OPA announces 2023 awards and honors
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is proud to congratulate our faculty members and alumni who were recently named recipients of the OHio Pharmacists Association (OPA) 2023 awards and honors. Honorees were recognized at the OPA 145th Annual Conference April 14-16 in Columbus.
Jennifer Rodis, PharmD, FAPhA, associate dean for outreach and engagement and clinical professor of pharmacy practice and science at the college, was installed as OPA’s president-elect.
Dr. Rodis earned her PharmD at Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy, and previously served OPA as executive committee member-at-large, vice president and chair/co-chair of the Public and Professional Relations Committee. She is an active volunteer in her community, including COVID-19 vaccine clinics.
“Jennifer Rodis has been a valued member of the association, and we look forward to continuing to work with her as president-elect,” said Donald Bennett, OPA’s interim executive director.
Dana M. Wilkerson, PharmD, MS, BCACP, alum of the college, was installed as OPA’s vice president.
Dr. Wilkerson is the specialty pharmacy manager at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She earned her PharmD at Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy and her MS in health-system pharmacy administration from the College of Pharmacy. She completed a combined postgraduate year one (PGY1) Community-based Pharmacy Practice and PGY2 Community-based Pharmacy Administration and Leadership residency program with the college and The Kroger Co.
Dr. Wilkerson currently serves as chair of OPA’s Membership Services and Development Committee, and she is a member of the Legal and Regulatory and Practice Advancement and Innovation Committees. Wilkerson was awarded OPA UNDER 40 recognition in 2022.
“Dana Wilkerson has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to working with her on the Board of Trustees,” Bennett said.
Laura Miller, RPh, is the recipient of the Bowl of Hygeia Award, which honors pharmacists who have contributed to the progress of their communities. Laura has served as president of the Scioto County Board of Health since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With over 25 years of community pharmacy experience, she is essential in providing information and education residents of her town on up-to-date drug information for improving the health of her community. Laura also serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students from colleges in Ohio and West Virginia, where she is also involved in research projects that work to advance the profession.
“Laura is an integral part of ensuring the health and welfare of her community,” Bennett said. “She continuously provides exceptional career experience that is transferred to students and peers alike. Laura Miller’s outstanding community service is an excellent example of working for a change.”
Bella Mehta, PharmD, FAPhA, professor and chair of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the College of Pharmacy, was awarded the Beal Award, which is presented annually to honor a pharmacist who has made continued, outstanding contributions to the advancement of the pharmacy profession. Dr. Mehta earned her BSPS and PharmD from the College of Pharmacy, where she also completed a PGY1 ambulatory care residency.
She previously served as director of practice advancement and professional development, and for 11 years as director of the Ohio State Clinical Partners Program, a nationally recognized College of Pharmacy ambulatory/community care clinic whose mission was to help patients make the best use of medications and to educate students, residents and pharmacists through innovative practice, teaching and scholarship. Her areas of focus include developing and advancing innovative practice in community-based patient care, self-care including integrative medicines and provider wellbeing and burnout.
Dr. Mehta is a previous recipient of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHSP) Foundation Best Practices in Health-Systems Pharmacy Award, which recognizes outstanding practitioners in pharmacy who have successfully implemented innovative systems that demonstrate best practices in pharmacy practice, and the Daniel B. Smith Practice Excellence Award which recognizes a pharmacy practitioner who has distinguished themselves and the profession by outstanding performance from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
“Bella continues to prove she is an outstanding advocate for pharmacists in Ohio through her mentoring efforts and enthusiasm for community practice,” Bennett said. “She has been known to motivate her peers to excel in their practice areas, as well as serve as advisor for research projects dedicated to advancing the field.”
Jeff Steckman, PharmD, is the recipient of the Keys Award for his long-standing commitment to the association. In addition, he was installed for a second term as executive committee member at large. Currently, he is the price and cost strategy manager for Kroger Health.
Dr. Steckman received his PharmD with a minor in business from Ohio State.
A past recipient of OPA’s Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award, Dr. Steckman serves as chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on work force issues and past chair of the member services and development committee, where he was instrumental in increasing member engagement.
“Jeff Steckman has been a valued member of the Association serving in various leadership positions,” Bennett said. “We look forward to his continued service on the Board of Trustees.”
Ruth Emptage, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science, was awarded the Generation Rx Award which recognizes a pharmacist who has demonstrated commitment to education and prevention efforts for prescription drug misuse in the community. Dr. Emptage earned her PharmD from the College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Emptage serves as a clinical pharmacist at various independent living facilities throughout Franklin County as a board-certified geriatric pharmacist and on the clinical initiatives team of Generation Rx. She has been instrumental in creating the “Generation Rx: Older Adult Tool Kit,” a project that started in 2012 and continues today. Dr. Emptage educates the public about medication safety and drug misuse with presentations at various locations.
“Ruth leads the profession as an excellent resource for information on drug misuse, as well as the aging and geriatric populations,” Bennett said. “Students and senior members of the community look to her for guidance on established and new knowledge regarding medications, field advancements, and current research.”
E. Michael Murphy, PharmD, MBA, assistant professor – clinical of pharmacy practice and science, is the recipient of the Good Government Award for major contributions to the public through government and/or legislative service/education at the local, state or national level.
Dr. Murphy received his PharmD and MBA degrees from and completed a PGY1 ambulatory care residency and pharmacy advancement fellowship at the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Murphy is a co-founder of The Grassroots Pharmacist, a blog focusing on educating pharmacists and student pharmacists on the impact health policy has on the profession. After completing his fellowship at Ohio State, Dr. Murphy partnered with the American Pharmacists Association to develop his position as advisor for state government affairs.
“Dr. Murphy is an exceptional community advocate, especially for social issues which recognize the need for healthcare access,” Bennett said. “He is continuing to play an essential role in the implementation of provider status, and passionately educates students and other pharmacists on the expanding possibilities of the career.”
Cory Coffey, PharmD, BCACP, BCPP, was awarded the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award, which recognizes a pharmacist who has graduated in the last 10 years and made significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy.
Dr. Coffey received his PharmD from Northeast Ohio Medical University where he completed a PGY1 residency at Northeast Ohio Medical University/AxessPointe Community Health Centers. He continued his education as a PGY2 in Ambulatory Care at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy/General Internal Medicine Clinics (OSUGIM).
Dr. Coffey currently serves as a clinical pharmacist at OSUGIM, an assistant professor- practice within the Department of Internal Medicine, and the residency program director for ambulatory care at the College of Pharmacy. Dr. Coffey dedicates a large amount of time teaching and mentoring students, giving back to professional organizations and volunteering to enhance the community.
“Cory Coffey’s commitment to his career in pharmacy is reflected in his efforts to ensure students and his peers are continuing to advance the profession,” Bennett said. “His involvement in interdisciplinary projects prioritizes the evolving relationship between health care professionals in different areas of practice. We are honored to have Cory advocating for our profession.”
Jacquelyn Kissel, PharmD, AAHIVP, is the recipient of the Upsher-Smith Excellence in Innovation Award, which recognizes a pharmacist who has demonstrated innovative pharmacy practice resulting in improved patients care, emphasizing the very important role that pharmacy has in providing patient counseling.
Dr. Kissel graduated from Ohio State with a PharmD and completed a PGY1 residency. Dr. Kissel currently serves as the lead clinical pharmacist at Equitas Health, where she developed collaborative practice agreements for sixteen disease states including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)/HIV, diabetes, smoking cessation, gender affirming care, hyperlipidemia and hypertension. She also oversees the Equitas Health Residency Program and precepts Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students to develop pharmacists to practice at the top of their license.
“Dr. Kissel has set the precedent for collaborative practice agreements, not only for Ohio, but for the nation,” Bennett said. “Jacquelyn continues to expand her innovation from the workplace into academia and most importantly, her community.”
Anna Gehres, PharmD, BCACP, assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy and pharmacist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s South High Primary Care Center, received an UNDER 40 Award which recognizes her leadership, excellence and vision in the practice of pharmacy.
Dr. Gehres serves as the coordinator for the pharmacy services at New Life, where she continues to volunteer her time, precepts students and coordinates the onboarding of volunteer pharmacists.
“We are pleased to recognize Anna Gehres for her continued contributions to pharmacy and her dedication to empowering the next generation of community-engaged pharmacists,” Bennett said. “She has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to her future contributions.”
Nira Kadakia, PharmD, BCACP, alum of the College of Pharmacy, is a recipient of an UNDER 40 Award, which recognizes her leadership, excellence and vision in the practice of pharmacy.
Dr. Kadakia is a graduate of the College of Pharmacy and a currently assistant professor of teaching in pharmacy practice at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy and an ambulatory clinical care pharmacist at Bon Secours Mercy Health in Oregon, Ohio. She also serves as an advisor of the University of Findlay chapter of the APhA student pharmacists and serves as an advisor of the University of Findlay chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists and serves as a positive model and a strong advocate for their participation in OPA. Dr. Kadakia is OPA’s current New Practitioner Experience (NPX) Committee chair.
“We are pleased to recognize Nira Kadakia who has served as an example of leadership, excellence and vision in the profession,” Bennett said. “She has been a valued member of the association and we look forward to her future accomplishments in the profession of pharmacy.”
Kelsey Schmuhl, PharmD, BCACP, alum and assistant professor - clinical of pharmacy practice and science at the college, is a recipient of an UNDER 40 Award in recognition of her leadership, excellence and vision in the practice of pharmacy.
Dr. Schmuhl also serves as a practicing pharmacist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schmuhl is being recognized for her continued commitment to medication safety and drug misuse/overdose prevention. She created and implemented a Naloxone program to train faculty, staff and students on proper administration of the treatment for an overdose.
Throughout her professional career, she has been involved as a mentor and advisor for several student groups at Ohio State. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for Young People in Recovery, was recently appointed as the co-chair of the Attorney General’s All-Ohio Interprofessional healthcare Opioid Use Disorder Educational Symposium and is an active member of the Women in Philanthropy organization in Columbus.
“We are pleased to recognize Kelsey Schmuhl who has exemplified leadership, excellence and vision in her practice,” Bennett said. “She has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to her future contributions to the profession of pharmacy.”
Karlyn Neff, PharmD, was installed as Trustee representing District 7. Dr. Neff is the lead pharmacist at Schieber Family Pharmacy in Circleville, Ohio.
Schieber Family pharmacy has been a leader by assisting the community through the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccinating thousands and continuing to answer questions and provide information about the virus and vaccine through their Facebook page, website and by phone. The pharmacy has also paired with the industry-leading company, Health Care Logistics (HLC). Together they will provide a comprehensive Diabetes Wellness and Education program to HCL employees with the goal of improving clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients.
Dr. Neff earned her PharmD from the college. She has completed certificate programs in Medication Therapy Management and diabetes care. She will serve her third term on the OPA Board of Trustees.
“As an independent community pharmacist, Karlyn has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to her continued involvement on the Board of Trustees,” Bennett said.
Don Carroll, RPh, MHA was installed as an OPA trustee representing District 13. Carroll is currently an associate chief pharmacist at Pharmacy & Connect Care, Cleveland Clinic.
He earned his pharmacy degree at the College of Pharmacy and serves OPA on the Pharmacy Economics and Legal & Regulatory Affairs Committees. This is Carroll’s second term on the OPA Board of Trustees.
“With experience in his various roles at Cleveland Clinic, Carroll has been a valued member of the Association, and we look forward to his continued involvement on the Board of Trustees,” Bennett said.
