Dr. Shaffer honored by Nebraska Pharmacists Association

Chris Shaffer, PharmD, associate dean for student affairs in the College of Pharmacy and assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science, has been awarded one of his profession’s highest honors, the Bowl of Hygeia.

The honor was announced Tuesday at the annual meeting of the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, which was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A formal presentation likely will follow at a later date.

The award dates back to 1958, and “recognizes pharmacists who possess outstanding records of civic leadership in their communities and encourages pharmacists to take active roles in their communities,” according to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation. The honor is sponsored by the APhA and National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and is presented annually throughout the U.S.

“I am extremely honored and humbled to receive this award,” Dr. Shaffer said. “There are a number of individuals that have practiced in the state that have done wonderful things. To be considered in the same company of them is truly an honor.”

It was especially meaningful to receive Nebraska’s Bowl of Hygeia immediately following the 2019 winner — Dr. Shaffer’s friend and predecessor as associate dean, Charles Krobot, PharmD. Dr. Krobot died June 27 and was a beloved figure at UNMC and in Nebraska’s pharmacy community.

“I hope to live up to the ideals that he and others embodied in this award,” Dr. Shaffer said.

The UNMC College of Pharmacy swept the NPA’s two headline awards. Drew Prescott, PharmD, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice and science, was honored with the Pharmacists Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist award.