USJ Pharmacy Program highlighted at CT Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting & Awards
West Hartford, CT (09/13/2023) — The University of Saint Joseph and its Pharmacy program were well represented at the Connecticut Pharmacists Association's 147th annual awards ceremony and board installation held on Tuesday evening, Sept. 12 at the Hartford Holiday Inn Downtown.
Dr. Lisa DeGennaro, Pharm.D., BCPS, CDE, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration at USJ, was awarded the 2023 Margherita Giuliano Award. Giuliano was CEO of CPA from 1999-2018 and the award honors her dedication, commitment, and support of CPA and the entire Connecticut pharmacy community.
"I am honored to receive the Margherita Giuliano award from the Connecticut Pharmacists Association," said Dr. DeGennaro. "As a former Executive Vice President of the association for many years, Marghie's commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and patient care was unparalleled. I can only hope to continue to contribute positively to the profession and make an impact as Marghie has."
Dr. Allissa Long, Pharm.D., BCACP, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration was awarded the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award, presented annually to recognize one person for involvement and dedication to the practice of pharmacy. The goal of the award is to encourage the newer pharmacists to participate in association and community activities.
Drs. DeGennaro and Long will continue their service to CPA as elected board members at-large.
USJ Pharmacy student Lauren Lewicki was awarded the William J. Summa Scholarship. Lauren is a graduate of New Britain High School and received her Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from USJ. She is a Doctor of Pharmacy student at USJ and is set to receive her Pharm.D in 2024.
The event was part of the two-day 2023 Connecticut CPA Conference and Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of Pharmacists in Connecticut. The conference included two days of speaker sessions, focusing on many of today's top pharmacy healthcare issues and trends. On the first day, Dr. DeGennaro spoke in a session on the Pharmacy-based Point-of-Care Test & Treat Certification Program, and Dr. Long spoke on Contraceptive Pharmacy Practice (CPP).
"A wonderful evening with great colleagues who focus on improving the health of our Connecticut communities across the state," said Dr. Ahmed Abdelmageed, Pharm.D, dean of the Pharmacy and PA Studies, and associate professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration. "I am energized by the passion of Connecticut Pharmacists and pharmacy professionals, and I am proud of USJ's involvement important advocacy work."