News @ VCU School of Pharmacy

Just like a Good Neighbor … Davis is there

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When you ask Ron Davis (B.S. ’73) about his part in the School of Pharmacy’s recent Crystal APPLE Award, he is unassuming about his success.

“There were an awful lot of people behind it,” he says, citing his clinical director, Kelly Rea, at Buford Road Pharmacy, along with four staff pharmacists, four technicians and a nurse. (Rea was a VCU Community Pharmacy Practice Resident at Buford Road last year.)

Davis was nominated for the pharmacy’s academic-practice partnership with the School of Pharmacy by Beverly A. Talluto, assistant dean for experiential education. The award was presented in late February at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Interim Meeting in Arlington.

Though he’s honored, Davis says, smiling, “I’m not really an awards kind of guy.” He’s quick to note that all Buford Road employees take part in caring for its patients … from salesclerks to pharmacists.

Davis, who is also chairman of the School of Pharmacy’s National Advisory Council, has served as a preceptor for 30 years, including 16 at Buford Road and 14 before that at Tuckahoe Cardinal.

Next up? Jefferson Good Neighbor Pharmacy at Lake Monticello, about 20 miles outside Richmond, which opened March 13. Dane Yonce (B.S. ’86) is a partner , and Rebekah Guthrie is managing pharmacist.

“It’s like a mini-Buford Road!” Davis says, laughing. “It’s been fun building it.”

The pharmacy includes a clinic that will offer immunizations and training in various disease states such as diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol.

Davis had been scoping out the site as a possible home for his 9,000-square-foot business for a couple of years. The only other pharmacy in the area, a CVS, is literally on the other side of the lake. The community, he says, had had an independent pharmacy for years and is glad to welcome another one.

Discussing her nomination of Davis for the Crystal APPLE, Talluto says his practice is innovative and reflects the needs of the community. His certifications in diabetes, asthma and pain management demonstrate his commitment to his work, and he remains actively involved in organizations such as the School of Pharmacy, Virginia Pharmacists Association and Richmond Pharmacists Association.

“He exemplifies a lifelong commitment to patient care and teaching students,” she adds. “He shows by example his love of pharmacy, his patients and the many students who have completed rotations with him.”

Submitted By:
Cynthia McMullen
3/18/2009