ACP News

 

Albany College of Pharmacy Professor Named

“Pharmacist of the Year” by New York State

Pharmacy Organization

  

ALBANY , N.Y. – May 9, 2008 – Albany College of Pharmacy Assistant Professor Nicole Lodise, Pharm.D., has been named Pharmacist of the Year by the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists (NYSCHP). Lodise received the honor at the NYSCHP's 47th Annual Assembly held on May 3.

The award is given to an individual described by his or her peers as having achieved “significant accomplishments toward the progression of pharmaceutical services during the previous 18 months.” Contributions are judged by involvement in professional organizations, pharmacy education, research activities, publications, community service and practice sites.

“Nicole is a consummate professional who, in addition to educating future pharmacists, is involved with many community initiatives designed to promote health and wellness. It is no surprise that her peers have recognized her commitment and excellence to the field of pharmacy with this award,” said Albany College of Pharmacy President James J. Gozzo.

Lodise's areas of expertise include tobacco cessation and women's health issues. She played a key role in the development of the Tobacco Cessation Inpatient Service at Albany Medical Center (AMC) and serves as one of the program's co-coordinators. Started in February 2006, the service offers hospital patients educational materials and a comprehensive consultation referral to assist in their efforts to stop smoking.

A 2002 ACP graduate and fifth-year member of the faculty, Lodise's research endeavors include assessing the cessation program in addition to other clinical-practice based and educational research. Lodise also studies the use of over-the-counter medications in an obstetric population and is currently authoring the vaginal and vulvovaginal disorders chapter for the upcoming 16th edition of “The Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: An Interactive Approach to Self-Care.”

“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from my peers,” Lodise, a resident of Rensselaer , said. “Pharmacists play an integral role in assisting patients with their health care needs. I am proud to be a member of this profession and to work with so many inspiring colleagues in my practice setting, on the campus of the college and within professional organizations.”

She was nominated for the award by a colleague who described her as “highly intelligent, hard-working and extremely dedicated to her students, colleagues and most importantly, the profession. She exemplifies the idea of a motivated pharmacist that is advancing the profession in a positive fashion.”

In addition to being a member of NYSCHP, Lodise serves on various committees for the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). At a more regional level, she is involved with the Capital District Tobacco Free Coalition and precepts health care-related clerkships in women's health, tobacco cessation and pharmacy education. At ACP, Lodise has helped launch a tobacco-cessation program on the campus, and she will also co-mentor students during this upcoming year with a new public health rotation.

About the NYSCHP

The NYSCHP represents New York State pharmacists who practice in ambulatory, long term, managed, home and acute care settings.  There are approximately 2,500 NYSCHP members along with a well-established network of leaders serving on the NYSCHP Board of Directors, NYSCHP committees and chapter officers in the eleven local chapters in NYS. The eleven regional chapters provide networking, programming and leadership to pharmacists practicing in health care facilities throughout NYS.  NYSCHP is active in the community involving itself in outreach programs in schools, medical centers and teaching hospitals. 

About Albany College of Pharmacy

Founded in 1881, Albany College of Pharmacy is a private, independent institution dedicated to the improvement of health. The College has educational programs and research activities spanning the full spectrum of pharmacy and health sciences – from drug discovery and development to patient counseling and health care to studying health outcomes. More than 1,400 ACP students are pursuing a wide range of career pathways in the health care field through degree programs in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical technology and health and human sciences.