Elva Van Devender, a pharmacy intern at Samaritan Albany General Hospital and third year pharmacy student at Oregon State University, has been recognized for her achievements with a second national award in pharmacy. Van Devender, who was recently named a John Gans Scholar by the American Pharmacist Association (APhA) for her quality, leadership and vision as a student pharmacist, has been chosen as a 2009-2010 recipient of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacy (ASHP) Student Leadership Award.

Prior to entering pharmacy school, Van Devender received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Richmond and her Doctorate in Chemistry from the University of Virginia. As part of her commitment to patient care, Van Devender organized and promoted four community health fairs this past year. With an emphasis on underserved populations, she has worked with local county health officials to mobilize resources for pain patients and to reduce vaccination errors.

In addition to her hospital and county health work, Van Devender also works as a student volunteer at both the VA Medical Center in Portland and the InReach free clinic in Albany where she regularly uses her clinical skills to make a difference in the lives of patients requiring special care.

The ASHP measures leadership, commitment to community service and character when determining recipients of the Student Leadership Award. Van Devender could not personify this description more, and yet she remains humble and grateful to her peers, advisors and employers for their unconditional support.

“It’s a wonderful blessing; I am so appreciative for my colleagues at Samaritan and Oregon State for their support," said Van Devender. "This award is equally reflective of their leadership and dedication as it is of mine.”