New director responsible for providing
continuing education for state’s pharmacists

Dr. Randy Pittman has been named director of the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development (DPPD) at the School of Pharmacy.

He previously held the appointment of clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice. From 2001-2003, he was associate director of the Bureau of Pharmaceutical Services at UM, assisting with continuing education opportunities for pharmacists. He received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy from UM, and his areas of practice include geriatrics and consulting pharmacy.

“Dr. Pittman has an in-depth understanding of the professional development needs of Mississippi pharmacists,” said Barbara G. Wells, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “He is committed to helping pharmacists to develop the abilities they need to advance their practices to the next level to include medication therapy-management services, which ensure that patients receive optimal medication effectiveness and minimal risk. He is a tremendous asset to the School of Pharmacy and to our profession.”

As director, Pittman is responsible for creating professional-development opportunities for practicing pharmacists. These opportunities include educational opportunities, live and printed, at the local and national levels, including continuing education, certificate programs, and distance-learning programs.

The DPPD will continue popular programs such as the annual Keep Up Conference intended to educate pharmacists on new drugs introduced to the market during the previous year and the live continuing education opportunities provided during Pharmacy Alumni Weekend and throughout the year. Pittman also plans to expand upon the renewed interest in disease-state management with the evolution of medication therapy management.

“I feel honored to work in this capacity,” Pittman said “The division is very important in maintaining [the school’s] ties with the practicing pharmacists of Mississippi, and I want to be a source for pharmacists all over the state to help them develop and expand their practice to include new and expanding roles for the future.”

Established in 2005 and located at The University of Mississippi Medical Center, the DPPD provides continuing education and professional-development opportunities for pharmacists throughout Mississippi. The DPPD is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

For more information, contact Pittman at jpittman@pharmacy.umsmed.edu or visit www.pharmacy.olemiss.edu/thebureau.

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