East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy graduate Dr. Christina Tarasidis Pitchford (’26) has been awarded the prestigious U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award, one of just 85 student pharmacists nationwide selected for the honor.

This award recognizes student pharmacists who have made significant contributions to public health through promoting wellness, advancing healthy communities and addressing emerging public health issues through service and leadership. The award is issued by the Pharmacy Professional Advisory Committee of the USPHS.

According to the USPHS, the organization is led by the U.S. Surgeon General and includes more than 6,000 Commissioned Corps officers who serve on the front lines of public health through disease prevention, research and care for underserved populations.

Throughout her time at Gatton, Pitchford played a major role in the college’s nationally recognized substance use disorder outreach efforts. She served in a leadership role within the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists Operation Substance Use Disorders committee, which earned the national award three consecutive years during her involvement. The committee has now captured seven national championships overall and maintained an extraordinary 13-year streak of national or regional recognition.

“I am deeply thankful to receive the USPHS Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award,” said Pitchford. “Serving our community through public health outreach and substance use disorder advocacy has been one of the most meaningful parts of my pharmacy journey thus far, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact alongside such dedicated mentors, peers and patients.”

In addition to her leadership in substance use disorder outreach, Pitchford was actively involved in campus life, and was part of the Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society, Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmaceutical Leadership Society, Personal and Professional Development Committee and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Pitchford also served on the college’s Curriculum Quality Assurance Committee and as a student ambassador and conducted research under Dr. KariLynn Dowling-McClay, associate professor of pharmacy practice.

During the college’s Hooding and Commencement Ceremony on May 8, she received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, presented to graduates who earn a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Pitchford was hooded by several pharmacists who played important roles in her journey, including her husband, alumnus Dr. Coleman Pitchford (’25); her brother, alumnus Dr. Andrew Tarasidis (’19); and her father, Dr. Charlie Tarasidis.

Following graduation, Pitchford plans to continue her pharmacy career at Carilion Clinic New River Valley Medical Center through a PGY1 inpatient residency program, which is near her hometown in Radford, Virginia.  

“Returning to the hospital system where I grew up and have always considered home makes this next chapter especially meaningful as I continue serving the community that helped shape my journey.”

ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is one of the university’s five health sciences schools that comprise its Academic Health Sciences Center, providing students with a robust combination of academic and clinical sciences programs that elevate their interprofessional experience.   

To learn more and apply, visit etsu.edu/pharmacy.

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