Pharmacists Association Recognizes Ann Amerson

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 12, 2010) − Ann Amerson, professor emeritus in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, is one of two recipients of the 2010 Kentucky Pharmacists Association (KPhA) Distinguished Service Award presented at the KPhA Annual Meeting in Louisville on June 11.
 

The award recognized Amerson as an individual member who has made significant contributions to the association or profession at large over an extended period of time. Only Active or Honorary Life members of the Association are eligible for the award. Amerson was nominated by fellow colleagues in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at UK.
 

"I think her contributions to the Nontraditional Option of the PharmD program are more than sufficient to qualify her for this honor," said Peggy Piascik, colleague and association professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at UK. "This program has been a major driver in improving pharmacy practice in the state over the last 20 years."
 

Amerson is a UK College of Pharmacy graduate who has remained passionate to the school, profession and community. Other colleagues note Amerson's history as a great role-model to pharmacists, especially women, and inspire students and residents to aim higher to better serve patients. Currently, Amerson is on the Ky Pharmacy Education and Research Foundation (KPERF) Advisory Board for KPhA.
 

She served as director of the UK Drug Information Center at UK Chandler Hospital from 1974 to 1992. Her responsibilities as clerkship coordinator from 1992 to 1998 involved the development of the new experiential training sites for PharmD students. She was also involved in the development and delivery of the Nontraditional Option of the PharmD program.
 

Amerson has presented local and national programs on drug information education and practice, pharmaceutical care skills development and nontraditional education innovations. She has published articles on several of these topics and has served as a reviewer or editorial board member for several journals.
 

KPhA supports the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians of Kentucky by providing programming on up-to-date topics in pharmacy practice. The Kentucky Pharmacists Association is the largest professional organization representing pharmacists in the state and has been serving its members since 1879. KPhA is the voice of pharmacists from all practice settings concerning education, policy, legislative and regulatory matters to shape and improve the future of healthcare across the Commonwealth and the United States.