Recognizing 50 of the top pharmacists in the nation, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals recently presented three University of the Sciences alumni with the 2008 Bowl of Hygeia Award. Since 1958, the award has been given annually to one pharmacist from each state and is considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the pharmacy profession.
The Bowl of Hygeia honors pharmacists who have given strong, outstanding service to their communities. Recipients are honored for excelling beyond their normal job responsibilities and performing notable public service.
According to Wyeth’s website, the Bowl of Hygeia is named for the mythical goddess of health. It has been associated with pharmacy since 1796, when the symbol was used on a coin minted for the Parisian Society of Pharmacy. Since then, the bowl has come to represent a medicinal potion, while the serpent is associated with healing, and in 1964 the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) adopted the Bowl of Hygeia as its symbol to represent the pharmacy profession.
Fred Eckel P’61, HonDSc’09, RPh, received the award for the state of North Carolina. He currently teaches at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Additionally, he is the editor-in-chief of Pharmacy Times and executive director of the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists. Eckel was recently honored with an honorary doctor of science degree from the University.
Coleen M. Kayden P’78, RPh, received the award for the state of Pennsylvania. She currently works as a consultant pharmacist at Medication Information Services/Williams Apothecary. She is a member of the National Community Pharmacists’ Association, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, and the National Community Pharmacists’ Association. Kayden has also served as president of the Pennsylvania Pharmacist Association.
John Murphy P’69, RPh, received the award for the state of Delaware. He is vice president of professional services for Happy Harry’s Discount Drug Stores. In addition, he is president of the State Board of Pharmacy in Delaware and is a large contributor to the Joseph A. Oddis Endowment, which helps raise money for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.