Alumnus Bruce Biundo Named TPA Pharmacist of the Year

Alumna Hardin-Oliver Takes Oath as 2013-14 TPA President   

For the second time this year, UH College of Pharmacy alumnus and Dean's Advisory Council Co-Chair Bruce Biundo, R.Ph. (B.S. '61), has been recognized by the Texas Pharmacy Association for his leadership and commitment to the organization and the pharmacy profession.

After receiving the Louis R. Rumsey TPA PharmPAC Member of the Year Award at the TPA Leadership Symposium April 11-13 in Austin, Biundo was named 2013 TPA Pharmacist of the Year at the organization's Annual Meeting & Expo July 25-27 in Frisco. 

Biundo recently completed eight years of service on the TPA PharmPAC Board of Directors, including two years each as chair-elect and chair. Biundo's long history of service to - and recognition from - TPA includes serving as TPA vice president in 2010-11 and receiving the TPA Education Excellence Award in 2008. Biundo also has been active in many roles at the local level, including serving as president of the Houston Area Pharmacy Association and UH Pharmacy Alumni Association, and as co-chair and member of the UHCOP Dean's Advisory Council. 

A consultant at PCCA who specializes in men's health, Biundo has published nine articles in the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding. 

"I feel very fortunate to be working in an area of pharmacy that I enjoy," Biundo said. "It's like the 'icing on the cake' to be recognized and rewarded for doing what you truly enjoy."

Biundo was nominated by newly elected TPA President-elect Charlotte Weller, R.Ph., Pharm.D., who has served alongside Bruce on the boards of TPA and TPA PharmPAC.

"I cannot say enough about Bruce; he is such a good man that is committed to our profession," Weller said. "He is a good leader, and the epitome of a great pharmacist."

Fellow UHCOP alumna Carole Hardin-Oliver, R.Ph. ('83), who was installed as 2013-14 President of TPA, also praised her DAC co-chair.

"Bruce Biundo is a tremendous mentor to me and heartily congratulate him on the well deserved award," Hardin-Oliver said. "His impact on our profession has improved the practice of Pharmacy in Texas and he continues to be a major force for Pharmacy and for the University of Houston."

A Walgreens pharmacy district supervisor and past president of the Lake Houston Pharmacy Association, Hardin-Oliver said TPA's leadership and member advocates will continue working to advance the profession on numerous fronts during her term.  

"We must go forward through this interim year, working together, focused together, on the profession of Pharmacy," Hardin-Oliver said. "Casting off all perceived differences and past troubles to determine what our actions will be to drive the recognition and empowerment of pharmacists in health care."