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Through the Partnership for Urban Health, students obtain scholarship funds predicated upon their return to the com- munity to practice after they complete their residency program. The program not only bolsters the local medical workforce but also boosts the area's economy. "We estimate that every primary care physician generates $1 million per year in economic activity," Dr. Gershen says. "These providers hire nurses, utilize local compa- nies, and purchase goods and services. Such economic activity helps already-established communities and opens the possibility of constructing new neighborhoods around our graduate medical providers." Pharmacy for the Future Members of the inaugural class of NEOMED's College of Pharmacy began their courses in 2007, entering a College founded to meet northeast Ohio's shortage of pharmacists. Charles T. Taylor, PharmD, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at NEOMED, Chair of the University Council of Deans, helps students realize the typical conception of the community pharmacist in a retail drugstore is only a fraction of what a pharmacist can be. Not only do pharmacists play critical roles in hospitals and ambulatory care settings, they can also be an essential part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team. "We're focused on educating the next gen- eration of advanced practice pharmacists," Dr. Taylor says. "In our region and across the state, many patients require complex medication regimens. These patients need special attention to ensure they're taking the right dosage and that the combination is safe and effective. Some patients also need help with adherence. Our students graduate prepared to deliver medications to facilitate a primary care provider's treatment plan." NEOMED's College of Pharmacy features innovative curriculum. Beginning with a lengthy orientation in which pharmacy students work alongside medicine students, teamwork is emphasized early and often. At all points in the curriculum, which includes traditional didactic, laboratory and simulation work, faculty use innovative strategies to foster collaboration, examine situations from other perspectives and call upon the expertise of students from other disciplines. A focus on technology gives students an edge for practicing in the age of telemedicine. Coursework aimed to eliminate the cultural divide prepares students for a future where residents of even the most remote rural areas will have access to their knowledge. A simulation center helps them hone their emotional intelligence skills. Actors play the role of patients and place pharmacy students in realistic problem-solving situations that will correlate with work in their careers. Then, in a controlled environment, faculty members identify areas for improvement. "When our pharmacists graduate, they are equipped to play a role in the dynamic and ever-changing healthcare system," Dr. Taylor says. "We make sure they're better prepared to be medical team leaders and ensure that advanced pharmacy services are available to every person in need." Proof of the curriculum's efficacy is born out by the fact that each member of the College of Pharmacy's last graduating class passed the national board exam. Additionally, of the approximately one-third of graduates who chose to participate in a post-graduate residency, NEOMED had a 90 percent placement rate. For more information about Northeast Ohio Medical University, visit www.neomed.edu. ■ H E A LT H P RO FES S I O N S A FFI N IT Y CO M M U N IT Y NORTHEAST OHIO MEDICAL UNIVERSIT Y (NEOMED) collaborates with many local community partners through the Health Professions Affinity Community (HPAC) to encourage middle school and high school students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in the health professions. Leveraging com- munity assets, students explore ways to apply their academic knowledge to real-world practice. Students use various mediums, such as the launch of community projects or the use of social media, to highlight com- munity health problems. "HPAC provides the opportunity for groups of students to come together, identify issues plaguing their com- munities and take action," says Jeff Susman, MD, Dean of the College of Medicine at NEOMED. "Participants take the opportunity to influence the health of their community. The program empow- ers students to take ownership of their locales and do something meaningful where they live." NEOMED's simulation center helps pharmacy and medicine students hone their patient communication skills while faculty members look on. Shown here in the observation room are (R-L) Jared Durieux and Charles Taylor, PharmD. PHOTO © JOE SMITHBERGER, SMITHBERGER PHOTOGRAPHY, NORTH CANTON COV ER FE AT UR E Need specialized care for your geriatric patients? Done. East, West and Main Campus locations. Call 855.REFER.123. Same-day appointments clevelandclinic.org/geriatrics 1 0 | Cleveland/Akron/Canton MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M ■ J U LY/AU G U S T 2 0 1 4