School of Pharmacy / State Board Cosponsor NABP/AACP District Conference

Representatives from 17 regional state boards of pharmacy and over 20 schools and colleges of pharmacy converged on Baltimore last week for a two-day conference.

By Alisa Stapleton
October 19, 2006

Representatives from 17 regional state boards of pharmacy and over 20 schools and colleges of pharmacy converged on Baltimore last week for a two-day conference that focused on improving the safe use of drugs, issues of medication diversion and counterfeiting, and preparations for an avian flu pandemic. Individuals responsible for regulating the practice of pharmacy met in joint session with deans and faculty members of pharmacy schools to discuss these important issues. Separate sessions were also held that focused on regulatory issues and strengthening assessment and accreditation procedures for doctor of pharmacy educational programs.

The conference attracted over 160 registrants and was held in the Baltimore Renaissance Hotel. Speakers included the president of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Research and Science, Dr. Gary Smith of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Marvin Shepherd, professor at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy. The Patient Safety Program was headlined by Dr. Bruce Gordon of Premier, Inc. and Dr. Robert Feroli of Johns Hopkins University. Katherine Eban, investigative medical reporter and author of the best seller, Dangerous Doses, addressed the conference and Hall of Famer, Jim Palmer, spoke at the closing banquet.