Hope Brandon appointed new postdoctoral academic fellow
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 8, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is delighted to announce the appointment of Hope Brandon, PharmD, MBA, as a postdoctoral academic fellow. Brandon is the third individual to hold this revitalized position, which offers comprehensive training in teaching, scholarship, service, and pharmacy practice to advance academic careers.
Originally from Memphis, TN, Brandon completed her undergraduate studies at Belmont University in Nashville, TN, before returning to Memphis to attend the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. During pharmacy school, she also earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Memphis. Her passion for pediatrics and academia led her to pursue residency training at UK HealthCare, renowned for its exceptional programs.
Brandon completed both her PGY1 Acute Care Residency and PGY2 Pediatric Pharmacy Residency at UK HealthCare, where she served as chief resident and won the prestigious Residency Program Impact Award. This award is given to a resident who has demonstrated exceptional leadership within the residency, developed as a progressive practitioner and leader, and excelled in the key aspects of performance—accomplishment, impact, creativity, and commitment. With this award, peers have recognized Brandon as the individual most likely to have a significant impact on professional pharmacy practice.
"I was drawn to UK HealthCare's residency program because of its outstanding reputation for clinical pharmacy and pediatric training, as well as the close relationship between the hospital and the UK College of Pharmacy," said Brandon. "I am incredibly excited to begin the academic fellowship at UKCOP, where I will continue to develop my teaching, scholarship, and service skills."
In her new role, Brandon will teach, conduct research projects, participate in committee work, and facilitate and coordinate Patient-centered Care Experience (PaCE) Labs. She will also remain actively involved in clinical practice and research at Kentucky Children's Hospital.
"The clinical component of the academic fellowship is crucial to me as an aspiring clinical faculty member,” Brandon explained. "Remaining engaged in clinical practice and research is vital for my development as a recent graduate. I am confident that the fellowship at UKCOP will provide the training and mentorship I need to succeed in my future career."
Brandon's clinical interests include pediatrics and women's health, focusing on pediatric critical care, pediatric surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, and drugs in pregnancy. In academia, she enjoys research design and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
"We believe that preparing future faculty aligns perfectly with our mission of cultivating leaders in cutting-edge research and innovative clinical practice," said Jeff Cain, Ed.D., professor, vice-chair, and fellowship director. "Dr. Brandon's appointment as a postdoctoral academic fellow is a significant step in fostering a thriving academic community. We are excited to welcome her and look forward to her contributions to our academic and healthcare communities."
Brandon's fellowship committee includes Jeff Cain, Penni Black, Aaron Cook, and Clark Kebodeaux. She began her position on July 1, 2024.
In her free time, Brandon enjoys gardening, baking (primarily sourdough bread), painting, crafting, and spending time with her husband and her cat, Triscuit.