Today's #feelgoodfriday is courtesy of Taylor Truong, her ER department colleagues, and a special phone call from MBKU's School of PA Studies ? Thanks for sharing this exciting moment with us ? ?

Congratulations to Dorith Anda from the College of Pharmacy Class of 2021 on being a recipient of the Student of the Year Scholarship Award from the South Bay/Long Beach Society of Health-System Pharmacists! Dorith noted that this award is also a reflection of the support and motivation from his friends and MBKU-CSHP, his President Jennifer Nguyen and board members, Ms. Cynthia Bennett, and the South Bay/Long Beach Society of Health-System Pharmacists, “This award is nothing without everyone.”

How can we help usher a safe return to campus for everyone in next few weeks? Swipe for the details! ? ? The Healthy Community Ambassadors are hosting another giveaway for students beginning February 7-27, focused on the #MBKUPledge to remind us about the measures that help keep ourselves and others safe during this critical moment. Even if it may feel like an extension of 2020, we’re looking forward to getting back into the groove of a routine and campus life! So hold off on that doom scrolling and join us in some lighter fare with our weekly giveaway themes!

We love seeing what our alumni are up to, check out PA Victoria Callahan in action – "Congratulations to Victoria on her 1 year with our Neurosurgery team! Over the course of this past year, since graduating from PA school, you have grown and learned with positivity as a Neurosurgery PA. From clinic, to the OR, and beyond you have been awesome! It has been nothing short of a pleasure having you as a part of this team. Keep rockin! ?"
?: Thanks for sharing with us @drmesiwala

It’s hard to believe it's been nearly a full year since MBKU unveiled its University strategic plan back in February 2020. Despite the extraordinary challenges to follow, the University has pushed forward, keeping the MBKU community focused and united through it’s four pillars: student-centered values, being engaged and inclusive, interprofessional culture and approach, and an innovative and contemporary energy. These pillars and the dedicated faculty and administration have truly solidified the family atmosphere of MBKU and established a home for future health care leaders.

As Director of Clinical Education at MBKU’s School of PA Studies, PA Sandra Fineman strongly values personal connections whether it’s with patients, students or colleagues. Her own experience as a young patient helping another galvanized her eventual career as a PA, working tirelessly to build trust with her patients, and ultimately lead her to forging a connection with MBKU’s PA program.

? The College of Pharmacy has been awarded full accreditation for the maximum initial period of 2 years by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Congratulations to Dean Ed Fisher, faculty, students, and administration for their dedication, excellent work and outstanding preparation that has lead to this milestone! The University is proud of this achievement and the continued development of the College into one of the area’s top pharmacy schools.

Dr. Julie Tyler was just four months into her new role as an Associate Professor with SCCO when the University campus and clinics shut down. What she appreciates most, as she and her colleagues continue to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 world, is the highly collaborative environment and family atmosphere. As an optometrist and educator, Dr. Tyler has a passion for helping others, whether it be patients or aspiring doctors of optometry and takes each challenge as an opportunity for personal growth. Read about her story “Embrace the Challenge” at ketchum.edu/news

We’re bringing you a #feelgoodfriday story with the Hoffmans, who shared their story with us about their optometry legacy of three generations with SCCO. You may know Dr. Steven Hoffman, who is a 2020 graduate and a resident doctor with SCCO, working with vision therapy and pediatric care at the same institution where his grandfather pioneered it. Read about their story “A Ketchum Family” at ketchum.edu/news

Congratulations to Cynthia Sassenberg from the College of Pharmacy Class of 2021, who is just one of two fellows accepted into the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program with Teva Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Affairs. The RPIF Program is an industry-based training program and the partnership with Teva provides a unique opportunity for fellows to gain direct experience in the U.S. generic and specialty product approval processes all within one organization.