Nancy Ann Alvarez

Interests

Teaching

Pain medicine, leader development and advocacy, cultural competency,communication history of pharmacy

Research

Pain medicine, leader development and advocacy,cultural competency,communication

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Books

• Alvarez, N. A., Alvarez, N. A., Bethishou, L., Lewis, J., & Xavioer, S. (2021). Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Changing Your Trajectory to Enhance Your Experience. American Pharmacists Association.

Chapters

• Alvarez, N. A., & Cameron, C. K. (2025).

  Osteoarthritis

  . In DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 13th Edition. McGraw Hill.
• Zerr, B., & Alvarez, N. A. (2025).

  Atopic Dermatitis

  . In DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 13th Edition.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2021). Containing the Fire of Burnout. In Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Changing Your Trajectory to Enhance Your Experience(pp 37-67). American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2021). The Many Shades of Support. In Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Changing Your Trajectory to Enhance Your Experience(pp 167-182). American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2021). The Meta-View from 50,000 Feet Above. In Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Changing Your Trajectory to Enhance Your Experience(pp 1-14). American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2021). The Road to Burnout. In Bypass Pharmacy Burnout: Changing Your Trajectory to Enhance Your Experience(pp 15-35). American Pharmacists Association.

Journals/Publications

• Alvarez, N. A., & Erstad, B. L. (2025).

  Planning for and creating strong nomination submissions for honors and awards.

  . J Am Pharm Assoc (2003), 65(6), 102909. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2025.102909
• Alvarez, N. A., & Erstad, B. L. (2025). Planning for and creating strong nomination submissions for honors and awards. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 65(Issue 6). doi:10.1016/j.japh.2025.102909
  More info

  An important activity for pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel is to sponsor nomination submissions for individuals or organizations deserving of honors/awards. This paper provides considerations for nominator pre-planning and planning activities to generate a strong nomination submission. Time, strategic thinking, and the use of advocacy and storytelling skills to construct a compelling narrative for the nomination can increase the likelihood of a successful and celebratory outcome.
• Alvarez, N. A., DeBano, W., Agundez, J., Poland, R., & Erstad, B. L. (2025). A systematic analysis of medicine information pertaining to race and ethnicity terms for 100 top selling medicines in the USA. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 33(Issue 5). doi:10.1093/ijpp/riaf048
  More info

  Objectives: The primary objective of the study focused on the analysis of the terminology used to describe race and/or ethnicity in package inserts for the 100 top-selling medicines in 2021 and to the evaluation of this data based on overall terminology use frequency, terminology use frequency by medication class, and frequency of terminology appearance under specific insert headings. Methods: Data collection involved reviewing package inserts for 100 top-selling medicines approved in the USA starting with the top 10 medicines followed by the remaining 90 medicines on the list. For the initial 10 medicines, a sample package insert was obtained from the DailyMed website, a resource supported by the US National Library of Medicine and analyzed for the explicit use of race or ethnicity terminology. Identified terms were coded and a list of relevant terms was compiled. A sample package insert for each of the other 90 medicines was analyzed using the list of relevant terminology. A final list to represent the use and quantification of race and ethnicity terminology was compiled. Key Findings: This qualitative study revealed that some of the terminology in US medicine information labeling is not consistent with the current wording recommended in FDA guidance for race and ethnicity data collection during clinical trials and other studies. Another finding of this analysis is variation in the frequency of use of race and ethnicity terminology relative to the medicine category and sections of the package insert. Conclusions: Healthcare providers must be cautious when evaluating package inserts, especially race/ethnicity-related terminology that may not reflect current medicine development requirements or when changes occur to tools previously influenced by information used in clinical trials.
• Alvarez, N. A., Edwards, K. L., Lin, K. P., & Hughes, J. (2025). Research and scholarly methods: Applying design thinking to scholarly work. JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. doi:10.1002/jac5.70055
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  Engaging in scholarly endeavors is an expected, and sometimes dreaded, activity. While numerous resources exist supporting the technical aspects of writing, generating the motivation and inspiration to move an idea forward are equally necessary. Design thinking is a methodology that can be used when approaching challenging or new situations, such as scholarly writing and other scholarly work, as it offers a method to facilitate the development and postulation of workable solutions. The design thinking process embraces the iterative nature of scholarly work, including the need for multiple rounds of writing and revision based on feedback from co-authors and peer-reviewers. We describe how design thinking can be applied to scholarly writing and other types of scholarly production to enhance idea generation, encourage diverse approaches, and optimize outcomes through iterative prototyping and testing to enrich individual and collaborative scholarly production.
• Alvarez, N. A., Edwards, K. L., Litten, K. P., & Hughes, J. A. (2025).

  Research and scholarly methods: Applying design thinking to scholarly writing

  . J Am Coll Clin Pharm, 8, 1326-1332. doi:10.1002/jac5.70055
• Corrigan, M. M., Alvarez, N. A., Bakken, B. K., Brock, K. A., Connolly, C. J., Kolesar, J. M., Letendre, D. E., Maine, L. L., Vos, S. S., & Murry, L. T. (2025).

  Zada M. Cooper: Inspiring leadership, service, collaboration and innovation to advance pharmacy.

  . J Am Pharm Assoc (2003), 65, 102902. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2025.102902
• Corrigan, M. M., Alvarez, N. A., Bakken, B. K., Brock, K. A., Connolly, C. J., Kolesar, J. M., Letendre, D. E., Maine, L. L., Vos, S. S., & Murry, L. T. (2025). Zada M. Cooper: Inspiring leadership, service, collaboration, and innovation to advance pharmacy. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 65(Issue 6). doi:10.1016/j.japh.2025.102902
  More info

  Zada Mary Cooper (1875–1961), known as the “Grand and Glorious Lady of Pharmacy,” was a pioneering educator, advocate, and leader who helped shape modern pharmacy practice. As the first known female pharmacy faculty member in the United States, Cooper's career at The University of Iowa spanned 45 years, during which she championed innovation in education, promoted leadership in pharmacy, and influenced national professional organizations. Through prolific writing and visionary service, she addressed challenges still relevant today—engaging students in lifelong learning and preparing students for fulfilling careers in practice, aligning practice settings with pharmacist value, and educating the public on the role of pharmacists. This article describes Cooper's enduring impact, with some of her scholarship referenced and related to pharmacy practice today. We conclude by introducing the forthcoming national Zada Cooper Leadership Medal, which beginning at the American Pharmacists Association's annual meeting in 2026, will be awarded to individuals inspiring ongoing leadership, advocacy, and mentorship in pharmacy. Her legacy offers a blueprint for addressing today's challenges with curiosity, collaboration, and courage.
• Erstad, B. L., Agundez, J., Nishikawa, N., Qasemi, A., & Alvarez, N. A. (2025). A systematic analysis of package insert information referencing race and ethnicity for 100 medications commonly used in critically ill patients. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 82(Issue 21). doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxaf087
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  Purpose To evaluate the use of terms denoting race/ethnicity in product labeling for 100 of the medications most commonly used in critically ill patients and to assess this information for overall frequency, frequency by drug class, and frequency within package insert sections to highlight the need for standardized and consistent use of Food and Drug Administration–approved terminology in drug packaging and other informational materials. Methods Data were collected by reviewing individual drug manufacturer package inserts. Each package insert was assessed for terminology that explicitly referenced race or ethnicity, and these terms were coded and quantified. After evaluating each of the 100 package inserts, a spreadsheet detailing the usage and presence of race and ethnicity terminology, including its location within the insert and frequency was created. This composite list was then analyzed to identify patterns in using such terminology. Results A cumulative analysis of all race/ethnicity-based terminology found in the package inserts for the top 100 intensive care unit drugs demonstrated that race/ethnicity-related terminology occurred 94 times in 21 package inserts. Summarizing these categories by number of occurrences showed that the race/ethnicity-based term “Black” occurred most frequently (in 29.8% [28/94] of package inserts]). Concerning the frequency of race/ethnicity-related terminology by agent class, the most frequent use of these terms was (in descending order): diabetes medications, anticoagulation, antimicrobials, antihypertensives, and medications used for cholesterol/lipid lowering. Regarding the frequency of the terms in the main sections of a package insert, most of these terms (a third of the total occurrences) were in the “Adverse Reactions” section (in 31.9% [30/94] of package inserts]). Conclusion Some of the terminology found in the package inserts in our study was either not listed or specifically not recommended for use in federal government reporting. These findings elucidate the prevalence and contexts in which race/ethnicity-related terminology is employed, highlighting its potential impact on clinical decision-making and drug use evaluation.
• Lee, J. K., Alvarez, N. A., Katz, M., Fraser, C., Cornelison, B., Gallo, T., & Axon, D. R. (2025). Investigating the correlation between student pharmacist admissions data and pharmacy course grades at a college of pharmacy in the United States. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 17(Issue 8). doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102369
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  Introduction: There is an interest in examining how well admissions data including demographics and course grades correlate with academic success for student pharmacists. This project aimed to determine the correlation between Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) admissions data and academic performance at the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy (UA RKCCOP). Methods: This retrospective quality improvement project included all PharmD students admitted in the last five cycles (2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23) to the UA RKCCOP. The PharmCAS application system data and course grades from the three years of the pharmacy didactic curriculum at the UA RKCCOP were utilized. Descriptive statistics were calculated to describe the characteristics, grade point average (GPA) scores, and course grades. Spearman Rho correlations were calculated for the association between pre-pharmacy GPA scores and each PharmD course grade and the association between select prerequisite courses and their corresponding pharmacy courses. Results: A total of 665 students were admitted to the UA RKCCOP PharmD program in the past five cohorts. Correlations between prerequisite course grades and select PharmD course grades were either weak or very weak, as were most correlations between pre-pharmacy GPAs and PharmD grades. There were nine moderate correlations – three basic science courses and two pharmacy practice courses were typically correlated with overall and/or science pre-pharmacy GPAs. Conclusions: This project demonstrated a lack of strong correlations between prerequisite course grades with PharmD course grades and pre-pharmacy GPAs with PharmD grades. Although there were a few moderate correlations, most were weak or very weak.
• Lee, J. K., Alvarez, N. A., Katz, M., Porter Fraser, C. A., Cornelison, B. R., Gallo, T., & Axon, D. R. (2025).

  Investigating the correlation between student pharmacist admissions data and pharmacy course grades at a college of pharmacy in the United States

  . Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 17(8), 102369. doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102369
• Tanzer, K. D., Jackson, T., Alvarez, N. A., & Hughes, J. (2025). Apply the 4 lenses to the self-study process to identify blind spots and opportunities. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 17(Issue 5). doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102321
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  The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) requires that all Doctor of Pharmacy programs complete a comprehensive self-study and associated report on a regular cycle. At first glance, success seems to be dependent upon nothing more than structured project management. However, often the process can be perceived as confusing, burdensome, and stressful. This uneasiness suggests that there may be vulnerabilities in the self-study process that must be acknowledged. Failure to do so may result in lack of buy-in and low motivation. Anticipating blind spots may avoid negative outcomes and result in a positive, team-oriented process. Herein, we propose a holistic and inclusive approach to reframing the self-study process by applying the concept of Bolman and Deal's four frames.
• Tanzer, K. D., Martin, T., Alvarez, N. A., & Hughes, J. A. (2025).

  Apply the 4 lenses to the self-study process to identify blind spots and opportunities.

  . Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 17(5), 102321. doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2025.102321
• Alvarez, N. A., & Negrete, M. J. (2024). Burnout, moral distress, and moral injury meet in a pharmacy: the need to learn from the interplay among them.. Calif Pharm, 71(1), 35-39. doi:https://doi.org/10.37901/cpha24-01
• Alvarez, N. A., Cornelison, B. R., Obeng-Kusi, M., & Slack, M. K. (2024). Understanding faculty perceptions and experiences related to climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion at a college of pharmacy: a pilot study. . Curr Pharm Teach Learn, 16, 24-33. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cptl.2023.12.002
• Alvarez, N. A., Cornelison, B., Obeng-Kusi, M., & Slack, M. (2024). Understanding faculty perceptions and experiences related to climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion at a college of pharmacy: A pilot study. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning, 16(Issue 1). doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2023.12.002
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  Introduction: A climate survey was piloted to obtain an understanding of the perceptions and personal experiences of faculty for intentional planning of future meaningful, effective, and sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at a college of pharmacy. Methods: A 48-item, four section, online survey was developed and administered to 69 faculty between October and November 2021. Likert-like five-point scales and free-text items were included to determine an overall assessment of climate, as well as perceptions and/or personal experiences for each domain of DEI, and demographics. Results: Thirty-nine (57%) faculty completed the survey. For climate, every attribute had at least one respondent that observed someone make an insensitive or disparaging remark “rarely,” “occasionally,” and “frequently.” The response pattern was similar for personal experience with insensitive remarks. For participation in diversity activities, “awareness without participation” was selected by 56% of respondents. For perceptions of diversity, “fairly” or “very” was selected by 38% to 54% of respondents. For equity, “attainable for some” to “not attainable” was identified for 15% to 26% of respondents. Conclusions: These pilot climate survey results inform climate improvement as it relates to DEI and informs survey instrument refinement.
• Alvarez, N. A., Johnson, C., Hughes, J. A., McQuade, B., & Fuentes, D. (2024). Why we need to pay attention to stereotype threat.. Am J Pharm Edu, 88, 100669. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100669
• Alvarez, N. A., Loya, A., Ward, K., & Hughes, J. A. (2024). Importance of understanding minority serving institution designations and associated abbreviations in contemporary U.S. higher education.. Am J Pharm Edu, 88, 100744. doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100744
• Alvarez, N., Loya, A., Ward, K., & Hughes, J. (2024). Importance of Understanding Minority-Serving Institutional Designations and Associated Abbreviations in Contemporary US Higher Education. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 88(9), 100744. doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100744
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  Prefixes and suffixes in pharmacy might suggest a drug class, generation, or mechanism of action. As pharmacy educators, we also use an alphabet soup of acronyms and abbreviations to describe board certifications or professional organizations and our affiliation to them. Although we may be experts in nomenclature and abbreviations related to health professions education, sometimes, we also have to remind ourselves to be humble and embrace a learning mindset relative to the abbreviations and naming conventions used more broadly in higher education and in other fields. This article discusses the use of abbreviations in minority-serving institutions as well as the financial, historical, and political implications surrounding their names and definitions. The need to appreciate institutional designations and what they represent is not unique to minority-serving institutions or solely the responsibility of personnel who lead diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts. Appreciating what institution designations mean is a logical first step toward discovering and acting upon the possibilities to facilitate and support the success of all learners recruited into the pharmacy profession.
• Johnson, C. L., Alvarez, N. A., Hughes, J. A., McQuade, B. M., & Fuentes, D. G. (2024). Why We Need to Pay Attention to Stereotype Threat. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 88(Issue 4). doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2024.100669
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  Although “implicit bias” has been a major focus in diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism educational efforts, less attention has been directed to “stereotype threat.” This commentary aimed to bring increased awareness to the pharmacy academy about stereotype threat phenomena as well as explore its impact in the areas of education, with a specific focus on health professions education. In addition, potential and practical strategies are discussed to mitigate its occurrence in pharmacy education.
• Medina, M. S., Alvarez, N. A., & Sucher, B. J. (2024). Getting started writing a personal diversity statement. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, 81(Issue 16). doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxae098
• Alvarez, N. A. (2023). Moral distress and moral injury in pharmacy and why the academy needs to care.. Am J Pharm Edu.
• Alvarez, N. A., Castleberry, A. N., Persky, A. M., Devraj, R., & Poirier, T. I. (2022). Pharmacy leaders’ reflections on leadership and legacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.
• Alvarez, N. A., Gaither, C. A., Schommer, J. C., Lee, S. H., & Shaughnessy, A. M. (2023). Moral Distress and Moral Injury in Pharmacy and Why the Academy Needs to Care. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(Issue 12). doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100610
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  Pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are experiencing job stress and burnout, and in some instances, suicidal ideation and death by suicide. However, the described lived experiences of pharmacists and other pharmacy personnel are not defined by burnout. Thus, consideration of and research about whether pharmacy personnel are possibly experiencing moral distress or moral injury is necessary and urgent. The pharmacy academy is served by considering workplace conditions and lived experiences of pharmacists because of the potential, negative impact on prospective student recruitment, quality of experiential sites and preceptors, sites for clinical faculty placement, and the well-being of alumni. Understanding phenomena occurring for pharmacy personnel and determining how they impact the pharmacy academy can lend itself to the future development of solutions.
• Castleberry, A. N., Devraj, R., Alvarez, N. A., Persky, A. M., & Poirier, T. I. (2023). Pharmacy Leaders’ Reflections on Leadership and Legacy. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(Issue 10). doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100111
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  Objective: To explore the experiences, contributions, and perceived legacy of individuals recognized as leaders in the pharmacy profession and compare these by gender and generational category. Methods: A total of 54 leaders were interviewed about their journey to leadership and the legacy they leave to the profession. Interviews were transcribed, de-identified, and qualitatively analyzed using an inductive, modified constant comparison approach for open and axial coding. Qualitative responses were quantified to allow for the comparison of themes by gender and generational category. Results: Common leadership themes included: humility, not expecting to be in a leadership role, taking initiative, being passionate about their work, having mentors to guide them, having a network of people around them, being a part of change, serving during a challenging time, seizing opportunities when they presented themselves, and being involved in professional organizations. The individual's clinical work (38.9%), helping to develop pharmacy as a clinical profession (33.3%), publications (29.6%), impact on students (29.6%), building programs (22.2%), involvement in organizations (20.4%), and impactful research (16.7%) were common themes noted in the legacy responses. Conclusion: Although there are many advancements still to be made, upcoming leaders would benefit from the journey and perceived legacy of these leaders as they carry the torch to advance the practice of pharmacy.
• Castleberry, A. N., Devraj, R., Alvarez, N. A., Persky, A. M., & Poirier, T. I. (2023). Pharmacy leaders' reflections on leadership and legacy.. Am J Pharm Educ, 87(10), 100111. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100111
• Devraj, R., Castleberry, A., Alvarez, N. A., Persky, A., & Poirier, T. I. (2023). Pharmacy leaders’ advice to future leaders.. Innov Pharm, 14(3), 10. doi:https://doi.org/10.24926/iip.v14i3.5528
• Lee, J. K., Collins, B. M., Pepper, E., Alvarez, N. A., Forbes, A., & Warholak, T. L. (2023). Improving a leadership scale: applying Rasch analysis to student pharmacists’ attitudes and beliefs about leadership . American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(6), 100063. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100063
• Lee, J. K., Collins, B., Pepper, E., Alvarez, N. A., & Warholak, T. (2023). Improving a Leadership Scale: Applying Rasch Analysis to Student Pharmacists’ Attitudes and Beliefs About Leadership. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87(Issue 6). doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100063
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  Objective: Leadership development is necessary for student pharmacists to become pharmacist leaders, but no readily usable standard measurement of student attitudes toward and beliefs about leadership exists. To assess the reliability and validity evidence for using the Leadership Attitudes and Beliefs Scale (LABS-III), originally developed and validated in Malaysia, for use with student pharmacists in the United States. Methods: The 2-unit leadership course was piloted among second- and third-year students in a public college of pharmacy with a 4-year doctor of pharmacy curriculum. The participating students completed the LABS-III during the first and last classes as part of a quality improvement measure for course enhancement. Rasch analysis was then used to assess the reliability and validity evidence for the LABS-III. Results: A total of 24 students participated in the pilot course. The pre and postcourse surveys had 100% and 92% response rates, respectively. After Rasch analysis model fit was achieved, the item separation for the 14 nonextreme items was 2.19 with an item reliability of 0.83. The person separation index was 2.16 with a person reliability of 0.82. Conclusion: The Rasch analysis revealed that the number of LABS-III items should be decreased and that the 3-point response scale should be used to improve functionality and use in classroom settings for PharmD students in the United States. Further research is needed to augment the reliability and validity evidence of the modified instrument for use at other United States colleges of pharmacy.
• Warholak, T. L., Pepper, E., Alvarez, N. A., Collins, B. M., & Lee, J. K. (2023). Improving a leadership scale: applying Rasch analysis to student pharmacists’ attitudes and beliefs about leadership . American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 87, 100063. doi:10.1016/j.ajpe.2023.100063
• Cornelison, B. R., Edwards, C. J., Axon, D. R., Gorman, L., Rudin-Rush, L., Johnson, B., & Alvarez, N. A. (2022). Assessing the Association of Hispanic Ethnicity and Other Personal Characteristics with Pharmacy School Admissions. . Pharmacy. doi:10.3390/pharmacy10060158
• Schommer, J. C., Gaither, C. A., Alvarez, N. A., Lee, S., Shaughnessy, A. M., Arya, V., Planas, L. G., Fadare, O., & Witry, M. (2022). Pharmacy workplace wellbeing and resilience: themes identified from a hermeneutic phenomenological analysis with future recommendations. Pharmacy, 10(158). doi:10.3390/pharmacy10060158
• Schommer, J. C., Lee, S., Gaither, C., Alvarez, N. A., & Shaughnessy, A. (2022). Improving the experience of providing care in community-based pharmacies . Pharmacy, 10(67). doi:10.3390/pharmacy10040067
• Sobeski, L. M., Schumacher, C. A., Alvarez, N. A., Anderson, K. C., Bradley, B., Crowe, S. J., Merlo, J. R., Nyame, A., Rivera, K. S., Shapiro, N. L., Spencer, D. D., & Van Dril, E. (2021). Medication access: Policy and practice opportunities for pharmacists. JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 4(Issue 1). doi:10.1002/jac5.1373
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  Medication access is critical to achieving optimal patient outcomes. The 2020 Task Force on Medication Access was charged with developing an ACCP white paper on improving medication access that addresses barriers such as cost, health disparities, and utilization management practices. This white paper outlines major barriers to medication access and provides pharmacists and professional organizations with policy and practice recommendations to help reduce barriers, enhance medication access, and fulfill the goal of optimal patient outcomes.
• Sobeski, L. M., Schumacher, C. A., Alvarez, N. A., Anderson, K. C., Bradley, B., Crowe, S. J., Merlo, J. R., Nyame, A., Rivera, K. S., Shapiro, N. L., Spencer, D. D., & Van Drill, E. (2021). Medication access: policy and practice opportunities for pharmacists.. J Am Coll Clin Pharm, 4, 113-125. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/jac5.1373
• Arya, V., Butler, L., Leal, S., Maine, L., Alvarez, N., & Varkey, A. C. (2020). Systemic racism: Pharmacists' role and responsibility. JACCP Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 3(Issue 7). doi:10.1002/jac5.1338
• Arya, V., Butler, L., Leal, S., Maine, L., Alvarez, N., Jackson, N., & Varkey, A. C. (2020). Systemic racism: Pharmacists’ role and responsibility. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 84(Issue 11). doi:10.5688/ajpe8418
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  Systemic racism is a public health emergency and disproportionately impacts communities of color, specifically Black Americans. Pharmacists took an oath to protect the welfare of humanity and protect our patients. As such, to practice truly patient-centered care, pharmacists must recognize racism as a root cause of social determinants of health and use their privilege to educate themselves and their colleagues around dismantling structural racism.
• Arya, V., Butler, L., Leal, S., Maine, L., Alvarez, N., Jackson, N., & Varkey, A. C. (2020). Systemic racism: Pharmacists’ role and responsibility. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(Issue 6). doi:10.1016/j.japh.2020.09.003
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  Systemic racism is a public health emergency and disproportionately impacts communities of color, specifically black Americans. Pharmacists took an oath to protect the welfare of humanity and protect our patients. As such, to practice truly patient-centered care, pharmacists must recognize racism as a root cause of social determinants of health and use their privilege to educate themselves and their colleagues around dismantling structural racism.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2019). Tools for community-based pharmacist patient care services to support optimal opioid use.. Journal of the Contemporary Pharmacy Practice (JCPhP), 66(2), 12-16.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2018). Leading our communities in patient care. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 58(Issue 4). doi:10.1016/j.japh.2018.05.015
• Alvarez, N. A. (2017). Treat the patient and not the number: A call to care. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 57(Issue 4). doi:10.1016/j.japh.2017.06.013

Presentations

• Alvarez, N. A. (2025, July).

  Developing Leaders in Pharmacy Technician Education: A Conversation with Nancy Alvarez

  . Pharmacy Technician Educators Council 2025 Conference. Columbus, OH: Pharmacy Technician Educators Council.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2025, Apr.).

  Focus on What Matters Most

  . Western Pharmacy Exchange. San Diego, CA: California Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2025, September).

  So, You Want to ADVANCE: The Five Unwritten Rules for Climbing the Career Ladder

  . San Fernando Pharmacists Association Continuing Education Program. Zoom Platform - Virtual: San Fernando Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2024, Jan.). Who I Am Being Today. Donna Walker Pulido Leadership Scholars Fireside Chat. Zoom Platform: University of South Carolina.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2024, Mar.). Luke, I Am Your Mentor.. American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting and Exposition. Orlando, FL: American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2024, Nov.). The Unexpected Road – Wear Fabulous Shoes!. Walker Leaders Developing Leaders Series. Zoom Platform: University of South Carolina.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Negrete, M. J. (2024, Apr.). Burnout vs Moral Injury: How They're Different and Why It Matters. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Mattingly, T. J., Alvarez, N. A., Aungst, T., Noel, Z., & Rowe, C. (2024, Jul.). Harnessing AI-Powered Tools in Academia: Using Prompt Engineering to Enrich Faculty Productivity. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual MeetingAmerican Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2023, Apr.). The Trouble with Spreading Pharmacy Services (in Community-Based Pharmacy Practice).. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2024, Apr.). Slow the Churn - Reap the Benefits of Reduced Employee Turnover. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2023, May). Addressing Social Determinants of Health in Opioid Use Disorder. Substance Use Disorder Virtual Summit. Virtual: Florida Pharmacy Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Duke, M. S. (2023, Jul.). Believe You Can Advocate. APhA-ASP Summer Leadership Institute. Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Negrete, M. J. (2023). The Trouble with Spreading Pharmacy Services. Southwest Regional Meeting. Las Vegas, NV: Nevada Society of Health-System Pharmacists/American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
• Kawahara, B. I., & Alvarez, N. A. (2023, Apr.). Tick Tock! Time to Exert Your Control Over 1,440 Minutes!. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Aug.). Seismic Shifts in Vision. 18th Leader Development Seminar. Arlington, TX: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute/Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Mar.). Lessons on Leadership from the Front Lines of Pharmacy. 2022 American Pharmacists Assocation Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX: American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2022, May). 30-Year Journey to the Center of the Pharmacy Universe. University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Commencement - Class of 2022. Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Oct.). Subtle and Seismic Shifts: Leveraging Leadership and Advocacy - 2022 Elizabeth Keyes Distinguished Federal Pharmacy Lecture. 2022 Joint Federal Pharmacy Seminar. Cleveland, OH: American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Duke, M. (2022, Jul.). Leadership and Advocacy. 2022 APhA-ASP Summer Leadership Institute. Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Kawahara, B. I. (2022, Apr.). Leadership – That’s NOT My Job. Western Pharmacy Exchange 2022. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Gaither, C. A., Alvarez, N. A., & Quinones-Boex, A. (2022, Jul.). Who has rights? We do! Teaching students and graduates to advocate for their employee rights. 2022 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Grapevine, TX: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
• Gaither, C., Schommer, J. C., Shaughnessy, A., Rothholz, M., Lee, S., & Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Mar.). Medication errors, near misses and the pharmacy work environment: results from the APhA/NASPA national state-based workplace survey . 2022 American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting. San Antonio, TX: American Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Apr.). Strategies to Help Address and Prevent Professional Burnout. Western Pharmacy Exchange 2022. Las Vegas, NV: California Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Sept.). Team Integrity. University of California San Francisco Phi Delta Chi Zeta Chapter. Zoom Platform: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute.
• Negrete, M. J., Alvarez, N. A., & Redfeather, G. (2022, Aug.). The Leader’s Compass: Discover Your Potential & Apply It to What Really Matters. California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) Leader Development Day. Sacramento, CA: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute/CPhA.
• Quinones-Boex, A., Gaither, C., Schommer, J. C., & Alvarez, N. A. (2022, Jul.). Facilitating safe pharmacy practice and workplaces. International Social Pharmacy Workshop. Chicago, IL: ISPW - The University of Sydney, Australia.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Kawahara, B. I. (2020, Apr.). “Preventing the Pharmacy Practice Blues: A Rx for Career Enhancement and Success”. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Anaheim, CA: California Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Kawahara, B. I. (2021, Jun). Professional Engagement - Antidote for Rx Burnout Blues. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Palm Springs, CA: California Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., & Negrete, M. J. (2020, Apr.). “What Makes A Leader?”. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Anaheim, CA: California Pharmacists Association.
• Alvarez, N. A., Gilliam, D., & Wisseh, C. (2021, Jun). What We Can Learn by Examining Health Disparities During COVID-19. 2021 Annual Convention - Virtual. Virtual: Arizona Pharmacy Association.
• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2021, Jun). Coping With COVID. Western Pharmacy Exchange. Palm Springs, CA: California Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., Alvarez, N. A., & Redfeather, G. (2021, Jan). The Leader Within (ACPE UAN: 0062-9999-21-001-L04-P, 0062-9999-21-001-L04-T). Phi Lambda Sigma – Beta Chi Chapter 19th Annual Leadership Conference. Virtual: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2020, Jun). “From Here to Pharmacy School”.. 2020 Med-Start Health Careers Program. Zoom Platform: UArizona Health Sciences Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2020, Oct.). “Mentoring and Precepting Skills for a Virtual World”. 2020 APhA Day of New Practitioner (NP) LIFE. Zoom Platform: American Pharmacists Association.
• Corrigan, M. M., & Alvarez, N. A. (2020, Oct.). “Mentorship, Leading, and Well-Being”. DHX Virtual 2020 (Digital Health Conference). Hopin Virtual Platform: California Pharmacists Association.
• Negrete, M. J., Alvarez, N. A., & Redfeather, G. J. (2020, Aug.). The Leader Within - Remote Workshop, Parts 1 and 2 (What Makes a Leader; Personal Integration & Alignment). Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity - Various Chapters. Zoom Platform: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute.
• Negrete, M. J., Alvarez, N. A., & Redfeather, G. J. (2020, Jul.). The Leader Within - Remote Workshop, Parts 1 and 2 (What Makes a Leader; Personal Integration & Alignment). Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity - Omega Chapter. Zoom Platform: Pharmacy Leadership and Education Institute.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2019, 03/Spring).

  "Addressing Wellness and Resilience of Residents in Your Residency Program."

  . American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting. Seattle, WA: American Pharmacists Association.
  More info

  Seventy-five-minute presentation w/ Dr. Kelly Goode. American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA. Mar. 2019.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2019, 05/Spring). “Launch Your Team: Recruit Your Team with a Strong Tale”. State Pharmacy Association Association Leadership Conference. Minneapolis, MN: National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations.
  More info

  Topic was on narrative leadership and how to launch a topic/initiative for wider audience adoption. Workshop for state president-elects and their executive directors as they prepare for their year in office leading their state pharmacy associations.
• Alvarez, N. A. (2019, 07/Summer). Track 2: Leadership Coaching Skills (UAN: 0113-0000-18-066-L04-P). Leader Development Weekend. Los Angeles, California: California Pharmacists Association.
  More info

  Active learning session - more of a workshop format
• Alvarez, N. A. (2019, 08/Summer). What Makes a Leader? (UAN: 0290-0000-19-134-L04-P). PDC 73rd Grand Council - Alumni Track. Anaheim, CA: Phi Delta Chi Professional Fraternity.
  More info

  PDC Leader Development Track 1 – Leading from Within
• Lewis, J., Alvarez, N. A., Bethishou, L., & Xavioer, S. (2019, Apr.). “Shoot for Success! Utilizing SMART Goal Setting to Develop Leadership Potential”. Western Pharmacy Exchange 2019. Los Angeles, CA: California Pharmacists Association.

Poster Presentations

• Alvarez, N. A., Allsup, K., Kushinsky, B., Melton, M., Walji, K., Weiss, J., & Cameron, C. K. (2025, October).

  Barriers to engagement and learning experienced by Doctor of Pharmacy students.

  . American College of Clinical Pharmacy Annual Meeting,. Minneapolis, MN: American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
• Lee, J. K., Alvarez, N. A., Katz, M., Fraser, C. P., Cornelison, B. R., Gallo, T., & Axon, D. R. (2025, July).

  Correlations between student pharmacist admissions data and pharmacy course grades at one college of pharmacy.

  . American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
• Vazquez, A., Henry, N., Al Qaderi, M., & Alvarez, N. A. (2025, August).

  Social media for health: creative strategies to overcome flu vaccine hesitancy across generations. 

  . 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Copenhagen, Denmark.: International Pharmaceutical Federation.
• Allsup, K., Kushinsky, B., Melton, M., Walji, K., Cameron, C. K., & Alvarez, N. A. (2024, May).

  Identifying barriers experienced by the students at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy

  . Senior Project Virtual Poster Session - 2024. Zoom platform.
• Alvarez, N. A., Axon, D. R., & Cornelison, B. R. (2024, Jul.). Perceptions and experiences of college climate, diversity, equity, and inclusion at one college of pharmacy.. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Boston MA: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
• Alvarez, N. A., Duchnowski, E., Burke, A., & Lee, J. K. (2022, May). UArizona PharmD students’ knowledge about land grant universities and attitudes about land acknowledgement for development of a land grant acknowledgment statement for UArizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy. Senior Project Virtual Poster Session - 2022. Zoom Platform: R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy.
• Alvarez, N. A., Kirtley, J. C., Shaughnessy, A. M., Rothholz, M. C., Fine, K., Horton, A., & Cover, J. (2022, May). Responsibilities, and rights of pharmacists for contemporary pharmacy practice. 2022 National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ: National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
• Alvarez, N. A., Vazquez, A., Henry, N., & Boske, B. (2022, May). What is the correlation between receipt of a COVID-19 vaccine and receipt of an annual flu shot?
  . National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Annual Meeting. Phoenix, AZ: Vazquez A, Henry N, Boske B, Alvarez NA..
• Lee, J. K., Alvarez, N. A., Collins, B. M., Pepper, E., Tong, T. G., & Warholak, T. L. (2021, July). Dealing with a Global Pandemic and Beyond: PharmCAT Family Well-being and Suicide Response Readiness. American Association of College of Pharmacy Virutal Annual Meeting 2021. Virtual: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Other Teaching Materials

• Alvarez, N. A. (2023. Pharmacists’ Fundamental Responsibilities and Rights: Working Them Into Your Career Conversations – Introduction and How to Use (For Classroom Use). American Pharmacists Association.
  More info

  Slides with script for use in the classroom
• Alvarez, N. A. (2023. The Pharmacist’s Fundamental Responsibilities and Rights: A Guide for Classroom Discussion . American Pharmacists Association.
  More info

  A facilitator's guide (to be used with slides) to be used by faculty at schools and colleges of pharmacy.  Accompanies "Pharmacists' Responsibilities and Rights" slide materials

Others

• Negrete, M. J., & Alvarez, N. A. (2024, Sept. - Dec.). The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) - The Star Framework 2024 (Cohort 2).
• Alvarez, N. A., Durham, M. J., & Adadey, C. S. (2022, Mar.). Women in Pharmacy Development Forum Panelist - American Pharmacist Association Foundation Women in Pharmacy. 2022 American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting.
• Schommer, J. C., Gaither, C. A., Lee, S., Alvarez, N. A., & Shaughnessy, A. M. (2022, Apr). APhA/NAPSA national state-based community pharmacy workplace survey: Final report. American Pharmacists Association Website at www.pharmacists.com. https://www.pharmacist.com/DNNGlobalStorageRedirector.ashx?egsfid=NiFsiJVsyys%3d
• Schommer, J. C., Gaither, C. A., Lee, S., Alvarez, N. A., & Shaughnessy, A. M. (2021, Dec.). APhA/NAPSA national state-based community pharmacy workplace survey: Initial report. American Pharmacists Assocation Website at www.pharmacists.com. https://www.pharmacist.com/DNNGlobalStorageRedirector.ashx?egsfid=Zofb6PivYhs%3d
  More info

  Initial report