Pharmacy News and Stories

Doctor of Pharmacy Jacob Beyer reflects on his journey to becoming the critical care clinical pharmacist he is today and his continued pursuit of excellence with a passion for making a positive impact on patient well-being. Traversing various roles in critical care since the completion of residency, his honed skills have deepened his understanding of the intricate dynamics within this specialized field. The result is a career showing commitment to optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring the highest standards of pharmaceutical care.

Jaron Bryant | March 31, 2024

For 10 years in her role at a specialized pharmacy focusing on Oncology, Dr. Kris O’Malley, PharmD ’14, has actively engaged in assisting patients with the management of oral medications.  The scope of her work emphasizes the profound influence pharmacists can have on patients' lives, reinforcing the belief that impactful pathways exist when healthcare professionals invest time and effort in compassionate care.

Jaron Bryant | March 04, 2024

Arjay Mendoza graduated from CU Pharmacy's award-winning International-Trained PharmD program in 2022 and went on to pursue a residency with the United States VA and teach classes at his alma mater, The University of Manila in the Philippines. He made time to chat with the Orange County Pharmacists Association (OCPhA) podcast about his  remarkable career journey.

SOP Communications | January 04, 2024

Over the course of a decade, Christine MacBrayne, PharmD '14, has found a fulfilling and enriching life experience in balancing her career and family. Dr. MacBrayne reflects on her student days and the valuable lessons she learned that have contributed to her growth as a thriving pharmacist, both personally and professionally.

Jaron Bryant | December 21, 2023

Let’s get a few things clear about a PharmD. It’s a doctoral degree in pharmacy, and since 2000 it has been required of all new practitioners. Many PharmDs do practice in clinical or community settings, such as a neighborhood pharmacy, hospital, or care clinic, but others also research or work in industry or academia.

Jordan Kellerman | November 28, 2023

You’re watching "Bridesmaids." Maybe you know the scene? The bridal party is going dress shopping, but first, they check out a local steakhouse for lunch. That afternoon in the middle of a very posh bridal salon, the unthinkable happens – foodborne diarrhea. Sample wedding dresses are destroyed, and the ladies leave the day on a much different note than they started.

Jordan Kellerman | October 17, 2023

The world watched as pharmacists across the globe played a pivotal healthcare role during the COVID pandemic. But engaging in public health is nothing new for the Skaggs School of Pharmacy. In any given year CU Pharmacy faculty and students are on the front lines of education and access to community care.

SOP Communications | October 17, 2023

2018 alumnus Richard Dziallo joined the Alumni Association Board in 2022. As one of its newest leaders, Dr. Dziallo recalls his years as a student, leading up to his career today as a Pharmacy Manager.

Jaron Bryant | October 01, 2023

Danielle Fixen, PharmD, notes that the role of a pharmacist varies depending on the state, but that pharmacists can perform drug-interaction checks and educate patients on potential side effects they may experience. “Some states have pharmacists within the medical marijuana dispensary while others do not,” she said. “Given the multiple drug interactions with cannabis, it is important to evaluate [its] safety...in patients.”

Drug Topics | September 07, 2023

When entering the lobby of the CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018 alumnus Lee Amaya can be found immortalized in rap video he created while a student in the PharmD program, representing the diverse talent among the CU Pharmacy Alumni. Now just a few years later, Dr. Amaya recalls his student experience and those moments that impacted his learning and contributed to his success as a pharmacist today working in the specialty area of Infectious Diseases.

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15^th, we celebrate Dr. Amaya and other CU Pharmacy alumni of Latina/Latino descent for their significant contributions in the field of Pharmacy and to the community.

Jaron Bryant | September 01, 2023

Colorado is one of the most progressive states in the nation in which to practice pharmacy. The state was one of the first in the nation to allow pharmacists to prescribe HIV medications, removing a barrier for the 15,000+ Coloradans living with HIV; one of the first to allow pharmacists to give immunizations, something that helped prevent severe disease and death during the COVID emergency; and one of the first states to grant pharmacists provider status, which allows pharmacists to effectively work with a greater healthcare team to optimize patient-centered care.

Jordan Kellerman | August 30, 2023

This article was originally featured on Walmart Health and Wellness Linkedin. Alumna Elizabeth Piehl, PharmD '22, has been working in community pharmacy as part of the Walmart team since she was a student. 

SOP Communications | August 14, 2023

This spring, Assistant Professor Kelly E. Anderson, PhD, MPP, watched as drug maker Ely Lilly slashed insulin prices – a move to make insulin more accessible to millions of Americans.

“It was a watershed moment,” she said. 

Jordan Kellerman | August 08, 2023

Dr. Andrew Webb, a 2013 alumnus of the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, is an example of excellence and innovation in the field of pharmacy. Since graduating, Dr. Webb has embarked on a remarkable journey marked by his unwavering commitment to patient care and health informatics. This month's alumni spotlight provides a glimpse into his career path, highlighting his growth as a professional. 

Jaron Bryant | June 30, 2023

Clinical pharmaceutical research. Drug trials. Pharmaceutical trial patients. These medical buzzwords have a new home at CU Pharmacy – making the school a key player in not only developing new pharmaceuticals, but managing drug trials so new developments in pharmacy can be brought to the market, and one day save a life.

Jordan Kellerman | June 21, 2023

Determination doesn’t sleep, and neither does Lisa Chang, BS, MBA, and soon to be Doctor of Pharmacy from the North American-Trained PharmD program (NTPD).

Unlike traditional PharmD programs, where training is in-person, the NTPD program at CU Pharmacy is built for individuals already licensed to practice pharmacy but who want the added benefits of a doctoral degree.

Jordan Kellerman | May 17, 2023

The first Earth Day, celebrated on April 21, 1970, was the start of the modern-day environmental movement. Since that time, citizens around the globe have developed a heightened awareness of how human progress is impacting the health of the globe and therefore the health of the humans who inhabit the pale blue orb.

Lori Westermann | April 18, 2023

In celebration of Arab-American Heritage Month this April, we feature 2016 CU Pharmacy alumna Lana Al-Omar as the Alumni Spotlight. Lana reflects on her time as a student on campus, catching us up to date on where she is today, along with sharing pearls of wisdom to guide future pharmacists.

Jaron Bryant | April 03, 2023

Jeff Gold, PharmD, has a name fit for the bright lights, whether it’s the lights of a film crew, or the lights of a professional wrestling match. Those film lights found him for the Netflix documentary, “Take Your Pills: Xanax”, as he is a leading psychiatric pharmacist at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado and a specialist on medications like Xanax and other benzodiazepines.

Brad Bobel | February 06, 2023

CU Pharmacy alumnus Harold Okocha, PharmD ‘12, recently discussed his pharmacy career. As a board member of the CU Pharmacy Alumni Association and a member of the School’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Dr. Okocha stands as a leader and role model for future pharmacists.

Jaron Bryant | February 03, 2023

Pharmacists at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are leading the charge in the field of pharmacogenomics with their knowledge of how genetics influence how drugs work in the body.

Brad Bobel | January 09, 2023

CU Pharmacy 2016 alumna Kelsey Schwander returned to her alma mater as a Clinical Assistant Professor, practicing out of the Marcus Institute for Brain Health to provide assessments and medication recommendations for patients who have suffered from brain injury. Her body of work serves to fulfill her personal mission of empowering patients, providers, and businesses to create healthcare solutions.

Jaron Bryant | January 01, 2023

Is there a way to reduce the time spent in trialing different medications, such as antidepressants? Is there a way to predict who may be at increased risk of experiencing medication side effects?

Jordan Kellerman | June 21, 2021

Pharmacists are known for being medication experts who take their role of patient education seriously. 2012 PharmD alum James Delk has created a way to make that serious message, well, fresh.

Lori Westermann | February 10, 2021

Dr. Corey Craig doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to balancing his pharmacy career with his love of music. During a recent interview, Corey shared his thoughts on pursuing a career in pharmacy and provided insight on managing the time as a nuclear pharmacist and a professional DJ.

Jaron Bryant | January 28, 2021