Fall 20
08 17
JeffersonPharmacy:FirstClass
the Jefferson School of Pharmacy
welcomed 76 students to the class of 2012
this September, becoming the first pharmacy
school to open in Philadelphia in 107 years.
"We were delighted with the academic
quality and level of pharmacy experience,
community service and extracurricular
activities of the applicants," says
Rebecca
Finley,PharmD
, dean of Jefferson School
of Pharmacy. "it's been a fun process to
meet these individuals, learn about their
backgrounds and realize how much they will
learn from each other. they have tremen-
dous life experiences."
the students come from 21 states, including
california, arizona, Florida, Wisconsin and
nebraska; about a quarter come from the
Philadelphia region.
the students will take one practical expe-
rience section each semester, beginning in
the fall with service learning at a free clinic
such as a senior center; the Jeff Hope clinic,
which serves the homeless; or the Mazzoni
center, Philadelphia's lgBt health center.
"a lot of the students have a strong back-
ground in community service," says Finley.
"We think they'll really embrace this oppor-
tunity to begin exploring pharmacy out in
the community. Students will be exposed
to people who have challenges receiving
healthcare. they will also have the chance to
work with students and professionals from
medicine, nursing, social work and other
fields because each of these sites incorporates
interprofessional practice."
as the students and faculty settle in, Finely
recognizes and appreciates the support the
university community has offered. "We are
grateful to everyone who has helped us prepare
to welcome this first class," Finley says.
CameronBass,Philadelphia
ElizabethDaly,Yardley,Pa.
Bass and Daly will work as partners on a
project based at st. elizabeth's Medical
Center, a clinic operated by Project HoMe
in north Philadelphia. Bass and Daly
will focus on patients who have difficulty
managing chronic conditions, such as
diabetes and hypertension, because of
economic, social and educational barriers
to healthcare.
"our aim is to improve the quality of life
for these patients by helping them under-
stand their diagnosis and learning how
to manage it better," said Bass. "Both
Cameron and I are sure this experience will
enhance our medical training and will help
us grow as compassionate caregivers."
MeganRiley,Shavertown,Pa.
Riley plans to start a diabetes intervention
program called "taking Charge of Your
sugar" at the Ridge avenue shelter for
homeless men. In a revolving 10-week
program, Riley will combine physical
activity and health education for diabetics.
"Working with this population will be chal-
lenging because, for the most part, the
population at the shelter is always fluctu-
ating," said Riley. "this project will help
me explore and challenge my perception
of the homeless and allow me to grow as
a professional caregiver."
CarrieZaslow,LosAngeles
Carrie, in collaboration with community
agencies, will offer "mini-courses" on
reading and understanding nutrition labels
and how to shop smart. Carrie's courses
will combine interactive lectures and
discussions and provide take-home
educational materials. "I was thrilled when
I learned that I had been selected as an
albert schweitzer Fellow," said Zaslow.
"I am so excited to build my project from
the ground up and turn it into reality for
the people who need it most."
TheFellowship
the albert schweitzer Fellowship is a
national nonprofit organization that focuses
on developing leaders in community health
service. the fellows, who receive a $2,000
stipend, provide services to those most in
need in the spirit of albert schweitzer, MD.
once fellows have completed their year
of service, they join a network of 1,585
schweitzer "Fellows for Life" across the
united states and abroad. Many continue
their commitment to lives of service.
the accreditation council for Pharmacy
education Board will evaluate Jefferson
School of Pharmacy in spring 2009. if
candidate status is granted and the program
continues to develop as planned, full accredi-
tation of the doctor of pharmacy program
will be considered by the board in 2012 after
the first class graduates.
Upcoming Events
February27,2009
American Academy of
orthopaedic surgeons
reception
Paris Hotel
Las Vegas, nev.
april26,2009
American urological
Association reception
Chicago, Ill.
For more information, please visit
www.jefferson.edu/jmc/alumni
and click on "events."
Another First
for Jefferson
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12/1/08 8:57:41 PM