ACMS Honors School of Pharmacy With Pride in Pittsburgh Award

The Mylan School of Pharmacy is one of five honorees to receive a 2010 Pride in Pittsburgh award from the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS), which presents the award annually to individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to improved healthcare in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The school is being recognized for its public service work in establishing a clinical site at the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center to serve uninsured patients.

At the Catholic Charities Free Health Care Center, interns, residents and fellows from the School of Pharmacy counsel patients on medications and diet as part of the school’s doctor of pharmacy experiential program at the Center.

“This award gives recognition to our academic partners program that was established to share resources to make facilities available for our faculty to explore their patient-based scholarship and students to enrich their education,” said Pharmacy Dean Dr. J. Douglas Bricker, who directs the program with Dr. Autumn Stewart, assistant professor of pharmacy practice. “The relationship between Catholic Charities and the School of Pharmacy has been especially rewarding because it also is in alignment with the mission of the University and the school.”

The pharmacy team also works with volunteer physicians at the clinic to monitor the progress of diabetic and hypertensive patients. More than 500 patients have been served since the rotation began in 2008, addressing medical issues such as diabetes management, hypertension, tobacco use, obesity and medication therapy, as well as possible drug-related problems. The pharmacy team also assists with applications to Prescription Assistance Programs that have provided medications for more than 200 patients.

“In addition to sharing their knowledge of pharmaceuticals, the Mylan School of Pharmacy team treats the patients at the center with an abundance of respect, dignity, and compassion, which are attributes that mean as much to the patients as the advice that they receive,” said Clare Kushma of Catholic Charities, who nominated the school for the award. “These aspiring pharmacists truly make us Pittsburgh Proud.”

The other award recipients include PNC Grow Up Great, Dr. Ann L. McGaffey,  Dr. Fredric V. Price and Greta K. Rooney.

The ACMS will present the awards during the its Foundation Gala, Pittsburgh Proud, at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge on Saturday, March 19.