The leader of a an industry-leading company that provides training to disability services organizations will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Day at Drake University.
Thomas E. Pomeranz, president and CEO of University LifeStiles, will use his knowledge as a nationally recognized trainer, clinician, and consultant in the field of disability services to share best practices that enhance the quality of life for those with disabilities.
“As future health care practitioners, researchers, and administrators, our pharmacy and health sciences students will be interacting during their careers with patients who have disabilities,” says Renae Chesnut, professor of pharmacy practice and associate dean for academic and student affairs in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “While this topic is covered in our curriculum and students gain experience working with these patients, it is valuable for students to hear from a nationally-renowned expert in this area.”
The day’s events, themed “Chasing the Challenge: Seeing Abilities in Disabilities,” begin at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, with morning registration and a welcome address in Levitt Hall, followed by the keynote in Sheslow Auditorium. The keynote will be immediately followed by an award ceremony announcing the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences’ Alumni Achievement Awards, Young Alumni Achievement Award, Granberg Faculty Award, Hartig Distinguished Professor, and Hartig Faculty Development Awards recipients. Morning events are free and open to the public.
Several professional development breakout sessions will be held during the afternoon session in the Olmsted Center. The sessions will take place from noon to 2:20 p.m. and discuss topics including resume building, financial planning and research, and leadership opportunities. Networking with a variety of health care organizations will also be available in an exhibition hall.
“The College has a tradition of preparing individuals to meet the expectations and challenges of health care practices,” Chesnut says. “As such, the networking and professional development sessions held during Pharmacy & Health Sciences Day provide students with an opportunity to experience the professional environment of their future professions.”
Additional student awards and scholarships will also be announced at 2:30 p.m. in Parents Hall.
In addition, students from Drake’s Rx (Pharmacy) Unified Group of Students (DRxUGS) organization will hold a silent auction in Upper Olmsted in the morning, and a live auction following the awards presentation.