91成人导航

For three decades, S. Lena Kang-Birken, PharmD, FCCP, AAHIVP, professor of pharmacy practice and regional coordinator for Santa Barbara/Ventura, has been training, challenging and inspiring future pharmacists. The 2025 Regional Coordinator of the Year award reflects her dedication to bringing out the best in each of her students.

One of the Class of 2025 doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) graduates shared, 鈥淒r. Kang-Birken is a pharmacist and educator who I look up to. She is a confident, strong woman who I admire and strive to be like. Her knowledge, insight and advice as a regional coordinator inspire me to improve myself both professionally and personally.鈥�

An innovative educator, she creates an environment that fosters exploration.

鈥淒r. Kang-Birken goes above and beyond to provide meaningful opportunities for students,鈥� said a PharmD graduate. 鈥淪he organizes regional meetings that bring in experts from various specialties, covering everything from financial planning and statistics to psychopharmacology, medication safety and critical care. These sessions have been invaluable in broadening my knowledge and shaping my professional growth.鈥�

One of her goals is to provide opportunities for students to network with future employers.

鈥淒r. Kang-Birken pours in so much time and care into our professional experiences, growth and future career opportunities in pharmacy,鈥� another graduate shared.

She has precepted over 450 PharmD students during their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience rotations.

鈥淭he relationships I have built with so many students over the years, and continue to build as they grow professionally and personally, are what I treasure the most,鈥� said Dr. Kang-Birken.

Some of her former student now serve as preceptors themselves.

In addition to her role as a regional coordinator, she serves as an antimicrobial pharmacotherapy consultant at Cottage Health in Santa Barbara and as an antiretroviral pharmacotherapy consultant for Ventura County Public Health.

Dr. Kang-Birken is a highly productive and well-respected researcher, scholar and clinician. Her scholarly activities demonstrate a consistent, focused body of work in infectious diseases with publications and presentations at the national and international level. Her commitment to providing preceptor development and involving students in research projects helps to develop the next generation of scholars in the profession.

Her life philosophy is 鈥渕ake every moment count.鈥�

鈥淚 excel under pressure and feel exhilarated when I accomplish my goals each day,鈥� she said. 鈥淥utside of work, I enjoy physical challenges and trying new things. I started running for the first time when I was turned 40, and I continue to train for half marathons. Lately, I started outrigger canoeing and joined the Santa Barbara Outrigger Canoe Team. I鈥檓 one of the oldest crew members, but I am thoroughly enjoying the new, and yet tiring, experience. Creating new opportunities and challenges, whether at work or at play, keeps me moving and helps me stay active physically and mentally.鈥�