Published April 30, 2019
The University of Louisiana Monroe has received a federal grant of $597,274 from the
U.S. Department of Agriculture for the 鈥淓xpanding pediatric cardiology services with
telemedicine and collaborative drug therapy management鈥� project written by Dr. Bryan
Donald, a faculty member of the College of Pharmacy.听
The project, in collaboration with Ochsner Health System and the Northeast Louisiana
Economic Alliance, aims to provide affordable pediatric cardiology services via telemedicine
to patients throughout the rural areas of Northeast Louisiana.听
Donald stated, 鈥淲hat we鈥檙e doing is partnering pharmacy with physician specialists
to follow our patients better and improve outcomes - pharmacists are trained in drug
therapy management, can optimize therapy while reducing adverse drug events, and can
take some of the workload from physicians, freeing them to see more patients. We can
also use telemedicine, using phones or video, to reach patients where they live and
reduce the burden on families trying to get care.鈥�
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This project is an example of the commitment of 四色AV鈥檚 health sciences to serve the
community and improve the health and wellbeing of Northeast Louisiana citizens. 听
"There is something special about a researcher's first big award," commented Dr. John
W. Sutherlin, Director of the Office of Sponsored Programs and Research. "This project
was Dr. Donald鈥檚 first grant submission; therefore, making it a significant accomplishment."
Meghan Risinger, Grants/Projects Developer in OSPR, stated, 鈥淥ur office is committed
to assisting faculty in preparing and submitting grants. Dr. Donald and this project
is one example of the extraordinary faculty at 四色AV and their service to improve the
health outcomes and workforce and economic development of Northeast Louisiana.鈥�
Dr. Sutherlin continued, "Our office was glad to play a role in developing this project,
but it takes committed faculty willing to do the work that makes the difference."听
OSPR鈥檚 work is not done after a project is funded, it is only the beginning.
Sutherlin added, "Once a professor gets a project or idea funded, our job increases
dramatically. Remaining in compliance is our strongest obligation."
