Rite Aid forms dean advisory committee

Drug Store News, Feb 19, 2001

CAMP HILL, Pa. -- Rite Aid has formed a 14-member Pharmacy Dean Advisory Council to share ideas, provide feedback on new programs and discuss current and future trends in pharmacy with Rite Aid management. The members represent 14 universities across the country.

"As the pharmacy community continues to grow, it is critical for Rite Aid to be in tune with what future pharmacists are looking for in a fulfilling career," said Mary Sammons, president and chief operating officer. "We're privileged to have a council of experts giving us feedback on ideas and issues that the pharmacy industry is facing today and helping us to prepare for the future of pharmacy."

Members of the council include: Bobby Brant from Ohio Northern University, Timothy Chan from USC, Joe Dean from McWhorter School of Pharmacy at Stanford University, Peter Doukas from Temple, Johnnie Early from University of Toledo, Arcelia Johnson-Fannin from Hampton University, Mary Lee from Midwestern University, Louis Luzzi from University of Rhode Island, Roberto Mangione from St. John's University, Ian Mathison from Ferris State University, Phil Oppenheimer from University of the Pacific, William Riffee from University of Florida, George Apratto from West Virginia University and Pete Vanderveen from Mylan School of Pharmacy at Duquesne University.

At the inaugural meeting of the council in December, the council discussed topics such as skill sets for future pharmacists, the demand for more staff in the pharmacy, recruitment issues and raising awareness of careers in pharmacy.