Nicholas Fusco recognized for outstanding achievements in interprofessional teaching innovation

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in teaching that have a demonstrable effect on enhancing student-learning outcomes.

Fusco’s most notable contributions have been in interprofessional education (IPE), where he takes a novel approach to simulation and its use in active learning. His ability to create collaborative partnerships transforms challenging academic endeavors into highly engaging educational experiences.

“Dr. Fusco’s teaching skills are among the best in our school,” says William A. Prescott, Jr., chair and clinical professor, department of pharmacy practice. “Our students appreciate how he approaches teaching, steering away from lecture in favor of discussion and case-based learning.”

Fusco also serves as Vice-Chair for Education, Practice and Service, and Director of Interprofessional Education for the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 

Under his leadership, PharmD student engagement in IPE has grown exponentially. As a result, students across the University at Buffalo Academic Health Center are better equipped to work in teams upon graduation. His skillful direction also earned the school’s IPE program a “noteworthy practice” mention by the American Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in 2019.

Two of Fusco's most highly recognized IPE initiatives have been a Simulation Escape Room and Vaccine Distribution Sprint.

He merged gamification and the popular escape room concept into a highly valued learning experience. Students from UB’s health science programs form interprofessional teams to develop teamwork skills and learn course content. Following the escape room activity, the student teams work together in a case conference simulation where they develop a discharge patient care plan. The escape room is rated highly by students and faculty alike for its innovative approach to team building, interprofessional collaboration and improved patient safety and clinical outcomes.

During the Fall 2020 semester, Fusco worked with a colleague in the UB School of Public Health and Health Professions to strategize how student pharmacists and public health workers could collaborate to address a real-life pressing issue: distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to the residents of Erie County. Combining creative problem-solving methodology with public advocacy, interprofessional teams of students offered their solutions to community members for consideration. Faculty and student program evaluations were very positive, illustrating the value of learning a real-life skill to solve real-life problems.

Fusco is also actively involved in clinical research where has obtained a seed grant and co-authored 15 peer-reviewed publications and 14 refereed abstracts.

He was recently recognized for with a 2020 Emerging Teacher Scholar Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). He currently serves as Chair for the AACP Pediatric Special Interest Group and Immediate Past Chair for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Pediatrics (ACCP) Practice Research Network.

Fusco will receive his Exceptional Scholar Teaching Innovation Award at the University at Buffalo Celebration of Academic Excellence this fall.