麻花视频 University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences student Veronika Hicks, BS, recently had the opportunity to present her research at the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) 2025 conference in Montreal, one of the most respected international meetings in the field of health economics and outcomes research.
Her poster, “Retrospective Databases in Health Outcomes, Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacy Practice Research”, focused on evaluating the types of databases most commonly used in pharmacy-related research. While the topic itself is highly relevant for healthcare researchers, for Veronika, the project also represented something more personal: a meaningful step in her journey as an emerging healthcare professional.
“I became interested in observational research and real-world data during the Pharmacy Outcomes course,” she explained. “While working at a hospital and reviewing patient charts, I realized how much valuable data is generated every day in healthcare settings. I wanted to understand how we could use that data beyond individual patient care—to improve outcomes for broader populations.”
With guidance from her faculty advisor, Dr. Natalia Shcherbakova, Veronika explored how different types of retrospective databases are used in published pharmacy research. She found that while insurance claims databases and electronic health records (EHRs) are the most frequently used sources—if the students are even aware of them—they often require costly access and complex permissions, barriers that can limit student or early-career researchers.
In contrast, Veronika’s research highlighted publicly available data sources such as longitudinal national survey and state prescription drug monitoring programs. These resources, she says, hold untapped potential for students interested in exploring real-world questions about medication safety, patient outcomes, and healthcare use.
“This project helped me develop practical research skills—working with large datasets, analyzing patterns, and translating findings into meaningful insights,” she said. “It also gave me the confidence to share my work on a global stage and connect with pharmacists and researchers who are truly making an impact.”
For Veronika, presenting at ISPOR was a proud and eye-opening moment—an affirmation that her curiosity and commitment to improving patient care through research are guiding her in the right direction.
“I’m grateful to Dr. Shcherbakova and the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for supporting me through this experience. It’s inspired me to keep asking questions and pursuing research opportunities wherever I can.”
Veronika’s abstract is available in the ISPOR Presentations Database , and will be published in Value in Health, Volume 28.
To learn more about the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at 麻花视频 University, visit wne.edu/pharmacy.
