Professor Karen Bastianelli, BSPharm, PharmD, BCACP, has been selected as the 2020 Lawrence C. and Delores M. Weaver Medal recipient. The award recognizes sustained and distinguished support of the College of Pharmacy and its students, and/or acknowledges outstanding contribution to pharmacy education, practice, research or community outreach.
Through teaching, practice and service, Bastianelli has demonstrated unwavering commitment to students and patients, the profession of pharmacy, the college and the University, throughout her career. A few highlights from her nominations clearly demonstrate this:
“Karen has been a leader ever since she was a pharmacy student and she was president of the College's professional student organization. Besides this, as her curriculum vitae indicates, she has done so much since then that her voluminous accomplishments could easily be taken for granted. In fact, when I consider all that Karen has done professionally, I ask myself why she has not received the Weaver Medal already. From my perspective, I can hardly believe that one person could have interfaced with so many students, taught so many courses, written so many articles. given so many talks, participated in so many health fairs, and contributed so much to the profession of pharmacy as has Karen. The breadth and quality of her accomplishments are amazing.”
“In addition to [her many contributions to the college’s teaching mission,” Dr. B. has developed educational materials/programs for the College. She developed an interprofessional patient care APPE rotation at Duluth's Federally-Qualified Lake Superior Community Health Center, addressing the College's need for another Ambulatory Care APPE site in Duluth.”
“Through her Prescription Medication course offering with the University for Seniors Program, Dr. Bastianelli addresses the importance of understanding the effects and interactions of prescription medications with a focus on achieving improved health outcomes by minimizing risks of side effects as well as increasing the effectiveness of commonly used prescription products. Dr. Bastianelli's Prescription Medication study groups garner much interest each time it is offered. The high level of interest confirms the value of the information for members of University for Seniors learning community. Dr. Bastianelli's expertise, engaging nature, relational approach to teaching, and accessibility has earned her great respect as an educator and leader in the University of Minnesota Duluth community.”