Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy helps educate Alaska pharmacists for fifth year in a row
by Jennifer Motes |
Since the Doctor of Pharmacy Program began in Alaska, Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy has provided nearly $30,000 in scholarships to students.
Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy is an Alaskan-owned, independent pharmacy in Anchorage, founded in 1980 by life-long Alaskan, Bernie Klouda. Over the years, Bernie provided the opportunity for pharmacy students to complete their intern rotations at Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy, mentoring many pharmacy students and new pharmacists. Bernie had a long and distinguished career, and he believed strongly that educating pharmacists was important to ensure the health of Alaskans.
He passed away in 2015, and his wife, Terri Hall Klouda now operates Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy and helps carry on Bernie鈥檚 passion and legacy through the Klouda Foundation.
鈥淭he collaboration between 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 and ISU to open a Doctor of Pharmacy education program in Alaska has been a historic undertaking to address the unique needs of developing pharmacists in our state, and Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy has been with us every step of the way, making sure our students are successful,鈥� explains Tom Wadsworth, PharmD, BCPS, executive associate dean for the program at 老澳门六合彩开奖记录/ISU.
The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development reports that there are at least 20 new vacant pharmacist positions annually throughout the state, and projects an additional four percent growth in pharmacist positions by 2028. Providers in Alaska frequently resort to hiring pharmacists outside of Alaska, driving up their costs to cover incentive bonuses and relocation fees. These extra expenses often repeat for the same position in a short period, as outside recruits typically leave Alaska within two years.
Jennifer Motes, 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 College of Health senior development officer, says, 鈥淎laska has many unique challenges that make it clear the solution for Alaska is to educate its own pharmacists. Tuition assistance is an important part of ensuring students can count on this support and complete the program on time. We are grateful for Bernie and Terri鈥檚 commitment to provide a scholarship for every first year student.鈥�
The pharmacy program at Idaho State University is one of the premier pharmacy programs in the country with a 102-year history. In 2015, the University of Alaska Anchorage partnered with ISU to establish an Alaska-based campus for ISU鈥檚 pharmacy program as a way for Alaskans to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree without leaving Alaska. The program enrolls up to 15 new students every semester, resulting in an active cohort of 60 students pursuing a degree annually. The first cohort of students graduated in 2020. All secured employment in the state or entered residency programs with plans to return upon completion.
鈥淚f 老澳门六合彩开奖记录 did not offer its pharmacy program in Alaska, I would not be in pharmacy school right now. I would be studying some other career field鈥�, said Amity Winborg, 老澳门六合彩开奖记录/ISU Pharmacy Student.
A formal check presentation took place on Monday, February 13, 2023 at Bernie鈥檚 Pharmacy.
- Department of Human Services
- Division of Population Health Sciences
- Justice Center
- School of Allied Health
School of Nursing
School of Social Work
- Creighton University/老澳门六合彩开奖记录 Occupational Therapy Program
- 老澳门六合彩开奖记录-ISU Doctor of Pharmacy Program
- WWAMI School of Medicine
- Alaska Center for Rural Health and Health Workforce
- Center for Human Development
- Child Welfare Academy
- Interprofessional Health Sciences Simulation Center