Page 4 - RxBound Winter 2020

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Dean’s Message Winter 2020

Amidst a sea of change, some things remain the same. There can be
no doubt that we are facing great challenges in pharmacy education
and in the profession of pharmacy. A combination of expansion in
the number of pharmacy schools and a reduction in applicants
nationally has created a significant hardship for a number of
educational programs. The general landscape for higher education
309 E. Second St., Pomona, Calif. 91766-1854
www.westernu.edu/pharmacy has been impacted by a steep decline in U.S. birthrate, the high cost of
tuition, easy access to online degrees, massive open online courses,
Dean’s Office: 909-469-5500 and instant access to products, services and information thanks to the
University Advancement: 909-469-8339
likes of Amazon and Google. Pharmacy faces the additional burden
of unpredictable and unfavorable reimbursement rates that are
DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL forcing community pharmacies to question their ongoing viability.
Daniel C. Robinson, PharmD, FASHP
Dean, College of Pharmacy There has never been a more important time (in my career) for
pharmacists to unite and join forces to advocate for national
Steven W. Gray, PharmD, JD
Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Council recognition as providers, to support regulatory changes in the
oversight of PBMs, and fight to remove barriers that prevent
Ola Carr, MBA
pharmacists from practicing to the fullest extent of their license.
Rebecca Cupp, RPh
Eric Gupta, PharmD These changes are not only important for pharmacy, they are essential
Brian Hodgkins, PharmD, FCSHP, FASHP in our efforts to help patients live healthier lives. One of the best
Paul Huynh, PharmD
ways to have your voice heard is to join forces with one of the state’s
Mario Jimenez, PharmD
major pharmacy organizations and support their political action
John D. Jones, RPh, JD, FAMCP
David Kvancz MS, RPh, FASHP committee (PAC). PACs support candidates and legislators who
Victor Law, RPh understand the importance of pharmacists in promoting the public’s
Vinson C. Lee, PharmD, MS, FCPhA health. Pharmacy is vulnerable unless we unite to provide additional
Nayan Patel, PharmD
value in the patient care space. Let’s work together to ensure that the
Karen Shapiro, PharmD, BCPS
future practice of pharmacy is all it can be.
John Sie, PharmD
Brian Yamate, PharmD As the health care landscape continues to change, WesternU has
Ray M. Yutani, DO, MS, PharmD, FACOFP
maintained its unwavering commitment to producing pharmacy

DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL MISSION graduates who are practice-ready and team-ready health professionals
The mission of the College of Pharmacy Dean’s Advisory Council equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the
is to assist the College in building a strong presence highest quality patient care. As chair of the California Task Force for
in the world of pharmacy, to increase the College’s national
and international visibility for quality research, education and Advancing Pharmacy Practice, I along with several of our faculty,
have had the opportunity to work with some of the greatest
service, and to serve as ambassadors for the College.
pharmacy talent in California as we tackle two important issues:
EDITOR: Payment for Services and Standard of Care (i.e., removing regulatory
Renee Cook, Director of Professional Development and
barriers to pharmacy practice). Please feel free to contact me if you
Community Outreach
would like additional information about the important work of the

CONTRIBUTORS: task force.
Ola Carr, Director of Development, University Advancement

Desiree Hickam, Executive Assistant

Contributing Photographers: Mirza Hasanefendic,
Jeff Malet, and Renee Cook

Debra Nelson, Graphic Designer
Daniel C. Robinson, PharmD, FASHP

RxBound is a joint effort of the College of Pharmacy and Dean, College of Pharmacy
University Advancement, published biannually for alumni, Western University of Health Sciences
faculty, students and friends of the College of Pharmacy.

2 WesternU, College of Pharmacy

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