(Humacao, P.R.) – Sindy Canales Díaz, a graduate of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico in Humacao (UPRH), recently completed her doctoral degree in pharmacy with a certification in strategic leadership from the University of Charleston. The doctor also received the prestigious U.S. Public Health Pharmacy Excellence Award.
“Throughout all these years of professional and personal development, I recognized how useful and significant my experience as a pharmacy technician was; it has been one of the most important decisions I've made in the past because it allowed me to discover my passion for the pharmacy profession and build an incredible relationship with my patients. I am grateful to those who believed in me before starting this journey, to Dr. Mirna Rivera-Claudio, Dr. Lilliam Casillas, Dr. Jorge Zayas-Cruz, professors at UPRH,” said Dr. Canales.
Dr. Canales Díaz was also recognized with the U.S. Public Health Pharmacy Excellence Award. This award is given to pharmacy graduate students across the nation who have made a significant contribution to public health by promoting the well-being of communities. The Public Health Pharmacy Excellence Award is granted by the Pharmacist Professional Advisory Committee (PharmPAC) of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), which in turn is led by the Surgeon General of the United States.
In Dr. Canales's case, she provided free tutoring for three years through the Rho Chi honor society to her peers and participated in talks to promote mental health among graduate students. She also collaborated on scientific research in immunotherapy in pediatric patients with Type 2 diabetes and the environmental impact of inhalers for treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease when discarded. This last project was presented at the West Virginia Capitol to promote the establishment of centers for disposing of used inhalers, and the poster was presented at the annual conference of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in Anaheim, California.
“I am honored to receive the U.S. Public Health Pharmacy Excellence Award. I didn't see it coming, but I perceived it as a sign that I am on the right path to make a difference for the benefit of our patients and for the advancement of the pharmacy profession. All glory be to my Lord!” concluded the doctor.
For his part, Dr. Carlos A. Galiano Quiñones, rector of UPRH, congratulates and recognizes Dr. Canales Díaz, as well as acknowledging the great work carried out by the institution's professors. “UPRH is a great center of study, focused on training the future professionals this world needs. Sindy's story, a product of the University of Puerto Rico, demonstrates this, and we are proud to see what she has achieved. Congratulations!” concluded the rector.
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