Hi Joel: I was trying to start my supplemental application and create my account but I never got the email with "further instructions". Now I'm trying to request a new password but it says the same message over and over again. What can I do?

 Actually, email is best.

UCSF Names Guglielmo Interim Dean

I've been meaning to post this for awhile.... just getting some free time now...

UCSF has named Joseph Guglielmo, PharmD, an international expert in the clinical use of antimicrobials and chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, as interim dean of the UCSF School of Pharmacy, starting July 1.

Chancellor Susan Desmond-Hellmann, MD, MPH, who announced the appointment in an email to the UCSF community, noted the school’s pre-eminence in its field and the multiple contributions Guglielmo has made to UCSF in the 33 years he has served the University, as well as his breadth of leadership in education, clinical pharmacy practice and research.

Guglielmo is a renowned educator, clinical pharmacist and expert in the evidence-based, safe and effective use of antimicrobials to treat infections. He is a professor in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy at UCSF, where he joined the faculty in 1979, and holds the Thomas A.
 Oliver Chair in Clinical Pharmacy. He also serves as assistant director for pharmaceutical services in the UCSF Medical Center, where he maintains a clinical practice as an infectious-disease pharmacist.

Widely known as an advocate for pharmacy research, Guglielmo has overseen a 44 percent increase in his department’s overall faculty research funding since he took the helm in 2006, including grants from the National Institutes of Health. During that time, the school also has consistently been ranked first in its field by the national U.S. News & World Report survey of PharmD training programs.

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. This evidence-based program was one of the earliest programs of its kind in the United States.

In 2007, Guglielmo created the UCSF Medications Outcome Center to research and consistently improve medication management in the UCSF Medical Center and beyond. He also created the HIV Pharmacy Program at the UCSF Medical Center, specifically supporting the Women and Men of Color Clinics. A firm believer in forging relationships among clinical scientists and their colleagues in basic and translational science, he has collaborated with neuroscience and neurology colleagues at UCSF on trying to develop a treatment for prion disease, and was actively involved in the UCSF Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) at its inception and during its renewal.

Guglielmo has taught pharmacy and medical students, residents and fellows for decades and is the recipient of many teaching awards, including the UCSF Lifetime Mentorship Award, Resident Preceptor of the Year Awards, UCSF School of Pharmacy Long Teaching Awards, 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.

A search is underway to find a permanent new dean for the UCSF School of Pharmacy to replace Mary Anne Koda-Kimble, PharmD, who will retire at the end of this month.

In Their Own Words: Kate

(Editor's note: This is another [awesome] installment in the ongoing series I've titled "In Their Own Words". I'll start by highlighting student committee members and then perhaps introduce you to faculty members as time and space allows. In addition to getting to know a little about them, this will also give you insight into the admissions process. Hopefully, this will also allow you to put real faces/names behind what is often characterized as a mysterious and secret process. Students play a huge role in our annual admissions cycle, serving as full-fledged members of our committee. Students serve a two-year term during their 3rd and 4th years of the program. Many of the same qualities that got them into pharmacy school -- leadership, commitment, maturity, etc. -- are what landed them a spot on the admissions committee. Kate is a great example of one of our students being able to balance it all -- school, family, Admissions Committee, etc.  -- with maturity and grace! I'm so glad we have her perspective on the committee.) 

Name: Kate
Year: Class of 2013 
Hometown: Milford, Michigan
Previous institution attended: Eastern Michigan University
Undergraduate major: Biochemistry




Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?
My own classmates inspired me to apply. Their diversity of backgrounds and interests excite me about the future of the pharmacy - they are the next leaders in patient care, global health and pharmaceutical research.  Having a part in selecting incoming students ready to contribute and make the most of their time here is the absolute best part of serving on the committee for me!

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?
How holistic the process is.  We really take the time to get to know a candidate based on his/her application materials, and we're interested in so much more than your GPA.   I remember how time consuming the application process is, but keep in mind that it's a chance for us to get a sense of who you are, why you chose pharmacy, and what interests you about UCSF.  There is no perfect applicant, so don't be afraid to let us know what makes you unique!

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Allowing nerves to take over during the interview.  Trust yourself and know that everyone who takes part in our interview day really wants you to succeed (really!) 

What stands out to you on an application?
Quality always trumps quantity when it comes to extracurricular activities.  Having a variety of extracurricular and pharmacy-related activities is certainly a plus, but the individuals who really stand out to me are those who demonstrate sustained dedication to a leadership position or activity.  Applicants who are able to highlight their level of involvement in an essay or during an interview make me take notice. Definitely skip adding any one-day activities you completed during high school unless they are super relevant to pharmacy.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?
The two that come to mind are an open mind and the ability to keep focused on the big picture.

1. The curriculum at UCSF differs slightly from many other schools of pharmacy.  Students are often surprised to learn that we don’t start our therapeutics series right away; rather there is an early emphasis on understanding the basic science behind chemical mechanisms and the pharmacology of drug classes.  Although it’s not always obvious at the time, these courses are foundational building blocks for critical thinking in clinical settings. A tremendous amount of effort goes into curriculum development at UCSF and it’s constantly evolving based on student feedback. The students I see who get the most out of the curriculum have an open mind about the learning process and are able to apply their understanding of basic science to real clinical cases. 
2. On a day-to-day basis it’s easy to get bogged down with exams and grades and lose sight of the big picture - why you came to school in the first place.  The best coping mechanism when exam stress kicks in is taking a step back to recharge and reconnect with what you see yourself doing after you graduate.  In my experience, students who keep their focus on the big picture are able to adapt well to the normal stressors of graduate school. 

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?
It sounds simple, but take your time researching pharmacy programs to find the best fit for you. In addition to reading admission websites, try to attend an informational day for prospective students and use the opportunity to talk candidly with current students.  Their perspective can be instrumental in deciding if a school is a good cultural and academic fit.  Keep in mind that an ideal program is one you’re confident will support and inspire your career path.  When it comes time to interview, remember, it's a two-way street.  This is your chance to ask us the hard questions based on what you've learned.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?
After doing a lot of research, I discovered the Pharmaceutical Sciences Pathway at UCSF, which felt like the perfect fit for my interests. My application focused on how my background at biotech companies prepared me to get the most out of the program, and would allow me to contribute in a unique way to the courses. Fortunately the admissions committee agreed and I have loved the program! 

What do you do for fun? 
As a former bench chemist now sans bench, I’ve taken up cooking to cater to my more creative side.  My appreciation for all things food helped my classmate and I earn the title of UCSF’s Iron Chef 2010 for our gingered mushroom stir-fry (patent pending).  I’m a transplant to the West Coast so when I’m not studying or honing my cooking skills, I love finding hidden gems in the city like Golden Gate Park’s herd of bison, and the world’s first fortune cookie factory!

To read previous "In Their Own Words" postings, visit: 
Zachary 
Doug 
Gloria 
Margrit 
Caroline

I'm back on the blog!

I took a little (okay, a big) break.

But I'm back.

More posts coming at you.

Twilight Zone-ish

I'm at a national pharmacy conference and preparing to give a presentation to other pharmacy school admissions representatives -- regarding THIS blog! (Perhaps you will begin to see other schools create their own blogs.)  Anyway, I thought it would be a bit Twilight Zone-ish (or Matrix-y) to post a picture -- on this blog -- of me working on the PowerPoint -- about this blog. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. We are gearing up for wild fall!

In Their Own Words: Zachary

(Editor's note: This is another installment in the ongoing series I've titled "In Their Own Words". I'll start by highlighting student committee members and then perhaps introduce you to faculty members as time and space allows. In addition to getting to know a little about them, this will also give you insight into the admissions process. Hopefully, this will also allow you to put real faces/names behind what is often characterized as a mysterious and secret process. Students play a huge role in our annual admissions cycle, serving as full-fledged members of our committee. Students serve a two-year term during their 3rd and 4th years of the program. Many of the same qualities that got them into pharmacy school -- leadership, commitment, maturity, etc. -- are what landed them a spot on the admissions committee. Zachary brings a very thoughtful perspective to the Admissions Committee. I've found Zachary to be very introspective and a "quiet leader" -- definitely a very valuable trait! If you ever get the chance to meet him, ask him about his immediate post-PharmD plans!)

Name:  Zachary
Hometown: San Diego, California

Previous institutions attended: UCSD, San Diego City College (I attended community college out of high school largely to save money. However, it turned out to be a wonderful experience that allowed me to mature as a person.)

Undergraduate major: Biochemistry

Why did you apply to be a member of the Admissions Committee and what have you enjoyed the most?

On a personal side, I was curious as to how an institution like UCSF School of Pharmacy goes about selecting its students. Interviewing and being interviewed is a part of life, and I found the idea of learning the ropes from UCSF's world class faculty to be an extremely enticing prospect. However, I also had altruistic motives. In addition to making sure the high standards of the UCSF School of Pharmacy were continued, I wanted to ensure that students with a unique spark were not overlooked. While our faculty members are excellent at their jobs, the process of reviewing potential students is bound to become routine. Further, while all faculty members have had the “student experience”, they have not all had the student experience at UCSF. Even the faculty members who did receive their education from UCSF may not be aware of the school's current environment and challenges. I felt that my involvement on the Admissions Committee would bring a fresh eye to the table -- so that students who can thrive within the school's current environment would be selected. 

What surprised you most about UCSF’s admissions process?

Although I was informed of the fact ahead of time, I was still surprised by how much influence students have. It was a nice reminder of just how receptive the school is to to student input. I was also surprised at how much effort is put in to getting to know each individual person applying. Applicants aren't just numbers on a paper; real effort is made to get to know who they are as people.

In your opinion, what are the most common mistakes applicants make?

In my opinion the most common mistake applicants make is trying to be perfect. While it is always good to represent yourself in the best way possible, this should not come at the expense of showing who you really are. The more formulaic an application is, the more difficult it becomes to get a feel for the personality of the person writing it.

What stands out to you on an application?

For me, an essay that answers the prompt and tells a story at the same time stands out the most by far. I might sound like a math teacher, but when an answer is given, I want to get a feel for the underlying thought processes and experiences that went into that answer.

What are your pet peeve(s) when interviewing an applicant or reviewing a file? (What drives you crazy?)

Lack of focus. When given a prompt or question, I want to receive a definitive answer. Responses that don't go anywhere drive me up a wall. While I can appreciate an essay or interview response that gives a bit of background or takes an unexpected turn, I appreciate a definitive beginning and end far more. If both are achieved, then all the better.

What characteristics are necessary in order to succeed in UCSF’s PharmD program?

Adaptability is key. It is very rare for someone to be “prepared” to attend the UCSF School of Pharmacy. The ability to quickly adapt to new challenges is the key to success.

What single piece of advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Whether it be on the essays or in the interview, be yourself and not who you think we want you to be.

Why do you think you were admitted into UCSF’s PharmD program?

I have an inquisitive eye. It's an intrinsic part of my personality. I tend to habitually break down and rework concepts just for fun. In addition to making me quite analytical, this trait allows me to see both sides of an issue and evaluate the merits of each. This trait, combined with my ability to express myself, allows me to present a unique perspective on the world that is both easy to understand and profoundly different from what many initially see. 

What do you do for fun?

I love working out and trail-running (however, the second one has some seasonal limitations here in the SF Bay Area.) When I get the time, I enjoy exploring the city and finding new places to eat, which is luckily something San Francisco has in abundance.

To read previous "In Their Own Words" postings, visit:

Doug

Gloria
Margrit
Caroline

Staggering....

I wanted to share this recent announcement/posting from the UCSF School of Pharmacy News page. On one hand, it blows my mind (the number of dollars, the consistency in excellence, the ongoing projects that are changing our world), and on the other hand I think "Just another day at UCSF School of Pharmacy!" Read on... 

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School's 32nd year of top NIH funding includes many new projects

Friday, April 13, 2012

For the 32nd consecutive year, the UCSF School of Pharmacy received more research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) than any other pharmacy school in the United States.

Total grants and contracts awarded to School of Pharmacy researchers during the NIH fiscal year 2011 (running from October 1, 2010 to September 31, 2011) totaled $29.1 million, according to Michael Nordberg, MPA/HSA, associate dean of administration and finance.

 Source: American Association of Colleges 
of  Pharmacy (2002-2010), internal (2011)

Such preeminence in securing highly competitive U.S. federal research funds reflects the School’s strengths in advancing long-standing national technology centers in mass spectrometry and biocomputing, as well as on-going major research projects within the School’s three departments, including areas such as:

• Women and HIV, Department of Clinical Pharmacy.
• Pharmacogenomics of membrane transporters, Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences.
• Key enzymes in apoptosis and inflammation, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

But the School’s continuing leadership also reflects first-time NIH support for new faculty projects as well as for new researchers, including two post-doctoral fellows. 

—David Jacobson