clots compares with a woman’s chances of developing blood clots during pregnancy. She noted that the estimated rate of a blood clot during pregnancy is 50-200 cases per 100,000 treated compared with 40 cases per 100,000 treated (Ortho Evra), 30 cases per 100,000 treated (Yasmin, Yaz, and Beyaz), or 12 cases per 100,000 treated (older birth control pills).
Forinash advised women to continue taking their birth control medications until they have had the opportunity to talk with their doctor or pharmacist. “At St. Louis College of Pharmacy, we teach our students how to educate patients about what to watch for and warning signs of blood clots as well as your own personal risk.”
Watch Forinash’s complete interview.
Students Participate in Compounding Competition
 Compounding Competition participants. Back row: Alexis Bylina, Tracey Nguyen, Mason Stewart, Eric Weldon, Griffin McNamara, Belma Muharemovic, Nathan Koentz, Ashley Donnelly, Jeana Walton-Day Front Row: Alyssa Griepentrog, Zenia George, Margaret Riley, Melissa Palausky, Connor Jones, Nick Simaku |
Working in teams of three, third- through sixth-year students participated in the two-part competition—a practical portion and a written portion—to evaluate the students’ knowledge of compounding. The practical portion included formulation development and preparation of three dosage forms: a cream, oral suspension, and a lollipop. During the written portion, students were tested on their knowledge of regulatory compliance and standards of practice in relation to compounding.
“I had a blast and I learned a lot,” said fourth-year student Alyssa Griepentrog. “It was a great opportunity to work together and problem solve with colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere. We were able to pool our knowledge and individual backgrounds to prepare medications and answer questions about the theory and regulations behind quality compounding.”
“This competition was a unique and fun experience,” added fourth-year student Zenia George. “The environment was relaxed for the practical portion. We were able to depend on our colleagues to check our calculations and procedures.”
The winning team included fourth-year students Alexis Bylina, George, and Griepentrog, all of whom will represent STLCOP at the National Compounding Competition at the UF College of Pharmacy in March.
Students, Faculty, and Staff Go Bald for Baldrick’s
 Dr. Margaret Weck gets her head shaved during a fundraiser for children's cancer research. |
At 3 p.m. supporters gathered on the Quad to watch 38 “shavees" lose their locks for charity. Among the participants was Margaret Weck, director of basic and pharmaceutical sciences. Weck was one of three faculty members, along with Pat Rafferty, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and Tom Zlatic, professor of English, who participated in a faculty head-shaving competition. Whoever raised the most money had the honor of getting their head shaved; Weck received the honor.
“My mom had multiple myeloma,” Weck shared. “She went through chemo and kept her head hidden. I have been personally affected and have empathy for the people who do not have a choice as to how long their hair is; this seemed like a small thing to do.”
Weck, who is part of the Knit ’n Nosh group at STLCOP that knits hats for chemotherapy patients, added, “I haven’t done anything very wild in a long time, and no one could give me a compelling reason not to do it. The experience has been liberating.”
The event was spearheaded by Kappa Psi fraternity and raised more than $5,300 for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy Hosts Fourth Boo Fest on Campus
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“Our JDRF families see their pharmacists more often than they see their doctors,” said Marie Davis, executive director of JDRF. “We all rely on our neighborhood pharmacists to help make the maintenance of diabetes less daunting.”
STLCOP students created 16 activity booths that gave children the opportunity to have a fun Halloween without the pressures of having to say “no” to candy.
STLCOP’s Rebecca Jones, associate director for student services and coordinator of the event, recently talked about the success and impact of Boo Fest. “It’s important for our STLCOP students to work closely with the kids and their families who are affected by diabetes,” she said. “It makes the disease more real for them and will hopefully help them develop more compassion for their patients. It also shows our students how important it is for them to be involved with organization like JDRF. We hope our students will grow to be leaders in the community who will give their time and talents to better the lives of others.”
STLCOP Awarded NACDS Grant for the Creation of a New Residency
St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP) has been awarded a $50,000 educational grant from the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation through its Community Pharmacy Residency Expansion Project (PREP). The College will use the grant money to support the development of a new community pharmacy residency in Sikeston, Mo., in partnership with Health Priorities, Inc., Medical Arts Pharmacy, and L&S Pharmacy.
“When evaluating a site for a residency, it is important to identify locations where pharmacists are already engaged in patient care activities,” said Jack Burke, director of pharmacy practice at STLCOP. “Residencies are structured post-graduate learning experiences and require that the resident is precepted by an individual who is interested in developing a resident and can instruct, model, coach, and facilitate them in the practice environment. So, we are working with interested individuals to assess whether or not the practice site is ready for a resident or if additional site or preceptor development is needed before placing a resident.”
Burke will guide the creation of the new residency in partnership with Nicole Gattas, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at STLCOP, who will serve as the residency program director, and Sandra Bollinger, Pharm.D., owner of Health Priorities, Inc., who will serve as the residency site coordinator.
“The College’s Strategic Plan, STLCOP 20/20, calls for expansion of both post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) and post-graduate year 2 (PGY2) residencies,” said Burke. “We are currently identifying individuals in a variety of settings who might be interested in partnering for new programs. We hope to contribute to the growth of residency programs that is needed to meet the needs of pharmacy graduates and the profession.”
The NACDS PREP project will award grants to 30 non-profit and public academic institutions in support of community pharmacy residency expansion. For a list of academic institutions that will receive funding, and to learn more about the project, visit the NACDS Web site.
More Than 500 Medications Collected at STLCOP’s Drug Take-Back Event
 A sampling of medications collected during the Oct. 27 take-back event. |
In total, 631 pounds were collected during a nine-hour period on Thursday, Oct. 27. Much of it resulted from the delivery of 18 boxes of old medicine by a St. Louis-area pharmacist.
Included in the 631 pounds were 500 medications; the majority was dropped off by people in the Central West End and employees of health care organizations in the area. All of the collected medications will be incinerated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
During the event, STLCOP students and volunteers from Express Scripts’ program integrity unit, which monitors prescription drug fraud and abuse, identified and processed the collected pills, capsules, and liquids. The information was entered into the Pharmaceutical Collection Monitoring System, which keeps data on medications collected during take-back events.
The disposal program, sponsored by STLCOP, the city of St. Louis, and the DEA, focused on encouraging people to clean their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of unneeded or expired medications. The issue of medication disposal has become increasingly important because studies indicate the storage of unused and expired medications can lead to accidental misuse and dangerous interactions (especially among seniors), and to prescription drug abuse by teenagers.
STLCOP’s event was held in conjunction with the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; it included dozens of drop-off locations throughout the St. Louis region.
To learn more about the proper disposal of medications, visit our medication disposal Web page.
Record Attendance for STLCOP’s Family Weekend
During the weekend of Oct. 21-23, families of St. Louis College of Pharmacy students were invited to participate in the 10th Annual STLCOP Family Weekend. Seventy-five families and 225 participants came to campus for a weekend of festivities, breaking the attendance record for Family Weekend.
On Friday evening, families joined alumni and friends of the College for a barbecue and live band on the Quad. “Events on the Quad proved to be a wonderful way for current students and their families to connect with alumni and learn more about pharmacy from their perspective,” said Necole Powell, director of alumni relations. “In turn, alumni were excited to learn more about the present state of their alma mater from current students.” Following the barbecue, many attendees transferred to Whelpley Auditorium to watch student thespians in a production of Blithe Spirit.
Events continued on Saturday morning with breakfast and a review of STLCOP’s 147-year history with President Pieper and Associate Professor of History Dr. Bob Zebroski. Families were also invited to cheer on the Eutectic women’s volleyball team during their last home game of the season, and go on a cruise of the Mississippi River. Saturday evening activities included a bingo night, sponsored by the student organization for drug and alcohol awareness, and the option to attend a movie night or watch the St. Louis Cardinals’ third World Series baseball game. Families were sent off on Sunday morning with a farewell brunch and a question and answer session with the student affairs team.
“Family weekend seemed to be a great success this year and families really seemed to enjoy themselves,” said Erin Boswell, student life coordinator. “It is always great to see families reuniting and enjoying a fun-filled weekend with their student. I hope they had as much fun as I did.”
STLCOP Community Learns about Crisis Planning
 From left: Cody Steele (fifth-year student), Lindsay Rippelmeyer (fifth-year student), Pat Curtis, Brandon Luong (fourth-year student), and Jaimin Patel (fifth-year student). |
About 100 SPA members attended a recent presentation in Whelpley Auditorium by Pat Curtis, an emergency preparedness planner for the city of St. Louis Department of Health.
Curtis shared information about the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI), a program aimed at enhancing preparedness in the nation’s largest cities and metropolitan statistical areas where more than 50 percent of the U.S. population resides. It focuses on the dispensing of antibiotics using open pods (distribution sites that will be open to the general public) and closed pods (distribution sites operated by an employer to dispense medication to employees and their families).
Curtis explained how antibiotics will be received in the St. Louis region through the Strategic National Stockpile and administered through the pod system. She pointed out that traditional modes of medication distribution, such as at hospitals, public health clinics, urgent care centers, and community health clinics, will not be sufficient for the entire population in a short period of time. Curtis said the objective of the CRI is to ensure that antibiotics are provided to St. Louis residents within 48 hours.
“We need lots of help,” she said. “This is my biggest plea when I speak to companies and community organizations – sign up and be part of what we’re trying to accomplish in the event of a crisis. Your service, time, and efforts will be very much needed.”
Curtis said students can volunteer through Show-Me Response, the Medical Reserve Corps, and the city of St. Louis Department of Health.
After meeting with students, Curtis brainstormed with a handful of STLCOP faculty members and local pharmacy leaders about ways pharmacists can assist in emergency situations.
STLCOP Students Appear on KSDK to Promote American Pharmacists Month
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Participating students included Jaimin Patel, a fifth-year student; Brandon Luong, a fourth-year student; Alyse Battles, a fourth-year student; and Lindsay Rippelmeyer, a fifth-year student. Speaking on behalf of the group was Battles, who had about 30 seconds to share information regarding the annual observance with KSDK viewers. She encouraged viewers to talk to their pharmacists about their health and any medications they’re currently taking.
Luong said the appearance was an opportunity to educate the public about the role of pharmacists and reinforce the fact that pharmacists play a big role in helping people to maintain their health and quality of life.
“Having an opportunity to be on KSDK and communicate with the general public really helps put into perspective the importance of pharmacists in our community,” Luong said.
The Achievements of STLCOP and Pharmacists Recognized by St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen
 From left: Alderman Joseph Roddy, Dean Wendy Duncan, Dr. John Pieper, Dr. Jack Burke, and President of the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed |
“STLCOP and pharmacists throughout the City of St. Louis are honored by this special occasion,” Pieper said while addressing the Board of Aldermen. “We take tremendous pride in promoting American Pharmacists Month and the important theme: know your medicine, know your pharmacist. The annual observance provides an opportunity for the College and pharmacists in our community to take the lead in promoting good health and educating people about their medicines.”
The resolution was sponsored and presented by Alderman Joseph Roddy, who represents the 17th Ward, including much of the Central West End.
Professor Clark Kebodeaux Talks About Allergy and Flu Season
As a recent guest on KTVI (Channel 2), St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s Clark Kebodeaux, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, discussed allergy and flu season. Kebodeaux, a community pharmacist who practices at Walgreens, talked about the importance of people getting their annual flu shot. He also shared information about a few over-the-counter flu and allergy medications.
“It’s important for everyone to get the flu shot,” Kebodeaux said. “Everyone should get immunized – especially those with diabetes, asthma and other chronic diseases.”
View Kebodeaux’s appearance on Channel 2.
STLCOP Alumni Provide Health Services to Senior Citizens at Busch Stadium
 Tom Meyer ’71 provides medication-related information to a health fair attendee. |
The event was sponsored by Walgreens, where all three pharmacists are employed. By their standards, it was a successful day of community service at Busch Stadium. Just as gratifying was the opportunity to share information with people who welcomed and benefited from their knowledge and services.
“Participating in events like this makes the role of the pharmacist known to the community,” Anderson said. “It keeps us in the front line, which is where we need to be and should be.”
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Meyer said talking to people about their health and listening to their concerns greatly reinforces the importance of pharmacists in society.
“It’s important for people to have good relationships with their pharmacists,” he said. “We answer a lot of questions and are able to point patients in the right direction.”
The Inauguration of Dr. John A. Pieper, September 17, 2011
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“Whether we’re talking about interprofessional education and team-based care or about what St. Louis College of Pharmacy is doing with regard to this or anything else, or whether we’re talking about President Pieper – it’s all about relationships. And I think what he models when he talks about friends, colleagues, and important people past, present, and future for him, is he so values relationships and cultivates them, and keeps them for a very long period of time. And I think if we can help our students understand that their success is all about relationships that they will end up graduating as educated citizens and be prepared to take that into their communities.” - Lucinda Maine, “As students, we look to Dr. Pieper as a mentor, leader, colleague, and friend. His enthusiasm for the profession of pharmacy encourages each and every one of us to apply ourselves academically, socially, and professionally. The pharmacy profession is continually evolving, and with the help and guidance of Dr. Pieper, students here have a lot to bring to the future of pharmacy.” - Katie Sudkamp ’13, “The inauguration ceremony was tremendous. I was very impressed with the tradition and pomp and circumstance. It helps in establishing and reaffirming our foundation in the St. Louis community. Dr. Pieper has done a wonderful job establishing our vision as we move forward as an institution and within the profession of pharmacy. I like his mission of unity and working with other colleges and universities in the St. Louis region. That helps with expanding our ties and relationships with other health professions. That will help with collaborating and working together for the betterment of patients.” - Garth Reynolds ’00, past president, STLCOP Alumni Association “Dr. Pieper is a quick study. He’s familiarized himself with St. Louis’ long and rich history and he has rightly concluded that our region is blessed with unlimited potential. John is a change agent.” - Don Suggs, president & publisher, The St. Louis American |
The ceremony began with the procession of Pieper, the Board of Trustees, the honorary inaugural committee, delegates from St. Louis area colleges and universities, and the College’s administration and faculty. Donning full regalia, the procession was a testament to the collective wisdom and experience present.
Following a contemporary rendition of the National Anthem (performed by fourth-year students Danielle Ahlfeld and Lingyu Dong), Nancy Konieczny ’77, chair of the board of trustees, welcomed attendees. She reflected on moments and leaders of the past, noting that the larger purpose for the day is the future of the College.
Several honored guests addressed attendees, including the Honorable Steven Tilley, speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives; the Honorable Joseph Roddy, 17th Ward Alderman for the city of St. Louis; Donald M. Suggs, president and publisher of The St. Louis American; Thomas George, chancellor of the University of Missouri—St. Louis; Janene Verrant ’98/’99, president of the STLCOP Alumni Association; Evelyn Becker-Meyer ’88/’93, professor of biology and faculty marshal; and Katie Sudkamp, fifth-year student and president of the Student Body Union. Each reflected on the passion, commitment, and candor of STLCOP’s new president, and thanked Pieper for dreaming big and positioning the College and the St. Louis region for greatness. Chancellor George recognized Pieper as a consummate leader, noting, “He has all the abilities necessary to be a leader at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and in the academic and greater communities.”
Pieper’s inaugural address began with a theme of gratitude and humility. “There are only a few occasions in a person’s life that equal this,” he said. “This day means so much because many of the extraordinary people that have brought me and this College meaning and fulfillment have come to share in this celebration.”
He also reflected on the theme of his inauguration, “Taking Bold Steps Together,” asking the entire community to join in committing to and contributing to the College’s new vision, which is highlighted in the strategic plan. “Over the past 12 months, our College community has developed and committed to a transformational vision, mission, set of values, and a strategic plan. Our destination is articulated in our new vision statement that we have collectively created: To be globally prominent in pharmacy and health care education, interprofessional patient-centered care, and collaborative research. This destination is the right one for this College, and our journey from St. Louis toward this vision will be exciting and challenging and will require that we take bold steps together.”
Pieper touched on each bold step, manifested in the College’s strategic plan as critical issues and strategic directions: Optimize and grow academic programs; create and sustain a nurturing and enriching culture; develop and advance a research agenda; advance the practice of pharmacy; and community enrichment through strategic engagement.
“The five bold steps, then, define the journey to our destination,” he said. “This College is a privileged and powerful place. This privilege does not ensure our success in the world. It takes a collective act of consciousness, of will, of lifting one’s eyes beyond the near hills toward our vision and our potential. We cannot, we must not, be satisfied with where we have been or where we are today.”
STLCOP Students Volunteer Throughout St. Louis
While speaking to children at the Saint Louis Science Center, fifth-year student Karen Obermann offered a simple and important message – one aimed at preventing medical-related emergencies and saving lives. She adamantly told children never to put an unknown object or substance into their mouth.
“It’s a good message for kids,” said Obermann. “It’s nice and short. It’s something that kids can clearly understand.”
As a part of STLCOP C.A.R.E.S. (Community Awareness Reaching Everyone in St. Louis), Obermann was among a handful of students who volunteered at the Science Center. The community service initiative was one of several events associated with the inauguration of President John A. Pieper. Overall, nearly 500 students volunteered at various locations throughout the St. Louis region. Sites included Gateway Greening, KidsSmart, various Shop ‘n Save locations, Operation Brightside, Habitat for Humanity, Forest Park, Operation Food Search, various Walgreens locations, Santa’s Helpers, and Beverly Hills Pharmacy.
At the Science Center, STLCOP volunteers gave patrons flyers and contact information for the Missouri Regional Poison Center and taught children and their parents how to distinguish medicine from candy and how to properly dispose of unused and unwanted medications. Parents were given a bag of plaster of paris for medication disposal purposes. Meanwhile, children played a game, “Candy or Medicine,” where they picked from 32 combinations of similar looking objects. The back of each object was labeled either medicine or candy.
“The take home message to kids is: Don’t eat something if you don’t know what it is,” said fifth-year student Kristin Hagan.
Taking Bold Steps Together: Interprofessional Education
On Friday, Sept. 16, four of St. Louis’s most distinguished academic leaders came together to discuss interprofessional education and research as part of inauguration weekend activities at St. Louis College of Pharmacy (STLCOP). Philip O. Alderson, M.D., dean of Saint Louis University School of Medicine and vice president for medical affairs; Wendy Duncan, Ph.D., dean of pharmacy at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and vice president for academic affairs; Michael L. Evans, Ph.D., dean of the Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College; and Larry J. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the Washington University School of Medicine and executive vice chancellor for medical affairs, shared their perspectives on the role of interprofessional teams in delivering patient-centered care. Lucinda Maine, Ph.D., executive vice president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, moderated the discussion.
At the core of the conversation was the need for students of all health care disciplines to learn in environments focused on collaboration. “Care is simply too complex to remain on the shoulders of any one clinician,” Maine said. “I think if we can help our students understand that their success is all about relationships, they will end up graduating as educated citizens and be prepared to take that into their communities.”
Alderson began the discussion by reflecting on the how the history and evolvement of health care necessitates interprofessional training and teamwork. “Considering how dramatically health care has changed since the post-World War II era in the 50s when a solo practitioner of medicine seemed to give the patient all they needed, it’s a new world, it’s a bigger world, it’s a more complex world,” he said. “We’re all part of it and we’re glad to be a part of it with St. Louis College of Pharmacy.”
Evans highlighted the need for communication at the early stages of health care education, noting that historically, the inability for health care workers to collaborate is the root cause of preventable errors, which affects the quality of care that patients receive. His concern was echoed by Shapiro, who talked about current collaborations between the Goldfarb School of Nursing, Washington University School of Medicine, and STLCOP, and the need to expand these efforts to include all health care education institutions in St. Louis.
Shapiro went on to suggest that translational research – approaching research as a practical science – will lead to discoveries that can be more successfully implemented by an interdisciplinary research team than by the efforts of individual disciplines. “The research mission will depend on this type of collaboration,” he said.
As the final speaker, Duncan noted that a functioning health care system requires mutual accommodation to achieve functionality and successful outcomes for patients. She stressed that patient-centered practice is a primary duty of the STLCOP faculty. “If we are educated in isolation, we are only working with our interpretation of each other’s abilities,” she said. “All curriculum will need to mutate somewhat, and we’ll have to put more emphasis on collective learning.”
Following each speaker’s remarks, audience members were invited to participate in the conversation, leading to a rich discussion surrounding the need for faculty development, national support, and possible implementation roadblocks and strategies.
On Friday, Sept. 17, Dr. John A. Pieper will be installed as the fourth president of St. Louis College of Pharmacy. The event will be webcast and can be watched live.
2011-12 Academic Year Starts Strong with Record Enrollment
 Students took a break from classes during the Welcome Back Barbecue on Aug. 30. |
Of the total enrollment, 256 are first-year students and 41 are third-year transfer students from other colleges and universities around the country. A majority of transfer students hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines, bringing a new level of thought diversity to STLCOP classrooms.
“The College increased enrollment capacity for the first year of the professional program, which is the only entry point for transfers,” said Gloria Vertress, vice president of enrollment services. “The diverse educational backgrounds of our transfer students will infuse the student body with a broader perspective of experiences.”
Students in the class of 2017 represent 15 states, with the majority hailing from Missouri (45 percent) and Illinois (41 percent). Of the total, 63 percent are female and 37 percent are male. Their average high school GPA is 3.61 and their mean ACT score is 27.
226 Student Pharmacists Begin STLCOP’s Professional Program
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“As of today – not “someday,” or “when you graduate” – you will be expected to relentlessly pursue excellence, to do everything within your power to empower patients so that they receive maximum benefit from their medications with minimal or no harm,” said Dr. Wendy Duncan, dean of pharmacy and vice president of academic affairs. “And most of all, we expect you to face good times and bad with respect, integrity, humility, and courage.”
White coat recipients recited the Pledge to the Profession, written and led by third-year student Matthew Siu, and signed the pledge, which will be displayed on campus to remind the STLCOP community of the College’s commitment to integrity.
The class of 2015 will spend the next four years gaining knowledge and training that will enable them to affect pharmacy and patients for years to come.
Professor Terry Seaton Discusses Nation’s Drug Shortage
According to surveys by the American Hospital Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, escalating shortages of vital drugs could affect nearly every hospital in the nation and force delays or substitutions in patient care.
Recently, both organizations spoke to legislators on Capitol Hill about the consequences of what’s being called the worst shortage of medically necessary and life-savings drugs in the nation’s history. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the shortages result from manufacturing problems and the stoppage and delay of production by drug firms.
As a guest on KSDK (Channel 5) and KTVI (Channel 2), St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s Terry Seaton, professor of pharmacy practice, discussed the reasons and implications of the drug shortage.
View Seaton's appearance on Channel 5.
View Seaton's appearance on Channel 2.
Alumna Amy DeWein Earns National Award
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The Senior RxAccess Program, founded by DeWein, is a medication therapy management program in St. Louis that serves older adults who are homebound and residents of community and independent-living settings. This care-based model has been recognized for contributing to comprehensive geriatric chronic care management and for improving medication use among seniors.
“I truly believe that once pharmacists establish a consistent standard of care, by working with patients one-on-one, we will be able to have the tipping point necessary to be integrated as a required member of the health care team,” DeWein said. “As pharmacists, we need to commit to a philosophy of having a true practice – as modeled by other health disciplines – where we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to modify medication therapy so patients have improved medication use.”
STLCOP Student Provides HIV/AIDS Prevention and Nutrition Education in Tanzania
 Ogweno leads a HIV/AIDS awareness class in Arusha, Tanzania. |
Ogweno’s journey began in Kenya where two of his family members came to greet him at the airport. Born in Kenya, Ogweno was happy to visit with members of his extended family after 17 years. Profiled in the spring 2011 issue of Script magazine, Ogweno commented that coming from Kenya gives him a deeper appreciation for living in the United States and attending STLCOP. “With such contrast from where I was to where I am now, it’s hard not to feel blessed," he said. "I’m very thankful. I feel an obligation to contribute as much as I can to people in poverty and people who don’t have very much.” Teaching classes in the underserved, rural town of Arusha, Tanzania enables Ogweno to fulfill this obligation.
During his first week in Tanzania, Ogweno met his host family, toured Arusha, reviewed teaching materials, and received a crash course in Kiswahili, with which he was somewhat familiar. He also visited a local person living with HIV/AIDS. Ogweno’s first training was at a vocational school with 27 students training to become primary school teachers. For a week, he worked with a fellow volunteer and translator to teach students about sexual reproduction and anatomy, HIV/AIDS progression, prevention and testing, nutrition, and gender and cultural roles in Tanzania. “I was really surprised by some of the misconceptions many of the students held, especially regarding effective prevention measures against HIV/AIDS and the importance of getting tested," Ogweno wrote in his blog. “It was great being able to talk through their beliefs and share the rationale behind the current recommendations and best practices.”
Ogweno is hopeful that spreading knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention and empowering the people of Arusha to use that knowledge will result in a decrease in transmission rates. “We teach that about 68 percent of the world’s HIV/AIDS population is in Sub Saharan African,” he wrote. “However, there have been some extremely effective efforts, like in Kagara, Tanzania, where transmission rates have been cut in half. The secret: spreading a little knowledge and encouraging people to use it. There is only so much you can do in a week, but we certainly did our best to do exactly that.”
Read Ogweno's blog and view his photos.
Dr. Amie Brooks Named 2011 Outstanding Educator
 Bill Reed ’67 (right), member of the alumni association board of directors, congratulates Amie Brooks (left) after presenting her with the Outstanding Educator award. |
Honored as the 2011 Joe E. Haberle Outstanding Educator, Brooks joins the ranks of the College’s most remarkable student motivators. “I had the privilege of sitting in Dr. Haberle’s classroom about 15 years ago, so having known him as a teacher provides me with a greater understanding of the significance of this award,” Brooks said. “I also feel honored to join a very esteemed group of prior recipients whom I know to be amazing educators, and many of whom I have looked up to for many years.”
A 1999/2000 STLCOP graduate, Brooks knows first-hand how challenging pharmacy school can be and adapts her teaching strategy to accommodate varied learning styles and educational environments. “I try to avoid overly technical language when it is not necessary or may impede understanding,” she explains. “Different strategies are employed when teaching in a large classroom, small group setting, or experiential environment. For example, I try to talk to a large class as if I’m having a conversation with one student.” Her approach makes Brooks a favorite among her students.
As someone who puts relationships first, it is no surprise that Brooks thinks she may have chosen to be a therapist or a social worker had she not chosen pharmacy as her profession. Her work as a preceptor and ambulatory care clinical pharmacist at North Central Health Center in St. Louis enables her to connect with patients and engage students on a regular basis. “I think I’d always be looking for a job that allows me to have ongoing relationships with people and impact their lives in a positive way,” she said. Lucky for STLCOP, she found just the teaching gig (and education) at just the place.
Read more about Dr. Amie Brooks and the Joe E. Haberle Outstanding Educator Award.
STLCOP Graduates 188 Doctors of Pharmacy
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On May 14, 188 new doctors of pharmacy received their degrees from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Ready to take their place in the world of health care, the class of 2011 will go on to educate patients in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, long-term care centers, neighborhood clinics, and community pharmacies.
President John A. Pieper addressed the graduates, reminding them that, while the number of pharmacy schools and new pharmacists is on the rise, STLCOP’s long and reputable history has provided its graduates with the ability to demonstrate patient care skills that exceed expectations. “It also means there are added opportunities for pharmacists who want to pursue non-traditional practices in nuclear pharmacy, consulting pharmacy, managed care, professional organizations, and yes, even as pharmacy faculty members,” he said.
Kelli Fitterling ’11 praised her fellow classmates for their accomplishment and thanked faculty and staff members for guiding them through a rigorous six-year curriculum. “We began with 252 students six years ago,” she said. “With a few gains and losses, some good times and bad, today, we are 188 students strong. This impressive progression rate exceeds the national average for four year pharmacy schools. I am proud to be a part of this class who has shown excellence in academics, athletics, and service.”
Before receiving their diplomas and celebrating the official end of their journey to becoming pharmacists, Dr. Pieper challenged each graduate to give back. “Pharmacy is your profession and your passion, but you are also citizens of this great country and the world. You are educated citizens, and it’s up to you to make our country and our society even better; day by day, week by week, and year by year. I have every confidence that you will take up this challenge and succeed beyond your wildest dreams.”
Scholarship and Awards Luncheon Unites Donors with Student Recipients
 From left: Mark Huelsing, database and application developer, Dr. Margaret Weck, director of basic and pharmaceutical science, Laine Rapp, and Dr. Bob Zebroski, associate professor of history. |
“I don’t really see anything special about what I’m doing here today,” said Sarah Greco ’10 during her address to attendees. “I perceived a gap that I knew I could fill.” During her fourth year at STLCOP, Greco set a goal to create a scholarship in recognition of a campus organization that served her. “The place I could always find strength was in my fraternity,” she said. Greco created the Fraternal Good Works Scholarship to recognize community service and fraternity leadership on campus. As someone who sat in their seats less than a year ago, she challenged students to “pay it forward.”
Creator of the Praful and Niru Patel Scholarship Gourang Patel ’00/’01 also addressed donors and attendees, saying “you have to put back into what you produce.” Patel stressed the importance of networking and a diversified portfolio, reminding students that the STLCOP community is dedicated to helping them succeed.
The largest award presented at the luncheon, the STLCOP Faculty and Staff Scholarship, was presented to fifth-year student Laine Rapp and totaled $23,326. “Over the past five years the faculty and staff at STLCOP have worked to shape the person and professional I’ve become – something I can never repay,” Rapp said in a letter to faculty and staff donors. “It is my ambition, and sincerest hope, to never forget the lessons you’ve taught me.”
2011 AIHP Awards Recognize Two STLCOP Students
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| From left: Carie Hart, Dean Kim Kilgore, Tony Sindel. |
AIHP, located on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, serves as a national center for the study of the history of the pharmacy profession and hosts programs to promote interest in the history of the profession.
Three STLCOP Students will Participate in Predoctoral Summer Program
This summer, fourth-year St. Louis College of Pharmacy students Karen Obermann, Aditya Thaker, and Brett Venker were selected to participate in the TL1 Predoctoral Program at Washington University in St. Louis. During the eight-week program, Obermann, Thaker, and Venker will be paired with physician-researchers from Washington University to learn about research design and methods, data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of findings and results. They also will complete didactic coursework: analysis of clinical data; designing outcomes and clinical research; and PICRT mentored independent research.
“Each of these students is considering the incorporation of research into their career,” said Terry Seaton, associate division director for research and professor of pharmacy practice at STLCOP. “Most importantly, they will be exposed to all aspects of clinical research at a level that will help them to determine a final career path. By interacting with fellow students in other health care professions, these students will learn about a wide array of research applications within different diseases and conditions.”
Each student trainee has been assigned an area of focus based on their interests. Obermann will partner with Dr. John Morris to research Alzheimer’s disease; Thaker will partner with Dr. Mario Castro to research asthma; and Venker will partner with Dr. Brian Gage to research pharmacogenomics in Warfarin.
Trainees will present their research methods and results at the Washington University School of Medicine’s Research Training Symposium and Poster Session, and at the TL1 Predoctoral National Meeting. They also will complete a research manuscript that will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
This will mark the fifth year that STLCOP students have participated in the TL1 Predoctoral Program. The program will provide participating students with a full-time stipend, and tuition will be paid for by a grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Go! STLCOP
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Chairman of the STLCOP Board of Trustees Bret Kimes initiated the Chairman’s Challenge months before the event, encouraging students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in the Go! St. Louis half marathon or marathon relay, and providing weekly training e-mails and opportunities for group runs and walks. STLCOP’s involvement was made possible by a donation from Edward Jones, where Kimes is a principal.
“The best part of the challenge was the mesh of people that participated,” said fourth-year student Karen Obermann. “Faculty, staff, and students suddenly had refreshing new topics of conversation. I love how everyone congratulated each other on the days following the race. It was such a great stress relief!”
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View photos from the Chairman's Challenge.
Symposium Highlights Student Research at STLCOP
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“One of the roles of student research is to provide learning experiences that are different than those typically provided in the classroom,” said Dr. Peter Hurd, professor of pharmacy administration and assistant to the dean for research. “Student participation in research can increase the level of student engagement with the College, leading to a more satisfying College experience. Indeed, the Association of American Colleges and Universities includes student research as one of the best ways to increase student engagement.”
Research topics were varied and included interests such as strategy development to increase student pharmacist involvement in professional pharmacy settings; modeling of nucleotide-binding units in TDP-43, a brain protein that can unfold under certain conditions, causing Alzheimer's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, and various motor neuron diseases; perceptions of older persons by entering college students; an evaluation of education on the appropriate use of vitamin K in warfarin reversal; positive learning strategies for freshman students; and an analysis of current medication therapy management literature in relation to community and hospital pharmacy.
For students not currently engaged in research, the Symposium served to educate them about existing research opportunities, and connected them with faculty experts. “An important goal of this event is to provide a way for students to see different kinds of research as they seek out faculty and faculty projects.”
More information regarding research at the College is available in the research and scholarship section of this Web site.
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View photos from the 2011 second annual Research Symposium
STLCOP Sponsors Community Health Fair in Columbia, Mo.
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The health fair offered medication review; blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar screenings; spinal screenings along with a massage; confidential HIV testing; Medicare benefits information; prescription drug abuse information; and information about free and/or low-cost health care services in the mid-Missouri area.
At the event, several pharmacists talked to a diverse group of attendees about medication and health-related issues.
“This was pharmacy organized and pharmacy based,” said Steve Calloway ’78, who works at University Hospital in Columbia and also is a member of the College’s Board of Trustees. “We had pharmacists and pharmacy students doing the screenings and medication reviews. That was an outstanding element of the program. It reinforces the fact that pharmacists are the most accessible health care practitioners in the community.”
Other organizations that participated in the community-wide endeavor included: D&H Drugstore; Kilgore’s Medical Pharmacy; the Center for Aging (Medicare Outreach); the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy; University of Missouri Health Care (University Pharmacy); Midwest Transplant Network; Columbia/Boone County Health Department; ACT Missouri; and Focus on Health Chiropractic.
Legislative Day Teaches Students the Role of Advocacy in Health Care
 Brandon Luong (third-year), Alyse Battles (third-year), Rep. Michele Kratky (D - St. Louis), Dr. John A. Pieper, Jessica Kassing (fifth-year), and Evan Schnur (fifth-year). |
During the first part of the day, a series of speakers educated attendees on current legislative issues affecting pharmacy. Additionally, Kimberly Grinston, executive director of the Missouri Board of Pharmacy, provided attendees with an overview of recent rulings from the board. After lunch, students toured the capitol and met with state senators and representatives to discuss health care and education.
“During our time in the capitol, we met with lobbyist Bill Gamble, who represents private colleges and universities in Missouri,” said fifth-year student Jessica Kassing. “We learned that his mother was a STLCOP graduate – one of just a handful of women in her class. He told us about the challenges that she faced as a woman in the profession, and the impact that she had on him. It was inspiring to see how STLCOP has changed a family for the better.”
 Rep. Steven Tilley (R - Perryville), Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, and Dr. John A. Pieper |
For 140 first- through fifth-year students who opted to stay on campus, an hour-long lecture on health literacy, presented by speakers from Health Literacy Missouri, provided them with valuable information surrounding patient communication. Afterwards, participants immersed themselves in the theme for the day, “walk in a patient’s shoes,” by using using MetroLink and MetroBus to experience the difficulties that many patients face getting to and from health care appointments.
Track & Field Season Begins with New Records and an All-American Title
On March 5, fourth-year student David Baker took sixth place in the one mile run at the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Indoor Track & Field Championships in Geneva, Ohio, making him St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s first-ever NAIA All-American athlete. His finishing time of 4:13.50 was three seconds faster than his time of 4:16.91 in the preliminaries, and six seconds ahead of his 4:19.82 time at the Feb. 18 Missouri Collegiate Challenge in Columbia, Mo., where his journey to the NAIA National Championships began.“David is just a gutsy runner,” said Coach David Baker. “You can see the pain in his face, but his legs don’t let him down. In every race that he’s won, he’s found a way to pour it on during the final lap to either win or to move up dramatically.”
And pour it on is exactly what Baker did during the last 100 meters of the March 5 race. With two runners challenging him on either side, he knew that letting either finish in front of him would knock him out of sixth place – the last All-American spot. “I kicked it up rounding the final corner and down the home stretch. I passed two guys to get sixth place,” Baker said. “It was the greatest feeling to cross that line, knowing I'd made it.”
Teammate and fifth-year student Amr Abualnadi participated in the March 4 preliminaries as well, finishing the 1,000-meter run in 2:30.79 – less than five seconds off the time needed to qualify for the finals. He shaved three seconds off of his 2:33.32 Missouri Collegiate Challenge qualifying time, warranting a STLCOP record.
“Amr is one of the most gifted runners I’ve ever coached in my 16 years of coaching. He’s incredibly fast on the track, and can just flat out fly,” said Coach Baker. “But ultimately what makes Amr elite is his competitive drive. He wants his competitors to be elite; he wants to run against the best. There is no limitation to how good he can be, and he knows that.”
Representing the best runners in the NAIA, Abualnadi and Baker were two of only 30 students from all NAIA schools to qualify for nationals in their events. And according to Coach Baker, they have each other to thank. “Running is generally seen as an individual sport, but these two are brothers when training and competing. They take extreme satisfaction in each others’ successes and push each other harder than they push themselves.”
Brighter than Abualnadi and Baker’s success in athletics are their futures in pharmacy. Both plan to go into community pharmacy, and Baker has plans to keep his family farm going. “The reality is that no one comes to STLCOP to become an elite runner, but it’s a lot of fun when they do,” said Coach Baker.
Homecoming Week Celebrates STLCOP
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“Homecoming Week provides an opportunity for students to get together to strengthen school spirit and involvement on campus,” said Tyler Dinkelaker, fourth-year student and Student Body Union programming liaison. “I also think it is a great way for students to take small breaks from the rigors of the curriculum, and have something to look forward to every year.”
Students were not the only members of the STLCOP family that got involved. An enthusiastic staff Olympiad team donned colorful outfits to compete against several student teams in “Minute to Win It” style events, including puzzles and human pyramids. The Liberal Arts and Administrative Sciences division had the most fans at the Eutectic basketball games, warranting bragging rights and a catered breakfast. Although the Lady Eutectics were not able to overcome the Logan College of Chiropractic Llamas on the basketball court, the men’s Eutectic team came through with a Homecoming victory over the Llamas.
“Many students attended the basketball games, and more than 300 students went bowling at Tropicana Lanes afterwards,” said Dinkelaker.
Student Appointed to Member at Large Position by APhA-ASP
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“I would really like to see each of the chapters in our region communicate more. I think each has great ideas and instead of ‘reinventing the wheel,’ I’d like to see each chapter learn and grow from each others’ successes and failures,” said Rapp.
In addition to managing chapter communications, Rapp will serve on an adjunct committee for the APhA-ASP House of Delegates, and help plan the Midyear Regional Meeting in the fall. This summer, she will head to Washington, DC, to participate in the APhA-ASP Summer Leadership Institute, where she will have the opportunity to learn more about her leadership style and strategize with fellow officers to discuss teamwork strategies.
Student Honored with NACDS Scholarship
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Patel was nominated by Christopher Schloss ’09, his pharmacy supervisor at Shop 'n Save Pharmacies. He strongly encouraged Patel to apply. In doing so, Patel wrote about his contributions to community pharmacy. He highlighted his advocacy and promotion of clinical services at Shop 'n Save and how he connected Shop 'n Save with STLCOP Cares, the College’s largest community service day. Each year, STLCOP students provide health care screenings at the store.
“It’s a really big honor,” said Patel, who received a congratulatory letter from the president of Shop 'n Save Pharmacies. “I’m very grateful. A lot of people don’t receive this scholarship. It’s good to know someone at NACDS feels like I’m contributing to society and community pharmacy in particular.”
Dr. Michael Daly Talks with KTVI-TV about Splitting Pills
The next time you need to cut a pill in half, a common practice used to save money or make medication easier to swallow, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Michael Daly advises patients to put down the scissors and step away from the knife.
During a recent appearance on Fox 2 News in the Morning, Daly recommended purchasing a pill-splitting device from a drug store for $3-10 rather than opting for a seemingly convenient, albeit dangerous method of pill splitting. Daly explained that a pill-splitting device can help patients avoid mistakes that may cause injury or dosing errors. “Talk to a physician if it’s a prescription medication,” Daly says. “Or if it’s an over the counter medication like aspirin, ask the pharmacist.”
Former U.S. Surgeon General Leads Health Disparities Discussion at STLCOP
 Dr. Satcher meets with a group of students prior to the discussion. |
“The misuse of medication is one of the major problems in health care in this country. The number of people who actually follow their prescription as written is a very small percentage,” Satcher said.
Satcher pointed to the gap between disease incidence and mortality rates as evidence of health disparities, and believes that America has a responsibility to its citizens to improve health outcomes for people who are uninsured and under-insured, uninspired, and under-informed.
Satcher believes that diverse health care teams are necessary to address social determinates of health disparities. He also is hopeful that health care reform will result in policies that make health care more accessible for everyone and address environmental factors that affect community health and safety.
Watch Dr. Satcher's full speech online.
Thanks to STLCOP Alum, There’s An App for Fat
 Stan Reents ’77, plays a game of tennis, his favorite sport. |
Recently, Reents added a mobile phone application to his repertoire of health-savvy tools, making access to exercise information and calorie counts on over 2,000 food items faster than a trip through the drive-thru. The exercise-calorie converter “app,” accessible via a smart phone or computer, helps consumers decide what to order (or not order) in three steps: step one, enter body weight; step two, select a restaurant; and step three, select a food item. The converter then displays how long someone needs to exercise in order to burn calories from the selected food item.
“It provides a practical perspective,” explains Reents. “Most consumers have a rough idea of calories. For example, if you told someone that a chocolate-chip cookie contains 600 calories, most people would have an idea of how those 600 calories would affect their daily caloric intake, right? But nobody has a feel for how long they would have to exercise to burn 600 calories.”
Reents hopes the app will help people focus on exercise first, and then a healthy diet. “If you only focus on diet, you don’t strengthen your cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. So if you compare them head-to-head, exercise alone is a lot more powerful than diet alone.”
More Than 100 Children Have Breakfast with Santa at STLCOP
 Second-year student and LXA member Carey Unthank helps a child make "reindeer food." |
Upon meeting Santa, each child was given a gift to unwrap. “A highlight of the day was watching the kids receive their presents. It absolutely made my day when they got to Santa and realized they would be receiving a gift of their very own,” said fifth-year student and LXA member Brian Ogweno.
In addition to funding the Breakfast with Santa event, the 100 Smiles Campaign collected enough money for a $1,000 donation to the St. Louis Ready Readers program, an organization that sends thousands of volunteers to schools in low-income communities to promote reading among preschool children.
STLCOP Community Members Attend ASHP Midyear Meeting
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| Fifth-year students Madalyn McCarthy, Katie McCallister, and Laine Rapp were a few of the STLCOP student representatives at the meeting. |
During the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif., STLCOP alumni, faculty, and students joined thousands of fellow pharmacy professionals to network and build their knowledge and skills. For students, it was an opportunity to learn about career options and residencies.
“Midyear provided me with the opportunity to make early decisions regarding which residency programs I should consider and apply for. I was running through the showcase maze interviewing my prospective residency programs,” said sixth-year student Kelli Fitterling.
Hundreds of representatives from post-graduate programs around the country were available to answer questions and provide information about residency and fellowship positions, providing students with the opportunity to learn about various programs without incurring the costs of location visits. Additionally, networking with professionals from many pharmacy practices provided students with a large-scale overview of career possibilities.
“The meeting offers a large amount of information in just a few days, but it's important to really grasp one critical concept - that there are so many areas of the profession to get involved in and work with during your career,” said fifth-year student Kyle Amelung.
View photos from the Midyear Meeting.
Movember Events Raise Awareness of Prostate and Testicular Cancers
Members of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy community, led by the Lambda Chi Alpha (LXA) chapter at the College, donned mustaches, attended events, and donated money to raise awareness of men’s health, particularly testicular and prostate cancers, as part of Movember at STLCOP.
For 30 days, men and women were encouraged to grow (or wear) mustaches as a ribbon for men’s health. Several events throughout the month also highlighted men’s health related to testicular and prostate cancers, including a barbecue, dodgeball tournament, wristband sales, a guest speaker, banana split sales, and a mustache-shaving finale.
“Prostate and testicular cancers are very prevalent in the male population, with testicular cancer being even more common in males 15 to 35 years old. Despite the high prevalence of these cancers, the importance of their awareness often takes a back seat to spreading awareness of other diseases,” said fourth-year student and LXA member Logan Schmitz. “ It’s important to raise awareness of prostate and testicular cancers, especially among males in our age group, and to do our part in aiding in prevention and research.”
A highlight of Movember was guest speaker Dave Porter, a member of the Missouri Basketball Hall of Fame and former basketball coach at Lafayette High School in St. Louis, who provided support for former team member Jason A. Struble during his battle with testicular cancer.
“The highlight of Dave Porter’s speech was when he shared the impact that one of his former players, Jason, had on the world even though he passed away many years ago,” said second-year student and LXA member Carey Unthank. “The fact that Jason wanted to spread his story to save just one life, and that they now have saved 23 lives that they know of is pretty amazing. Jason’s story definitely moved me and has impacted my life.”
Movember fundraising efforts collected more than $1,100 to support the Jason A. Struble Memorial Cancer Fund, Prostate Cancer Foundation, and Livestrong Foundation.
Make a Smile, STLCOP Style
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At Breakfast with Santa, hosted on the STLCOP campus, children in grades K-5 will enjoy food, arts and crafts, and the opportunity to visit with Santa and receive a gift. “A lot of families in the area have not been able to afford the admission fee for the Breakfast with Santa event in the past, and they are the ones that an event like this would really impact,” said fifth-year student and LXA member Brian Ogweno.
Proceeds collected in excess of what is needed to fund the Breakfast with Santa event will be donated to the St. Louis Ready Readers program, a local organization that promotes and supports childhood literacy. LXA's goal is to donate $1,000 to the program.
College Presented With Top 50 Award
 Members of the STLCOP community accepted the Top 50 award at the Gala Awards Dinner on Nov. 11. |
“We’re proud to be recognized for developing partnerships and collaborations with organizations and businesses that are focused on improving people’s health and equipping them with knowledge about medicines,” said College President John A. Pieper. “STLCOP truly exemplifies the desired traits of a Top 50 winner through our commitment to academic excellence and community awareness of health-related issues.”
As a member of the St. Louis community for 146 years, STLCOP is a top educator of future pharmacy leaders. Nearly three-quarters of the practicing pharmacists in the St. Louis region are alumni. The College is featured in the November/December issue of St. Louis Commerce Magazine alongside fellow Top 50 recipients.
2010 Fall STLCOP Athletes’ Choice Awards Presented to Five Faculty and Administrators
 From left: Dr. John A. Pieper, Dr. Brenda Gardenour, Morty the Eutectic, Dr. Patrick Fontane, and Dr. Bob Zebroski |
“Patrick Fontane regularly recognizes the accomplishments of the cross country team in his classes.”
“Bob Zebroski has a long history of supporting the efforts of the athletic teams by attending athletic events and getting the College community rallied behind their efforts.”
“Margaret Weck is a regular attendee at STLCOP games.”
“Dr. Pieper not only attends all games that his busy schedule allows, he recognizes and promotes the teams regularly.”
STLCOP offers seven NAIA intercollegiate sports in addition to intramural and club sports, providing pharmacy students with opportunities for a well-rounded college experience.
Professor Receives Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award
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The award, sponsored by leading global manufacturing and technology company, Emerson, is one of the most prestigious teaching recognition programs in the St. Louis area and the only public recognition of its kind in Missouri. Honorees are selected by peers or administrators to receive the award for their exceptional efforts in shaping students’ lives. Criteria for the award include the demonstration of innovative and successful teaching practices, and leadership and high visibility in the local community.
“I found out about the award when a big yellow envelope came in the mail with a letter and a card,” Beale said. “My initial reaction was that I didn’t believe it. I had heard about the Emerson Award before, but never imagined that I would receive it. I thought, ‘Wow, I am one of 100 educators in the St. Louis area receiving this.’ It was a great surprise.”
Only 100 awards are presented to educators from kindergarten through college. Beale will be presented with his award in November during an invitation-only awards ceremony. Beale also was presented with the College’s 2010 Joe E. Haberle Outstanding Educator award earlier this year.
Watch a video of Beale reflecting on the importance of a pharmacy education:
Dr. John Beale
Click here if the video doesn't work for you
College Receives Community Champion Award
The Institute for Family Medicine (IFM) has chosen St. Louis College of Pharmacy to receive their Community Champion Award. The award will be presented to the College on Nov. 13 at the Fifth Annual Community Champions Dinner. Nominations are accepted from the community.
The Community Champion Award honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to health care for poor and disadvantaged people in the local community. Each year, IFM provides health care services to more than 40,000 children and families by eliminating obstacles such as transportation, language barriers, and lack of insurance. STLCOP's division of Pharmacy Practice has a longstanding relationship with IFM.
Learn more about the award and dinner.
STLCOP Alumnus Receives 50th License to Practice Pharmacy
Daniel Blakeley ’79, CEO of Foundation Care Pharmacy, recently received his 50th license to practice pharmacy, making him the only known pharmacist licensed in 50 jurisdictions. Blakeley is licensed in Washington D.C. and all states except California.
In order to earn and maintain 50 licenses, Blakeley took the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination®, which tests knowledge of federal and state pharmacy laws, and interviewed with the State Board of Pharmacy in several states. Blakeley must meet continuing education requirements for all 50 jurisdictions.
Blakeley has plans to obtain licenses in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Guam within the next several months.
Third-Year Students Receive White Coats and Sign Pledge of Professionalism
On Thursday, Aug. 26, 205 third-year students were welcomed into the professional phase of their academic program at St. Louis College of Pharmacy during White Coat Ceremony on the Quad. During the ceremony, students received their white coats and signed the pledge of professionalism.
“Tonight you will join a select group of people nationally who can call themselves ‘student pharmacists’ and assume all of the obligations of professionalism, scholarship, and service that come with that title,” said Dr. John A. Pieper during the welcome address. “This ceremony is an opportunity for faculty, staff, family, and friends to share in your joy, as individuals and as a class, and to congratulate you on your accomplishments.”
The Class of 2014 will complete their professional course of study during their next four years at STLCOP.
View photos of White Coat Ceremony.
College Welcomes Students to Campus for the 2010-11 Academic Year
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“As the new president, I’m thoroughly impressed with the quality of STLCOP students,” said John A. Pieper, who began Aug. 1. “In recent days, with students moving into the Residence Hall and starting classes, I’ve enjoyed meeting and talking to them about their aspirations of becoming a pharmacist and contributing to the health care community.”
Students living in the Residence Hall were greeted by a move-in crew comprised of upperclassmen, faculty, and staff on Aug. 19. The following Tuesday, students had the opportunity to learn about STLCOP organizations during the Welcome Back Barbecue and Campus Resource Fair.
View photos of move-in day.
View photos of the Welcome Back Barbecue.
Dr. Ken Schafermeyer Talks With KTVI-TV About Electronic Medical Records
On July 29, Dr. Ken Schafermeyer appeared on KTVI-TV (Channel 2) to discuss health care reform – particularly the adaptation of electronic medical records. The five-year plan will integrate patient health and prescription history from multiple doctors and hospitals to a central electronic records system. The new system will provide health care professionals with the opportunity to access the complete medical history of a patient when administering treatment.
“They’re [the Federal Government] using a stick and a carrot. They carrot is some incentive money. They’re going to increase reimbursement for Medicare and Medicaid providers who adopt electronic medical records,” Schafermeyer said. He went on to say that providers who do not adopt the system by 2015 will see a decline in the amount reimbursed.
When asked about concerns regarding hackers and system security, Schafermeyer pointed to the fact that electronic health records already exist for billing purposes. “The thing people don’t realize is that those records are already out there. What this does is creates a systematic approach with much higher standards, so it should provide more security as well.”
Dr. Terry Seaton Appointed to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Board of Regents
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“It’s a high visibility position and a highly respected position within the organization,” Seaton said. “I was very humbled and pleased to learn of my election.” In his role, Seaton will serve as an advocate for members and contribute to the development and implementation of a new strategic plan.
Seaton believes that the new health care reform model will provide a basis for ACCP’s strategic direction by focusing on the role of pharmacy in the health care delivery system. “The key advocacy agenda for the past several years has been provider status. Clinical pharmacists are not recognized by Medicare as health care providers. In other words, pharmacists can’t bill Medicare independently for their clinical services; they can only bill for the medication dispensed. There’s talk of moving reimbursement for all medicine towards the medical home model, which involves billing as an institution rather than individual providers. Reimbursement changes will be the catalyst for a major change in the profession,” he said.
In connection with his role as a regent, Seaton also has been appointed to the ACCP’s political action committee, which will further position him to impact legislative aspects of health care. “I completed a federal government program on political advocacy and primary care, so this fits well with my interests,” he said.
The ACCP is a professional and scientific society focused on providing clinical pharmacists with training and development, support programs, leadership, and networking opportunities that enhance practice and research. STLCOP is home to the largest student chapter of the ACCP, with more than 200 student members.
Dr. John Pieper Named APhA Fellow
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) has announced Dr. John Pieper, St. Louis College of Pharmacy’s new president, as a 2010 APhA Fellow.
Fellows must have at least 10 years of professional experience and be members of either the APhA Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management or the APhA Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science (APhA-APRS). Additionally, fellows must demonstrate a high level of achievement and service through service to APhA and other local, state, and national professional organizations. Dr. Pieper is a member of the APhA-APRS. In 2006, he received the Outstanding Dean Award from the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists.
Learn more about Dr. Pieper.
Byron A. Barnes Award Recipients Announced
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Margaret Weck, associate professor of physiology and director of the basic and pharmaceutical sciences division, received the Student Enrichment Award, which is presented to a faculty member whose interaction with students outside the classroom go above and beyond the call of duty. Bob Zebroski, associate professor of history, received the College Enhancement Award for improving the College atmosphere to benefit the students’ college experience. Mark Huelsing, database and application developer, was honored with the President’s Staff Excellence Award, which is presented to a staff member whose work consistently exceeds expectations or who has provided exceptional service to the College.
The three awards were created in 1998 to recognize outstanding service to the College community. Funding for the Byron A. Barnes Awards is provided by the BCES Foundation, Loren G. Cunningham ’50 and his wife, Sarah.
BESt Pharmacy Institute Promotes a Diverse Health Care Community
In a unique collaboration, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Express Scripts are preparing multicultural high school students in St. Louis city and county for careers in pharmacy through the BESt Pharmacy Summer Institute. During a six-week program, students receive instruction in math, science, language arts, and ACT preparation with pharmacy lectures and site visits. The program consists of three levels: BESt I (rising sophomores); BESt II (rising juniors); and BESt III (rising seniors).This summer, 56 students were chosen to participate in the program’s three sessions.
In 2009, the 14 students who participated in the program all received college scholarships to continue their education in health-related fields.
Recently featured on KSDK-TV in St. Louis, participants expressed their dedication to making the most of the opportunity – even if it means sacrificing their summer. “The more knowledge, the more power you have. I’ll always have time to play video games, but it takes a real man to come [to the program], right,” said sophomore Darrin Mosely, who attends Normandy High School.
The goal of the BESt program is to provide multicultural students with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in pharmacy school. Ultimately, program leaders hope to create a larger, more diverse pool of pharmacists to serve the St. Louis area.
Learn more about the BESt program.
Watch the segment.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy Student Saves Woman’s Life
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| Danielle Graham and Laurie Harp meet for the first time since the accident. |
“I have been told my car started veering into the next lane. The young lady behind me decided to change lanes. When she moved next to me she looked over and saw I was shaking … We have since learned I was having a seizure. She said my car was going the perfect speed and at the perfect angle she was able to use her car to steer my car across four lanes of traffic to the median. Once my car hit the median it stopped and she was able to come up and put my car in park and she sat there with me holding my hand until help arrived,” recalled Harp in an e-mail to KMOV News.
The two women have been e-mailing since the incident, and met for the first time on June 14. Graham said that she did not consider her own safety when she noticed that Harp was in danger. “All I could think about was getting her to the side of the road. That’s all I thought about,” Graham said.
Watch the video and view photos.
STLCOP’s Jill Jokerst Named KIAC Athletic Director of the Year
The Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference named Jill Jokerst Athletic Director of the Year. News of Jokerst’s
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“STLCOP offers intercollegiate athletics for all the right reasons – not for championships, although that's a perk, but as a means to develop character and provide positive intangibles that help our students as they become community leaders. It feels good to know that the 'little guy' doesn't always come in last!” said Jokerst.
Jokerst is quick to recognize STLCOP coaches and student-athletes who also have claimed their fair share of titles and awards during the 2009-10 season, noting that her award is a reflection on the entire STLCOP athletic program.
“I think I can sum it up by saying that our athletes have the right attitude about college sports. They know that they are here to be pharmacists rather than professional athletes, and are satisfied knowing they give their sport all they've got. Sometimes that means a conference championship, national qualification, All-Conference Teams, or recognition for being scholar-athletes. Most of all, it means they're having fun and growing as adults, which is what the college experience should provide,” she said.
Drs. Sailors and Burke Appear on Fox 2 News
Two St. Louis College of Pharmacy professors recently appeared on KTVI's Fox 2 News in the Morning to answer questions about hot topics surrounding drug abuse and recent Tylenol recalls.
Dr. Jill Sailors, ’01/’02, assistant professor of pharmacy practice, addressed the issue of prescription drug abuse, which has more than doubled over the past decade and costs tax payers billions of dollars every year. Dr. Sailors stressed the need for parents to target prevention by talking with their teenagers and monitoring their medicine cabinets.
Dr. Jack Burke, director of pharmacy practice, discussed the Tylenol recall and FDA regulation of medications. While recent recalls of Tylenol medications have caused a media uproar, Dr. Burke highlighted the ability of pharmacists to help consumers select generic alternatives.
View Dr. Sailors and Dr. Burke's appearances.
St. Louis College of Pharmacy Presents 178 Pharm.D. Degrees
On May 15, members of the STLCOP community gathered at the Millennium Hotel to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2010.
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Patrick Harper ’10, reminded fellow graduates that STLCOP not only shapes professional careers, but enables students to grow as individuals. “Our profession is not all that we are. Yes, it is what we have studied for the past six years, but it is not what defines us or our time here. We should be defined not by what we did, but by who we’ve become. And it’s our memories of STLCOP that will continue to shape us throughout our lives. Take note that by memories I mean ‘what we remember’ and not ‘what we memorized.’ There’s a difference.”
The Class of 2010 received an average of 1.66 job offers per student before graduation. Forty-nine percent of graduates intend to work in St. Louis upon graduation.
View photos from 2010 Commencement.
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