Dr. Nicole Albanese is a clinical associate professor and the assistant dean for Student Success and Engagement at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. In this role, she provides leadership and support in student services, including recruitment, admissions, academic advisement, career development, and event coordination. She collaborates with student organizations, develops new courses, and conducts educational research. Albanese has developed and maintains Professional Identity elements throughout the curriculum and co-curriculum, overseeing all professional and academic progression in the Pharm.D. program. Her instructional responsibilities are focused on endocrinology and ambulatory care, where she spends upwards of 50 hours per week teaching. Her research focuses on outcomes in diabetes as well as educational research. At her clinic site, a patient-centered medical home physician group practice, she trains around 20 APPE students annually and serves as the residency program director for a PGY2 ambulatory care resident. Albanese became a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist in 2009 and earned board certification as an ambulatory care pharmacist in 2011. She is an active member of the profession and an accomplished lecturer speaking on topics such as diabetes and obesity. She is currently serving as chair-elect of the ACCP Endocrine and Metabolism PRN and was previously the PRN’s secretary/treasurer. She was named a Fellow of ACCP in 2024.

Albanese’s path to pharmacy began unexpectedly during her first year of college. Initially studying business, she found herself working at a local grocery store chain. A chance assignment to the pharmacy department sparked her interest, and the more she interacted with pharmacists and technicians, the more she realized that pharmacy could be a fulfilling career. This realization led her to pursue a degree in pharmacy, with the initial goal of becoming a community pharmacist.

She graduated in 2001 from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy in Richmond, Virginia. However, during her P3 year at VCU, conversations with her adviser and mentor inspired her to undertake a community residency. Thus, in June 2002, she completed a community care pharmacy practice residency at VCU under the direction of Dr. Ralph Small. This experience opened new doors and ignited a passion for teaching. Albanese’s residency training, which focused on diabetes management, was particularly meaningful because of her personal connection to the disease. Her aunt had died of complications related to type 1 diabetes just before she started pharmacy school. Her aunt’s struggle became Albanese’s “why”—the driving force behind her dedication to diabetes education and management.

Reflecting on her career, Albanese emphasizes the importance of early involvement in professional organizations. Although she delayed her own involvement with ACCP until later in her career, once she joined, the benefits from the College were immediate and substantial. Her network expanded, and her national prominence grew, providing both professional and personal rewards. She encourages new graduates to get involved early, highlighting the value of relationships and the opportunities for growth and influence within the organization.

One surprising fact about her is that she was brought up in a holistic household: she did not receive childhood vaccinations and grew up with alternative physicians, no Western medications, and a diet free of sugar, processed foods, and white bread. As a child, she never ate boxed cereals or even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich! This unique upbringing has shaped her perspective and approach to health and wellness.

Advocacy is a cornerstone of Albanese’s daily practice. She views advocacy as a multifaceted effort that includes ensuring patients receive safe, effective, and equitable care. She is particularly focused on optimizing medication regimens for vulnerable populations and prioritizing evidence-based pharmacotherapy within the health care team. Her advocacy efforts extend to addressing systemic barriers and proposing solutions to improve patient care.

Albanese believes that the most important form of advocacy for pharmacists is to champion the recognition and use of pharmacists as essential members of the health care team. She advises her learners to start small but be consistent in their advocacy efforts, stay informed about relevant policies, build networks, and incorporate advocacy into their clinical roles. Albanese’s journey is a testament to the impact of passion, dedication, and early involvement in professional organizations. Her work in diabetes management, commitment to education, and advocacy for patient care continue to inspire and influence the pharmacy community.