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Nina Isoherranen – Lab Website
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Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1998
My story
Bagley Hall. Mid-90s. UW Medicinal Chemistry Department. In the Mid 90s, Cyrus was was a graduate student helping with the move the H wing of the Health Science Building. The spark in the new building had brought new energy to me and all the faculties and students alike. Although it maybe a dated reference now, but there was a sense of us taking on the new frontiers of science on USS Enterprise (where no scientists had gone before!).
Science.
Here, I was exposed to the original and exciting ADME sciences with which each of the faculty members from both departments were involved. The quality of science taught at the classes, the groundbreaking research performed, and the engaging journal clubs were some of my first exposures to doing rigorous and high-quality science. I frequently went to the library to checked articles (no online versions!): A working copy machine was my friend!
Faculties.
I appreciated the faculty’s availability and friendship from day one. I would be talking to Professor Sidney (Sid) Nelson (my dear Ph.D. advisor). There was a real sense of community and this stemmed from the respect that existed among the faculties. This was reinforced with the 4 pm Friday Happy hours at the College Inn.
My peers @UW.
I got to know the hardworking graduate students and post-docs that were highly driven and friendly. And over my 4 years, I learned so much from each and every one them. As they say, if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room… and I was definitely not in the wrong room.
Professional life.
I graduated and joined Pfizer for several years before coming to Genentech about 20 years ago. Here I worked on discovering new medicine and along the way advancing the ADME science. The opportunities to discover and develop medicine is unmatched by any other experience I could have imagined. From the discovery and advancing of many Genentech pipeline molecules all the way to the market to help the patients with unmet medical needs. I am fortunate to be surrounded with topnotch scientists that I call my colleagues on daily basis.
On personal level.
I am lucky to be married to my wife and all the credit for my accomplishments and who I am should go to her. We both experience the wonderful culture of the Med Chem department. Sid was a very special person and mentor for many of us. The Christmas parties at Joanne and Sid’s house was always special and I have many great memories that I will always cherish.
Over the years, I have seen the department evolve and grow in new directions. I have seen the young faculty members have become seasoned mentors to many. I am very impressed by how Professors Bill Atkins and Nina Isoherranen are leading the future of both departments. They are carrying the legacy of these great departments with great honor and fortitude.
One final note, our son, Sohrob, is now an undergraduate student in a different part of the campus. Ultimately, it is a true privilege to be part of the UW alumni family. I am humbled and honored by this recognition. My accomplishments are a product of dedicated women and men that have positively impacted my life.
PharmD, 2003
Ryan Oftebro is a pharmacist and Principal/CEO of Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, which consists of five divisions located in Seattle, WA, including compounding pharmacy, community pharmacy, long term care, specialty pharmacy, and a clinical division dedicated to developing and implementing innovative pharmacy services. Ryan received his Pharm.D. from the University of Washington in 2003, and completed a Community Practice Residency in 2004. Ryan has previously held board positions with the Washington State Pharmacy Association, the Polyclinic Community Health Foundation Board and is the former President of the American College of Apothecaries. Currently Ryan serves as member of the Virginia Mason Board of Governors, UW School of Pharmacy Executive Advisory Council and co-chair of the UW School of Pharmacy’s Capital Campaign. Ryan is also a member of the Seattle/King County Overdose Prevention Taskforce and Clinical Associate Professor with the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
PharmD, 2003
Scott Herzog is currently the COO of the Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group located here in Seattle. He started his career as a clinical pharmacist at Kindred Hospital and in under two years took on the Director of Pharmacy role. In his second year at Kindred, he was instrumental in developing one of the first antibiotic stewardship programs in the state and also received the director of the year award from over 50 hospitals nationwide. In 2011, he then joined Kelley-Ross and oversees the operations including their compounding pharmacy, Long-Term Care pharmacy, two retail pharmacies, and a pharmacist run medical clinic where pharmacists see patients and medically bill insurance for our time and expertise. He previously served on the WSPA board of directors, is currently the PAA President, and a current member of the UW School of Pharmacy executive advisory council. In his free time, he is usually coaching one of his kids’ sports teams and he never ever….ever misses a chance to root on the Huskies! Go Dawgs!
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Sciences (CHOICE), 2001
Mitch is the Vice President of US Health Economics & Outcomes Research at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Prior to joining BMS, he was the Chief Economist for GE Healthcare, where he led global efforts in health economics, pricing, reimbursement, and health policy.
As a graduate student at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Mitch’s research with Dave Veenstra, Allan Rettie, and a UW research team on the influence of CYP2C9 genetics on warfarin dosing was published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2002. At GE, Mitch’s team effort to organize the GE Healthcare R&D portfolio based on cost, quality, and access metrics was featured in a Harvard Business School case study. At BMS, Mitch provided testimony to Congress on the role of the pharmaceutical industry in supporting financial models of value-based care.
He has served on the Board of Directors for the University of Washington Foundation and the ISPOR Health Science Policy Council.
Give to the Higashi Family CHOICE Graduate Student Fellowship Fund
PharmD, 2003
Michael L. Brandt is an oncology pharmacist at Multicare Deaconess Cancer and Blood Specialty Centers – Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington. Michael’s practice includes providing care for cancer patients, assessing chemotherapy regimens, monitoring the preparation of chemotherapy, and as part of a team, providing access to oral chemo and targeted therapies to patients. The practice includes mentoring and precepting pharmacy students, pharmacy residents, and other pharmacists and technicians who are less familiar with chemotherapy treatment. It also involves maintaining current information sources regarding chemotherapy and maintaining best practices for the preparation of chemotherapy.
He has lectured nationally on Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, as well as cancer treatment in general. He earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Utah in 1984 and his PharmD from the University of Washington in 2003. He is adjunct faculty at the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Idaho State University. He is Past-President of the Washington State Pharmacy Association, and has been active in local, state, and national organizations for many years. In 2013 he was recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Michael has 3 children and six grandchildren.
PharmD, 2005
A graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Kate Atienza currently works as the pharmacy manager at QFC Pharmacy where she was the recipient of the 2019 Kroger Pulse Award given to pharmacies able to hit all annual clinical and operational targets. Kate has fostered a strong passion for teaching from early on, and particularly enjoys showing a new generation of pharmacists how rewarding it is to take care of patients. She has served as a preceptor to students for over 10 years and recently won the 2018 APPE Preceptor Award. As a Russian immigrant with limited financial ability, Kate has seen firsthand how an education can open new doors. In 2018, the Atienza Endowment Fund was established to provide financial support to students pursuing a career in pharmacy. Kate is excited to continue her work in the changing and evolving career of pharmacy.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1989
Ph.D. CHOICE, 2009
Deb Atherly is Global Head of Policy, Access and Introduction for PATH’s Center for Vaccine Innovation and Access. The Center works to develop and deliver lifesaving vaccines to women, children and communities around the globe. Deb works extensively in partnership and advisory roles with many global health agencies including Gavi, UNICEF, the World Health Organization, the Pan American Health Organization, and the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1970
Beverly Schaefer owns Katterman Pharmacy on Sandpoint in Seattle along with partner Steve Cone, ’77. She has been a member since PAA’s founding in 1981. As the pharmacy’s Clinical Community Pharmacist and Advisor for Making Wise Health Choices, Beverly is passionate about community pharmacy. Over the years, Bev has received multiple Plein grants to develop new primary patient care services, including treating people with minor ailments and providing our travel medicine consultations and vaccinations. When she mentors younger pharmacists, she reminds them that our job as pharmacists is to educate our patients to make better choices for a healthy life.
PharmD, 1990
Pharmacist & Washington State Representative
Vandana grew up in northern British Columbia, Canada. Her physician father who had emigrated from India, encouraged her to pursue pharmacy as a career. She studied Pharmacy at the University of British Columbia. She married Greg Slatter, who became a post doc in Tom Baillie’s lab. Vandana earned her PharmD at UW. She spent 20 years in pharma/biotech industry. She was elected to Bellevue City Council. In 2017, she was appointed and later re-elected to the WA state legislature.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1997
PharmD, 2000
M.S. CHOICE, 2004
Dana Hurley is a freelance consultant health economist and outcomes researcher. Her experience has included hospital pharmacy, managed care and the pharmaceutical industry. She earned her PharmD at UW and currently serves as a UW Foundation Board member and UWSOP Campaign Co-Chair.
1912-1913
Born in Nebraska in 1892, Louis D. (L.D.) Bracken attended the UW School of Pharmacy from 1912-1913. He went on to found the L.D. Bracken Pharmacy in 1921, ultimately with locations in downtown Seattle in the Cobb Building and on First Hill. In the great tradition of compounding pharmacists, L.D. was an inventor, in addition to being an entrepreneur and health care provider.
Not long after graduating from UWSOP, he created a formula for cold sores that he called Blistex. L.D. was a gifted pharmacist and businessman who needed a partner who could help him with marketing and business expansion.
It was in 1925 when L.D. met Charles Arch while the two were traveling the U.S. by train. Charles was a sales man working for a company that made collapsible metal tubes (like toothpaste tubes), The two struck up a conversation and later agreed for Charles to purchase the rights to make and distribute L.D.’s product.
L.D. kept the trademark and earned royalties on the sales—while continuing his vital pharmacy business in Seattle. His son, Jim L. Bracken, followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from UWSOP in 1945 and then joining his father’s pharmacy business.
Learn more: https://sop.washington.edu/inventing-blistex/
B.S. Pharmacy, 1964
M.S. Pharmacy, 1968
Henry Hank Ichiro Yamamura, ’64, died peacefully at home in September 2008 in Tucson, Ariz, at age 68. After earning his B.S. in pharmacy, he got his Ph.D. in pharmacology from the UW School of Medicine in 1969. He joined the University of Arizona in 1975 as associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology. He joined the College of Medicine in 1990 and took the position of Regent’s Professor of Pharmacology in 1997. Yamamura was internationally known for his scholarly research. He was the School of Pharmacy’s distinguished alumnus for excellence in pharmaceutical sciences in 2004.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1944
M.S. Pharmacy, 1949
Ph.D. Pharmaceutics, 1952
Roy Hammerlund joined the faculty in 1960 having served in a similar position at Washington State University. It was perhaps inevitable that he would return to UW since he has more family ties to pharmacy and UW SOP than anyone before or after. His grandfather was Dean Charles W. Johnson, the first Dean of the School of Pharmacy, along with six (6) additional members of his family having graduated from UW SOP. Roy began his studies in 1940, only to have them interrupted by service in Europe as a second lieutenant in World War II. He received a Purple Heart for his service and retired as a captain. Roy received his B.S. degree in absentia, however he went on to earn his Master’s and Ph.D degree in 1951.
BS Pharmacy 1951
Don attended the University of Washington nearly 72 years ago and took classes on the 3rd floor of Bagley Hall. When asked why he chose pharmacy, he said that he had been working at JCPenney’s in Ritzville, WA and really enjoyed customer service, but also had a love for chemistry. He thought that pharmacy would be a great way to do both.
He was a visionary in his practice and keen to find opportunities to help his community while also being a successful pharmacy owner. When Medicare decided to pay for medical equipment he received the extra training that was needed and took a risk to help his community. Providing durable medical equipment and oxygen services was a way to improve the quality of life for the Snohomish County residents.
Don was always seen as a fair and honest pharmacist and business owner. He believed that money wasn’t everything and that relationships and helping people were the most important. He has passed on many words of wisdom to younger pharmacists. His most impactful advice was the ‘newspaper test’. He would say, “If what you are doing or considering was published on the front page of your newspaper would you be proud?” Do the right thing and make your community and family proud. People were number one to Don in his career, whether it was his family, staff or community.
Don was also politically active and ran as a Washington State Legislative candidate twice. Former Washington Governor and UW Board of Regents, Dan Evans was a dear friend and fellow politician. Dan Evans, as governor, appointed Don to the Washington State Board of Pharmacy where he served the State of Washington for 8 years.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1945
Jim L. Bracken, followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from UWSOP in 1945 and then joining his father’s pharmacy business. When L.D. died in 1954, Jim became president of the company. L.D. and Jim were beloved leaders in the profession, serving as presidents of the Washington State Pharmacists Association and as founding members of the American College of Apothecaries.
Jim was also named Pharmacist of the Year for King County. He passed away in 1984. Jim’s wife, Sharon M. Bracken, and their children, Laura Bracken Clough, Carol Bracken Clemency, and John L. Bracken, continue to value and honor the contributions that L.D. and Jim made to the profession of pharmacy.
Sharon established the Bracken Endowment in memory of Jim and L.D. In 2012, UWSOP opened the Bracken Pharmacy Learning Center, which continues as a hub of training excellence for the next generation of Husky Pharmacists.
PhD Medicinal Chemistry 1912
B.S. Pharmacy 1914
Alice was born in Seattle in 1892. After graduating from Seattle High School, she became one of the first African-American women to study at the UW School of Pharmacy in 1910. She graduated in 1914 with a degree in pharmaceutical chemistry and a B.S. in pharmacy. After the UW, she moved to Hawaii to earn her master’s degree and teach at the University.
Alice quickly became known for her knowledge and talent in chemistry. In 1915, Dr. Harry T. Hollmann, a surgeon at a local hospital, asked her to work on a treatment for leprosy. In less than a year, Alice was able to isolate the active ingredients in chaulmoogra oil — a discovery that brought relief to many people until sulfa antibiotics came into use in the 1940s.
Sadly, not long after that discovery, she passed away at age 24 on December 31, 1916 likely from chlorine gas poisoning in her lab. Her role in the discovery of the leprosy treatment almost became lost in time when her colleague, Arthur L. Dean, President of the College of Hawaii published the process without giving credit to Alice for her work. Fortunately, Hollmann published an article detailing “Ball’s Method,” ensuring her place as a legend of pharmaceutical scientists and UWSOP alumni.
We continue to celebrate this science pioneer. The governor of Hawaii declared February 29, 2000, “Alice Ball Day,” and a Chaulmoogra tree was planted in her honor on the University of Hawaii campus. A leader in chemistry, Alice Ball embodies the boundless spirit of discovery and adventure characteristic of the University of Washington and the School of Pharmacy.
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1965
Bill received his Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry — focusing on conformational analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance — from the University of Washington in 1965 under the supervision of the recently deceased Professor Alain Huitric. Bill went on to do his postdoctoral studies at the Chelsea School of Science and Technology in London, studying alkaloid structures with Sir Arnold Beckett.
In 1967, he joined the faculty of the University of California-San Francisco School of Pharmacy as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry. While at UCSF, he acted as director of the high-resolution mass spectrometry center. That is where his interest in drug metabolism — which would be the focus of his life’s research — began.
In 1972, Bill was recruited back to the UW School of Pharmacy to be a professor of medicinal chemistry. He was the chair of the department from 1980 to 1983. He also served as an adjunct professor in the UW Department of Chemistry.
Bill was an outstanding, encouraging mentor to 22 graduate students and 12 postdoctoral fellows. Dean Sid Nelson was one of his first graduate students, and found him to have a quick wit and to be one of the most insightful and enthusiastic scientists he had ever met. During his career, Bill published more than 200 research papers and was a co-author of two books. He was internationally renowned for his work on warfarin metabolism and mechanisms of warfarin drug interactions. He also was the principal investigator for nearly 20 years of a National Institutes of Health Program Project Grant for investigating drug interactions. Bill received the Alumnus of the Year Award from the UW School of Pharmacy in 2001, and he remained with the University of Washington until his retirement in 2004.
As an alumnus and emeritus faculty member, Bill stayed active with the School of Pharmacy, its faculty and staff. He and his wife, Caryl, recently created a fund that supports graduate students in medicinal chemistry, and his former graduate students and friends created the Drug Metabolism Endowed Graduate Fellowship in his honor.
As a man who was known for his sense of humor, collegial nature and keen intellect, it is hard to measure the impact he had on all those who worked with him and who had him as an adviser.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1971
PharmD Pharmacy, 1998
Ed Wong was formerly Vice President of Pharmacy and Clinical Programs at Premera Blue Cross. He was responsible for pharmacy programs, care management, disease management and vendor contracting. While at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, he was a member of the National Council of Physician and Pharmacist Executives, served as Chair of the Pharmacist Work Group and received the Best of Blues Award. He received the 2005 Premera CEO Award for outstanding leadership.
Dr. Wong received his B.S. Pharmacy in 1971 and Pharm.D. in 1998 from the University of Washington.
He has been board-certified in pharmacotherapy, with 17 years of experience as a hospital clinical pharmacist, one year as an interim pharmacy director, and 12 years on the faculty of a family practice medical residency program which he designed and implemented. He is recognized as a pioneer for spearheading pharmacist clinical practice under Washington State Collaborative Drug Therapy regulations.
He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, received the Washington State Society of Hospital Pharmacists Pharmacist of the Year Award and was awarded the University of Washington School of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni Award.
He holds the position of Clinical Professor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and was a course master for the endocrine pharmacotherapy course in the External Doctor of Pharmacy program.
He is an avid alpine skier, cyclist, fly fisherman and has completed 38 Ironman triathlons.
PharmD Pharmacy, 2000
After earning his PharmD, Brian worked for independent community pharmacies before joining the Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group, where he helped move Kelley-Ross from a mixed-model to a closed-door, long-term care pharmacy. Brian is currently the Chief Financial Officer and manages the Union Center Pharmacy for the Kelley-Ross Pharmacy Group. Brian was presented with the 2015 National Community Pharmacists Association Prescription Drug Safety Award for his work to expand access to the overdose antidote naloxone and continues to fight the opioid overdose crisis by working to reduce the stigma surrounding opioid overdoses.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1972
Susan is currently Senior Consultant with ASHP Consulting Services and serves as primary faculty member for the ASHP Pharmacy Leadership Academy.
From 2012 to 2017 Susan served as Lead Surveyor for the ASHP Residency Accreditation Services Office. Susan was Executive Director, Washington State Board of Pharmacy, from 2009 to 2012. Prior to joining the board of pharmacy, Susan served for 23 years as Vice President and Director, Pharmacy Services, MultiCare Health System, Tacoma, a five-hospital community-based health system in Washington state from 1987 to 2009. Susan also served as member and chair, Washington State Board of Pharmacy from 2000 to 2008.
Susan received her BS in Pharmacy from the University of Washington in 1972 and completed her MS/Residency program in Clinical Pharmacy and Administration from the Ohio State University in 1981.
Susan is a Fellow, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and served as President, Washington State Society of Health-System Pharmacists in 1999. Susan was also a board member, Board of directors, ASHP, American Society of Health System Pharmacists from 1989 through 1993.
Susan has served for the last several years as affiliate faculty member, University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1993
Larry C. Wienkers received his BS in Chemistry and Biology in 1986 and his MS in Chemistry in 1988 from Western Washington University. He then earned his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from University of Washington in 1993 under the direction of Dr William F. Trager. He did postdoctoral work in the department of Drug Metabolism at the Upjohn Company and subsequently joined the company as a Research Scientist 1995.
In 1998, Larry became Director of Drug Metabolism Enabling Technologies at Pharmacia & Upjohn and in 2002 became Executive Director of Pharmacokinetics, Dynamics and Metabolism at Pfizer. In 2004 Larry moved to Amgen and recently retired as Vice President and Global Head of the department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism. He is an American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Fellow with over 80 peer reviewed manuscripts and book chapters.
One of Larry’s long-standing research interests is focused on exploring bioactivation pathways associated with small molecule drug metabolism with particular focus on the prospective application of this information to predict drug-drug interactions in the clinic. To this end, he and collaborators apply a multidisciplinary approach using organic chemistry, biochemistry and biophysical techniques to study cytochrome P450 mechanism-based inactivation and the characterization of biotransformation pathways of novel therapeutics.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1969
Gayle Hudgins, Pharm. D., BCGP, is a Professor Emerita of the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy in the Department of Pharmacy Practice. She is a 1969 graduate of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy with a B.S. degree in Pharmacy and a 1976 graduate of Duquesne University with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She also completed a pharmacy practice residency at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Board certified in geriatric pharmacy, Dr. Hudgins has specialized in that area of pharmacy practice for nearly forty years, with the majority of her teaching, service and scholarly activity having to do with older adults. She has made numerous poster and platform presentations on geriatric care and other topics, published on geriatric and teaching topics, and has served as a pharmacy consultant to long-term care facilities and a home health-hospice agency. She served as Director of the Montana Geriatric Education Center, housed at UM, for 10 years, and is still participating in that project.
In her retirement, she also teaches courses in gerontology at UM and volunteers her time for Missoula and Montana organizations. She is a member of the Leadership Board for the Montana Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and serves as a community educator for that group. She also serves on the Governing Board of Missoula Aging Services and is a founding member of Dementia Friendly Missoula, an organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for dementia patients and their caregivers.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1962
Growing up the son of a pharmacist in Tacoma, Richard spent his high school years working at the family store, Nelson Drug Company, before pursuing his own Pharmacy degree at the University of Washington in 1962.
After a short tenure at Thompson Drug in Bellevue, Richard discovered his entrepreneurial passion and started the first of many business ventures, Geriatric Health Corporation (Gerihco). As a provider of prescriptions and medical equipment to nursing homes and small hospitals, Gerihco grew to 8 locations in three states by being an early technology innovator utilizing a fully computerized management system.
Based on his experience implementing systems, Richard was hired to direct the development of the first Medical Management Information System for the State of Washington. After successfully delivering the system on time and on budget he was hired to be Medicaid Director for the State of Washington, managing a $10 billion program in 2019 dollars.
After completing his State job, Richard started a healthcare information system consulting practice working with several organizations including SafeCo Insurance. His entrepreneurial spirit could not be denied and he started another business in 1981, Objective Medical Assessments Corporation (OMAC). OMAC grew to be a regional leader in Independent Medical Evaluation Services with 24 locations in 5 states before Richard and his son sold the business to Genex Services in 2016.
In addition to his business ventures Richard has served as a board member to many charitable organizations including the Agros Foundation, InterDev, and the King County Chapter of the American Cancer Foundation. He served on the Vestry of Epiphany Parish in Seattle, and as the Senior Warden in 2017-2018. He remains active in the Seattle business community as a part of The Roundtable, since1967.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1971
Al holds degrees from Central Washington State BS in Zoology, University of Washington BS Pharmacy, Class of 1971, and an MBA Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.
From 1995 to 2013 Al was employed by McKesson Corporation. During that time he served as Corporate VP Business Development, participating in 17 acquisitions including Automated Health, FoxMeyer Drug, Relay Health, OTN, US Oncology, assisted in the building and design of McKesson’s Specialty Benefit Service, Central Fill Pharmacy offering and McKesson’s Biologic and Plasma business. In addition, Al served as President and General Manager of McKesson Medication Management, a pharmacy outsourcing business managing 340 hospital pharmacies in 40 states, Puerto Rico and Canada located in Minneapolis, MN as well as General Manager of MedPath, McKesson’s original Specialty Pharmacy Operation located in Carrolton, TX. AS Corporate VP of Product Development Al contributed to the design and building of two Automated Dispensing devices as well as a number of analytical engines designed to manage process and the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Prior to 1995, Al was employed at the Franciscan Health System where he was responsible for overseeing 5 hospital pharmacies in Washington and Oregon. Al initiated, and managed the ASHP PGY1 and PGY2 Residency Programs, initiated centralized IV Additive Services with Nursing Teams, Home Infusion Services, Retail Pharmacy, LTC Pharmacy, Hospice and Ambulatory Oncology Services.
Al has served on numerous Advisory Boards including: Amerisource Bergen, McKesson, Eli Lilly, Johnson and Johnson, Amgen, Genentech, Creighton University School of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee School of Pharmacy and the University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Frost-Pinscriptive, HighFive Healthcare LLC, Pevco and RenWa C8. He currently serves on the Dean’s Executive Advisory Committee.
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1969
Duane D. Miller, born 1943, grew up on a farm in Larned Kansas. He obtained his B.S. degree in Pharmacy at Kansas University in 1966, and his interest in research was stimulated by two professors at the University of Kansas, Dr. Ed Smissman and Dr. Matt Mertes. As a National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Fellow, he worked on anticancer drugs. He next moved to Seattle, Washington and was an NIH Fellow while at the University of Washington and obtained his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry in 1969, under the mentorship of Dr. Wendel L. Nelson and did research on conformationally restricted analogs of ephedrine. He next joined The Ohio State University Faculty in 1969, where he became Professor and Chairman of the Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy in 1982. He studied dopamine and norepinephrine analogs with Drs. Popat Patil, Norman Uretsky and Dennis Feller. He moved to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, TN in 1992, as the Van Vleet Endowed Professor of The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the College of Pharmacy. He was made chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2001.
Dr. Miller has published over 430 publications and has 16 book chapters. He has given 343 presentations at national and international meetings and has over 100 patents and patent applications. Dr. Miller’s research interests include the design and synthesis of new drug molecules. He has a strong interest in developing drugs for new areas in which there is currently a lack of therapeutic agents or in areas in which there is the need to develop new drugs with fewer side effects. Dr. Miller and Dr. Jim Dalton, currently Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan, discovered the first new nonsteroidal selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and reported on them in 1998. GTx, is the company that initially licensed SARMs, and they have carried out clinical studies with SARMs. These agents can be used for muscle wasting and osteoporosis in cancer patients. The SARMS have the advantage that they are orally active with fewer side effects, including less liver toxicity than current muscle building agents. Such agents may be of value in aging males to treat low testosterone in older males, [called ADAM (androgen decline in aging males) or also called andropause]. The SARMs have completed Phase I, Phase II and Phase III human clinical testing for the treatment of cachexia in cancer patients but were not approved by the FDA. Other studies have been made to try and obtain approval. He has also worked on radiation mitigators, anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs for the treatment of brain cancer and molecules in these areas have been licensed by RXbio.
During his academic career Dr. Miller has been presented the University of Tennessee National Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award (1994). For teaching at the The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in the College of Pharmacy, he was presented the Student Government Association Executive Council (SGAEC) Excellence in Teaching Award In 1995, 2001 and 2005. He was the UT Pharmacy Class Teacher of the Year (2006).
He was honored as an American Association Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Fellow in (1990). He was selected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Fellow and honored for fundamental studies on the structural and stereo-chemical requirements of adrenergic drugs interacting in the CNS and peripheral nervous systems (2001). In 2008, he was recognized by the University of Washington, College of Pharmacy as the “Alumni of the Year”. He was awarded the Division of Medicinal Chemistry Award from the American Chemical Society at the National Medicinal Chemistry Symposium in June 2008. The Division of Medicinal Chemistry Award is conferred biannually in the United States to a scientist or team of scientists with a substantial record of contributions to the field of medicinal chemistry in research, mentorship and service to the discipline. In August 2008, he was inducted into the Medicinal Chemistry Hall of Fame of the American Chemical Society at the National American Chemical Society Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2009, he was awarded the Volwiler Research Achievement Award for research in the pharmaceutical sciences at the National American Association Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). In 2015, he was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors at the California Institute Technology in Pasadena, California.
In 2015, he retired and was given the title of Professor Emeritus, and he continues to do funded research on the design, preparation and study of new drugs for the treatment of cancer. He is currently patenting and publishing on new drugs for prostate cancer, breast cancer, melanoma and brain cancer (glioma) with Dr. Ramesh Narayanan, Dr. Wei Li and Dr. Lawrence Pfeffer at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. We have one drug, Veu-111 that has been licensed by Veru and is currently in Phase I clinical trials for prostate cancer.
Duane Miller and Nona Kay Miller were married for 47 years, and she passed on July 21, 2010 due to cancer. They have three children, Ron Miller, Don (married to Kristina) Miller and Randy (married to Joy) Miller. They have 4 grandchildren, Elizabeth Boywid, Laura Scott, Ellen Miller and Henry Miller along with 4 great grandchildren, Miller Scott, Clover Scott, Bambi Rose Boywid and Dauphine (Dolly) Boywid. In 2014, Duane married Shirl Taylor-Miller and gained a new stepson Charles Taylor Hodum (married to Nikki). Shirl was a teacher at a private middle school and manages rental property. Duane and Shirl have enjoyed traveling to Alaska (2017), Cape Cod (2018) and are going to Washington D. C. in 2019. The fact that all the children and grandchildren live within a thirty-mile radius in Memphis, Tennessee is a blessing.
PharmD Pharmacy, 1997
Dr. Nanci Murphy’s past roles at the University of Washington include, Collaborative Practice Specialist, Co-Director of the Center for Health Sciences Interprofessional Education, Research and Practice, and Associate Dean and Director of Student Leadership Programs for the School of Pharmacy. She received her PharmD degree from UW SOP in 1997. She looks forward to the next chapter of her post-retirement career contributing to an international work force group focused on interprofessional education and collaborative practice.
Nanci has been actively involved in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)) serving as Chair of the Leadership Development Special Interest Group, the Curriculum Special Interest Group, and the Student Services Special Interest Group; Co-chair of the Innovative Practice Models and Leadership Development Task Force and the Council of Deans/ Council of Faculties Healthy Student Task Force. She was also a member of the Council of Deans Administrative Board, and served on various work groups and standing committees, including a joint task force with APhA on Student Professionalism, the Council of Deans Innovation in Health Education Task Force, the Pharmacy Practice Research/Scholarship Task Force, the Academic Affairs, Advocacy, and the Institutional Research Standing Committees, the Council of Deans Professional Identity Formation Task Force, and the Diversifying Our Investment in Human Capital Task Force.
She also served on the Washington State Pharmacy Association’s Board of Directors, the Board of Pharmacy’s Task Force on Practitioner Competency, the National Rho Chi Executive Council, the Phi Lambda Sigma National Executive Team as Regional Councilor, and the Deans’ Advisory Council for the National Community Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists. Nanci also served as an AAAS Emerging Leaders in Science and Society mentor, an APTR Paul Ambrose Scholar mentor and advisor to many student organizations.
Nanci has presented at over 35 national meetings and forums, (e.g., APhA, ACCP, AACP, Collaborating Across Borders) on topics such as, leadership development, practice transformation, and curricular innovations in both pharmacy and interprofessional education/collaborative practice.
Her awards include: the National Association of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)-American Pharmacists (APhA) Bowl of Hygeia Award (Washington), the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education Nexus Award ( a team award that “recognizes an educational institution, health system, clinic, and/or community organization for extraordinary contributions to transform care delivery, improve health outcomes and decrease costs”), the UW School of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni Award for Pharmacy Practice, the Washington State Pharmacy Association Bill Mueller Mentor Award, the Milo Gibaldi Excellence in Teaching Award, the University of Washington HUB Adviser of the Year Award, and the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists Outstanding Advisor of the Year Award.
One of the most rewarding aspects of Nanci’s career has been working with students and their inspiring, ground-breaking projects (many national recognized), advancing the care of our patients and the community-at-large.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1969
Timothy Fuller, ‘69, is an independent pharmacist consultant and founder of Timothy S. Fuller & Associates, Inc. Consulting. He is recognized as the Father of Pharmacist Collaborative Drug Therapy for his extensive and continued research, advocacy, and publication on the subject. In partnership with the WSPA and PATH, Tim recruited 50 pharmacies in Washington to pilot the U.S. movement for pharmacists to prescribe emergency contraceptive pills. Tim is the fourth member of the UW School of Pharmacy B.S. Class of 1969 to receive a PAA Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Class of 1969 was the first class in the history of the University of Washington to endow a scholarship fund in honor of their class. Support the Class of 1969 fund here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1968
After completing his graduate work in California, Sid Nelson returned to the School of Pharmacy to join the faculty in 1977. Progressing through the ranks, he landed his “dream job” as the Dean of the School of Pharmacy in 1995. Under his leadership, the School converted our degree offerings from a B.S. degree to an entry-level Doctor of Pharmacy degree program and added a nontraditional approach that enabled existing pharmacists to obtain the Pharm.D. degree. He also evolved the graduate programs and worked tirelessly to expand the School’s faculty. In 2008, he returned full-time to his research and teaching activities in the School’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Sid truly embodies the idea of a legend with his warmth, care and passion for our students and alumni.
In honor of the lift and legacy of Sid Nelson, alumni and friends of the beloved Dean Emeritus created the Sid Nelson Endowed Professorship in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Not only does this professorship create a permanent legacy for Sid’s unparalleled teaching and mentorship, but it also ensures that the caliber of research Sid established will continue and be advanced into the future. Give in honor of Sid legacy here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1945
Shirley is a Seattleite, born and raised. From a young age, she dedicated her life to advocating for women, children, human rights and healthcare. Encouragement from her mother, and her knack for science, led Shirley to Pharmacy school where she thrived. Her career helped so many people, but as the HIV/AIDS epidemic grew, it became a central part of her career. Her outreach efforts, where she went door to door to help people understand the disease, was only part of her contribution to battle the epidemic. She was a founding board member of AIDS Housing of Washington (recently renamed Building Changes) and co-chaired the $8.5 million campaign that built the group’s Bailey-Boushay House in 1992. Her legacy of advocating for women pharmacists lives on with the Herb and Shirley Bridge Endowed Professorship, designed to support women in pharmacy.
Her legacy of advocating for women pharmacists lives on with the Herb and Shirley Bridge Endowed Professorship, designed to support women in pharmacy. Give to support women in Pharmacy here.
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1960
Dr. Brady was recruited to join the University of Washington by Tip Tyler, a School of Pharmacy Faculty member studying mushrooms and ergot. After completing his Ph.D. at the School of Pharmacy, Lynn joined the faculty and eventually became the first chair of the then-named Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. As a graduate student, Lynn authored or co-authored over 100 research and review articles and later in his career authored the major textbook in the field of Pharmacognosy. Lynn was very passionate about the Medicinal Herb Garden and was on the steering committee for the Friends of the Medicinal Herb Garden.
His legacy lives on with the Lynn R. and Geraldine Brady Endowed Scholarship Fund, which supports Pharmacy Students. Dr. Brady also created a professorship to support an academic chair or faculty. This Professorship is currently held by Dr. Peggy Odegard. Give to support future Husky Pharmacists in honor of Lynn and Geraldine here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1947
George Benson, also known as the Father of the Waterfront Street Trolley, was a WWII Navy Veteran, five-term City Council member, owner of Mission Street Pharmacy and one of the founders of the Friends of the Medicinal Herb Garden. George was nothing short of a passionate person, known throughout his life for his caring nature. He was devoted to his wife Evelyn, who was a fellow Pharmacy alumna, their business and spearheading the development of the Waterfront Streetcar.
His caring nature lives on with the George and Evelyn Benson “Golden Pharmacists” Endowed Scholarship Fund. Give to support future Husky Pharmacists in honor of George here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1958
Herb’s time at the School of Pharmacy lead him to a life rich in love, charity and service. During his 50-year career as a pharmacy owner and clinical pharmacist, he always found a way to support his communities. From founding the Walk for Rice, a fundraising walk to support the Asian Counseling and Referral Service food bank, to donating his expertise to the Rainier Vista Clinic Pharmacy where he sourced low-cost drugs for in-need communities, Herbert was always dedicated to his community. Herbert received the Pharmacy Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008, in addition to the A.H. Robins/Wyeth Bowl of Hygeia Award and a Seattle Mayor’s Small Business Award for excellence in management, entrepreneurial spirit and customer service. He is a member of the National Community Pharmacists Association and Washington State Pharmacy Association, and a former longstanding member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and Seattle-King County Pharmaceutical Society.
His legacy of giving back is carried on with the Herbert and Bertha Tsuchiya Endowed Student Support Fund for Global Research, honoring both Herbert and Bertha’s, a fellow Pharmacist and UW alumna, devotion to the pharmacy community. Give to support their scholarships fund here.
M.S.P. Pharmacy, 1951
Ph.D. Medicinal Chemistry, 1971
Dr. Plein and her late husband Elmer, are widely credited for creating the momentum for senior-care pharmacy in the state of Washington at a time when few pharmacists were geriatricians and had few resources to advocate for older patients. In 1973, they developed a nursing home pharmacy course at the School of Pharmacy and Foss Home, a nursing home, with the help of a graduate student. Throughout her career, she was honored with several awards and is a beloved member of the School of Pharmacy.
Her and Elmer’s legacy of supporting geriatric Pharmacy lives on with the Plein Center for Geriatric Pharmacy Research, Education and Outreach, as well as several scholarship funds named in their honor. Give to support Joy and Elmer’s Scholarship Fund here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1964
Phil received a pharmacy degree from the University of Washington in 1964 and by 1975, was the Head of Pharmacy for Group Health. That same year he unveiled the Co-OPRx computerized prescription system that provided doctors and pharmacists instant access to patient drug histories, potential allergies and adverse reactions. The Co-CORx project sparked his interest in innovation, which became the cornerstone of his career. He went on to help Group Health expand into Bellevue and rose to a top leadership position with Group Health and Kaiser Operations in the Northwest.
His legacy of innovation in Pharmacy lives on with his annual Phil and Sandra Nudelman Lecture and the Phil and Sandra Nudelman Endowed Diversity Scholarship. Give to support Phil and Sandra’s Diversity Scholarship here.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1943
Virginia graduated from the School of Pharmacy in 1943 and while in school, she was a member of the Totem Club and Chi Omega Sorority. Virginia was one of the first women pharmacists to work in a hospital setting, which was remarkable in the 1940s. During her career, she conducted research on motion sickness medication for soldiers in World War II, studied breast cancer at the University of Rochester Medical School and was the first pharmacist at the Monadnock Hospital. She spent 17 years as a relief pharmacist and traveled the world after opening her travel company.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1953
George H. Bartell Jr. started his career in the family business stocking shelves and went on to grow Bartell Drugs into the oldest family-owned drugstore chain in the nation. After becoming the President of Bartell Drugs in 1939, George served in World War II and came back to a world changed. Among these changes were new Pharmacist licensing laws in Washington State that required George to become licensed. After joining the School of Pharmacy, he earned his Pharmacy Degree (and became licensed) in just three years. George was an avid Husky Football fan and a supporter of local organizations such as the Rainier Club, Seattle Golf and Country Club, the Scottish Rite Temple and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
His legacy lives on with each Bartell Drug store, the Bartell Drugs Scholarship Fund and the hundreds of Husky Pharmacists in their employ.
B.S. Pharmacy, 1939
Ph.D. Pharmacy, 1948
Dr. Hall joined the faculty of the School of Pharmacy in 1952, after spending a few years at the Eli Lilly and Co. as a Pharmaceutical Chemist. After returning to the UW, he soon set himself apart from his peers by developing innovative approaches to teaching, particularly in dispensing pharmacy. While at UW Hall developed one of the first models for an externship program, allowing senior pharmacy students to gain theoretical and practical experience in a pharmacy setting for academic credit. Being too ahead of his time, this for credit externship program did not became a formal requirement in the School of Pharmacy’s curriculum until the 1990’s, thanks in large part to Dr. Hall’s vision. Dr. Hall was also awarded the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1980 to celebrate the impact of his career on the profession of Pharmacy.
M.S. Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy, 2008
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research and Policy, 2012
Jonathan Watanabe, ‘08, ‘12, PharmD, MS, PhD, BCGP, is a board-certified geriatrics pharmacist, outcomes researcher, and associate professor at the University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Dr. Watanabe was the first the UW/Allergan Global Health Economics and Outcomes Research Fellow. His research on the cost of non-optimized therapy, comprehensive medication management and drug prices has been cited in successful state legislative efforts for pharmacist provider status. Dr. Watanabe is an inaugural scholar in the National Academy of Medicine Emerging Leaders in Health and Medicine program.