Alumni

Pharmacy Alum Helps Train Ukrainian Surgeons to Handle Front-line Care

By Dani Jaffe Jul 30, 2022

Khaula Sawah, Pharm.D., always felt a calling in her heart to help others as if they were her own family. To fulfill that mission, Sawah became a pharmacist, earning two degrees from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, and performed clinical work in Cincinnati for much of her career. But in 2011, as the Syrian crisis began — Sawah experienced something that changed her life forever.

An Inspirational Leader in the Pharmaceutical Industry

By Caitlyn Romanski Jun 7, 2022

In today’s goal-oriented world, we are often told that we can accomplish anything we put our mind to. This is especially true when you believe in yourself and find passion in what you do. When reflecting on these personal strengths, one pharmacy professional that comes to mind is Dr. Verneda Hawkins (PharmD 1985). Hawkins, a leader at Biogen and in the pharmaceutical industry, has dedicated her professional life to building up strong skill sets and a remarkable level of self-confidence to succeed in her pharmacy career. This has allowed her to make a clear difference in her own life while positively impacting the lives of so many others.

UKCOP Alumna Impacts Veteran Health Through Rural Scholars Fellowship

By Caitlyn Romanski May 12, 2022

University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy alumna Tara Downs (PharmD 2008), a clinical pharmacy practitioner board certified in Ambulatory Care and Geriatric Pharmacy and serving in geriatrics at the Lexington Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System (HCS), has been named a fellow for the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Rural Scholars Fellowship Program. As one of few primary care providers selected to participate in the program, Downs will use her knowledge of pharmacy, strong leadership skills and thorough job experience with the VA to improve rural health care for veterans.

Eiichi Akaho, Joshua Brown, Stephen Schondelmeyer Headshots

Distinguished College of Pharmacy Alumni Recognized for Innovation

By Rosa Mejia-Cruz Apr 12, 2022

Joshua Brown (Young Alumni), Eiichi Akaho and Stephen Schondelmeyer (Lifetime Achievement) are the 2021 inductees to the UKCOP Hall of Distinguished Alumni.

Preceptors Recognized at College of Pharmacy Ceremony

By Rosa Mejia-Cruz Apr 6, 2022

Aaron Cook, Jessica Tackett, Jason Underwood, Josh Pruitt and Janna Kaufman are the 2022 inductees to the UKCOP Hall of Distinguished Preceptors.

Louisville Clinical Education Center Names Mills as Clinical Training Coordinator

By Caitlyn Romanski Jan 7, 2022

The Louisville Clinical Education Center (LCEC) has announced a change in faculty for the Clinical Training Coordinator position. Dr. Janet Mills, PharmD, BCPS, CDCES, has been selected to replace Dr. Chris Miller, PharmD, MS, MBA, BCNSP, who held the position for 14 years and transitioned into retirement in November 2021.

Welton O'Neal Named 2021 Paul Parker Award Recipient

By Caitlyn Romanski Nov 3, 2021

Dr. Welton O’Neal (PharmD 1981, R126), Vice President of Medical Affairs at Supernus Pharmaceuticals, has been named the 2021 recipient of the Paul F. Parker Award.

As one of the most accessible healthcare providers, pharmacist-led monoclonal antibody clinic makes sense

By Caitlyn Romanski Oct 27, 2021

Pharmacists are arguably one of the most accessible healthcare providers to the public, especially during pandemic times, and often go unrecognized for their effort and sacrifices to help curb this devastating virus. One shining example of a pharmacist who readily contributes to the frontline battle is Dr. Gavin Howington (PharmD 2014). Howington, an Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at UK HealthCare and Clinical Assistant Professor at the UK College of Pharmacy, is making a daily impact on the lives of high-risk patients who contract COVID-19. Through the use of monoclonal antibody therapy, Howington helps the healthcare field gain control over a virus that continually evolves over time.

How a UK alumna is helping humanitarian relief operations in Syria

By Caitlyn Romanski Oct 12, 2021

Since 2011, Dr. Khaula Sawah has dedicated her pharmacy career and personal life to aiding those affected by the Syrian war and the resulting humanitarian crisis in Syria and Turkey. She is also the co-founder of the non-profit Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations-USA (UOSSM USA) and currently serves as president of the organization in the U.S.

'Honest pride and belief in self' is essential for students says UKCOP's first Black PharmD

By Caitlyn Romanski Oct 5, 2021

Long ago, while reflecting on his life’s accomplishments, Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis said, “In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can.” This statement perfectly describes the education and career of pharmacy pioneer Dr. Welton O’Neal. O’Neal (PharmD 1981, R126) was the first Black student at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy to graduate with a PharmD. He was also the first Black man to complete the post-PharmD pharmacy residency training at UK HealthCare under the program director, Paul Parker, PharmD, and his direct mentor, John Piecoro, PharmD. Having paved the way for Black pharmacy students and achieved tremendous personal success, O’Neal currently works at Supernus Pharmaceuticals, leading the organization as Vice President of Medical Affairs.

Subscribe to Alumni

Phone:	(859) 323-7601
Emergencies:	911, #UKPD (#8573)
UKPD Main Dispatch:	(859) 257-1616
Environmental Health & Safety:	(859) 257-3827