Biography
Dr. Simonson has served as Chairman of the Board and President of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) and is a Former Chair of the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy (CCGP). He is an independent consultant pharmacist responsible for the development of clinical, educational and research initiatives designed for physicians, pharmacists, nurses, other health professionals, caregivers, and consumers.
Dr. Simonson received his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Rhode Island. After practicing as a hospital pharmacist, he attended the University of Michigan where he earned the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He also completed a clinical pharmacy residency at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor. Simonson is a certified geriatric pharmacist.
Simonson was previously a tenured member of the faculty of Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and was an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Adjunct Associate Professor of Medicine (Geriatrics) at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, OR. His responsibilities included teaching BS and PharmD pharmacy students, as well as nursing and physician's assistant students.
Dr. Simonson has been active in pharmacy practice for more than thirty years with a special interest in the areas of geriatrics and long-term care. He has more than 100 publications on medication-related issues, primarily relating to the use and misuse of medications in the elderly, is the author of two books, Medications & the Elderly: A Guide for Promoting Proper Use and Consultant Pharmacy Practice (editions 1 and 2), and has delivered more than 400 scientific presentations at local, national and international symposia.
Simonson has been active in consultant pharmacy practice in a number of long-term care facilities in Oregon and Virginia and is currently a consultant to the Oregon Department of Human Services where he provides medication education and comment to the state nursing home surveyors on potential medication-related citations. He also serves as co-chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of the Pharmerica Corporation, a long-term care provider serving more than 300,000 long-term care residents.
Simonson has served four terms as a member of the United States Pharmacopeia Expert Advisory Panel on Geriatrics and currently serves on the National Council on Aging Health Promotions Institute Delegate Council.
Dr. Simonson was the recipient of the 1989 George F. Archambault Award presented by the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and was chosen as the 1989-90 Scholar in Residence of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy in Alexandria, VA. He was also chosen as the "Outstanding Professional of 1990" by the Oregon Gerontological Association. Simonson is a recipient of the 2001 Janssen Eldercare lifetime achievement award.
