Dr. Edith Nutescu shares how the Michael Reese Endowed Professorship in Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy is advancing research efforts at the UIC College of Pharmacy
In honor of Women's History Month, we asked Dr. Edith Nutescu, PharmD '94, about her role as the Michael Reese Endowed Professor in Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy and how this professorship has advanced research efforts at the College.
What is cardiovascular pharmacotherapy for those who may not know?
Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy is the science that focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular disease with safe and efficient use of medications. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy truly plays a major role in the management of cardiovascular disease across its whole spectrum.
What new projects or research avenues has this Professorship opened up at the College?
The professorship supports my work on personalized and tailored pharmacotherapeutic approaches and models of care focused on improvement in clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular and thromboembolic disease. New research avenues made possible by the professorship include our work in bringing personalized medicine intervention to bedside in minority patients and evaluating U.S.-based practices for safe use and reversal of anticoagulants.
Cardiovascular health is a key health issue, especially for women – research shows that more women die from heart disease each year than men. As it is Women’s History Month, what is the pharmacists' role in helping patients maintain good heart health?
As one of the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists play a major role in helping women maintain good heart health. In addition to educating patients on healthy lifestyle choices (such as diet, exercise, alcohol use, smoking cessation, etc.) to prevent cardiovascular disease, pharmacists educate patients on the importance of adhering to their medications and work with them and their health-care team to optimize outcomes and safe use their medications.