Alumni, faculty, and staff were honored and recognized during professional conferences this summer, including those hosted by the Georgia Pharmacy Association (GPhA) and the Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (GSHP).
GPhA Summer Convention
Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and preceptors showed up in huge numbers at Amelia Island for the GPhA Summer Convention, held June 13-16 at Amelia Island, FL. Between continuing education sessions, networking receptions, and awards banquets, this annual meeting provided opportunities to spotlight the work of attendees. The event was highlighted by the College of Pharmacy’s Alumni and Friends Reception, when more than 120 guests reconnected with classmates and colleagues.
Highlighting the meeting was the induction of Ben Ross ‘08 as GPhA President and receiving the McKesson Leadership and Smith Drug Visionary Awards. He was in good company as the gavel was passed by outgoing President Joe Ed Holt ‘92 and will be followed by President-Elect, Robert Murry ’09. Additional highlights included:
Drs. Anthony Hawkins, Jordan Khail, and Rusty May delivered educational sessions on Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) mentorship, law updates, and new drug updates, respectively.
Multiple alumni were acknowledged for celebrating 50 years in pharmacy. They are Mike Brinson ’74; Emile Carr ’73; Jimmy D. Carter ’74; Lewis Clark ’73; John Leffler, Jr. ’73; Joseph McEver ’74; Fred Sharpe ’74; and Gail Thomas ‘74.
Other awards included: Edward Holt ’56, the President’s Award (posthumously); Robert Warnock ‘78, the Larry L. Braden Meritorious Service Award; Will Marquess ‘25, the Jim Bartling Student Pharmacist of the Year Award; Rachel Lovvorn ’24, the Four-Year Student Attendance Award; and Harrison Hughes ’25, the Jeff Lurey Independent Community Pharmacy Student Scholarship.
College faculty member Dr. Jordan Khail was elected President of Region 10, and alumnus Dr. Tyler Young ’18 was elected president of Region 4.
GSHP Summer Meeting
Faculty, students, and alumni took top honors at the GSHP Summer Meeting held July 12th-14th in Amelia Island, FL. The annual event featured continuing education, a large exhibit program, a reverse expo, and dedicated student programming, attracting health-system pharmacists from across the state. The College of Pharmacy celebrated numerous award recipients and contributed to a distinguished lineup of speakers and presentations.
Recipients of the Fellows of GSHP (FGSHP) included Dr. Susan Wright ’06; Sonny Rader ’77; Dr. Maura Hall, ’90, ’89; and Dr. Anthony Hawkins ’12, Clinical Associate Professor at the Extended Campus in Albany. In addition, Dr. Wright, who is the Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Wellstar Health, received the 2024 Pharmacist of the Year Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the profession.
Other awards for the College of Pharmacy included:
Dr. Christopher M. Bland, the Albert W. Jowdy Professor in Pharmacy Care, received the Outstanding Pharmaceutical Publication Award for Delabeling for the duration? β-Lactam prescribing in hospitalized patients after penicillin skin testing.
Dr. Chelsea A. Keedy, Clinical Assistant Professor at the Extended Campus in Savannah, was presented the Outstanding Pharmacy Practitioner Award for her dedication to excellence in pharmacy practice.
Aubrey Slaughter ’20, Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist at Wellstar MCG Health, was celebrated for her impactful work as an emerging leader in the field by receiving the Outstanding New Practitioner Award.
Dr. Binh Bui ‘24 and Reese Howell, Class of 2025, were presented the Outstanding Pharmacy Student Awards in recognition of their exemplary academic achievements and professional promise.
Congratulations to these outstanding College of Pharmacy representatives!
