The 2021 ARP President’s Awards & Merit Awards

Dr. Nola

This year’s Distinguished Educator Award was presented to Kamala Nola, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nashville, Tenn., for demonstrating excellence in teaching patients and students/trainees.

“When I think of previous winners, I am humbled and honored to be the first pharmacist to receive the ARP Distinguished Educator Award,” says Dr. Nola. “I hope my passion and dedication to rheumatology education ultimately benefits patients who suffer from rheumatic disease.”

“Influencing future pharmacists and other healthcare providers to pursue rheumatology as a specialty area of practice is one way I feel I can truly advance rheumatology,” adds Dr. Nola. “To be honored by ARP in this way is a career highlight.”

Dr. Nola received her Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy and a Masters of Science and residency from the University of Tennessee College of Graduate Health Sciences, Memphis.

Prior to joining Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, she worked in the biotechnology industry for Immunex and Amgen in the areas of rheumatology, dermatology and health outcomes.

Her areas of expertise include rheumatology, healthcare delivery, policy and outcomes research, communication skills, and healthcare for vulnerable and underserved populations. 

Dr. Nola’s interests have focused on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, juvenile idiopathic rheumatoid arthritis and comorbid conditions, and polypharmacy in rheumatic diseases.

She also lectures on and researches pharmacist care of vulnerable and underserved populations and public health. She has mentored numerous student pharmacists and pharmacist residents over the years.

In addition, Dr. Nola has held leadership positions in the field including serving as president of the ARP (then known as the ARHP) in 2015, and is a past president of the Tennessee Pharmacists Association. She is a fellow of the American Pharmacists Association.

In 2011, she received the Ann Kunkel Advocacy Award from the ARP for her history of advocating at local, regional, state, national and international levels.

Patrice Fusillo is a writer and editor based in Oakland, Calif.