University of Colorado Anschutz Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences clinical faculty members and leadership were on full display at the Colorado Pharmacists Society (CPS) annual meeting June 12 and 13 in Black Hawk, Colorado. The event marked a major milestone as the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary as “One Society, One Voice” in Colorado pharmacy. As one of two schools of pharmacy in the state, CU Pharmacy partners closely with Colorado Pharmacists Society to advance the field.
Senior Associate Dean for Operations and Regulatory Affairs Gina Moore, PharmD, received the Bowl of Hygeia Award, one of pharmacy’s highest honors, recognizing pharmacists for outstanding civic leadership and community service. Dr. Moore has been leading CU Pharmacy in its advocacy efforts for over a decade and is a key player in promoting legislative change in Colorado. She, along with the Colorado Pharmacists Society, championed Colorado SB 21-094, which significantly increased the scope of practice for Colorado pharmacists. The advocacy effort also expanded access to pharmacist care services to thousands of Colorado citizens.
CU Pharmacy continues to lead CPS, with Associate Professor Sara Wettergreen, PharmD, completing her tenure as the organization’s president and passing the gavel to Associate Professor Danielle Fixen, PharmD. Dr. Fixen is a geriatric clinical pharmacy specialist with the Seniors Clinic at University of Colorado Health, a primary care practice serving adults aged 75 and older. In her role, she provides comprehensive medication management and leads a variety of clinical pharmacy services, including transitional care management, annual wellness visits, and chronic disease management. Fixen’s clinical and research interests focus on cannabis use in older adults, optimizing care transitions, and medication deprescribing to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older patients.
"I am honored to serve as President of the Colorado Pharmacists Society and to build on its strong tradition of advancing pharmacy practice across our state,” Fixen said. “I look forward to supporting CPS initiatives, advocating for our profession, and highlighting the meaningful value of CPS membership.”
Fixen was also honored with both the McKesson Leadership Award and National Community Pharmacists Association Leadership Award, which recognizes pharmacists who exhibit exemplary professional leadership, innovation, and dedicated service to their state or local pharmacy associations.
Additional faculty and student awards went to:
Beyond receiving recognition, CU Pharmacy faculty also shared their expertise throughout the two-day conference, leading educational sessions on emerging therapies, clinical updates, and best practices in patient care.
In addition to education contributions, Clinical Assistant Professor Kari Allen, PharmD, continues her role on CPS board leadership as a Member-at-Large.
Faculty were not the only standouts during the meeting. CU Pharmacy residents showcased their scholarship at the Residency Conference of the Rockies, presenting research that contributes to advancing pharmacy practice and patient care. Students also represented the school with distinction; led by team captain, rising 4th year PharmD student, Elise Reinke, the CU Pharmacy team of Sarah Labib, Bradyn McCarty, and Trey Smith won the annual Self-Care Challenge Quiz Bowl, demonstrating exceptional clinical knowledge and teamwork in the friendly competition against Regis University.
The annual conference highlighted CU Pharmacy's impact across every level of the profession, from shaping healthcare policy and leading professional organizations to educating future pharmacists and advancing patient care. As Colorado pharmacy continues to evolve, CU Pharmacy remains at the forefront of that progress.
Image at top: Dr. Gina Moore accepts the Bowl of Hygeia Award from former CPS President and retired CU Pharmacy Clinical Instructor Randy Knutsen, RPh.