UF Pharmacy Dean and Faculty Members Receive State Awards

 

The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) announced three University of Findlay award recipients at its Annual Conference held April 21-23 in Columbus. College of Pharmacy Dean Debra Parker, R.Ph., Pharm.D., BCPS, received the 2017 Bowl of Hygeia Award, while Erin L. Thompson, R.Ph., Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP and John Stanovich, R.Ph., received the Upsher-Smith Excellence in Innovation Award and Pharmacist Public Relations Award respectively.
The Bowl of Hygeia Award is presented annually to honor a pharmacist who has contributed to the progress of his/her community within the state of Ohio. According to Ernest Boyd, OPA executive director, “It is not out of the ordinary for pharmacists to be active in their communities, but Debra Parker has gone above and beyond with her sustained efforts and contributions to both our communities and the pharmacy profession.”
Parker chairs the Opiate Task Force of the Hancock County ADAMHS Board and participates in diabetes and other health screenings in the community. She is a volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps in Hancock, Allen and Hardin Counties; is a Findlay Rotarian and active in her church in Westminster, Ohio. A past president of the OPA, Parker’s publications include a textbook as well as journal articles.
Thompson received the Upsher-Smith Excellence in Innovation Award, which honors pharmacists who have demonstrated innovative pharmacy practice resulting in improved patient care by providing effective patient counseling. As assistant professor of pharmacy practice, she led the development and launch of UF’s Medication Therapy Management Telehealth Center. The Center provides face-to-face comprehensive medication reviews to patients in Ohio using video conferencing software. The use of this software has provided patients in rural areas with access to clinical pharmacy services and improved results of their medication therapy.
In presenting the award, Boyd said, “Erin Thompson is one of many pharmacists who have the passion to provide superior health care to the patients of Ohio.”
Recipient of the Pharmacist Public Relations Award, Stanovich was recognized for continuous service to the community in educating the public on pharmacy-related issues and safe medicine use.
Assistant Dean of External Programs and Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Stanovich has presented in the community on drug therapy and substance abuse; participated in health/wellness and immunization clinics; served as chair of the Hancock County Opiate Task Force (2009-2016); is a member of Hancock County’s Community Awareness, Education and Legislative Committees, and participated in a medical mission trip to Haiti.
About Stanovich’s accomplishments, Boyd stated at the award presentation, “John Stanovich is a true ambassador for the profession in every sense of the word.”
Also at the Annual Conference, Ryan Schneider, R.Ph., Pharm.D., Ph.D., chair and associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, took office as president-elect of the OPA.
The Ohio Pharmacists Association, established in 1879, represents more than 4,000 pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmacy students throughout the state.

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