WASHINGTON, DC – The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) announced that David R. Bright, PharmD, BCACP, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy, is the recipient of the 2012 APhA Distinguished New Practitioner Award. He was a Community Pharmacy resident at The University of Toledo from 2008-2009. Bright was selected in recognition of the many accomplishments he has achieved early in his career, especially in the areas of disease state management and wellness, medication therapy management (MTM) and student mentorship.

The Distinguished New Practitioner Award was established in 2010 to recognize a new practitioner, within his/her first five years of practice, who has demonstrated distinctive achievements in mentorship, service and commitment to the profession of pharmacy. The award will be bestowed upon Bright at APhA’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in New Orleans, March 9-12, 2012. APhA’s awards series is pharmacy’s most comprehensive recognition program.

A colleague who nominated Bright noted, “David has been one of the largest influences on the success of my career as a pharmacist and on my passion for the field of pharmacy. By just looking through some of his work, it is easy to see that he has experienced much success in his few years as a pharmacist. David also spends an impressive amount of time mentoring and supporting those around him. He generously shares opportunities with others and provides encouragement and assistance to assure that students and colleagues succeed. David’s determination, dedication and compassion for others are what have helped him accomplish so much, so early. These same attributes will ensure he will continue to impact countless patients, students and colleagues throughout his career.”

Bright is also the Director of Pharmacy for ONU HealthWise, a disease state management program offered to employees of Ohio Northern University. His scholarly interests include both MTM and collaborative drug therapy management, often with emphasis in the treatment of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Bright is also interested in the involvement of pharmacy technicians in the practice of pharmacy. Bright earned his BSPharm and PharmD from the University of Toledo.

Another colleague commented, “David is a unique blend of mentor, compassionate practitioner and leader that is so very much needed in our current healthcare system. He possesses an outstanding commitment to the profession of pharmacy and mentoring comes naturally to him. It is truly David’s leadership that may set him apart though. It does not take long to notice how other faculty and those around him respect and admire him. He always goes above and beyond to make an impact on the field of pharmacy and on those around him.”

Bright is a member of many professional organizations including APhA, the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, the Ohio Pharmacists Association, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. He has earned several honors including the Ohio Northern Mortar Board “Favorite” Professor Award, APhA-APPM Presentation Merit Award and membership in honor/leadership societies including Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa.

About the American Pharmacists Association 
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, is a 501 (c)(6) organization, representing more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States.