College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Mercer University

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Former FDA Director to Deliver Keynote at Van Greene Lecture
March 2012

Dr. Lawrence J. Lesko, director of the Center for Pharmacometrics and Systems Pharmacology in the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on March 29 for the 2012 G. Van Greene Distinguished Lecture at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. [more]

Amir Emamifar oversees Mercer-Emory Joint Initiative
January 2012

Amir Emamifar, Pharm.D.,M.B.A., associate administrator for pharmaceutical services at Emory Healthcare, has been appointed by Mercer COPHS as assistant dean for clinical pharmacy education at Emory. In this capacity, he oversees the new Mercer-Emory Joint Initiative in Pharmacy Education. [more]

Dr. Grimsley featured in Pharmacy Today
December 2011

Dr. Amy Grimsley, COPHS clinical assistant professor and Mercer pharmacy alumna, is featured in the cover story of the December 2011 issue of Pharmacy Today. The profile examines her “unique experience providing medication therapy management” and specialty training in oncology and hematology. [read article]

Mercer alum selected for Industry Growth Award
December 2011

Edward Schutter, ’77, has been selected as a 2012 Industry Growth Award winner by the Georgia Bio board. Georgia Bio (GaBio) is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. Schutter, president & CEO of Arbor Pharmaceuticals, is being honored as a successful entrepreneur and leader of Georgia’s bioscience community. [more]

16 Students Present at ASHP Midyear Meeting
December 2011

In an impressive showing from one school, 16 pharmacy students presented research projects at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ Midyear Clinical Meeting in December. Of the 16 students, all 14 Advanced Clinical Track students presented. [more]

COPHS Student Chapter Hosts AMCP's Student Symposium
October 2011

The college’s student chapter of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy hosted the AMCP’s 2nd Annual Student Symposium Oct. 21 at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta. The symposium introduced students from pharmacy schools around the country to managed care pharmacy concepts and developed professionalism and networking skills.

Mercer PA Students Kick Off National PA Week with Governor Deal
September 2011

Students and faculty in Mercer University’s Physician Assistant Studies program kicked off national PA Week on Oct. 6 when they visited the state capitol to attend Gov. Nathan Deal’s scheduled signing of a proclamation officially declaring PA Week in Georgia. [more]

First-year Pharmacy, Physical Therapy Students Recieve White Coats, Begin Classes
August 2011

Nearly 200 first-year students recently received white coats and began classes in the pharmacy and physical therapy doctoral programs in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The group included 153 incoming pharmacy students and 36 first-year students in the physical therapy program. [more]

Mercer Physical Therapy and Shepard Center Launch Residency in Neurologic Physical Therapy
August 2011

Mercer University’s Department of Physical Therapy and the Shepherd Center are now offering a post-professional residency in neurologic physical therapy. The 13-month residency program, which is one of only 14 in the United States, helps physical therapists accelerate their expertise in evaluation, examination, diagnosis, prognosis, intervention, and management of patients with neurologic dysfunction. [more]

John T. Sherrer, R.Ph., Recieves Prestigious Award for Pharmacy Service
July 2011

John T. Sherrer, R.Ph., of Marietta, is the 2011 recipient of the prestigious Larry L. Braden Meritorious Service award, which was presented to him at the Georgia Pharmacy Association’s (GPhA) 2011 Annual Convention. [more]

Mercer PA Team Wins 1st Place in National Medical Challenge Bowl
June 2011

A three-member team of students in the Physician Assistant Studies program in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences captured first place in a national medical challenge bowl held at an annual physician assistants conference in Las Vegas. [more]

Summer Program Exposes High Schoolers to Pharmacy Careers
May 2011

High school students intrigued by biology and chemistry, and their applications to health and wellness may be interested in a three-day pharmacy summer program at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The program is particularly targeting underrepresented minorities thanks to a $10,000 gift from Walgreens designed to foster diversity in the field of pharmacy. [more]

Patient-Centerd Residency Program for Pharmacists
May 2011

Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and a metro Atlanta-based health care outcome research company are teaming up to provide post-graduate residency training for pharmacists. [more]

The Spring 2011 Edition of Pharmabeat is Now Available
June 2011

The COPHS graduate students are proud to present their most recent issue of Pharmabeat, a Mercer Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Students E-newsletter. The newsletter attempts to conjoin industry and academia related information in one format. This semi-annual newsletter is a collaborative effort of all the students in the graduate program.

Director of Mercer's Physician Assistant Program Named Distinguished Fellow
April 13, 2011

The director of the Department of Physician Assistant Studies in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Science was recently recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. [more]

Residency in Othopaedic PT Recieves National Recognition

Mercer University’s Residency in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy was recognized by the American Physical Therapy Association at their recent national meeting on Feb. 9 in New Orleans. [more]

Mercer Symposium Explores Use of Nanotechnology in Fighting Infectious Diseases
March 1, 2011

Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is hosting the Third Annual Georgia Symposium on Nanotechnology and Infectious Disease on April 1 on the University’s Atlanta campus. [more]

Nationally recognized scholoar, pharmacist to deliver 2011 Van Greene lecture
February 25, 2011

Dr. Joseph T. DiPiro will deliver the2011 G. Van Greene Distinguished Lecture of Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. DiPiro is executive dean of the South Carolina College of Pharmacy and author of some 200 journal papers, books and editorials. The title of his lecture is “Preparing Pharmacists to Improve Health Outcomes.”[more]

Prestigious "New Faculty" Research Award for Pharmacy Faculty Member
February 16, 2011

An assistant professor in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has been awarded the highly selective New Pharmacy Faculty Research Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. [more]

Mercer Pharmaceutical Scientists Receive $50,000 Cancer Research Awards
February 3, 2011

Two professors in Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences were recently awarded state cancer research grants to explore various methods of delivering anticancer drugs to needy patients. [more]

The Fall 2010 Edition of Pharmabeat is Now Available
January 2011

The Mercer COPHS Provides Emergency Preparedness Training
October 30, 2010

Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Office of Continuing Education in conjunction with Mercer University’s Alumni Services recently offered the following program “Are You Ready for a Georgia Crisis?: Emergency Preparedness for Pharmacists.” The three-hour program was held Saturday, October 30, 2010 in Mercer University’s Cecil B. Hall. Eighty participants completed the program. Program speakers were Richard Marasco, RPh, BS Pharm, FASCP, CGP, HRM, President and Consultant Pharmacist, Seniorpharm.com, LLC, Pharmaceutical Care and Management Services and Leticia Mathis, SNS Program Administrator, Georgia Department of Community Health.

COPHS Student wins First Runner-Up National Award
October 16-20, 2010

Risa Hiroshima, a third year pharmacy student at Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, was awarded the First Runner-Up for the Best Student Poster Award at the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Annual Meeting held in Austin, Texas. The project was completed in conjunction with Dr. Vanthida Huang, Associate Professor at the college. The title of Risa’s project was: “In vitro Activity of Cefazolin alone and in Combination with Vancomycin against Heteroresistance Methicillin-Resistant and -Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in an in vitro Pharmacodynamic Model”. Her project was selected as one of the 7 Finalists from over 40 student presentations to be judged by a panel of judges.

Mercer PA Program Celebrated National Physician Assistant Week,
October 6-12, 2010

The Mercer University Physician Assistant Program joined with PAs across the United States to celebrate National Physician Assistants Week October 6-12. The state of Georgia's celebration kicked off on Tuesday, September 28, with a proclamation signing by Governor Sonny Perdue at the State Capitol Building in Atlanta. The Mercer University Physician Assistant Students and Faculty were at the Capitol to witness this event. The students also organized proclamation signings with Mayor Robert Reichert of Macon on October 8th, and Mayor Nancy Harris of Duluth on October 11th. [more]

Mercer Celebrates Pharmacy Educator Week
October 24-30

Do you have a passion for learning, inspiring others and impacting patient care? If so, consider a career in pharmacy education. The demand for well-qualified pharmacy faculty of diverse backgrounds and experiences is greater than ever. The benefits and advantages of entering academia are plentiful. Pharmacy educators contribute to scientific and clinical knowledge, collaborate with other professionals and improve the learning experience of future pharmacists. Attend the reception.

Mercer's Kappa Psi Chapter Named International Chapter of the Year
August 23, 2010

At the recent Kappa Psi National Pharmacy Fraternity Grand Council Convention, Mercer University’s Gamma Psi Chapter and its members received multiple awards. For the second time in its history, Mercer’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences chapter was recognized at the International Chapter of the Year.

At the recent Province IV Conclave, the Gamma Psi Chapter also was awarded the Top Chapter in Province IV for the third year in a row, the Best Chapter Report Award, and the Provincial Attendance Award with 100% of the Brothers attending. Brother Bob Harshbarger was elected to the position of Province IV Secretary during Conclave. Eight of the current collegiate Brothers sit on Province IV committees. They are joined by Alumni Brothers Andrew Crowe, Marvin Smith, Purvish Patel, Seth Hammonds, Andrew Asberry, Johnathan Hamrick, and Trey Rumph, who also serve on Province IV committees.

Physician Assistant Student Selected for Johns Hopkins Residency
May 7, 2010

Lindsay Watters, a member of the first class of Mercer physician assistants, has earned a coveted spot in the postgraduate surgical residency program for physician assistants at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md. The hospital has been ranked No. 1 in the nation for 19 consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. After completion of her Master of Medical Science degree at Mercer this year, Watters was accepted into one of five post-graduate positions in the program, which selects from a national pool of applicants.

“They only take the very best of the best,” said Bradford W. Schwarz, M.S., PA-C, director of Mercer’s physician assistant program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “It’s quite amazing that a Mercer student was accepted given the fact that this was our first graduating class. I think this speaks directly to the reputation of the university and, hopefully, to the leadership and mission of our program. Lindsay is an exceptional woman and alumna who will do very well anywhere she goes.”

During her tenure with the Johns Hopkins Postgraduate Surgical Residency for Physician Assistants, Watters will train for a wide variety of surgical specialties in academic and private settings.

In addition to completing her physician assistant studies, the Shannon, Ga.-native served as representative to the Assembly of Representatives, representative to the House of Delegates, and junior director of external affairs for the Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. As part of her work with the Student Academy she attended the national meeting of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, as well as attended conferences for other health care professions and health care profession student organizations, educating them about the physician assistant’s role within the health care team.

“Mercer’s Physician Assistant Program has given me the tools necessary to not only become a physician assistant, but to become an excellent one,” Watters said. “I am honored and humbled to have been chosen for the inaugural class of students for Mercer’s PA program, because my presence in this program has not only instilled in me the knowledge to be a great health care provider, but the passion, compassion and generosity necessary to make a difference for my patients, and my career.

“The faculty and staff at Mercer continuously inspired me to push the limits and think outside the box, qualities that I know will benefit me greatly in the future,” she said. “Without my training and growth during my tenure at Mercer, I would not have had the skills or the confidence to pursue such a prestigious residency position, and I am forever grateful to the Mercer PA program for challenging me to always strive for more. I look forward to beginning the Johns Hopkins residency this fall, and will take the knowledge and ideals Mercer afforded me on this journey to Baltimore.”

Graduate Students Present their Inaugural Issue of Pharmabeat
April 15, 2010

The COPHS graduate students are proud to present their inaugural issue of Pharmabeat, a Mercer Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Students E-newsletter. The newsletter attempts to conjoin industry and academia related information in one format. This semi-annual newsletter is a collaborative effort of all the students in the graduate program. Congratulations!

Mercer Student Receives AACP/Wal-Mart Scholarship
April 2010

Shannon Proctor, a second-year pharmacy student at Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, is a 2010 recipient of an AACP/Wal-Mart Scholarship. The scholarship funds will allow Proctor and her faculty mentor, Dr. Christine Klein, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, to attend the 2010 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Annual Meeting and the Teachers Seminar in Seattle, Wash. on July 10-14.

The AACP/Wal-Mart Scholarship Program selects recipients on academic achievement, a personal statement from the student, and a letter of support from the faculty mentor. Each year, the program provides $1,000 travel scholarships to 65 student-faculty pairs from AACP member institutions to attend the Annual Meeting.

The AACP/Wal-Mart Scholarship Program was created to strengthen the recipient’s skills and commitment to a career in academic pharmacy through participation in programming and activities and the 2010 AACP Annual Meeting and Seminars. AACP and Wal-Mart share the commitment to help colleges and schools of pharmacy ensure there are an adequate number of well-prepared individuals who aspire to join the faculties of our expanding programs across the country.

Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony

The White Coat Ceremony marks entrance into the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. First year Pharm.D. students are cloaked with their white coats and recite the Pledge of Professionalism during the Ceremony.

Date: August 19, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. with reception following the Ceremony
Place: Sheffield Center

Pharmacy Orientation

Orientation is held annually for all first year Pharm.D. students. During Orientation, the students are introduced to staff from campus offices that will be at their service during their educational terms at Mercer. Students are also provided with the policies and procedures within both the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the University.

Date: August 20, 2010
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Place: Teaching and Research Center, Classroom 172

Physical Therapy Orientation

Orientation is held annually for all first year DPT students. During Orientation, the students are introduced to staff from campus offices that will be at their service during their educational terms at Mercer. Students are also provided with the policies and procedures within both the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the University.

Date: August 19-20, 2010
Time: TBD
Place: Physical Therapy Department

Physical Therapy White Coat Ceremony

The White Coat Ceremony marks entrance into the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. First year DPT students are cloaked with their white coats during the Ceremony.

Date: August 20, 2010
Time: 2:00 p.m. with reception following the Ceremony
Place: Day Hall Auditorium

Residency Showcase

The Residency Showcase is Co-hosted by Mercer University COPHS, South University School of Pharmacy, and The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Taking place at the Atlanta Administration and Conference Center on the Cecil B. Day Campus of Mercer University. A campus map is available here:
http://www2.mercer.edu/NR/rdonlyres/62B5DB3B-E282-47EE-804A-8A5D0551C068/0/cbday09.pdf
Date: October 2010
Time: TBD
Place: ACC, 2930 Flowers Road South, Atlanta

Pharmacy Honors Day Luncheon

The Pharmacy Honors Day Luncheon is held annually to show appreciation for Pharmacy scholarship donors and to honor student scholarship recipients.

Date: October 28, 2010
Time: 12 noon
Place: ACC, 2930 Flowers Road South, Atlanta

Career Day

The annual Career Day provides employers an opportunity to conduct personal interviews with College of Pharmacy graduating students. Companies also set up exhibits and have the opportunity to interact with first, second and third professional year students and provide information about career and internship opportunities.

Date: November 11-12, 2010
Time: TBD
Place: ACC, 2930 Flowers Road South, Atlanta

G. Van Greene Distinguished Lectureship

Named in honor of Dr. G. Van Greene, one of the College’s most loyal and staunch supporters, the G. Van Greene Distinguished Lectureship program is designed to bring world-renowned health care professionals to campus to discuss contemporary topics in pharmacy and the health sciences.

Date: March 2011
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Cecil B. Day Hall Auditorium
Speaker:TBD

For more information about this program, please contact the Dean’s Office at (678) 547-6304.

Information Sessions for Prospective Students

Information sessions are held throughout the year for students seeking admission into College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences programs. Students, faculty and staff of the College interact with prospective students and provide information and insight into admissions and life within the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

RSVP and detailed information:

Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Doctor of Physical Therapy Program
Physician Assistant Program

Spring Picnic

The Spring Picnic is sponsored by the Council of Students and is open to all students, faculty and staff within the College. Prior to the Spring Picnic, a pre-orientation session is held for the newly accepted Pharm.D. students.

Date: April 17, 2011
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Place: Breezeway between Pharmacy Administration/Cafeteria and DuVall buildings

Pharmacy Pinning Ceremony

The Pinning Ceremony marks Pharmacy students’ completion of didactic coursework and their transition to the full-time experiential curriculum. Third professional year Pharm.D. students wear their white coats, receive a specially designed lapel pin, and reconfirm their Pledge of Professionalism during the Ceremony.

Date: May 5, 2011
Time: 2:00 p.m. with reception following Ceremony
Place: Sheffield Center

Physician Assistant Hooding Ceremony

The Hooding Ceremony marks Physician Assistant (PA) students’ completion of their required course of study. Graduating PA students receive their hoods from those whom they selected for the honor of awarding this insignia of academic achievement.

Date: May 6, 2011
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: Day Hall Auditorium

Commencement

The annual Commencement ceremony is held every spring. Degrees are awarded to students who have completed the MMSc (PA), Pharm.D. or Ph.D. curriculum and have met all College and University requirements.

Date: May 7, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. with reception following ceremony
Place: Sheffield Center