INitiate 2025 - Speakers

Houston, TX

Diane Calinski, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Manchester University College of Pharmacy, Natural and Health Sciences

Dr. Diane Calinski is the chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical and Graduate Life Sciences and an associate professor at Manchester University. Dr. Calinski earned her Ph.D. in pharmacology from the University of Michigan in 2013, where she studied cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism. In 2018, she received the AACP New Investigator Award for her proposal on synthetic cathinone-mediated inhibition of the cytochrome P450 CYP2D6. More recently, Dr. Calinski has published in the scholarship of teaching and learning, focusing on the integration of pharmacogenomics into pharmacy curricula. Dr. Calinski has served as the chair for the AACP Biological Sciences Section and is a 2024 AACP Academic Leadership Fellow (ALFP). 
 

Jan Engle, Pharm.D., Ph.D. (Hon), FAPhA, FCCP, FNAP
Executive Director
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education

Dr. Janet P. Engle is the executive director of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). She is past president of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists with over 60,000 members. She has served as a voting member of the FDA Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee and continues as a Special Government Employee Consultant to FDA. Dr. Engle is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Dr. Engle was elected as a distinguished practitioner in the National Academies of Practice in pharmacy. Dr. Engle has also been named a fellow of the APhA Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management and a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. She also has received the APhA Distinguished Achievement Award for Clinical/Pharmacotherapeutic Practice.

Dr. Engle is an internationally recognized expert on the topics of nonprescription medicines, pharmacy education, and leadership and is very active in international pharmacy. She has served as chair of the ACPE International Commission and is serving a third term as overseas expert of the Post Graduate Allied Health Institute Board at Singapore General Hospital. Dr. Engle has worked with National Taiwan University and was a guest professor at Harbin Medical University in China. She worked with the Pharmacy Council of Thailand and received an honorary Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences from Khon Kaen University in Thailand. She has served as a consultant to the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization. She has practiced pharmacy in community, hospital, long-term care and pharmacy-directed ambulatory clinic settings. 
 

Michelle Farland, Pharm.D.
Clinical Professor and Interim Chair
University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Dr. Michelle Z. Farland, Pharm.D., is a clinical professor and interim co-chair of pharmacotherapy and translational research at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and completed residency training at Shands Jacksonville Medical Center and Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia Hospitals. 
Her educational research focuses on outcomes of team-based learning, personal and professional development, and contemporary grading strategies. Dr. Farland has served as a national speaker in the areas of diabetes, team-based learning, collaborative learning teams, and situational judgement tests.

Dr. Farland has been recognized by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy with the 2012 New Educator Award, by the Team Based Learning Collaborative (TBLC) in 2016 as a team-based learning trainer-consultant, and by AACP in 2017 as an Emerging Teaching Scholar. She also received an honorable mention for the AACP Innovations in Teaching Award in 2019. 
 

Diane Ginsburg, Ph.D., M.S., R.Ph.
Associate Dean for Healthcare Partnerships and Clinical Professor of Pharmacy
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

Dr. Diane Ginsburg completed her B.S. in pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1984 and an M.S. at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in 1990. She completed a two-year ASHP-accredited residency in hospital pharmacy administration in 1987 at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in higher education administration and leadership in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin. She is currently a clinical professor and interim head in the Pharmacy Practice Division, associate dean for healthcare partnerships, and G.D. Searle Endowed Fellow in Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. She is also a Gallup-certified strengths coach.

She has been active with the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and served as president and a three-year term on the Board of Directors. She has served ASHP in several capacities including: chair, Council on Educational Affairs, AJHP Editorial Advisory Board, Texas delegate, co-coordinator National Clinical Skills Competition. She is co-editor of Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment and an author and editor of ASHP’s Preceptor’s Handbook for Pharmacists. She was inducted as fellow the ASHP in 1998. She also served as chair of the ASHP Research and Education Foundation Board of Directors.

She is a past president of the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists and TSHP Research & Education Foundation. She has received several honors and awards including the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and is a 2016 recipient of the Texas Ex Students Association Texas Ten Award recognizing the 10 most talented and inspiring professors at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Ginsburg is internationally known for her work on ethics and the legal and regulatory aspects of pharmacy and healthcare. 
 

Joel Gonzales
Director of Admissions
University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Mr. Joel W. Gonzales was born and raised in California’s rural Central Valley; his journey in higher education beginning at the University of San Diego, where he earned a B.A. in speech communication and leadership studies and continued at University of San Francisco (M.A. in organization & leadership in higher education.) As a member of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) at the UCSF School of Pharmacy, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of pharmacy education. In his role as Director of Admissions, Mr. Gonzales oversees Pharm.D. admissions, coordinates the activities of the Admissions Committee, and manages the annual selection process for entering pharmacy students. He is deeply involved in all aspects of recruitment and outreach, ensuring that prospective students have the information and support they need to pursue their academic goals. Mr. Gonzales's dedication to prospective students is further exemplified through his blog, “Reports from the Pharm.” Through this platform, he shares valuable insights into the admissions process, provides updates on important developments, and tells stories that resonate with aspiring pharmacists. His blog has become a trusted resource for those looking to join the UCSF School of Pharmacy community. 
 

Charlene Green, Psy.D.
Assistant Dean of Admissions, Outreach, and Diversity
University of California, Davis

Dr. Charlene Green (Psy.D.) serves as assistant dean of admissions, outreach, and diversity at the UC Davis School of Medicine, overseeing respective aspects of programmatic, policy, and administrative matters related to admissions, student/resident diversity initiatives, and student development. She leads the Community of Practice efforts for UC Davis' national Center for a Diverse Healthcare Workforce, facilitating forums and ensuring that stakeholders and community partners achieve success in creating and implementing institutional action plans toward a diverse and inclusive learning environment. She serves as lead for "I for the AvenueM" Program, California Postbaccalaureate Consortium, and Huwighurruk Tribal Health Postbaccalaureate Program. 
 

Kris Harrell, Pharm.D., M.A.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Pharmacy Practice
The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy

Dr. Kris Harrell has been in academia and practiced as a pharmacist for more than 20 years. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Mississippi. He completed postgraduate residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System and a second primary care residency at The University of Mississippi Medical Center. He also received a Master of Arts degree in higher education and student personnel from The University of Mississippi. Prior to assuming his current academic dean role four years ago, Dr. Harrell was the director of experiential education for 12 years.
 

Cameron Lindsey, Pharm.D., M.P.H., BC-ADM, CDCES, BCACP
Professor and Chair Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration
University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy

Dr. Cameron C. Lindsey, tenured professor and chair of the Division of Pharmacy Practice and Administration at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy has been actively involved with student pharmacists via didactic, experiential, and co-curricular learning venues in addition to her advisory role for the campus’ APhA-ASP and Kappa Epsilon Fraternity chapters. In her role as Chair, she has embraced creative workspaces and ideas to invest and support the team within her division across three campuses.

To assist patients, Dr. Lindsey has practiced and conducted research in a wide array of settings. Recently, she has led the school’s efforts to provide COVID-19 vaccine delivery across the Kansas City while also leveraging the school’s resources to help those in need across the state. She wholeheartedly believes that it takes a community to raise a pharmacist and with that, comes the responsibility to give back to that community!
 

Beth Mills, Pharm.D., BCACP, CDCES, FNCAP
Associate Professor and Chair of Pharmacy Practice
Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Dr. Beth Mills is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Campbell University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. A proud alumna, she earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Campbell University in 1998, followed by a primary care residency with a focus on diabetes management and education. Since joining the faculty, Dr. Mills has achieved Board Certification in Ambulatory Care Pharmacy (BCACP) and earned her credentials as a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES). 
 

Rebecca Moote, Pharm.D., M.Sc., BCPS
Assistant Division Head of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Sciences
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy

Dr. Rebecca Moote is a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy and has an adjunct appointment with the Department of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio (UTHSA). She serves as the assistant division head of the pharmacotherapy division for the UT College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Moote received her Doctor of Pharmacy in 2007 from the University of Texas at Austin and Master of Science in pharmacy and advanced practice pharmacotherapy specialty residency at UTHSA in 2009. Dr. Moote maintains an active practice as a clinical internal medicine pharmacist at University Hospital and precepts over 20 pharmacy students and residents a year. 

Her research focus is interprofessional education and she serves as the scholarship dissemination coordinator for Linking Interprofessional Networks for Collaboration (LINC) at UTHSA. In 2023, she was inducted into the National Academies of Practice (NAP) as a distinguished scholar and fellow in the Pharmacy Academy. 
 

Geeta Naayar, M.D., MBA
Chief Medical Officer, Technologist, and WSJ Best Selling Author

Geeta Nayyar, M.D., MBA, is a globally recognized chief medical officer, technologist, and bestselling author who helps leaders leverage a human approach to innovation, including rapid advances in AI, to achieve better health and business outcomes.

A widely sought-after speaker and author of the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller "Dead Wrong: Diagnosing and Treating Healthcare’s Misinformation Illness," "Dr. G" has appeared on prominent media outlets such as CNBC, CNN, Fox and ABC News. She has served as chief medical officer for Salesforce and AT&T, among other executive roles. She currently serves on the board of the American Telemedicine Association and as an advisor to the American Medical Association.

A rheumatologist, Dr. G earned her medical degree at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was admitted into an accelerated program at age 17, and her MBA at The George Washington University School of Business. 
 

Carroll "Les" Ramos, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Dean
Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy

Dr. Les Ramos has served as dean of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy since 2023. Dr. Ramos joined the SWOSU College of Pharmacy faculty in 1998 and has served as interim dean (2022-2023), associate dean for student services (2016-2023), chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and president of the University Faculty Senate. Dr. Ramos has served on four consecutive accreditation self-study committees at the SWOSU College of Pharmacy and contributes to leading the strategic planning process for the College. Dr. Ramos received a Ph.D. in pharmacology and B.S. in pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and a B.A. in biology from St. Mary's College of Maryland. Prior to arriving at SWOSU, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in vascular biology at the University of Virginia Health Sciences Center.
 

 

Helen Sairany, Pharm.D., M.B.A.

Dr. Helen Sairany boasts over 15 years of experience in executive and trauma-informed leadership, administrative management, and regulatory and accreditation systems. Her distinguished career includes roles such as pharmacist, director of content development and business partnership at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), state executive for the Florida and South Carolina Pharmacy Associations, director of quality assurance at the University of Duhok College of Pharmacy, and field provider in Iraq and Western Syria.

Dr. Sairany holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Agnes Scott College, a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland, and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Northeastern University. Her significant contributions to combating opioid abuse through pharmacist patient care services have earned her accolades from the Washington Business Journal as a "40 Under 40" leader and from The Pharmacy Times as a “Next Generation Pharmacist.”

A renowned keynote speaker, Dr. Sairany has presented nationally and internationally on a range of topics, including mental health, racial and developmental trauma, addiction, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Sairany is also an accomplished author, with notable works including "Trading Grenades for Candy: A Kurdish Refugee’s American Journey," "The We You Don’t See: Understanding the Long Shadows of Trauma," and the forthcoming "Childhood Baggage: Overcoming Trauma Patterns that Limit Success." 

In her spare time, Dr. Sairany serves as a faculty adviser for the All-Women Blogger’s Club, where she mentors young women from minority communities in expressing their voices through writing. 
 

Kim Tanzer, Pharm.D.
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Clinical Professor
Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy

Dr. Kim Tanzer received her Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and her Pharm.D. degree from MCPHS University, Boston. She completed the AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program in 2014. Dr. Tanzer currently serves as associate dean for academic affairs and clinical professor of pharmacy practice at Texas A&M Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy. In this role, Dr. Tanzer is responsible for providing leadership of the overall academic professional program for the Kingsville and College Station campuses. She is also currently serving as acting department head of pharmacy practice. Before coming to A&M, Dr. Tanzer served as professor and assistant dean for experiential affairs and director of continuing education at Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Dr. Tanzer served three years on the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, serving as president in 2020. Dr. Tanzer’s leadership in AACP includes her current position as the administrative board representative on the Council of Deans (COD) Administrative Board, chair of the COD Resolutions Committee, and past chair of the COD Mentoring Committee. She also served as the chair of the AACP Experiential Education Section in 2020, and has chaired several of the Experiential Education Section committees to include the Programming, Master Preceptor Recognition Program, Nominations, and Awards Committees.

Dr. Tanzer served as an appointed member on the NABP Advisory Committee on Exams (ACE) and the Committee for Law Enforcement and Legislation, and has participated in NABP work as a member of the Task Force on Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Education and as a Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) item writer. Dr. Tanzer has served as an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accreditation site team member since 2017, participating in U.S.-based and international site visits. 
 

Katherine Tromp, Pharm.D.
Interim Dean and Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy

Dr. Katherine M. Tromp is the interim dean at the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) College of Pharmacy in Rootstown, Ohio. Prior to this role, she was the senior associate dean of education and interprofessional education. She completed her undergraduate education at Worcester Polytechnic Institute where she received a Bachelor of Science degree with majors in biochemistry and scientific, technical, and professional communications. Dr. Tromp completed her Pharm.D. at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in Worcester, Mass. After pharmacy school, she completed a PGY-1 community residency with MCPHS University and Walgreens. Dr. Tromp’s background is focused on community practice and pharmacy academia. Dr. Tromp’s areas of research and teaching include the scholarship of teaching and learning, interprofessional education, immunizations, and self-care. 
 

Elena Umland, Pharm.D., FNAP
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor
Thomas Jefferson University Jefferson College of Pharmacy

Dr. Elena Umland is the associate dean for academic affairs and professor of pharmacy at the Jefferson College of Pharmacy (JCP) at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Penn. Her academic career of greater than 25 years began at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia; she later joined the founding leadership team at JCP in 2007. Currently, she is co-chair of the 2024-2025 COD Mentoring Committee on which she has served since 2022; member of the Aspiring Academics Advisory Committee since 2022; and lead for the Women in Academia SIG’s subcommittee to develop a mentoring program guide. She is a 2007 AACP Academic Leadership Fellows Program graduate and has served on the AACP Academic Affairs committee and the Institutional Research Advisory Committee (IRAC). On the IRAC, she chaired the sub-task force responsible for the development of the initial AACP Preceptor Survey. She has held elected leadership positions for the AACP Women’s Faculty SIG; secretary and later chair and served as an invited member of the AACP Women’s Health Curriculum Task Force for five years. She held an elected leadership position as Region II Councilor for Rho Chi; and serves as an ACPE site reviewer. During her tenure at Jefferson, Dr. Umland was co-director of the university’s Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education from 2017-2021. Under her guidance, the Center received honorable mention for the 2019 George E. Thibault, MD, Nexus Award by the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, as well as honorable mention in behavioral health for the USPHS/IPEC 2020 Excellence in Interprofessional Education Collaboration National Award. 
 

Jonathan Wolfson, J.D.
Chief Legal Officer and Policy Director
The Cicero Institute

Jonathan Wolfson, J.D., is an attorney, policy advisor, author, teacher, and speaker whose career includes multiple roles in both the private and public sectors. He has been a senior executive for the U.S. Department of Labor, a litigation attorney at an international law firm, an adjunct faculty member at the Honors College at the University of South Florida, a policy analyst at the White House, and a debate and public speaking coach and consultant. As the author of "The Great Debate," a debate textbook used by students around the globe, he has provided debate, public speaking, and organizational decision-making training to businesses, nonprofit organizations, academics, and students alike. He studied economics at Washington University in St. Louis and later earned his law degree at the University of Virginia School of Law. He presently is General Counsel and Senior Policy Advisor at the Cicero Institute, a nonpartisan think tank focused on creating entrepreneurial solutions to the most challenging public policy problems. Wolfson lives in Richmond, Va., with his wife and four children.