Author: Christie Williams

Pharmacy Students Get Certified in Mental Health First Aid

In November, the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) at the NSU College of Pharmacy coordinated and provided a special training event for students to attend an 8 hour in-person certification training focused on Mental Health First Aid. The event, which followed strict COVID-19 cautionary guidelines, helped our students better understand mental health and substance use disorders.

Students were taught how to identify signs and symptoms of mental health problems that indicate a person may require professional help and how to correctly approach situations which are often difficult for most persons to address. The instructors, which belong to the South Florida Wellness Network, were able to provide clear and concise steps in approaching a mental health situation in which both the Mental Health First Aider and the person in distress feel safe.

The event brought awareness to the importance of Mental Health First Aid, such that it is as important and lifesaving to people in our society as CPR is. The NSU-CPNP student chapter hopes to continue to provide this critical training to the students at the College of Pharmacy, and it is also looking to extend the invitation for this training and certification opportunity to all students in the Health Professions Division.

For more information and mental health resources:

Visit South Florida Wellness Network at

http://www.sfwn.org

NSU College of Pharmacy raises over $1,500 for NAMIWalks- Broward County

 

This Fall, NSU College of Pharmacy led a campaign to raise awareness and funds for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.  Among NAMI’s many activities, it provides local educational and awareness programs, support groups and training, educational material, a NAMI Help line that provides resource referral and support, as well as national advocacy for mental health. Due to the pandemic, an online walk was hosted this year to fundraise for each local community. Under the guidance of Jose A. Rey, M.S., Pharm.D., BCPP, and leadership of pharmacy student Abigail Sundberg (’23), over $1,500 was raised for the NAMIWalks – Broward County.

Several College of Pharmacy club organizations participated to fundraise for NAMIWalks this year, including the College of Psychiatric and Neurological Pharmacists (CPNP) and the American Pharmacists Association- Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP).
Fundraising was conducted through Self Care Treat Bag sales, which provided information on mental wellness as well as stress relieving goodies, and through social media campaigns such as #RocktheWalk2020 and #MentalHealthforAll. Students from all class years participated in fundraising efforts and bringing awareness to the importance of mental health.

Donations are collected year-round if you would like to support NAMI in Broward County. If you would like to support and donate, the link is listed below. Help us to fundraise for NAMI’s mission of #MentalHealthforAll. Please visit nami.org for additional information and resources.

NSU College of Pharmacy Team Page: https://www.namiwalks.org/team/39187

Governor Ron DeSantis Appoints NSU COP Alumna, Dorinda Segovia, Pharm.D. (’92) to the Board of Pharmacy

Dorinda Segovia, Pharm.D., NSU COP Alumna (’92), was appointed to the Board of Pharmacy by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

NSU alumna and 2020 STUEY Alumni of the Year, Dorinda Segovia, Pharm.D. (’92) was recently appointed to the Board of Pharmacy by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Segovia is the Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Memorial Healthcare System. She has been supporting the college of pharmacy community since 1992 as a student mentor, affiliate assistant professor, guest speaker, and member of the admissions and curriculum committees. In 2002, she was appointed by the Governor to Florida’s Medicaid first Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee to assist in selecting a formulary for the underserved.

The Florida Board of Pharmacy was legislatively established to ensure that every pharmacist practicing in the state and every pharmacy meet minimum requirements for safe practice. It is responsible for the licensure, monitoring and education of pharmacy professionals to assure competency and safety to practice in their service to the people of Florida. The Florida Board of Pharmacy consists of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Seven members of the board must be licensed pharmacists who are residents of this state and who have been engaged in the practice of the profession of pharmacy in this state for at least 4 years. The remaining two members must be residents of the state who have never been licensed as pharmacists and have no connection with the practice of the profession of pharmacy.

College of Pharmacy Professor Recipient of the APhA 2021 Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award

 

On December 3, 2020, the American Pharmacists Association announced the annual recipients of its Awards and Honors Program – the most comprehensive recognition program in the profession of pharmacy. Albert Wertheimer, Ph.D., professor of Sociobehavioral and Administrative Pharmacy, is the recipient of the prestigious Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award.

The award recognizes an individual who has promoted and encouraged pharmacists to attain leadership positions through example, acting as a role model and mentor. Dr. Wertheimer is recognized for his broad level of mentorship throughout a career of nearly 50 years. His impact has spanned the globe through international engagement, while also being focused in specific areas. His work to develop the fields of sociobehavioral pharmacy and pharmacoeconomics has led to his mentorship of many student pharmacists, researchers, and pharmacists.

Congratulations, Dr. Wertheimer!

Pharmacy Aluma in the News as South Florida Health Experts Prepare for COVID-19 Vaccine to Arrive

Madeline Camejo, MS, Pharm.D.

After weeks of preparation, health care providers in South Florida are excited and busy in preparation to disseminate the COVID-19 vaccine. College of Pharmacy alumna, Madeline Camejo, MS, Pharm.D. (’97) was on the Today Show and on the NBC South Florida Channel 6 News as the health experts in South Florida prepare for the arrival of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Camejo is the Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at Baptist Health. She was interviewed about how Baptist Health will be storing the COVID-10 vaccine when it arrives. Camejo is an experienced Pharmacy Executive overseeing multi-site facilities. She has over 23 years of working experience in hospital, ambulatory and Health Care. Camejo is skilled in Healthcare Consulting, Performance improvement, Acute Care, Ambulatory and Oncology Pharmacy Services.

Wishing You Love, Peace and Joy

During this special time of year, we want to make sure you know how much we appreciate you. 2020 has been challenging for everyone, and we are grateful for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. NSU was able to remain open all year long thanks to your support and willingness to evolve with the times. Together, we helped demonstrate that our university is focused on delivering a safe, student-centered education.

We hope this holiday season is full of health and happiness. There are many exciting things to look forward to in 2021, so be sure to take some time to rest and recharge.

Stay safe, Sharks!

A Once-in a Lifetime Opportunity for Two Pharm.D. Students

On the first day the COVID-19 vaccine became available, December 14, 2020,  two third-year students, Ashley Dabalsa (’22) and Laura Perez-Gutierrez (’22) had an experience of a lifetime – they were involved in reconstituting for administration the COVID-19 vaccine at Memorial Healthcare System (MHS), which was the first institution that started providing the vaccines in South Florida.

Here is what Ashley and Laura say about the experience:
Ashley Dabalsa Pharmacy Intern, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at MHS
“Today was one of the biggest days of my life. I was the first person to reconstitute the vial and draw up the first syringes of the COVID-19 vaccine in all of South Florida. Not only was I able to represent this amazing healthcare system that I work for, but I was able to represent …[the] College of Pharmacy … at Nova Southeastern University. Being able to be a pharmacy intern for Memorial Healthcare System gave me this opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Thanks to Dorinda Segovia (’92), I was able to have this life changing moment. God only knows how grateful and thankful I am to have such an amazing mentor as her in my life. I wouldn’t be half of the pharmacy intern that I am today if it weren’t for her guidance, advice, love and care that she gives me constantly. There is truly no one out there like her, she is truly one in a million. Thanks to her, all the executives in Memorial and our CEO Aurelio Fernandez we were 1 out of 5 hospitals in the state of Florida receiving this vaccine firsthand.”
Laura Perez-Gutierrez Pharmacy Intern MHS
“This morning was one for the books! I was fortunate enough to be one of only two students from Nova Southeastern University College of Pharmacy who were part of the compounding for administration of the COVID-19 vaccine at Memorial Healthcare System, which was the first institution that started providing the vaccines today in South Florida.
I can’t thank you enough Dorinda Segovia for all the guidance and effort you have put into guiding me through this journey. You are a huge part of my success as a professional!”

NSU Athletics Announces Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. Athletic Degree Completion Endowed Scholarship Fund

NSU Department of Athletics is honored to announce the Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr. NSU Athletic Degree Completion Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was created to support scholarships for student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility but have yet to complete their undergraduate degrees.

“Our student-athletes are among our greatest ambassadors!” expressed Chancellor Ray Ferrero, Jr., J.D. “Having said that, I believe we, as an academic community, have an obligation to see that they are able to complete their degree requirements even though they may have exhausted their athletic eligibility. By establishing this endowment, it is my hope that others – alumni, friends, NSU supporters and the university itself – will join in this mission.”

In December 2019, NSU Athletics Advisory Council hosted an intimate reception with close friends and supporters of Shark Athletics during a rooftop reception at Andy’s Live Fire Grill & Bar. The event honored Chancellor Ferrero’s considerable contribution and lead gift to establish the endowment fund.

Click here for FULL STORY

College of Pharmacy Alumna gets Covid-19 vaccine in Miramar

NSU’s College of Pharmacy alumna Dorinda Segovia, Pharm.D., (‘–) vice president of pharmacy services at Memorial Healthcare System (MHS) receives the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, December 14, 2020 in Miramar. MHS is one of the first health care systems in South Florida to receive over 19,500 doses of COVID-10 vaccines and aims to vaccinate 120 people per hour in the coming days.

MHS is host to NSU-COP students doing their Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Students at the hospital system are experiencing the challenges and opportunities being brought by the pandemic and are engaged in providing assistance to hospital pharmacists such as Segovia.

Click link to read more, https://www.sun-sentinel.com/coronavirus/fl-ne-desantis-coronavirus-monday-update-20201214-nzpzb62ndjgxxdlyr73qi3fhke-story.html

NSU University School Students Named 2021 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists

NSU University School is proud to congratulate four seniors – Duncan J., Amanda K., Hannah K., and Peyton R. – who have been named 2021 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalists. Chosen from more than 99,000 applicants nationwide, these students were selected because of their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to their community. Semifinalists will now complete the second phase of applications for the chance to advance as regional finalists and receive a $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation college scholarship. Congratulations, Sharks!

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