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Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Oh, but I need more space!


As the application deadline approaches, we've received many questions regarding the need for MORE space/lines for a particular subject-area on the prerequisite page. No problem! The application will only allow you to upload one form. However, we have an easy solution -- but it requires an extra step. Instructions are outlined below.

We encourage you to fit all prerequisite requirements on one page. For example, if you’ve taken separate lecture/lab courses during the same quarter/semester and received the same grade in both, simply list both on the same line, listing the total units for the combined courses.

If there are not enough spaces for you to list all courses for a particular subject area, you should use an additional downloadable .pdf page (page 2) to list only the courses that won’t fit on the first page. Please read the notes below carefully:
  1. The first page of prerequisites must be uploaded/attached to your UCSF Application. Follow instructions on the application. Failure to do so will result in a cancelled application
  2. Your additional page (page 2) should be saved using this format: LastName_FirstName-YourPharmCAS#-Pg2.  Failure to save this page in this format could result in an incomplete application.
  3. Once you have submitted the UCSF Supplemental Application, email your additional page (page 2) to admissions(at)pharmacy.ucsf.edu. We will manually add it to your application.
  4. Do not list extraneous courses or courses that do not fulfill our requirement. Do not list extra courses beyond our minimum requirement. Listing extraneous or additional courses could result in your application being cancelled for not following instructions. 
And since you know I love posts with photos.... (Note: This is just a snapshot of the form, not the actual form -- which is downloadable from within the application!)

Friday, August 16, 2013

Supplemental Application Presentations Set for September



In preparation for our November 1 application deadline, we will be offering several Supplemental Application Presentations in September:
  • Friday, September 6, 2013 (3:00 PM to 4:30 PM) 
  • Tuesday, September 17, 2013 (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM) 
  • Friday, September 20, 2013 (3:30 PM to 5:00 PM)
These presentations are TOTALLY FREE and registration is NOT required. Just show up! Details can be found on our website

Note: It's important to mention that these presentations are not required. We do not take attendance and are careful to only share information that is readily/widely available. No "secrets" are shared. No "advantage" is given. No "edge" is earned. However, sometimes applicants just like to be walked through the application and ask questions. For some people, carving out time to focus on the application in a formal setting allows them to begin the process with more confidence.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Admitted Students Offer Advice

We host many outreach and informational programs throughout the year. We always try to include current students in the program as it provides prospective students/applicants an opportunity to hear directly from them -- their advice, experiences, and challenges.


Students who will enter the program this fall are not too far removed from the application process. It's still fresh in their minds. I asked them, "If you could offer a single piece of advice to an applicant who is applying to UCSF School of Pharmacy, what would it be? What would you say?" Below are some of their responses!

“Be yourself. Be honest.” -Vicki

“Spend lots of time on the essays. Talk about as many experiences as you can. Don't keep talking about the same experience in all the essays. Make sure your responses to essay questions are backed by examples and experiences.” -Ami

“Keep a pharmacy journal. Every time you learn something new in pharmacy, attend a conference, shadow a pharmacist, write it down. It will be extremely helpful when preparing your application essays.” -Leanne

“Two words: time management. Make sure you have everything in order: what classes you need to take, when to ask for letters of recommendation, and all your deadlines laid out. I suggest creating a timeline.” -Helen

“Do as much research about the Doctor of Pharmacy program as you can. You're about to spend the next four years of your life here! Just as UCSF will see if you're a good fit, make sure that this program is a good fit for you.” -Allison

“Disregard all thoughts of where you "stand" as an applicant. Be yourself, tell the truth and apply. I almost didn't submit my application because I didn't think I would get in, yet here I am.” -Jennifer

"Have the conviction to turn down an offer of admission if it means sacrificing doing what you love. In other words, make sure you do not compromise your identity in order to get into UCSF. Represent your true self, and let the Admissions Committee make the hard decisions."-Keil
 
“Analyze all of your life experiences in order to trace how they have shaped you as a person and led you to the decision of pursuing a career in pharmacy. It will help you understand yourself better, define your goals, and set your priorities.” -Yuliya

“Developing a successful application is no trivial task. The more time and effort you put into the application, the better it will be. You can't do it all in one sitting. It took me months of daily editing to finish and I'm glad I took the time.” - Leo

“UCSF’s application is the most difficult but yet the most rewarding. If you put your heart into it (and try to enjoy it),  you will find that you not only present the school a complete YOU -- but also gain a new understanding of yourself.  DIG DEEPLY!” -Louis

“Get a head start on writing your essays! Take time to really reflect and answer each essay question thoroughly and genuinely. The essays are YOUR chance to sum up who you are, what your goals are, and why you want to attend UCSF.” -Dalga

“Really focus on writing good essays! Your writing style and content can give a sense of who you are and how you stand out. Know your attributes and what you want to convey, and edit edit edit!” –Christina

“Don't underestimate yourself. There were so many times I thought I wasn't competitive enough because of my stats. However, UCSF is definitely a school that looks at more than numbers. As long as you're passionate about pharmacy, you can shine!” -Riti

“My advice would be to keep a journal of all your experiences and activities. When it comes time to respond to essay questions, you will have pages of snapshots to pull from. This helped me express my thoughts, both genuinely and with details.” -Nola

“Have fun with it. The essays are designed to get a deeper understanding of the applicant. It really is a time to open up and discover who you really are. The essay process can be therapeutic, if you let it.” -Timothy

“Take time to really think about who you are as an individual, not who you think UCSF is looking for.  Knowing this will help you respond with  genuine and meaningful answers (on the application and in the interview) which is very important.” -Sierra

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself -- on paper and off.  If you draw from your experiences and answer honestly from the heart, everything will be alright.” -Richard

“Be yourself during the process. Make sure the admissions committee knows your journey and show them your passion for pharmacy. Don’t be nervous, have confidence. Remember both you and the committee are trying to determine if you are a good fit.” -Katelyn

“Be confident that you are deserving of one of the 122 spots in the class, and apply whole-heartedly and fearlessly. Know yourself and your passions. Convey your unique characteristics that set you apart from the rest.” -Jenny

“TAKE TIME to evaluate strengths and weaknesses. Acknowledge your weaknesses and think about how to improve. For example, if you haven't worked in a pharmacy, think about healthcare-related experiences (e.g, traveling abroad, personal hospitalization, etc.).” -Jade

“Avoid online forums after your application is submitted. Reading that other applicants have been invited to an interview or offered admission can cause you to unnecessarily read into your own status.” -Robert

“Don't wait until the day before the deadline to submit your supplemental application.” -Aaron

“Take advantage of the essay portions when applying. Fully express yourself through writing so you can deliver your own spin to the application. Besides your academic background, the school takes note of the individuality of each applicant.” -Stephanie

“My best advice is to be 100% comfortable with yourself and entirely genuine. Don't waste time trying to become an applicant that you think UCSF will want. Be exactly who you are and if you are a good-hearted person, they'll see it easily!” -Iris

“Dedicate lots of time to the application process. Edit your application with others' suggestions, make thoughtful changes, even complete re-writes. Prepare for your interview by practicing with a helpful audience.” -Kari

“In the words of Robert Kennedy, ‘Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.’ Have the courage to apply. Be confident. That way you can eliminate nervousness and really express yourself in your essays and interview.” -Niki

“I believe what really makes an individual suited for UCSF is that they are 'outliers' - they have demonstrated uniqueness in their actions and achievements. They can articulate how doing so has developed them into a leader.” -Christopher

2013-14 Supplemental Application has launched!

Launch status check. Resistance test performed. Flight deck is cleared for take-off.  Reaction control system tested. Launch Team Ready.

The UCSF Supplemental Application for entry in Fall 2014 has launched. Please visit our website for detailed information.

(Also helpful -- actually, it's essential reading -- UCSF's School Page on the PharmCAS Website!)

LIFTOFF...

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Regents’ Special Committee Nominates Janet Napolitano for Next UC President

While this announcement isn't directly related to PharmD admissions, it is important to know about the leader of a university (or university-system) you are applying to. At the very least, it can give you a better sense of the culture and priorities of a university. (Not always, but sometimes!) The more you know about a university, the more prepared you are as an applicant. (Not always, but sometimes!) It's an exciting time for the UC system.

Regents’ Special Committee Nominates Janet Napolitano for Next UC President
July 12, 2013
by UCSF News Service
 
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has been nominated for appointment as the 20th president of the University of California, it was announced today.

Regent Sherry Lansing, chair of a 10-member special search committee, said Napolitano rose to the top from a large field of candidates and was recommended on a unanimous vote.


Janet Napolitano
The full Board of Regents will act on the recommendation Thursday, July 18, during a special meeting following the board’s regular bimonthly meeting in San Francisco.

“Secretary Napolitano is a distinguished and dedicated public servant who has earned trust at the highest, most critical levels of our country’s government,” Lansing said in a statement. “She has proven herself to be a dynamic, hard-working and transformative leader.
“As governor of Arizona, she was an effective advocate for public education, and a champion for the life-changing opportunities that education provides…Those who know her best say that a passion for education is in her DNA.”

She added: “As Secretary of Homeland Security, she has been an ardent advocate for the federal Dream Act and the architect of a policy that protects from deportation young undocumented immigrants who are pursuing a college education.”

Board Chair Bruce Varner, who served as vice chair of the search committee, noted in a separate statement:  “Throughout her noteworthy career, Secretary Napolitano has built a track record for taking on and tackling the toughest of challenges. She has a reputation for seeing things through, no matter how difficult the effort.

“She has the intellectual curiosity, leadership qualities, personal charm and discipline needed to navigate any future challenges that await this university.

 “I anticipate learning much from Secretary Napolitano, given her experience leading large, complex organizations.”

Robert Powell, chair of UC’s systemwide Academic Senate and a faculty representative on the Board of Regents, praised the choice: "In my discussions with her, Secretary Napolitano clearly articulated the view that the University of California must do all it can to ensure not only that it remains the greatest public university in the world in the 21st century, but also that it moves to new heights.

"She has deep respect for the faculty, and she will listen to what we say. She knows that, as the core of what makes UC great, the faculty must have an environment in which they can thrive as scholars and teachers.”

If the regents approve the appointment, Napolitano would become the first woman in the university’s 145-year history to serve as president. She would succeed Mark G. Yudof, who announced in January that he would step down at the end of August after serving for more than five years.

As the twice-elected governor of Arizona, serving from 2003 to 2009, Napolitano was a consistent champion of public education, protecting funding of the state’s universities even as she addressed a $1 billion deficit upon assuming office. By 2006, she had turned the deficit into a $300 million surplus without raising taxes.

Chosen by President Barack Obama to serve as the third Secretary of Homeland Security, Napolitano leads a complex array of efforts to safeguard the nation – counterterrorism, border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity and disaster preparedness, response and recovery. Homeland Security is the third largest federal department, with a budget of $60 billion, 240,000 employees and 22 agencies and directorates, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Customs and Border Protection, Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Coast Guard and Secret Service.

“I am both honored and excited by the prospect of serving as president of the University of California,” said Napolitano.

“I recognize that I am a non-traditional candidate,” she added. “In my experience, whether preparing to govern a state or to lead an agency as critical and complex as Homeland Security, I have found the best way to start is simply to listen.

“If appointed, I intend to reach out and listen to chancellors, to faculty, to students, to the state’s political leaders, to regents, to the heads of the other public higher education systems and, of course, to President Yudof and his team, who have done so much to steer the University of California through some extremely rough waters.”

As UC president, she would lead a system of 10 campuses, five medical centers, three affiliated national laboratories and a statewide agriculture and natural resources program. The UC system has more than 234,000 students, about 208,000 faculty and staff, more than 1.6 million living alumni and an annual operating budget of more than $24 billion.

Napolitano, 55, was born in New York City and grew up in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Albuquerque, N.M., before coming to California for her college education. She was graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She was selected as the university’s first female valedictorian, and also won a Truman Scholarship, a prestigious fellowship for college students who possess leadership potential and an interest in government or public service.

After earning her law degree from the University of Virginia, she went to Arizona in 1983 to serve as a clerk for Judge Mary M. Schroeder of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and later practiced law in Phoenix at the firm of Lewis and Roca, where she became a partner in 1989. She was the first female Attorney General of Arizona, from 1998 to 2003, and served as U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona from 1993 to 1997.

Napolitano was named one of the top five governors in the country by Time magazine. As the first woman to chair the National Governors Association, she launched the “Innovation America” initiative to align K-12 and higher education curricula to better prepare students for a global economy and strengthen the nation’s competitiveness by improving its capacity to innovate.

At the Department of Homeland Security, she has championed cutting-edge research and development, investing more than $2.2 billion in state-of-the-art solutions at national labs and universities across the country to protect people and critical infrastructure.

Under her leadership, Homeland Security also has strengthened its outreach efforts to academic institutions through the establishment of the Office of Academic Engagement, and she created the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council, involving leadership from more than 20 universities and colleges around the country.

She has repeatedly testified about the need for comprehensive immigration reform and, earlier this year, she served as the Administration's sole witness in the Senate Judiciary Committee's hearing on the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform bill.  She also testified before the Senate in support of the Dream Act and defended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals process in a hearing before the House Judiciary Committee.

The Special Committee to Consider the Selection of a President, assisted by the national executive search firm Issacson, Miller, was involved in recruiting, screening and interviewing candidates. More than 300 possible candidates were considered.

In addition to Varner and Lansing, the immediate past Board of Regents chair, the committee members were Regents Richard Blum, Russell S. Gould, George Kieffer, Bonnie Reiss, and Fred Ruiz. Jonathan Stein (the student regent) and Ronald Rubenstein (the alumni regent) also served on the committee. Gov. Jerry Brown was an ex officio member. An Academic Advisory Committee was appointed to assist the regents' Special Committee. Student, staff and alumni advisory committees joined the Academic Advisory Committee in making recommendations on selection criteria.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

In Their Own Words: Chad

(Note: Chad just finished his first year on the Admissions Committee so I was really curious as to how he would reflect on his experiences. True to form, he was just simply honest. With Chad, there just isn't any pretense -- from his own pharmacy school application to his approach reviewing applicant files -- his authenticity and thoughtfulness are totally apparent. Last year when we were interviewing students to be members of the Admissions Committee, one of the student selectors said of Chad "Oh, he can work with ANYBODY!" The others agreed without hesitation. It's that characteristic that makes Chad a pleasant and invaluable addition to our PharmD program and to our committee.)

Name: Chad
Year: Class of 2014
Hometown: Davis, CA (now San Leandro, CA)
Previous institutions attended: Stanford University, CSU East Bay (post-bac)
Undergraduate Majors: Communication and Sociology

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
A big part of the reason why I applied was to see how the whole system works. I remember when I applied to pharmacy school I was so fascinated by the admissions process, and I wondered how the Committee made such tough decisions. But more than that, I felt like I had a lot to offer in terms of my background as a non-traditional (read: older) student and as a career-changer. One of UCSF’s strengths is its ability to attract diverse and dynamic students, and serving on the Admissions Committee gave me the opportunity to play a role in the process of selecting those students.

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
How vehemently the members of the Admissions Committee argue for the files they’ve reviewed. During our committee meetings, we talk about the applicants in a group panel format. If one member of the committee feels very strongly about a particular student, she or he will make those views very clear. A discussion ensues, and it can be very, uh, lively!

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Failing to see an easy solution to a potential shortcoming. For example, not retaking a class in which you got a D or an F and thereby showing us that you have mastered the material. Don’t give us reasons to doubt your commitment and drive; instead, give us reasons to want to admit you without reservation!

What stands out to you on an application?
Passion! It is easy to spot it in an application when it’s there, and it is equally obvious when it’s not. If you have the drive and determination to become a pharmacist, let it show in your essays and in the care you put towards assembling your application. Too often applicants will tell us what they think we want to hear, and in doing so will fail to let their own individuality and passion shine through. If you are truly passionate about this path you have chosen, tell us your story and really OWN it!

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
Using flippant or jocular language to the point of being unprofessional. When you are interviewing for pharmacy school (or any professional program, for that matter), you need to drop those “Yeah, like, totally, and stuff…” phrases from your vocabulary. Nerves are understandable, and we all have those idiosyncrasies that come out when we are nervous. But remember that you are being evaluated on communication skills, and it is important to show us that you understand how to communicate professionally. The same goes for written materials. By all means, use humor to make your essays quirky and unique, but don’t cross that line between funny/quirky and inappropriate/unprofessional. Have someone, who can remain objective, review your application before you submit it (i.e., NOT a family member or significant other).

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
Commitment, focus, and time management skills – in no particular order! All of those characteristics are essential to succeed. This is a very demanding program, and if you drop your focus or are not completely invested in the final outcome, you will struggle. You also need to be able to choose your activities and extracurricular commitments wisely. Over-committing causes a LOT of stress and can negatively impact your academic performance. It’s important to know when to say no!

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
Make FULL use of all the resources that UCSF provides, from Preview Sessions to campus tours to the Supplemental Application presentations. Also, talk to as many UCSF alums or current students as you can to get a sense of the curriculum and the school as a whole. You need to know if UCSF is a good fit for you (and vice versa). On a side note, take everything you read on public forums with a grain of salt. You’ll hear a lot of conspiracy theories etc., so keep an open, yet objective, mind.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Get to know everything you can about the school(s) on your list. You will be spending a huge chunk of the next 3-4 years at your school of choice, so be sure it’s the right one for you. Don’t rely on rankings, reputation, NAPLEX pass rate, etc.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
I was a fairly unusual applicant, since I decided to change careers in my late 30s (my previous career was in journalism/media). I think my winding road to pharmacy and previous work experience gave me the insight to compose a unique and thoughtful application. I also had a solid academic background (but I was nowhere near a 4.0 GPA). In addition, I wrote my essays from the heart. A big part of the reason why I decided to change careers was my own experience as a patient, so that background made it very easy for me to tell my story and connect it to the broader goal of becoming a pharmacist.

What do you do for fun?
I like to read, travel with my husband John, see movies, and just relax. When I finish pharmacy school, I’m hoping to get my pilot’s license (which I started several years ago but had to put on hold as I went back to school).

(To read all previous "In Their Own Words" profiles, click the "committee profiles" label link below!) 

Friday, May 17, 2013

What's YOUR Story?

Everyone has a story to tell.

We are excited to share with you seven new profiles of current UCSF PharmD students -- adding to the 14 previously posted profiles. We love this project because it gives us a chance to share with you the dynamic path each individual has taken, along with the unique characteristics they possess. It would be super-crazy-cool if we could post profiles of EVERY student -- but that would be impossible.

While every person has a different story to tell, we believe this group of students represents the diversity of experiences and aspirations reflected in our student body. What you don't necessarily get in the profile is the compassion, genuineness, and authenticity of each of these individuals. I've had the chance to work with all of them and am constantly reminded of the gentle nature they go about making a difference in the world. It truly is an honor to have them represent UCSF.

What's YOUR story?

Check out the profiles here!

Friday, April 5, 2013

What a way to end the week!

Earlier today, the UCSF team was announced as the national winner of the 13th Annual Pharmacy and Therapeutics Competition sponsored by the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy Foundation.

Congratulations to the team of Tien, Tiffany, Clint and Judy! We are so honored to have these four as part our community. (Never underestimate the power of critical thinking skills + communication skills + presentation skills. It's a winning combination!)


For more about this dynamic team and their journey to the national competition, visit UCSF's Campus Newspaper, the Synapse.

About the competition:
The AMCP Foundation conducted the 13th Annual National Student Pharmacist P&T Committee Competition (P&T Competition) at the AMCP 25th Annual Meeting & Expo in San Diego, California, April 4-5, 2013.  The competition was designed to challenge students to gain a real world perspective of the formulary management process.

Following a local competition within each Chapter, the winning team from each participating Student Chapter then submitted their presentation materials to the AMCP Foundation National Competition Selection Committee.  This committee selected eight (8) teams to participate in the AMCP Foundation 13th Annual National Student P&T Committee Competition (P&T Competition) in San Diego, California.

The finalist this year included: 
  • Ohio Northern University   
  • University of California San Francisco   
  • University of Florida   
  • University of Illinois at Chicago   
  • University of Maryland   
  • University of Minnesota   
  • University of Southern California   
  • University of Washington  
Formulary management is uniquely dynamic and requires extensive and timely pharmaceutical knowledge as well as an understanding of the medical community practice standards that exist within the health care system.  A Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee (P&T Committee) is ultimately responsible for developing, managing, updating, and administering the formulary system that is utilized by managed health care systems.

Pharmacists who serve on P&T Committees must know how to evaluate the best available scientific evidence, clinical and economic, weigh its use and its impact on patient population outcomes, be able to conduct cost/benefit analyses, and relate drug therapy choices to practice guidelines.  Development of these necessary formulary management skills will help managed health care systems achieve the challenging goals of improving the quality of patient care while controlling scarce healthcare resources.

The local and national competition is intended to give students an opportunity to hone a variety of skills including critical analysis, presentation and research skills.  More importantly, the competition allows students to view different styles and processes that can be used in effective formulary management and provide exposure to, and a working knowledge of AMCP's Format for Formulary Submissions.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

UCSF Appoints New Dean of Nation's Top Pharmacy School

I'm so excited to post this!
---

UCSF Appoints New Dean of Nation's Top Pharmacy School

Longtime Clinical Scientist Joseph Guglielmo Tapped to Take Helm

UC San Francisco has named a highly accomplished pharmacist and clinical scientist, B. Joseph Guglielmo, PharmD, to lead the nation’s premier School of Pharmacy, continuing the school’s focus on shaping the course of the therapeutic sciences, pharmacy education, patient care, and health policy.

UCSF Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, MD, MPH, announced the appointment today, noting the numerous contributions that Guglielmo already has made to UCSF, as well as his breadth of leadership across the academic pharmacy landscape.

“In its decades as the pre-eminent School of Pharmacy in the nation, the school has never been stronger, and there is no better dean to guide it into the future,” Desmond-Hellmann said. “Joe is both an able leader and an international expert in his field, and will provide a clear course for the school as it helps guide the changing world of health care.” 
We see a time when new, precise therapeutics – drugs, medical devices, and diagnostic tests – are used safely and effectively to improve the health of people everywhere.
Dean B. Joseph Guglielmo, PharmD

Developing Therapeutics to Improve Health

As the nation’s leading pharmacy school in terms of both research funding from the National Institutes of Health and the ranking of its Doctor of Pharmacy degree program in U.S. News & World Report, the UCSF School of Pharmacy serves as a bellwether for pharmacy schools worldwide.

“It is a tremendous honor to be named the next steward of this accomplished school,” said Guglielmo. “The caliber of people and the culture of respect and inclusion here are second to none: the faculty is brilliant and collegial; the students are leaders by instinct and experience; and the staff is extremely talented. Excellence is their common ground.”

Guglielmo has served as the school’s interim dean since July 2012. He previously led the school’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy as the Thomas A. Oliver Chair in Clinical Pharmacy.

“We see a time when new, precise therapeutics – drugs, medical devices, and diagnostic tests – are used safely and effectively to improve the health of people everywhere,” he said. “This view will drive my work as dean.”

The UCSF School of Pharmacy is a leader in pharmaceutical chemistry and in the bioengineering and therapeutic sciences, including such fields as pharmacogenomics, the science of how our genes affect our response to medication. In the 1960s, it was the birthplace of clinical pharmacy, in which pharmacists began to work in the hospital directly with physicians, patients, and their families to ensure the best medication choices and the safe and effective use of those medications in patients. The school is now exploring new ways to better apply the medication expertise of the pharmacist outside the hospital.

The School of Pharmacy’s specific focus on therapeutics to improve health complements UCSFs singular focus on health. The University also includes leading graduate schools of Dentistry, Medicine and Nursing, as well as graduate and doctoral programs in biomedical research, a vast research enterprise and a top medical center.

B. Joseph Guglielmo, who was named interim 
dean in 2012, joined the UCSF faculty in 1979.  

Well-Respected Member of UCSF Faculty

Guglielmo is a well-respected educator, clinical pharmacist and expert in the evidence-based, safe and effective use of antimicrobials to treat infections. He is a professor of clinical pharmacy in the UCSF School of Pharmacy, where he joined the faculty in 1979. He also currently serves as associate director of pharmaceutical services in the UCSF Medical Center, where he maintains a clinical practice as an infectious-disease pharmacist.

Widely known as an advocate for therapeutics research, Guglielmo oversaw, as department chair, a 40 percent increase in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy’s overall faculty research funding from 2006 to 2012, including grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Guglielmo’s international contributions to antibiotic safety include the UCSF Medical Center Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, which he developed in the 1980s to study and improve the practices governing the use of antimicrobials in hospitals. The goal of the ongoing program is to decrease the threat of microbes developing resistance to medications. This stewardship program was one of the earliest programs of its kind in the United States.

In 2007, Guglielmo created the UCSF Medication Outcome Center to improve medication use and management in the UCSF Medical Center and beyond.  He also developed clinical pharmacy services for UCSF's HIV/AIDS program, specifically supporting the HIV Women's Program and the Men of Color Program.
A firm believer in forging relationships among clinical scientists and their colleagues in basic and translational science, Guglielmo was actively involved in the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute at its inception and during its renewal.

He has taught Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Medicine students, residents and fellows for decades and is the recipient of many teaching awards, including the UCSF Lifetime Achievement in Mentoring Award, Resident Preceptor of the Year Awards, UCSF School of Pharmacy Long Teaching Award, and the Academic Senate Distinction in Teaching Award. He is the author of more than 110 peer-reviewed papers, the majority related to anti-infective agents.

Guglielmo will receive a base salary of $271,000, with a Health Sciences Compensation Plan component of $94,000 per year, for a total salary of $365,000.  He also is eligible for standard pension and health and welfare benefits for senior leadership. The appointment, which was approved by UC President Mark Yudof, will take effect April 1.

The UCSF School of Pharmacy is internationally known as a wellspring for research discovery and innovation in the therapeutic sciences, a leader in doctoral-level pharmacy professional education and science education, and a leader in the evidence-based pharmaceutical care of patients.
By Kristen Bole on March 21, 2013
Photos by © majedphoto.com
 

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Laptops, snacks, & applicant files... (oh my!)

Meant to post this a few days ago....

Nothing says "Let's get down to business!" like bowls full of snacks, laptops full of applicant files, and a whole LOT of information!

It feels good to be right on track... and so close to the end. 

In Their Own Words: Ryan

(Note: It's been awhile since I've posted an Admissions Committee Student Profile... but we have a new crew on-board and I hope to introduce them through the spring and summer. First up is Ryan. I remember Ryan as an applicant and he certainly has lived up to the person we saw on paper and met during the interview -- authentic and genuine. If you've been to any of our Preview Sessions, you've likely met him. He's quick to volunteer for our outreach events -- which speaks to his passion for helping students prepare to enter a PharmD program. Ryan approaches his work on the Admissions Committee with dedication, attention to detail, and thoughtfulness. It's amazing when a current student cares so much about those just starting out on this journey.)

Name: Ryan
Year: Class of 2014 
Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
Previous institution attended: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Undergraduate major: Biochemistry

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
I saw the admissions committee as a unique opportunity to collaborate with some of the faculty in a process that gives back to the school. I felt confident in my ability to review an applicant's materials and determine whether or not they were the right fit for our program here at UCSF. Understanding that it would be a significant time commitment, I knew I would enjoy participating in an activity that I am passionate about. I am interested in a career in academia and I thought that participating in this process would allow me to be more familiar with how the school operates an admission process. 

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
I was surprised at how holistic the approach is. I think the admissions team does an outstanding job of evaluating each individual's entire application from start to finish. There really isn't any priority given to any one part of the application which makes it such that applicants have the opportunity to stand out in a variety of different ways. I think this is a pivotal part of the process as applicants to UCSF come from different backgrounds with unique experiences. 

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Lack of prioritizing their extracurricular activities.While we do like to see a breadth of different experiences, the quality of those experiences are far more important to me than the quantity. It makes it very difficult to know what you put your heart into if you have an extensive list of extracurricular activities. I often found that the stronger applicants had a few extracurricular activities, demonstrated sustained commitment to those activities, and often had letters of reference from those activities to vouch for their contributions.

What stands out to you on an application?
For me, I think quality PharmCAS and UCSF Supplemental essays really made some applicants stand out. For starters, it is very easy to determine whether or not an essay was edited simply from reading it over onetime. While a minor grammatical mistake certainly is not a deal-breaker, essays which are well written and lack any mistakes really stand out. I think there is a lot of variety in applicant writing styles as well as the quality of writing, but to have multiple grammatical and/or spelling mistakes, to me, indicates a lack of effort. A big piece of advice is to print each and every one of your essays you will submit, and give them to someone else to read. It is very difficult to catch all of your own mistakes, particularly if you are editing on a computer screen. 

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)
When an applicant does not actually answer the prompt for the supplemental application. I would have thought this was obvious, but I had a variety of applications where the individual simply did not answer the prompt. This can be very frustrating, particularly if the essay is well-written. While the prompts do provide some flexibility in your possible responses, please make sure to take one last look at your essay and ask yourself "Did I answer the question they asked me?" 

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
I think the most important characteristic you can have is to be driven. Don't lose sight of the fact that getting into school is really the easy part. Once you become a student, it really is important that you are motivated to learn the material. Becoming a great pharmacist requires a lot of self-learning. Your professors will have high expectations of you and the best students are the ones who use that as a challenge to become great.

What tools or resources would you recommend to prospective applicants?
One thing I wish I had done to better prepare myself was talking to pharmacy students. Applicants often have previous interactions with pharmacists about what the career entails, but you can actually learn a lot from current students who are well versed in what it takes to get into/succeed in a PharmD program. I suggest attending one of the Pharmacy Information Days and getting in touch with a current PharmD student.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
Do something to make yourself stand out.  At UCSF, we are looking for individuals who have the capacity to be leaders in the future. The best way to determine this is to look at what an individual did when they weren't in the classroom. If it is early on in the process and you don't have anything on your application that makes you unique, I encourage you to get involved in a program that will allow you to demonstrate your leadership. It doesn't necessarily have to be pharmacy-related, but you should have something on your application that makes us pull it out of the pile and say "This is someone I want to be a part of our school."

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
I am confident that I was admitted to UCSF because of my extracurricular involvement. Starting in the spring of my sophomore year, I obtained a job as a pharmacy technician at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. This gave me exposure to an important aspect of the field of pharmacy which enhanced my ability to talk about the field during my prepared materials, my on-site essay, as well as in my interview. In addition to that experience, I also worked as a research assistant in a pharmacology laboratory. While I wasn't a stellar researcher, it gave me exposure to a field which is tied to pharmacy. Lastly, I volunteered at a hospice facility. This was a very unique experience that exposed me to a field of healthcare that is often overlooked. I think the admissions committee was attracted to the depth of my experiences which were all related to health care but certainly different from one another. 

What do you do for fun?
I am the definition of a "sports nut" as I really enjoy both watching and playing basketball, baseball, hockey, and football. We have an intramural basketball team, named the Badgers, that has won the student championship 3 out of 8 quarters we have been here.  Additionally, I am also quite the cinephile. I am currently working on a list of the "Top 100 Must-See Movies of All Time" to be released in the spring of 2014. Since moving to San Francisco, I have picked up additional hobbies such as running, biking, and brewing beer. One thing that is challenging about living in San Francisco is that there really is so much to do and it is difficult to take advantage of (being a student.) 

(To read all previous "In Their Own Words" profiles, click the "committee profiles" label link below!)
 
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