WSU Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

08/28/2026

This week’s Friday Faces of Applebaum recognizes Kathy Pawlicki, a 1988 graduate of Wayne State University’s Master’s in Hospital Pharmacy program and a leader whose career has spanned hospital systems, national organizations, and healthcare leadership.

After earning her bachelor’s degree and working in a hospital setting, Kathy pursued her graduate education at Wayne State to expand her opportunities in leadership and management, a decision that helped shape an impressive career in pharmacy administration and healthcare strategy.

Today, Kathy serves as Vice President of Business Development & Strategy at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles across hospitals, health systems, and professional organizations, including serving as President of regional and state societies for health-system pharmacy in Michigan and for ASHP to advance the profession.

Kathy credits Wayne State with helping ignite her passion for leadership and opening doors to opportunities that shaped her professional journey. 💚💛

Learn more about Kathy and her journey. https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/kathy-pawlicki-115653

08/26/2026

From physical therapy student to clinician, mentor and leader, Roberto Merucci, DPT ’18, has continued to build on the foundation he developed at Wayne State.

In Episode 07 of “Where Health Happens,” Merucci reflects on his path into physical therapy and his career in outpatient rehabilitation, where he now serves as a clinical director and regional operations mentor at Team Rehabilitation.

He also discusses how physical therapists help patients regain strength, confidence and independence through individualized treatment, supportive relationships and guidance throughout the recovery process.

Hear Merucci’s perspective on patient care, professional growth, mentorship and the Wayne State experience that helped prepare him for his career.

🎧 Listen to “Where Recovery Happens” on YouTube or Spotify. go.wayne.edu/whh-episode-07

08/25/2026

WSU Applebaum researchers are helping tackle an important question in infectious disease treatment.

Wayne State University is participating in a National Institutes of Health-funded study examining the effectiveness of cefazolin in treating serious Staphylococcus aureus infections. The research could help strengthen the evidence clinicians use when making antibiotic treatment decisions for patients with these potentially life-threatening infections.

Learn more: go.wayne.edu/d412ae0

08/24/2026

Welcome back, Warriors! 💚💛

A new semester is here, bringing new opportunities to learn, connect and grow. We’re excited to welcome our students back as they continue preparing for impactful careers in pharmacy and the health sciences.

08/24/2026

Sometimes the best lessons happen outside the classroom.

Students from Wayne State University's Pathologists' Assistant program volunteered at Rebel Dogs Detroit, where they helped care for rescue dogs by walking them, organizing donated supplies, cleaning the shelter grounds, and giving the dogs plenty of attention and affection.

The experience was more than lending a helping hand, it reflected the compassion, teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail our students are developing as future healthcare professionals.

08/21/2026

This week's Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight shines on Jennifer Gavia, a 2022 Wayne State University occupational therapy graduate who is already making a difference in the lives of children and their families as a pediatric occupational therapist at Emagine Health Services.

Jennifer chose Wayne State for its diverse community and strong connection to Detroit, where she found the support and opportunities to thrive. Just nine months into her career, she was nominated for OT of the Year within her company - a true testament to her passion and dedication to her patients!

https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/jennifer-gavia-114955

08/20/2026

Why are prescription drug prices falling for some consumers?

Fabrice Smieliauskas, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Wayne State University, joins 760 WJR’s All Talk with Kevin Dietz to discuss what’s driving changes in prescription drug costs and what they could mean for patients.

go.wayne.edu/0d10c45

Podcast Episode · All Talk with Kevin Dietz · August 18 · 10m

08/19/2026

Not every graduate student can quit their job to pursue a professional degree, and at Wayne State, they don't have to.

For Shuriah Lee, the flexibility of the part-time Pathologists' Assistant program has made all the difference. While earning her degree, she's also working as a Teaching Assistant Prosector, where she prepares anatomy labs, hones her dissection skills, and helps fellow students learn.

Inspired by a personal loss, Shuriah chose to pursue a career as a Pathologists' Assistant to help provide patients and their families with answers and closure during some of life's most difficult moments.

Wayne State's program has provided the foundation for Shuriah to succeed. The small class sizes, one-on-one faculty support, access to advanced technology, hands-on training, and learning from professors who are active professionals in surgical and forensic pathology made Shuriah's decision to attend Wayne State's pathologists' assistant program an easy one.

The part-time option has allowed Shuriah to maintain a healthy balance while pursuing the career she's passionate about. We're proud to celebrate students like Shuriah, who prove that there are many paths to achieving your goals.

08/14/2026

This week’s Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight recognizes Kristie Kava, a 1974 graduate of Wayne State University’s physical therapy program, whose career has been defined by leadership, innovation, and dedication to patient care.

After garnering valuable experience in hospital settings, Kristie and her husband Frank, also a 1974 Wayne State physical therapy graduate, founded an independent private practice focused on exceptional care, mentorship, and education.

A lifelong learner, Kristie was always in pursuit of excellence. She earned a certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT), completed her DScPT, and expanded her expertise through research focused on performing artists’ injuries and movement-based rehabilitation.

Over more than 40 years, Kristie has helped shape the profession through clinical excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to professional growth while improving the lives of countless patients and future clinicians.

Congratulations to this week’s Applebaum Warrior, Kristie Kava! 💚💛
https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/kristie-sherman-kava-115424

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Brian Cummings on his reappointment as dean of Wayne State University’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences!

Dean Cummings has led WSU Applebaum since 2021. As he continues in this role, the college remains focused on preparing highly skilled health care professionals, advancing research and strengthening the health and well-being of our communities.

Join us in congratulating Dean Cummings and looking forward to the next chapter for WSU Applebaum!

Read more: go.wayne.edu/1083796