College of Pharmacy alumnus Cory Coffey, Pharm.D., BCACP, BCPP (’15), was recently honored as 2023 Distinguished Young Pharmacist by the Ohio Pharmacists Association. The award, which recognizes a pharmacist who has graduated in the last 10 years and made significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy, was presented at the OPA 145th Annual Conference held April 14-16 in Columbus.
In the press release announcing the award, OPA Interim Executive Director Donald Bennett said, “Cory Coffey’s commitment to his career in pharmacy is reflected in his efforts to ensure students and his peers are continuing to advance the profession. His involvement in interdisciplinary projects prioritizes the evolving relationship between health care professionals in different areas of practice. We are honored to have Cory advocating for our profession.”
Also during the conference, Kunal Amin, Pharm.D., R.Ph., assistant professor of pharmacy practice, vice president and director of clinical services, NEOvations Pharmacy Services, was recognized as an OPA Under 40 Award recipient. The Under 40 Award program highlights the professional achievements of young pharmacists who have exemplified leadership, excellence and vision in their practice.
“We are pleased to recognize Kunal Amin,” Bennett noted in a press release. “He has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to his future contributions to the profession of pharmacy.”
Student honors
Students also returned with accolades from the conference.
Jolene Novak (P4), Nicolas Wagner (P4), Diana Morus (P3) and Madelyn Braman (P3) came in second place in the OTC Challenge. Erika Quedding (P3) and Emilee Rogers (P4) place second in the Business Plan Competition.
Two NEOMED teams participated in the Student Olympics: The team comprised of Jolene Novak (P4), Nicolas Wagner (P4), Diana Morus (P3),Madelyn Braman (P3), Olivia King (P3), Samah Abdallah (P4) and Erika Quedding (P3) came in first place. Third place honors went to the team of rising fourth-year students Alyssa Stromberg, Noah Aguirre, Mackenzie Mitchen and Reem Khourshid-Holozadah.
NEOMED was also well-represented with posters and presentations at the conference, including:
- “Medication Flavoring Trends and Barriers: A Cross-sectional Survey of Ohio Compounding Pharmacies.” Olivia King (P3), Liz Fredrickson, Pharm.D. (’14), Daniel Jones, Pharm.D. (’14)
- “Why Get Involved? A Cross Sectional Survey of Factors That Motivate and Hinder Pharmacy Student Involvement in Professional Organizations.” Jolene Novak (P4), Elizabeth Clapper, Pharm.D. (’23), Austin Clapper Pharm.D. (’23), Liz Fredrickson, Pharm.D. (’14), Fady Abdlrasul, Pharm.D. (’14)
- “Benchmarking Alumni Engagement in Pharm.D. Programs.” Ava Jakab (P3), Sandy Mikhail (P4), Sukhdeep Singh (P4), Liz Fredrickson, Pharm.D. (’14)
- "Vancomycin and Piperacillin/Tazobactam Prescribing Patterns in a National Representative Emergency Department Population." Vindya Perera, Pharm.D. (’23), M.P.H., Jacob Smearman, Pharm.D. (’23), Abby Knauss, Pharm.D. (’23), Tyler Virgil, Pharm.D. (’23), Zach Pilz, Pharm.D. (’23), Mate Soric, Pharm.D., BCPS, FCCP