February 15, 2018 | Downers Grove, IL
Midwestern University is proud to announce that Klodiana Myftari, Pharm.D., BCACP, Assistant Professor, Pharmacy Practice, was selected for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation's 2018-2019 Faculty Scholars Program. This prestigious program is designed, in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, to promote pharmacy-based patient care research.
"I am honored and excited to be one of the six faculty members selected as an NACDS Foundation faculty scholar. As a scholar I will have the opportunity to work closely not only with Chicago College of Pharmacy mentors, but also with researchers at the University of Pittsburgh," Dr. Myftari said. "The focus of my research will be the role of community pharmacies and pharmacists in the opioid epidemic."
Dr. Myftari will investigate how community pharmacists can actively collaborate with other healthcare providers to educate patients on harm reduction strategies related to opioid use. "Community pharmacies and the pharmacy team could be great partners to health systems in the community. The relationship built between community pharmacists and patients could provide strong patient-centered advocacy and support with the goal of educating and monitoring opioid use," she added.
In its sixth year, the NACDS Foundation Faculty Scholars program is designed to engage emerging research faculty at U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy in meaningful community pharmacy-based patient care research. Each Faculty Scholar receives a research grant to launch a patient-focused research project conducted in a community pharmacy setting, and has the opportunity to be mentored by experienced researchers and connect with thought leaders in pharmacy care.
"As a faculty member at the Chicago College of Pharmacy, I look forward to sharing my experience with my colleagues and the health professional students we educate. As a clinical pharmacist for Rush University Medical Center, Population Health Department, I also look forward to working with community pharmacists and the public we serve," Dr. Myftari said.
To date, 21 scholars have participated in the NACDS Foundation Faculty Scholars program, representing 18 schools of pharmacy nationwide. More information about the program can be found at www.NACDSFoundation.org.