A West Virginia University student pharmacist is one of 29 college students in the country to receive an award for her research.
The American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education presented Michelle Grose, a third-year student at the WVU School of Pharmacy, with the Gateway to Research Award. The award supports Doctor of Pharmacy and baccalaureate degree students who are considering a career in research.
In a statement, the Foundation said Grose was chosen because members believe her work will impact public health.
“Depression is a disease state that often goes unrecognized and untreated in primary care patients,” Grose said. “My research will help increase the number of patients screened for depression, which could help improve treatment outcomes and overall quality of life in these patients.”
Grose, a native of Perryopolis, Pa., began researching depression after witnessing how difficult it is for patients to find the correct medication, dosage and treatment regimen.
The Gateway to Research Award will allow her to continue her efforts to influence patients dealing with depression while working with her faculty mentors, Angela Goodhart, Pharm.D., and Heather Johnson, Pharm.D. Grose will focus her work in the WVU Medicine Clark K. Sleeth Family Medicine Center in Morgantown, where her mentors work in the family medicine department.
“I will review patients previously prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and determine whether they are due for a yearly screening,” Grose said. “If the patient needs one, I will contact them to administer the screening and record the results for their provider to review.”
Grose’s goal is to create a quality improvement plan other clinics can adopt.
“Michelle took a chance applying for this highly competitive award, and we are so excited to see it pay off,” Johnson said. She is developing the skills to be a lifelong, impactful researcher, and we are excited to see her work recognized on a national stage.”
Grose is in the Area of Emphasis in Translational Pharmacy Research program at the School of Pharmacy. Marina Galvez, Pharm.D., Ph.D., who directs the program, assisted her in applying for the award.
