Mailing address:
University of Colorado School of Pharmacy
Mail Stop C238
12850 E. Montview Blvd. V20-1220
Aurora, CO 80045
Office Location:
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Building (V20)
Third Floor
Room 3128
Contact:
Voice: 303-724-2630
Fax: 303-724-0979
Denver Indian Health and Family Services Medical Clinic: 303-953-6606
E-Mail: Connie.Valdez@ucdenver.edu
Training and Education:
- Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences School of Pharmacy, 1991-1995
- Post Baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy, University of Colorado Health Sciences School of Pharmacy, 1995-1997
- Ambulatory Care/Managed Care Residency, Centura Health, 1997-1998
- Fellowship in Teaching and Learning, Keck School of Medicine, 2003-2004
- Fellowship in Education Leadership, Keck School of Medicine, 2004-2005
- Masters of Science in Medical Education, University of Southern California, 2004-2005
Clinical Practice:
The Denver Indian Health and Family Services Medical Clinic provide primary care and wellness for American Indian Families. Services offered by the clinic include well child checks, adult health maintenance, immunizations for children and adults, primary care of chronic illness such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, asthma, COPD, CAD, heart failure, and non-emergent sick visit care. Clinical pharmacy services have been incorporated into the clinic as a method to optimize cost-effective drug therapy, minimize adverse effects, and ultimately improve patient outcomes and quality of life in the Native Indian population.
Research Interests:
My primary research/scholarly interest are in the realm of educational research related to clinical competency/knowledge retention.
Teaching Activities:
Coordination or co-coordination responsibilities:
- PHRD 5100: Professional Skills Development I Course
- PHRD 5150: Professional Skills Development II Course
- PHRD 7857: Compounding Course (Elective)
- PHRD 7895: Beginning Medical Spanish Course (Elective)
- PHRD 7896: Intermediate Medical Spanish Course (Elective)
Teaching Responsibilities:
I have significant teaching responsibilities in the following courses: PHRD 3030: Introduction to Pharmaceutical Sciences Course, PHRD 5100: Professional Skills Development I, PHRD 5150: Professional Skills Development II and PHRD 7857: Compounding. I additionally lecture in the PHRD 7700: Integrated Organ Systems IX, PHRD 7660: Comprehensive Patient Care and PHRD 7870: Pediatric Pharmacy.
Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching philosophy is centered on the concept that I am a facilitator of student learning and that students are responsible for their own learning. Although answering questions may be easier for the faculty member to clarify questions, it promotes passive learning of the student. As such, I tend to turn questions back to the student and work with the individual to attain an answer. I take the time to do this for two reasons, (1) I believe that passive learning does not enhance retention of knowledge to the same extent as active learning, and (2) that this method promotes student independence and problem-solving skills. My teaching philosophy also includes the concepts of respect, accountability, and being direct. I treat students with respect and courtesy and expect the same in return. I expect that students come to class / exams prepared and take responsibility and accountability for their work. I do not try to "trick" students with exam questions, but rather, am direct regarding my expectations. As such, all examination questions are written based on lecture or module objectives and lecture or module material is based on the objectives.
Preceptor:
- A 6-week faculty rotation for Pharmacy Practice Residents at the Children's Hospital, Denver Health and VA Hospital
- A 6-week faculty rotation for forth year pharmacy students enrolled in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
- A 6-week clinical rotation for forth year pharmacy students enrolled in the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience portfolio preceptor
Faculty Advisor:
Founding faculty advisor for the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA). Current co-advisor with Gina Moore, PharmD and Hilda Bi, PharmD. I additionally serve as a seminar faculty advisor for two third year pharmacy students annually.