SOP’s Brandt Voted President-Elect of National Consultant Pharmacy Society

Members of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists elect Dr. Nicole Brandt to serve as the organization’s new president-elect.

By Malissa Carroll
December 17, 2014

Nicole Brandt, PharmD ’97, MBA, CGP, BCPP, FASCP, professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science (PPS) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, has been named president-elect of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP). Following the completion of her one-year term in November 2015, Brandt will serve as the society’s president for 2015-2016 and as chairman of the board for 2016-2017, while also maintaining her appointment at the School.

“Dr. Brandt’s election as president of ASCP is a testament to her expertise in and commitment to the field of geriatric pharmacy,” says Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FCP, FAAPS, dean and professor of the School of Pharmacy. “Throughout her career, Dr. Brandt has led efforts to promote optimal pharmaceutical care for older adults and worked tirelessly to expand geriatric pharmacy training opportunities for our students. Her passion for this vital field will serve her well as she prepares to assume her responsibilities as president of ASCP.”

Established in 1969, ASCP is the only international professional society devoted to optimal medication management and improved health outcomes for older adults. It strives to empower pharmacists and other health care professionals to enhance quality of care for older adults through the appropriate use of medications and the promotion of healthy aging. Brandt, who has been involved with the organization since her time as a student at the School, was previously honored with its Leadership in Education Award in 2007, and served on its Board of Directors in 2011.

“Dr. Brandt is a dynamic leader,” says Sean Jeffery, PharmD, CGP, FASCP, FNAP, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy and past-president of ASCP. “She is a tireless advocate for and mentor to our members. Her leadership and efforts to raise professional standards will be crucial to advancing our organization’s strategic initiatives. We are very excited about the knowledge and skills that she brings to ASCP, and look forward to working with her over the next three years.”

Brandt received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the School of Pharmacy in 1997. She completed a residency in geriatric pharmacotherapy at the School in 1998, and joined the faculty in 1999, establishing pharmacy practice sites at the Pickersgill Retirement Community in Towson and the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She recently completed her Master in Business Administration (MBA) through a joint program between the School of Pharmacy and Towson University, and currently serves as director of clinical and educational programs for the School’s Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging.

Brandt is also actively involved in numerous state and national pharmacy-related advocacy efforts. Earlier this year, she testified before members of Congress about the importance of maintaining beneficiary access to the full range of available medications under the Medicare Part D prescription drug program for older adults.

“We are delighted that Dr. Brandt has been selected to serve as president-elect of ASCP,” says Magaly Rodriguez de Bittner, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, FAPhA, professor and chair of PPS. “The issues that she will address on a national level, including provider status for pharmacists and the need for expanded access to comprehensive medication therapy management (MTM) services, are the same issues for which she and other faculty members have tirelessly advocated across the state of Maryland. Her expertise in these areas will bring further notoriety to the School as a leader in pharmacy education, scientific discovery, patient care, and community engagement in the state of Maryland and beyond.”

As president-elect, Brandt will spend the next year learning about ASCP’s leadership and the issues currently affecting the practice of geriatric pharmacy. Upon being sworn in as president in late 2015, she will begin working with the organization’s executive director and other key leaders to improve care for older adults and other vulnerable populations.

“I am excited to help lead an organization that is committed to improving medication use among one of the world’s most vulnerable, yet growing populations,” says Brandt. “It is truly humbling to know that my peers have bestowed in me the confidence to lead ASCP, and I know that my experiences as a practitioner and educator at the School of Pharmacy have prepared me well to serve on a national level. I cannot wait to begin building upon the successes of previous presidents to further advance geriatric pharmacy practice across the United States.”

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