PharmD Class of 2027 Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Completion of Didactic Coursework

The MCW School of Pharmacy awarded school pins to 43 students during the Class of 2027 Pinning Ceremony, recognizing their completion of didactic coursework and transition to full-time clinical rotations. During their third and final year of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum, students will be immersed in the practice setting for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), where they'll be exposed to various pharmacy specialties.

“I think we all agree you have all worked hard, endured challenges and grown in ways that may not have seemed possible when you first joined us,” said Ehab Abourashed, PhD, MS, BPharm, assistant dean for academic and curricular affairs and professor. “The pin that you will receive today reflects all these feelings of pride, accomplishment, gratitude and more.”

Stacy Reid, PharmD, BCPS, assistant dean of experiential education and assistant professor, encouraged the Class of 2027 to be role models for younger students.

“When you first started pharmacy school, you may have walked past APPE students talking in what may have seemed like a foreign language,” said Dr. Reid. “A few years later, you will realize on APPEs that you are now that student talking in the foreign pharmacy language. Patients will ask you questions, expecting you to have the knowledge and skills to answer. [Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience] IPPE students are now looking to you for support and advice.”

Several exemplary students were recognized during the ceremony.

• The Pharmacist of the Future Award, recognizing a student who their peers would trust to be their own pharmacist, was awarded to Laith Omar.
• The Inclusive Excellence Award, recognizing accomplishments in exemplifying MCW’s values of being inclusive, caring for others and treating all with respect was awarded to Mai Vang.

A group of 17 students – the largest cohort to date – received student ambassador pins, recognizing their commitment to recruiting and retaining future pharmacy students. A few of these students received the Outstanding Student Ambassador Award: Ariel Franitza, Adham Ibrahim-Salem, Mohammad Siddiqui and Bradley Townsend.

The MCW School of Pharmacy also celebrated the 2026 Instructors of the Year. This honor is awarded to faculty members who made the most significant impact on student learning during the first and second years of instruction.

PY1 Instructors of the Year

• Biopharmaceutical Sciences: Ehab Abourashed, PhD, MS, BPharm – Assistant Dean for Academic and Curricular Affairs; Professor
• Clinical Sciences: Michael DeBisschop, PharmD – Professor

PY2 Instructors of the Year

• Biopharmaceutical Sciences: Abir El-Alfy, PhD, MS – Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Professor
• Clinical Sciences: Ameer El-Afandi, PharmD – Assistant Professor