Pharmacology: An Introduction

About the Author

Michele B. Kaufman

Michele B. Kaufman, a pharmacist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital Lower Manhattan is also a board-certified geriatric and registered pharmacist. She has over 30 years of pharmacy experience, and earned her bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy, Kingston. She has worked as a product development pharmacist in New Jersey and as a hospital pharmacist at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, before returning to New England (Boston) to obtain a doctor of pharmacy degree at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy/ AHS (Boston). Subsequently, she completed a fellowship in drug information (DI) at the URI DI Center/RWMC in Providence. Dr. Kaufman then became a clinical assistant professor at St. John’s University, Jamaica, New York, specializing in DI/adult medicine (clinical site @ LIJMC). After several years in academia she became a geriatric clinical pharmacist in corporate managed care, where she stayed for over a decade. She then left to pursue medical writing and health-system pharmacy practice. She is an active member of professional organizations, including American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, American Medical Writers Association, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, New York State Council of Health-System Pharma­cists, New York City Society of Health-System Pharmacists (NYCSHP), and SWINY. She is a member of the clinical care committee at Callen-Lorde Community Health Center (NYC), and a Lambda Kappa Sigma Professional Pharmacy Society alumni member. She has mentored numerous students throughout her years, and coauthored and published her first book (2019), a health careers book for middle-grade ages and up, Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide. She is the past recipient of two prestigious awards from NYCSHP, the Harold Neham Award (2006) for dedication and commitment to pharmacy practice and literature; and the Joel Yellin Award (2011), honoring significant pharmacy practice contri­bution. When not working, Michele enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, exploring new cultures, and playing musical instruments, mostly the saxophone. She lives in New York City with her spouse, Jo Ellen Fusco, a retired music teacher.

Mary Choy

Mary Choy, PharmD, BCGP, FASHP is a board-certified pharmacist and educator with over two decades of expertise in the pharmacy field. Dr. Choy’s illustrious career spans various roles in academia, hospital, community, and industry settings, demonstrating her adaptability and steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare. She has been honored as a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FASHP) for her substantial contributions to excellence. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from St. John’s University and completed her residency at the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System. Her academic journey commenced with impactful roles as a professor and clinical pharmacist, where she played a pivotal role in educating and mentoring countless healthcare professionals. Notably, at St. John’s University, she established a clinical practice site at Northwell Health, specializing in transplant renal medicine. After several years, she was recruited as a founding faculty member at Touro College of Pharmacy, where she established a clinical practice site focusing on geriatrics at Metropolitan Hospital. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Choy served as a faculty advisor for the ASHP student organization, guiding aspiring pharmacists in research and presentations at various levels. With over 150 publications and presentations, Dr. Choy is highly sought after as both a speaker and author. She co-authored Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide, offering invaluable insights for students pursuing healthcare careers. Her expertise extends to her role as a medical expert for Verywell Health, where she shares her knowledge with a broad audience. An active member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), Dr. Choy has held key leadership positions, including President of the New York City Society of Health- System Pharmacists (NYCSHP) in 2013. She has also served as the Director of Pharmacy Practice for the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists. She has a proven track record of addressing racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare through community collaborations and legislative advocacy. For her exemplary service and leadership, Dr. Choy has received numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the American Pharmacists Association Immunization Champion Award, the ASHP Association of Black Health-System Pharmacists Joint Leadership Award, and the NYCSHP Harold Neham Award. She has been honored with a New York State Assembly Citation and a New York City Council Citation for her contributions to healthcare. She has made appearances on various media platforms, including the NBC Today Show, SinoVision, PBS, ASHP TV, and the documentary “Pharmacists: Unsung Heroes.” She has been featured in publications such as the World Journal and SingTao. Residing in New York City with her spouse and two children, Mary enjoys traveling and exploring different cultures, cuisines, and traditions with her family.

Henry Hitner

Henry Hitner earned a bachelor of science degree in biology from Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and spent several years working in the pharma­ceutical industry, first as a research assistant in toxicology for Wyeth Laboratories and then as a research pharmacologist for National Drug Company, both in Philadel­phia. During this time he earned a master of education degree in biology from West Chester University. He attended graduate school at Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia, where he earned a PhD in pharmacology. Dr. Hitner then went into academia, where he held numerous faculty positions, first as an instructor of biology and allied health sciences at Montgomery County Community College, followed by 30 years of teaching and research at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medi­cine (PCOM). At PCOM he served as professor and vice chair of the neuroscience, physiology, and pharmacology department. Other positions included director of the animal facility and chair of the institutional animal care and utilization committee. Professional memberships included the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He was the recipient of the Lindback Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching and a Mentor Award from the National Student Association. Henry and his wife Carlotta enjoy traveling, the beach, and time spent with family and their nine grandchildren.

Barbara Nagle

Barbara Nagle earned a master of science and doctorate at Hahnemann Medical College and University in the department of pharmacology. Following post­doctoral training in ocular pharmacology at Will’s Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, she taught pharmacology and physiology to medical students at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and to nursing students at Widener University. After several years in academia, she moved into the pharmaceutical industry at Glaxo Smith-Kline, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Bio-Pharm Clinical Services, ICON, and InKine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. as Director of Clinical Information and later Vice President of Clinical Research, Training and Quality Assurance. She has been part of the research effort to bring products through clinical development to FDA approval such as gastric acid suppressants (antihistamines), beta-blockers, anti-infectives, muscle relaxants, and oral contraceptives. Her most recent affiliation was with Endo Pharmaceuticals in pain management research prior to her current activities as consultant and educator. She has served as International Director of Drug Development Training and Medical Education for BioPharm. Professional memberships include the Sigma Xi Scientific Research and American Medical Writers Association. Barbara is a freelance photog­rapher, traveler, and silk painter.