June 2023

Welcome to the next edition of the Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin (BPB) where we will continue to explore and discuss social issues in health care and how we as academicians, practitioners and scientists can lead and support these issues. The BPB will also keep you updated on the latest school news, highlighting the outstanding work of our UB SPPS community.

“The best way to ensure we can support and mentor our future pharmacists and research scientists is to make sure we are reviewing and discussing what is currently happening in the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in.”

In addition to being Pride Month, the month of June has two especially important commemorative days that relate to the concept of community belonging: Juneteenth and World Refugee Day. Calendar-based designations such as these provide a framework for celebrating individuals, groups, and events that otherwise may go unrecognized by society in general and emphasize that our society and culture is diverse and rich with history.

We unfortunately are celebrating these days on the backdrop of increasing hostility to members of vulnerable communities. Many states, perhaps most notably Florida, have advanced bills targeting the immigrant community. June 12, 2023 marked the 60th anniversary of President Kennedy’s Civil Rights Address, along with the murder of civil rights leader, Medgar Evers; events which paved the way for the passing of the Civil Rights Act. Currently efforts are underway to negate civil rights by rewriting or simply erasing large swatches of our nation’s history that relate to systemic racism and the institutional barriers faced by our Black neighbors. The Human Rights Campaign recently declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ people in the U.S., a step that seemed unthinkable given the gains made between 2003, when Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, and 2015, when same-sex marriage became legal in all 50 states. Growing hostility to the LGBTQ+ community is not limited to the U.S., of course. A soccer match between the U.S. and Mexico in Nevada was halted in the face of repeated homophobic chants from the crowd, and numerous new international laws have targeted LGBTQ+ people.

Those of us whose work is focused within the academic health professions often view ourselves as maintaining a “big tent” broad spectrum philosophy. It is incumbent on all of us to continue to work towards a culture that truly values all individuals, and to remain vigilant to threats that might preclude some groups from being full members of society. Pharmacy has a special obligation in this regard because of how it is uniquely embedded in communities of all sorts. June seems a particularly relevant month to consider how we are preparing the health care workforce of the future to deal with the full range of issues facing a diverse group of patients.

Best wishes for a happy and safe summer. Our newsletter will return in August at the start of the upcoming academic year.

Anadi named inaugural UB SPPS PAL Fellow
Ijeoma (EJ) Anadi, PharmD ’23, MS ’22, has been named the inaugural fellow for the SPPS Pharmacy Academic and Leadership (PAL) Fellowship program. Anadi will begin her two-year fellowship program in July and will engage in all facets of academic life, including teaching, research, practice, service and leadership.

Seyse recognized as 2023 AACP Distinguished Preceptor
Stephanie Seyse, PharmD, adjunct assistant professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, and Internal Medicine Pharmacist, Buffalo General Medical Center, has been recognized as a 2023 Distinguished Preceptor by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Konovitz, assistant dean for Informatics, Support Services and director of Apothecary and Historical Exhibits, retires
After more than 30 years at SPPS, Cindy Konovitz, assistant dean for Informatics, Support Services and director of Apothecary and Historical Exhibits, has retired effective May 19. She was a dedicated staff member and previously served as assistant dean for Advisement and Recruitment. In her most recent role as assistant dean for Support Services, she was responsible for facilities administration and planning, space management, coordinator of safety training and compliance and curator of our Apothecary Museum and Historical Exhibits. Konovitz was an integral member of SPPS and made numerous contributions to shape what our school is today.  

Join our pharmaceutical sciences faculty to discuss contemporary approaches, challenges and opportunities for advancing the science and practice of QSP.

Join our pharmaceutical sciences faculty at this celebrated quadrennial event as we invite our alumni back to the school to reconnect and learn about their advances in pharmaceutical research.

Celebrating our 5th year classes from 1972 – 2013 with special recognition to the Classes of 1972/73 (50 years), 1997/98 (25 years) and 2012/2013 (10 years).

Featuring our new UB Compounding Pharmacy Continuing Education Activity, which meets the new three hour NYS pharmacy CE requirement.

View our upcoming SPPS events!

Join UB alumni experts from across the globe as they share professional insights and advice during Webinar Wednesdays. Engage in upcoming webinars along with past sessions.

View upcoming events on the UB Events Calendar!

Thank you for reading our June 2023 edition of the Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin. Please stay in touch! Send us updates on your own personal and professional accomplishments by filling out our alumni update form. 

Regards,
Gary Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor