Hanadi Thomas-Salamey '97, '01
Hanadi Thomas-Salamey always seemed to know Wayne State University was the school for her, but she had some trouble deciding which health care field to enter. Growing up, she had many people to look up to, namely her sister, Heather Thomas '94, and sister-in-law, Heather Thomas '97, who both graduated from Wayne State University.
With their mentorship, she knew pharmacy was a great way to make a meaningful difference in the world, and her career has exemplified that. Recently, Thomas was named Pharmacist of the Year by the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP).
Thomas is the pharmacy manager at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Keego Harbor, Michigan, where she is involved in conducting medication therapy management reviews, administering all immunizations offered at the pharmacy, providing daily point-of-care compliance program consultations, organizing and conducting health and wellness screenings, and providing medication synchronization services.
Throughout her career, Thomas has given her time and energy to improve the health and wellness of her communities while also preparing student pharmacists for their work in the field. She is currently a licensed preceptor, teaching students how to apply their knowledge in real-world settings at her workplace, and she also mentors third-year students as part of the WSU Pharmacy Mentoring Program.
"I have the bug to teach and help students, which is why I was so honored to get that call to be a preceptor in 2004 and continue to do it today," Thomas said. She has also been an adjunct faculty member at Wayne State for the past four years.
In addition to her responsibilities in the pharmacy, Thomas works to advance the role of the community pharmacist, serving on the Oakland County Pharmacists Association executive board, currently as president-elect. She also has participated in the organization and implementation of the St. John Health Fair in Southfield since 2012, where she provides a flu clinic and mentors students administering vaccines.
Thomas credits her success to the support she receives from her husband and the many mentors who helped her during her education and into her career, including Wayne State professors Gerri Smith, Henry Wormser and Jesse Vivian.
"Thomas exemplifies the community pharmacist and demonstrates daily the value of having one of the most trusted healthcare professionals embedded in the communities they serve," said MSCP in a release announcing her award.