West Coast University Center for Graduate Studies hosted its highly anticipated California Pharmacists Association Awards recognition ceremony this March, where several individuals and organizations were honored for their outstanding contributions to the field of pharmacy.
This year’s PharmD ceremony highlighted the incredible accomplishments of both students and faculty, with a special focus on the role of mentorship, innovation, and dedication to patient care.
Dr. Ani Avoundjian: New Practitioner of the Year
Among the awardees was Dr. Ani Avoundjian, an assistant professor at WCU, who received the prestigious New Practitioner of the Year award at the state level from the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA). In an emotional reflection on her achievement, Dr. Avoundjian shared, “I am beyond honored to be recognized as New Practitioner of the Year at the state level by the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA)! This award is especially meaningful as it reflects the impact of my early years in pharmacy and the passion I have for patient care, advocacy, and mentorship.”
Dr. Avoundjian’s recognition is not just a personal triumph but a celebration of her continuous dedication to improving patient outcomes, advocating for the pharmacy profession, and fostering the next generation of pharmacists.
“Stepping into this profession has been an incredible journey, and I’m truly grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and students who have shaped me along the way,” she added.
A Recognition for the Pharmacy Community
This award is a testament to her hard work, but Dr. Avoundjian emphasizes that the honor is not only hers. She credits the larger pharmacy community for its collective drive towards excellence, saying, “This recognition is not just about me — it’s about the pharmacy community that continuously pushes boundaries, uplifts one another, and strives for excellence. I’m proud to be part of a profession that is making a difference every day.”
WCU and San Fernando Valley Pharmacists’ Association Shine
In addition to Dr. Avoundjian’s individual success, the ceremony also celebrated notable achievements from the West Coast University and the San Fernando Valley Pharmacists’ Association teams. The WCU PharmD program received several awards, showcasing the strong leadership and dedication of its students and faculty. The university was awarded the Innovative Chapter of the Year and Chapter of Excellence titles. These awards were largely due to the exceptional leadership of WCU’s student chapter president, Janna Mozannar, who has been instrumental in driving these initiatives forward.
The Local Chapter of Excellence award was also presented to the San Fernando Valley Pharmacists’ Association, under the leadership of Dr. Avoundjian and Dr. Anna Chaparyan. Their tireless efforts in creating meaningful local initiatives have made a significant impact on the broader pharmacy community.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Pharmacy
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the WCU and San Fernando Valley Pharmacists’ Association teams, Dr. Avoundjian expressed immense pride in the achievements of the students and leaders involved, stating, “I couldn’t be prouder of our students and leaders for their dedication and hard work.”
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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