Health Sciences Building Project Progressing

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has selected HOK-St. Louis as the preferred architectural design firm for preliminary design of the Health Science Building (HSB) on campus.

The CDB released $10,537,000 in planning funds in January 2020 to create preliminary designs for the HSB. The complex will include approximately 221,000 square feet and will house the School of Pharmacy. The project’s total cost is approximately $105 million. It would be the largest building on the SIUE campus.

Read more about the HSB project.

School of Pharmacy Addresses Racial Inequities in Healthcare

“There are two public health crises going on in this country—COVID-19 and racial injustices.” This is the viewpoint of Lakesha Butler, PharmD, a national leader in conversations related to the growing relationship between the pandemic and the racial divide.

As president of the National Pharmaceutical Association, Butler recently led a joint coalition of 14 national pharmacy organizations in taking a collective stand against racial injustice with a statement release.

Learn more about how the School is addressing racial inequities.

School of Pharmacy Receives $8,000 Walgreens Diversity Donation

The School of Pharmacy has received an $8,000 Walgreens Diversity Donation to expand its pipeline development programs and aid in its efforts to increase diversity among student pharmacists. The funding will support multiple scholarships, as well as the enhancement of pipeline programs targeted at increasing enrollment of diverse groups.

“Industry partnerships and support contribute significantly to enriching student life at SIUE,” said Dean Mark Luer, PharmD. “This wonderful financial commitment by Walgreens provides additional scholarship support for students to more fully engage in the professional program by lessening the economic burden they have undertaken to pursue their studies.”

Read more about the donation.

Christian Watts Makes the Most of Pharmacy Learning and Experiences

Christian Watts is grateful for the opportunities, experience and success he has achieved during his academic career at the School of Pharmacy. The third-year student encourages other Blacks, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to consider a pharmacy career, and for those already interested in the field – to affectionately pursue it. 

“Choosing a career in pharmacy has come with experiences, such as being the only Black face in a lot of spaces,” said Watts, also a healthcare informatics graduate student. “There may not be a lot of students who look like me in this field, but other Blacks should embrace it, and become part of the change they want to see. Never let the lack of diversity stop you from pursuing your dreams. Be the first, if you have to be.”

Learn more about Christian’s experience.

Ingold Selected to PLS Leader Academy

Fourth-year student Kristen Ingold was selected as one of 22 participants for the inaugural Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) Leader Academy. She was selected from a pool of nearly 80 applicants nationally. 

“The PLS Leader Academy is a newly launched intensive leadership training program and Kristen exemplifies many of the important qualities of a leader,” said Keith Hecht, PharmD, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. “I am excited to see how this program will help her continue to develop as a leader in our profession.”

Read more about the PLS Leader Academy.

Students Participate in Free Clinic for Chinese Patients

The School of Pharmacy Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) is once again collaborating with the Saint Louis University School of Medicine to offer free healthcare and education to Chinese-speaking patients.

SNPhA students helped provide services at the free Chinese Clinic that opened Saturday, Aug. 15 and will run from 1-4:30 p.m. monthly through May 2021 at the St. Louis Modern Chinese School.

Learn more about the collaboration.

School Provides Compassionate Telehealth Care Amid Pandemic

Healthcare professionals worldwide continue to adapt to challenges posed by COVID-19 by implementing such services as telehealth to provide patient care. Among those ensuring access to comprehensive pharmaceutical care via virtual technologies are faculty and students from the School of Pharmacy.

“This pandemic has completely disrupted our lives in all ways, including how we teach and care for patients,” said Kelly Gable, PharmD, professor and director of well-being and resilience.

Read more about how the School has provided telehealth services.

Butler Sole Pharmacist Serving on National Commission Vetting COVID-19 Vaccines

As clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines began, mistrust in the healthcare system and concerns of speed over safety amplified across the nation, especially in the Black community.

A panel of Black doctors organized to independently vet the vaccines as the National Medical Association (NMA) COVID-19 Commission on Vaccines and Therapeutics. Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and diversity and inclusion coordinator, serves as the commission’s only pharmacist, alongside seven physicians.

Learn more about Butler’s appointment.

Gable Named Director of Well-Being and Resilience

Anxiety disorders, major depressive episodes and posttraumatic stress disorder are among the most prevalent mental illnesses experienced by tens of millions of adults and youth in the United States annually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

The School of Pharmacy is among the few schools of pharmacy nationwide to have developed a leadership position with mental health as top priority. Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, has named professor Kelly Gable, PharmD, BCPP, as director of Well-Being and Resilience.

Read more about Gable’s appointment.

SIUE and Hospice Conference of Southern Illinois Present Online Event

SIUE and the Hospice Conference of Southern Illinois presented the 38th annual hospice conference virtually on Thursday, Nov. 12 with a focus on “The New Normal in Hospice Care.” Chris Herndon, PharmD, professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was one of three presenters. His scholarship focuses primarily on pain and palliative care education.

At the live, virtual conference, participants met other professionals, volunteers and community members who work with or have an interest in learning about chronically ill, terminally ill or grieving persons of all ages in hospitals, hospices, long-term care and skilled nursing facilities, and those who are receiving home healthcare.

Learn more about the virtual event.

Sandusky Assumes IPhA Presidency

Cody Sandusky, PharmD ’12, was sworn in as president of the Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) during a virtual conference in September. Sandusky has worked in the pharmacy industry for eight years with experience as a community pharmacist, consultant and now director of pharmacy at Harrisburg Medical Center.

“I am honored and excited to be the first alumnus of the School of Pharmacy to hold this office,” Sandusky said. “The students, faculty, and alumni are increasingly involved in our state pharmacy associations, decision-making and leadership. It always makes me swell with pride when I travel to a pharmacy meeting, lobbying day, etc. and see what looks like a small army of SIUE trailblazers making a clear, positive impact on our profession.”

Read more about Sandusky.