October 4, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

Author Robert Magarian (BA 56, BSPh 60, PhD 66) has written three biological crime thrillers and is working on a fourth. His latest book, “You’ll Never See Me Again, A Crime to Remember,” pulls from his background in medicinal chemistry to tell the story of a seemingly unsolvable forensics investigation. Magarian will be in Oxford this weekend for the 50th reunion of School of Pharmacy graduate students from 1960 to 1969, as well as to sign copies of his latest book at the Summit Lodge Bar (formerly the Burgundy Room), Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. The School of Pharmacy spoke with Magarian in advance of the book signing.

University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy: Tell us about your journey from the Ole Miss School of Pharmacy to writing novels.

Robert Magarian: There is a huge gap from the time I graduated from the School of Pharmacy in January 1960 to when I became a writer in 1995. In the interim, I worked in a pharmacy for 18 months and returned to Ole Miss to graduate school in medicinal chemistry under Dr. Lewis Nobles in fall of 1961. I received my Ph.D. in July 1966.

Robert Magarian, School of Pharmacy alumnus and author of “You’ll Never See Me Again: A Crime to Remember”

Then so much happened: postdoc at Kansas University, teaching at St. Louis College of Pharmacy and finally joining the faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in 1970.

I didn’t start writing until 1995. Ideas started to come to me. At first, I didn’t know what to do with them. I realized I wanted to write a story, but I didn’t know how to begin. I took courses in fiction writing and attended conferences and joined a writers group; I wrote and I wrote.

I started out writing what I felt comfortable with ­– medical thrillers for my first two novels, The Watchman and 72 Hours. With 30 years of laboratory experience and being involved in breast cancer research, I pulled from my background to write those first two. I must say that in attempting to write my first novel, I must have written what amounted to three novels until I got The Watchman the way I wanted it. This was due to a lack of experience. The more I wrote, the better I felt and, hopefully, the better I became. Some pundits say you have to write a million words before you become comfortable writing. I believe that to be true, at least for me.

UMSOP: What drew you to write mystery thrillers?

RM: I always loved reading mystery novels, particularly the mystery/thriller detective novels. After I finished my second novel, 72 Hours, I wanted to change genre. I didn’t want to become another Robin Cook. I felt it was time to write about things I didn’t know about. That way, I could research new areas. I get my ideas from magazines, newspapers, the TV, overhearing conversations in restaurants and the internet. I was inspired to write You’ll Never See Me Again, A Crime to Remember based on the evidence of a true crime story that happened in Atlanta.

UMSOP: Your books deal with molecular biology, microbes and cures for cancers. Can you talk about how your background in pharmacy influenced your writing?

RM: I pulled from everything I learned at Ole Miss. In my pre-med B.A. degree from Ole Miss in 1956, I took courses in biology, embryology, comparative anatomy and other biological courses besides my major in chemistry. In pharmacy, I had anatomy and physiology and all the important courses, which added to my repertoire of scientific courses. In graduate school, besides the additional courses in biology and chemistry, I increased my skills in the laboratory. My research project dealt with hormonal therapy, which is the reason I moved into the breast cancer area after joining the faculty at Oklahoma. I pulled on this knowledge to write the first two novels. What I didn’t know, I researched. Even though authors write fiction, they still have to do research and try to be accurate when necessary. Because of my training, I enjoy doing research for my novels.

UMSOP: Can you talk about You’ll Never See Me Again, A Crime to Remember and the experience of writing it?

RM: I was inspired to write this novel while I surfed the internet, looking for ideas in the mystery/thriller genre. I came across the Mary Shotwell Little case reported in several articles in Atlanta Journal-Constitution as the “Missing Bride” case. Six weeks after Mary is married, she leaves work one evening and vanishes. She doesn’t show up for work the next morning, yet her car mysteriously appears in its parking spot at noon with items of women’s underwear neatly folded on the front seat and smears of blood on the steering wheel. This took place in 1965. It has been opened several times as a cold case, but she’s never been found.

Reading these articles about this pleasant-faced, warm-hearted, loyal, punctual and well-liked young brunette touched me so that I knew I had to write this story in a fictional way to keep her memory alive. While some events in the novel are similar to those reported in the Mary Shotwell Little case, I remind the reader that this is strictly a work of fiction and in no way am I suggesting the events in You’ll Never See Me Again, A Crime to Remember solve the “Missing Bride” case.

Writing this novel was a challenge, but an enjoyable one. I paged through the evidence in the case and began putting the evidence together and worked to solve the crime. I read James Frey’s book How to Write a Damn Good Mystery to get in the swing of things. One important thing I learned from his book is that the villain is the most important character in a mystery novel. I thought it was the detective. Being a novice in this genre, I worked six months developing my characters and three months plotting this novel before I wrote one word. I learned one important lesson from James Patterson, who taught me to keep an eye on the story and not to worry about the sentence when plotting. It was refreshing to learn that he, too, spends three months plotting his novels.

I had to research forensics and sought the help of two detectives who became my guides in presenting step-by-step law enforcement that occurs when a major crime is committed. They taught me about handguns, police work and how detectives think and interact with each other, officers and witnesses. Thinking like a detective is something I had to work on.

UMSOP: Your next novel will be a sequel to You’ll Never See Me Again. Where will you take these characters?

RM: The setting is still Atlanta.  The detectives, cowboy detective Noah McGraw and his partner, Holly Roark, are the best in the city, if not in the East. I am putting them through a severe test to challenge their investigative skills. They’ll be matching wits with a forensic supervisor in the Atlanta Scientific Investigative Division lab who is a psychopathic killer. He’s in charge of receiving all collected evidence coming into the lab from Atlanta PD crime scenes, including his own, before he distributes the evidence to his staff for analysis. The odds are stacked against McGraw and Roark.     

UMSOP: How do you feel about coming back to Oxford for a book signing and your graduate school reunion?

RM: I’m overjoyed about returning for my book signing and to see old friends from my graduate school days. Our time together will be very rewarding. I’m looking forward to it.

I feel honored to book sign in Oxford with its history of great writers. (I met William Faulkner once when walking the Square one evening.) I had a book signing at Square Books in 2006 for my first novel, The Watchman. I am pleased that Jim Bulian is allowing me to sign my third novel in his Summit Lodge. I visited there over a year ago when it was still the Burgundy Room.

I love Oxford and Ole Miss. Since I left in 1966, I’ve made a special effort to get back on campus about every two years. Oxford is our second home. Our family lived there for 10 years, and we have close friends in Oxford. Two of our children were born here. I’ve witnessed many changes in the town since I first got to know it in 1954. Love the place.

Robert Magarian will sign copies of his book on Saturday, Oct. 8 starting at 7 p.m. at the Summit Lodge Bar.

September 27, 2016

By Sydney Slotkin

Stuart Haines

OXFORD, Miss. – Stuart Haines, director of the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development and professor of pharmacy practice in the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy will receive with the Robert M. Elenbaas Service Award from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) for his service to the organization.

The award, named for the founding executive director of ACCP, is given to someone who has devoted exceptional time and energy to the organization, which works to advance clinical pharmacy. Haines was president of ACCP in 2006-07 and has served continuously in some capacity for over the past two decades.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by ACCP,” Haines said. “I’ve long admired Dr. Elenbaas. Not only was he an extraordinary practitioner and educator, but he was truly committed to advancing pharmacy as a clinical discipline. To receive an award named after him means a great deal to me.”

In addition to his work at the University and with ACCP, Haines is editor-in-chief of iForumRX.org, an online journal for ambulatory care pharmacy specialists, as well as a scientific editor for the journal Pharmacotherapy and for the textbook Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach.

“Stuart is an incredible example of the power of professional service,” said David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “His dedication is not only an asset to the profession, but it demonstrates the value of service for our student pharmacists as well.”

Haines’ other accolades include an education award from ACCP, teaching awards from the University of Maryland and the University of Texas and recognition as a fellow and distinguished practitioner of the National Academies of Practice.

“At this point in my career, I hope that I can help talented student pharmacists become engaged in professional associations.” Haines said. “I’ve witnessed what we can accomplish collectively through professional association work.”

Haines will be recognized at the ACCP annual meeting in Hollywood, Florida on Oct. 23.

September 8, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

The Phi Lambda Sigma pharmacy leadership society hosts its annual Leadership Retreat Friday, Sep. 9 for student leaders in the School of Pharmacy. Guest speaker Mandi Stanley will deliver a presentation on public speaking, and a panel of faculty and pharmacy leaders will advise on student leadership skills.

Sponsors, officers and advisors of Phi Lambda Sigma before the retreat, along with Dean David D Allen and guest speaker Mandi Stanley.

Phi Lambda Sigma is a national society dedicated to preparing student pharmacists to be leaders in their profession. The retreat, which began at the school in 2010, is a chance for student leaders to network and receive advice. The meeting is open to a group of elected student leaders in the School of Pharmacy, as well as members of the University of Mississippi Phi Lambda Sigma chapter.

“We have so many great student leaders in the School of Pharmacy, and this retreat is all about building them up in every sense of the phrase,” said Stephanie Sollis, PY4 student and president of the university chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma. “Our student leaders do so much to support our school and students, and they deserve a retreat that gives them the necessary tools to be the best student leaders possible. We consider both planning and attending this event an honor and privilege.”

Guest speaker Mandi Stanley taught student pharmacists how to present themselves while speaking in public.

This year’s guest speaker, Mandi Stanley, is a certified speaking professional and Mississippi native. She will deliver a multipart talk titled “Hair on Fire!” detailing presentation and public speaking skills for students.

“We thought that she would be a great addition to our retreat due to the fact that she had experience reaching college-aged students,” Sollis said. “She has a fantastic communications piece that I think will be very applicable to our student leaders.”

A panel discussion including Alice Clark, vice chancellor for university relations, will follow the guest speaker and representatives from both the Oxford and Jackson campuses will share organizational resources with students. Dean David D. Allen will also attend a portion of the retreat and speak about the importance of leadership.

“Leadership skills are incredibly important, especially in health care,” Allen said. “Having leadership experience gives pharmacy professionals the confidence to speak up for what is best for the profession to give patients the best possible care.”

The event is sponsored by Walgreens and the Mississippi Pharmacists Association, and will feature Taylor Grocery catering for lunch.

August 30, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

John Bentley

OXFORD, Miss. – The School of Pharmacy is delighted to announce that John P. Bentley, professor of pharmacy administration, is the recipient of the 2016 University of Mississippi Faculty Achievement Award.

At the fall faculty meeting on Friday, Aug. 26, Morris Stocks, UM provost and executive vice chancellor, called Bentley one of the university’s finest.

“His pharmacy research helps the world understand the roles that pharmacists play in medication therapy and how the medication consumption experience affects patients,” Stocks said. “His biostatistics research and proficiency have a direct benefit to our students, faculty and research scientists here at the University of Mississippi.”

Selection for the award is based on achievement in teaching, research, service and involvement in the classroom. Bentley came to the university in 1993 as a graduate student and a teaching assistant in the School of Pharmacy, becoming an assistant professor in 1998. Since then, he has received multiple awards for his service, teaching and research.

Bentley at a pharmacy school faculty-wide meeting in June 2016.

“I could think of no more deserving person for this award than John Bentley,” said David D. Allen, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “His contributions have had a tremendous impact on our school, from creating an engaging and supportive environment for students, to consistently enhancing health and patient care with his research. I am incredibly thrilled to call him a co-worker and a friend.”

Although Bentley is primarily a pharmacy administration professor, he holds a joint appointment in the School of Business Administration. He is actively involved in multiple university committees, as well as School of Pharmacy committees.

Bentley has a passion for advising graduate students, which earned him the Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award from the university’s Graduate School in 2014. He has served on over 100 thesis and dissertation committees, and routinely serves on committees outside of his department.

“He has been a mentor who has helped me find my passions, and be my own independent researcher,” said pharmacy doctoral candidate Sujith Ramachandran. “Several times during these past few years, it felt like he understood me better than I did myself.”

In letters of recommendation, Bentley’s colleagues past and present praised his aptitude for teaching, his contributions to the school and his dedication to the profession. Many anecdotes focused on Bentley’s pursuance of a second Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Alabama while teaching full time at the University of Mississippi, a commitment that required commuting between Birmingham and Oxford, as well as occasionally living in a dorm room.

“Nothing defines one’s thirst for knowledge quite as much as what he or she is willing to give up to obtain it, and this stood out to me,” said John Young, associate professor in clinical psychology. “I believe that John viewed this much like he views the process of science more generally, which was simply a logical step in a progression toward a goal. The difficulty of that step was irrelevant to him in the context of determining it needed to be taken.”

Students in the pharmacy school also detailed his dedication to their studies and educational experience. He is the faculty advisor for two pharmacy student organizations, and serves as an advisor for one of the school’s Professional Development Advising Teams.

“In the classroom, Dr. Bentley is an engaging and effective teacher,” said Jesse Bowen, pharmacy student body secretary. “He challenges students, but he always gives them the tools necessary to succeed.”

Dean David D. Allen (right) presents Bentley with the 2015 School of Pharmacy Faculty Service Award.

The Pharmacy Student Body honored Bentley with the Friend of the Student Award in both 2011 and 2014.

“From serving as the emcee at a philanthropic social event, to assisting students with service projects, to donating his time and food to make events successful, Dr. Bentley never disappoints,” said pharmacy student Lauren Daigle.

Since the Faculty Achievement Award was established in 1986, 10 of the 34 annual awardees have had full or joint appointments in the School of Pharmacy.

“So many outstanding individuals from across the university, including the School of Pharmacy, have received this award,” Bentley said. “It is truly an honor, and quite humbling, to be recognized in this way.”

Bentley credited the university, the School of Pharmacy and the Department of Pharmacy Administration for creating an atmosphere of commitment, passion and excellence that has inspired his own work.

“I am fortunate to work with truly outstanding students, collaborators and colleagues,” Bentley said. “These individuals are from my home department, the School of Pharmacy and also other departments across campus. They are intellectually curious, driven, creative, persistent, highly capable, people with high integrity, leaders and they also share with me a love of learning.

“I already receive so many intrinsic benefits from what I do, and to be recognized for work that one really enjoys doing is quite meaningful and very special,” he said.

August 23, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

OXFORD, Miss. – A research program and two faculty members of the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy were honored at this year’s meeting of the Mississippi Society of Health-System Pharmacists in late July.

Left to right: Josh Fleming, Laurie Fleming, Leigh Ann Ross and Courtney Davis accept MSHP awards on behalf of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, presented by Todd Dear.

The Innovative Health-Systems Pharmacy Practice Award went to the School of Pharmacy’s Community-Based Research Program, which provides counsel to underserved areas of the state, especially in the Delta.

Established in 2008, the program partners with state health projects, including the Delta Pharmacy Patient Care Management Project and Transitions of Care, to improve patients’ transition from hospital to home by assisting them with medication adherence. This program also received the 2011-12 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Lawrence C. Weaver Transformative Community Service Award.

MSHP’s most prestigious award, the Health-System Pharmacist of the Year Award, went to Joshua Fleming, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, for service to the community and profession, as well as contributions to the progress of his health care team.

Anastasia Jenkins won the 2016 MSHP service award, presented by Todd Dear (left).

“We are thrilled that Dr. Fleming was recognized as the 2016 MSHP Health-System Pharmacist of the Year,” said Leigh Ann Ross, associate dean for clinical affairs. “With his interest in leadership and advocacy, he has demonstrated his commitment to service for our profession. He has taken a leadership role in residency training with the School of Pharmacy and has contributed a great deal to pharmacy in Mississippi and to MSHP.”

Anastasia Jenkins, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, received the MSHP service award for her work in increasing student involvement in the organization. She has served in many capacities for MSHP, including as treasurer.

Jenkins is “always eager to help and does it with a contagious smile,” said Todd Dear, assistant dean for medical center affairs for the School of Pharmacy and president of MSHP

“She is never satisfied with the status quo and pushes herself and those around her,” Dear said. “She is an excellent team player and the perfect example of a model servant leader.”

Courtney Davis, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy, was also installed as president of MSHP.

“We are so fortunate to have such outstanding faculty at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy,” said Dean David D. Allen. “They are making a difference every day in our students, in our underserved communities and in our profession.”

Ph.D. candidate in environmental toxicology Dennis Carty won a 2016 North American Graduate Fellowship from the American College of Toxicology.

August 18, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

OXFORD, Miss. – Dennis Carty, a Dallas-native environmental toxicology Ph.D. candidate in the BioMolecular Sciences department, received a 2016 North American Graduate Fellowship from the American College of Toxicology.

Five of these prestigious national fellowships are awarded each year by ACT, and include a two-year stipend of $5,000 per year to be used toward the recipient’s education, as well as financial assistance to attend ACT’s annual meeting.

The fellowship is given based on the quality of the applicants’ graduate-level work. Carty’s award-winning research was an abstract titled “Cannabinoid Toxicity versus Antiepileptic Potential using Zebrafish,” which explores the effects of different chemicals within cannabis on zebrafish, inspired by the recent trend of using cannabinoids in epilepsy treatments.

“Dennis has formulated a research plan to investigate what, as a toxicologist, I believe is the fundamental question in drug development: the underlying mechanisms of both toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids,’’ said Kristie Willett, professor of pharmacology and environmental toxicology and Carty’s graduate adviser.

Carty studies the effects of cannabinoids on zebrafish, which are part of the environmental toxicology lab at the pharmacy school.

Along with his research, Carty submitted an essay outlining his career aspirations as a toxicologist. This is his first national award, and he said the financial assistance to attend the conference is just as helpful for his career aspirations as the stipend.

“As a graduate student, conferences are invaluable to our growth in research, communication and networking,” Carty said. “Not only will I be able to share my research with the nation’s leading toxicologists and receive much-needed feedback, but I am also afforded the opportunity to network with potential future employers.”

After completing his Ph.D., Carty plans to seek a postdoctoral position and ultimately work in discovering treatments for human diseases. Specifically, he hopes to test common chemicals for their effects on the endocrine system.

In addition to his studies, Carty serves as the student representative for the School of Pharmacy’s research and graduate affairs committee and is immediate past president of the BioMolecular Sciences Journal Club.

Carty, along with the four other fellowship recipients, will be recognized at the 2016 annual meeting of ACT on Nov. 10 in Baltimore.

August 12, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

OXFORD, Miss. – Babu Tekwani, principal scientist in the University of Mississippi’s National Center for Natural Products Research and professor of pharmacology in the School of Pharmacy, was honored for his outstanding research contributions to global health drug discovery in tropical parasitic diseases at an international conference in León, Spain, on July 15.

He received the Distinguished Scientist Award at the inaugural conference “Global Challenges in Neglected Tropical Diseases,” hosted by the Universidad de León and Fundación General Universidad de León y Empresa.

Coordinators of the conference “Global Challenges In Neglected Tropical Diseases” in León, Spain, present Dr. Babu Tekwani (third from left) with the Distinguished Scientist Award.

Tekwani has researched neglected tropical parasitic diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis (an infection spread by sandflies) and human African trypanosomiasis (aka sleeping sickness) for more than 30 years. His work has identified potential new molecular targets and sources for anti-parasitic drugs that would help eradicate these diseases, and developed new ways to test the drugs’ efficacy.

“I am very pleased to see this recognition of Dr. Tekwani’s leadership and sustained research effort toward combating these diseases, which devastate so much of the world,” said Larry Walker, NCNPR director. “His work at NCNPR has resulted in the establishment and growth of a robust and productive anti-parasitic drug discovery program.”

The conference in León was founded to discuss the progress and challenges of anti-parasitic drug discovery in response to a 2015 Nobel Prize awarded to researchers who discovered therapies to combat roundworm parasites and malaria parasites. Tekwani was one of several advisers for the conference, which included scientists from over 25 countries, and delivered the closing keynote address, “New Anti-Parasitic Drug Discovery from Natural Products: Challenges and Opportunities.”

“With his outstanding research contributions on tropical parasitic diseases, Dr. Tekwani rightly deserves to achieve this recognition,” said Rafael Balaña-Fouce, professor of biomedical sciences at the University of León and organizer of the conference.

Neglected tropical diseases are categorized as such if they disproportionately affect impoverished people and traditionally have not been the subject of much research. Tekwani’s work in this area previously has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health, World Health Organization and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research in India.

“Tropical parasitic diseases are major global health problems and threats to human health,” Tekwani said. “Almost half of the world’s population is exposed to the risk of being affected with one of these diseases. With the emergence of drug resistant and more virulent strains of the pathogens, there is a constant need for discovery of new drugs. It’s encouraging to get your research recognized globally.”

July 21, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

OXFORD, Miss. – In late June of 2016, PY4 student Caroline Bobinger traveled to Peru with ten people, including four other PY4 students from the School of Pharmacy and a preceptor from Jackson. The mission of the trip was to deliver and administer medicine and medical supplies to people of Peruvian and Quechuan descent living in the Peruvian Andes mountains. First Baptist Church of Jackson sponsored the trip, so the group also shared messages of faith with the people they met. The School of Pharmacy spoke with Bobinger about her experiences while in Peru.

 School of Pharmacy: What made you decide to go on this trip?

Caroline Bobinger: I had a deep desire to go on an international medical mission trip and to use the knowledge I have gained in pharmacy school to help those in need. I am a devout Christian and saw this mission trip as an opportunity to share my faith with unreached villages.

The group traveled through Huascaran National Park near Huaraz, Peru.

SOP: Where were you traveling, and how long were you there?

CB: The mission trip began as the team boarded a plane in Jackson, Mississippi and traveled for the next 12 hours to Lima, Peru. The second day we navigated through traffic in Lima and traveled ten hours in trucks to Huaraz. The third day was the most challenging travel day of the trip as we drove another ten hours over the narrow rocky roads up the mountain to Pomabamba. During this leg of the trip, we drove 150 miles over bumpy switchback roads with steep, sharp turns only wide enough for one vehicle. We were stationed in Pomabamba for five days with four days of clinic and one day of rest. During these five days, we traveled an hour or so each day outside of Pomabamba to different villages to host medical clinics. Then at night would we travel back to our base in Pomabamba where we had nightly devotions and meetings to discuss the events of the day. After five days in the Andes Mountains, we headed to Huaraz and then finally back to Lima. The entire trip lasted approximately 12 days.

SOP: Can you describe a typical day on the trip?

PY4 student Caroline Bobinger attends to Peruvian villagers waiting to receive medical care.

CB: On a typical clinic day, we would get up at 7:00 a.m. and eat breakfast around 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. Then we would travel in our trucks to different remote villages outside of Pomabamba where we would host medical clinics. Once we arrived at the village we would unload the medical supplies stored in 12 large containers and set up the different workstations. The first station was for evangelism where the people of Peru would hear the gospel in their language. Then they would see a physician and have their medical conditions diagnosed and have medications prescribed. Next, the people would pick up their medications at the pharmacy and be counseled on how to take their meds. At the medical clinic they also had the opportunity to get eyeglasses and receive Chapstick and worm medication. The pharmacy students would rotate stations throughout the four days of clinic so they had the opportunity to work at each station.

SOP: What was an extraordinary experience you had while you were there?

CB: One day, one of the Peruvian women came up to me and had a basket full of roasted nuts that she had just prepared. She had a big smile on her face and offered me some of the nuts. This meant so much to me because she did not have many material possessions, but she still wanted to give me something in return for what we had done to help her people.

Another day, we arrived and expected to set up clinic in a local school. When our trucks arrived, we found the school locked and we had no tables or chairs. We had a quick change in plan and set up the clinic, pharmacy and the eyeglasses station under the porch of the school. We built a church with three trucks, two tarps and zip ties, and attached the tarps to the side of the school. That particular day, we saw 152 people in the clinic, filled 477 prescriptions and fitted 123 villagers with reading glasses. It was amazing to see the people come from all directions to receive assistance at our makeshift clinic.

SOP: Can you speak about the people you met?

CB: The Peruvian people gave me so much more than I gave them. Everyone was so grateful that we made the journey to his or her village. They all had big smiles on their faces and were so grateful for everything we did for them. I will never forget their joy they expressed to us. One particular day, the village children picked wildflowers for the ladies on the trip and gave us gorgeous bouquets of flowers to express their love and appreciation.

Bobinger gives lollipops to Peruvian children. Photos courtesy of Caroline Bobinger.

SOP: How will your work help the people you met in Peru? 

CB: We gave every person we saw at the clinic some type of medication. Many adults had back pain due to carrying heavy items daily, and we gave them pain medication to relieve the pain. Also, many had indigestion problems, so we gave them Tums. Because they live so high in the mountains, many had sunburns on their faces. We gave them face cream to soothe the burns. While the medications will not last them forever, it was our hope that these acts of love and kindness would be something they would always remember. Also, because we also shared the gospel with them, we hoped this would change lives of the villagers for many generations to come.

SOP: How did the trip affect your point of view?

CB: This trip made me so feel so blessed that I grew up in a nation with basic everyday conveniences such as clean water and food. I am more aware of and grateful for the small things that we as Americans take for granted each and every day. I was amazed at the generosity of the Peruvian people and how grateful they were that we were there to serve them. I will always remember these people and what they taught me. I would encourage upcoming PY3s and PY4s to consider going on this trip. It is a life changer!

To find out more about global pharmacy opportunities in summer 2017, contact Dr. Kris Harrell, Director of Experiential Affairs for the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, at kharrell@umc.edu. An interest meeting will be held in December of 2016.

This interview has been edited for length and content.

Meghan Wagner. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications

July 12, 2016

University of Mississippi pharmacy student Meghan Wagner has been named a 2016 Fellow of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, which recognizes academic excellence in higher education.

This marks the second year in a row that a student from the University of Mississippi has won a fellowship from Phi Kappa Phi, which is the oldest honor society that recognizes all academic disciplines, honoring 57 students each year from around the country.

Wagner, who is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, also receives a $5,000 scholarship as part of the fellowship. She will use the award money to pay for books and class fees, and to lessen her need for student loans.

“I was extremely grateful to be chosen for this fellowship,” said Wagner. “I know the list of potential candidates was stellar, so to be first chosen by the University, then by Phi Kappa Phi, I felt honored. For me, to have such a distinguished group of people find my hard work to be worth the recognition and financial support helped validate that I have been working hard in the right direction.”

Applicants for the fellowship must first apply within their local chapter of Phi Kappa Phi in hopes of being selected as the sole applicant to the national chapter.

Dr. Michael L. Warren, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and recent former president of the University’s chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, knows Wagner through a course she took with him in the pharmacy school.

“She is a gifted student with a positive attitude and professional demeanor,” said Warren. “Meghan is actively engaged in community service, both on and off campus. She is passionate about having a positive impact on children’s lives after graduating from pharmacy school. I cannot speak for the national committee, but her passion to help others was likely evident in her application materials and led to her selection.”

Wagner hopes to go into pediatric pharmacy. Past Phi Kappa Phi fellows include notable names such as poet Rita Dove, Youtube co-founder Chad Hurley and two NASA scientists. Marcus Daniels of the University of Mississippi won a fellowship in 2015 for his work in biology.

“My dream job would be to work in an oncology wing of a pediatric hospital as a clinical pharmacist, and I am very grateful to both the school of pharmacy and Phi Kappa Phi for supporting me in this endeavor,” said Wagner.

Faculty and students from the pharmacy administration department wrote letters of recommendation that outlined the department’s diversity initiatives.

July 5, 2016

By Sydney DuPriest

OXFORD, Miss. – The department of pharmacy administration received the 2016 Excellence in Promoting Inclusiveness in Graduate Education Award at the doctoral hooding ceremony in May. The award, which includes $2,000 for the recipient to continue the inclusiveness efforts, was established by the University of Mississippi Graduate School in 2004 to recognize individuals or programs that demonstrate a strong commitment to promoting a diverse and welcoming environment in graduate education.

The department of pharmacy administration includes faculty and students from six countries and a majority female faculty, a diversity that was highlighted in nomination letters from within the department. According to the letters from faculty and students, differences of opinion are welcomed and encouraged within the classroom and research, as well as during social activities that celebrate the diversity of the department.

“I believe the faculty in the department [of pharmacy administration] set the tone and encourage openness to new ideas and cultures,” said Soumyajit Majumdar, associate dean for research and graduate programs in the Pharmacy School. “All students are treated with respect. With the leadership’s commitment to inclusivity and respect, students quickly adapt to this culture, which encourages the sharing of diverse ideas.”

In addition to a welcoming atmosphere, the department hosts regular events for members of the school to share food and holiday traditions from their different home countries, creating a culture that extends to the work and research of the department.

“It helps that some members of our program have research interests in understanding and addressing health care disparities, specifically with respect to medication use,” said John P. Bentley, professor of pharmacy administration. “These research areas often require an understanding of the issues surrounding important topics in health care such as the role of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age, location, gender, disability status and sexual orientation.”

Going beyond faculty efforts, graduate students in the department of pharmacy administration work to foster open-mindedness, often sharing offices with students from other backgrounds and participating in a peer-mentoring program that smooths the transition for non-American students.

“As an international student myself, I can speak at length to the challenges of acculturation and toll it can take on a new student,” said Sujith Ramachandran, a pharmacy administration graduate student from India. “However, my acculturation process in the United States was made easy due to the familial atmosphere in this department.”