Boyle Family Scholarship
Cynthia J. Boyle is Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. As a distinguished alumna of both the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy and University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, she has served as a pharmacist in community, institutional, and consultant practice. As advisor for student government associations and through the course “Effective Leadership and Advocacy,” she seeks to develop leadership in student pharmacists for their future roles as advocates for patients, the profession, and public health. Long active in the Maryland Pharmacists Association and the American Pharmacists Association, she was recognized as an APhA Fellow in 2004 and received the 2012 APhA Gloria Niemeyer Francke Leadership Mentor Award, as well as the 2015 Daniel B. Smith Practice Excellence Award. Dr. Boyle is a former president of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and continues to serve on AACP’s Argus Commission.
“My decision to fund the APhA Foundation Scholarship is rooted in my desire to support student pharmacists who will provide much needed patient care in their practices and communities and to acknowledge the vital support of my family. My daughters grew up in pharmacies. Often their dad John would bring them to the pharmacy when I worked late or a long day; he would unpack a dinner prepared at home and ask the clerk or technician to tell the patients that the ‘pharmacist was in Bermuda,’ which was our way of spending a few minutes together for a meal at my desk or in the backroom, where I remained accessible if needed. At times Martha and Kate offered to help with displays, and they inherited a larger family among the pharmacy employees and patrons. It was truly a community.
In April 2004, John died unexpectedly. While he had several health conditions, none appeared life-threatening. His care illustrates the absolute necessity for a pharmacist’s care and expertise. His primary care physician was trained in internal medicine, but he made referrals to specialists for issues with pain management, sleep apnea, and depression after two serious automobile accidents caused disabilities which eventually forced John’s retirement from federal civil service. As a veteran, he was entitled to some benefits through the VA, but over time, it became increasingly difficult for his physicians and pharmacists to coordinate his care and to monitor his response to the health care interventions. In spite of physical limitations, he kept detailed records which he carried with him to all visits with health care providers. Most importantly, he constantly searched for information about his diagnoses and conditions when professional recommendations were not clear, or were in conflict, and he valiantly maintained an optimistic outlook for what was most important in his life - our family.
In John’s memory, and in honor of those families who will support future pharmacists, I am pleased to endow this APhA Foundation Scholarship."
The Boyle Family Scholarship is presented annually to one (1) recipient with a scholarship of $1,000.