Current Research: I am actively involved in research at WesternU, I have my own laboratory and am currently working on two different projects. One project is in collaboration with Dr. Flemming Cassee (RIVM, The Netherlands) and involves assessing adverse effects of particulate matter, present in diesel exhaust or ambient air pollution, on the brain. The second project is in collaboration with Dr. Hans Keirstead (UCI) and the purpose is to determine whether human embryonic stem cells during different phases of differentiation to mature oligodendrocytes may have characteristics which allow them to be used as a future therapeutic tool in patients with multiple sclerosis.

Humanism in Action: A new member of our faculty (Doreen Pon) recently traveled to Guatemala, Mexico to assist individuals in need of healthcare who could not afford their medications. Her devotion, kindness and care have taught me to try and be a better person and volunteer my time to help others.

Most valuable aspect of a WesternU education: We as faculty truly care about the success of our students. We are always willing to give students one-on-one instruction and help them in any way possible to learn the material presented in lectures.  Students become members of our large family and we try our best to insure the future success of our students.

On Interprofessional Education: In today’s healthcare system, it is essential for students to learn to effectively communicate with different healthcare workers. The IPE curriculum will allow this essential experience.

Read more about me...

WesternU distinctive: Each student must successfully complete a business plan for the purchase or start-up of an independently-owned pharmacy. Each business plan will be evaluated by the student’s preceptor at the conclusion of the course as well as the course coordinator. This career track is designed to offer specialized training in community pharmacy ownership/management through on-site experience, self-directed learning and team work.

Why WesternU: WesternU is unique in that the faculty and students have an opportunity to establish a mentor/student professional relationship. The curriculum offers a unique system that allows the student to immerse into one subject matter at a time. Thus, all focus is universal for that “block” of time in the curriculum. I believe that this “block” system coupled with interactive group and team participation prepares the student for the challenges to become an accomplished and exceptional leader in the profession of pharmacy.

Value of a WesternU education: WesternU offers the student to become more than a qualified health professional. WesternU offers experiences to become a leader in the profession.

Best Advice: Western University of Health Sciences with Colleges in Pharmacy, Graduate Nursing, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Allied Health, Optometry, Dentistry, Podiatry and Biomedical Sciences on one campus allows an educational experience that promotes interactive team work and collaboration with a wealth of health professions professionals in an exceptional teaching environment.

On interprofessional education: The following ability based outcomes will be potentiated by the inter-professional education unique to the Western University campus:

• Critical Thinking Skills – Think critically, solve complex problems and make informed, rational, responsible decisions.
• Communication Skills – Communicate clearly, accurately, and persuasively with various inter-professionals.
• Ethical Decision Making – Make rational, ethical decisions regarding complex professional situations.
•  Social and Contextual Awareness – Demonstrate the ability to place health care and professional issues within appropriate frameworks and demonstrate sensitivity  and tolerance within a culturally diverse society.
• Social Responsibility – Demonstrate an appreciation of the obligation to participate in efforts to help individuals and to improve society and the health care system.
• Social Interaction – Function effectively in interactions with individuals, within group situations, and within professional organizations and systems.
• Self-Learning Abilities – Self assess learning needs and design, implement, and evaluate strategies to promote intellectual growth and continued professional competence within the intra-professional environment.

Read more about me...

WesternU distinctive: The block system is unique to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at Western University. It allows students to focus on one major therapeutic topic at a time and concentrate their learning in this area. Many students choose Western University since they enjoy learning in this system.

Best Advice: Western University is unique in that the school focuses on health professions education. It is a small campus so it is very welcoming and easy to get involved in student activities, such as those with professional associations.

On interprofessional education: Incorporating an IPE curriculum is an ideal way to teach health professionals since upon graduation, health professionals all work with each other to manage patient’s health issues.

Read more about me...

WesternU distinctive: Foundations of clinical practice builds the basic knowledge of students in the areas of health care financing, communications, drug information, patient assessment basic skills, and the introduction to self-care. Basic nutrition provides the student with the knowledge required to provide basic nutritional assessment of patients. While the parenteral and enteral nutrition provides the student with an understanding of how to provide complete nutrition to patients unable to follow a normal diet.

Why WesternU: I was a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy from 1999 to the present time and had worked with the Associate Dean and the Dean at other Universities so I had a good understanding of their planned direction. I am particularly excited about the Universities commitment to interdisciplinary care. Have practiced in multiple health care environments I know how critical inter-professional communications and skills sharing is to patient care and good outcomes.

Value of a WesternU education: Ultimately, the greatest value of a WesternU education will be the interdisciplinary care education as well as the blending of basic sciences with clinical practice education.

On interprofessional education: Having 16 years of practice at an acute care university affiliated pediatric hospital in a major metropolitan area I saw on a daily basis the benefits of an interprofessional team approach to patient care. Learning for all students from other disciplines will provide the student with additional information, professional prospective, and help build the student’s confidence. An important factor in providing quality care is to know when to seek additional input and which disciplinary to call upon for the additional input. 

Read more about me...

Research interests: I am looking into working on the Comparative efficacy of antidepressants on cocaine-induced depression based on SSRI and dual-action properties.

WesternU distinctive: A unique aspect of our program is combining didactics and practical experience in the experiential program. I found my students in the rotations are very interested in the pursuit of knowledge--unlike the classroom where they are more focused on exams. During rotations their attitude and goals are more focused on learning and they are usually very receptive to the assignments I give them.

WesternU also has a very good faculty. For us, it is not just a job, we enjoy what we do and always want to do our job better so we can help our students

Beyond the classroom: I coordinate with the chairs and student liaisons of APhA and NCPA and I am involved with students conducting health fairs through these organizations. It is really amazing how enthusiastic our WesternU students are about participating in community service projects.

Best thing about WesternU: At WesternU I believe we provide a congenial atmosphere between faculty and students. The relationship between students and faculty is very informal—but professional at the same time--and in all schools we focus on problem-based learning as much as we can.

Rotation Description:
Psychiatry Clerkship is designed to provide various clinical experiences necessary to prepare students to become entry level practitioners. The students will be involved in direct patient care activities in a psychiatric care clinic setting and will have opportunities to work with other health care professionals in IDT meetings. The students are expected to serve as an integral member of the multidisciplinary health care team to provide drug therapy to patients and other health care professionals. Students are required to present medication groups to patients as well as a final presentation, which is given to the staff, faculty, and students at Olive Vista.

Read more about me...