June 17, 2021

PharmD alumnus Frank Prano '20 vaccinates a WSU Applebaum VIP

Interim Dean Cathy Lysack is back in Detroit! Yesterday, she received her second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at a local CVS, where Wayne State PharmD alumnus Frank Prano '20 is the pharmacist. 

In her own words, here's what Dean Lysack had to say about the experience: 

While waiting my turn – and wearing my Wayne State University mask of course – I was taken care of very promptly and professionally by the pharmacist. Without saying who I was, but wearing the mask, I asked if he happened to be a WSU grad. He was! He introduced himself as Dr. Frank Prano, PharmD class of 2020. We had a great conversation about public health, community service and the tough job market for grads right now.  

And I hadn't yet said anything about who I was or why I was interested.

After our chat, he told me I should rest in the nearby chair for short 10 minutes of observation and after that, if I felt fine, I was free to go.

And then he quickly returned, saying he suddenly knew why my name seemed familiar! He asked, "Are you Dean Lysack from Applebaum?" And I said, "Yes! Interim Dean, but yes."  

And then we continued our very pleasant chat about his education at the college and how his P4 year was affected by COVID-19. It was tough, he said, but he was very grateful for the faculty who worked so effectively to support him and his classmates. He spoke highly of his clinical training too, including a shout-out to Dr. Susan Davis and how much he enjoyed learning from her at Henry Ford. I told him he must come back to the college and talk to future students, and that faculty are always there for our graduates if they need anything at all.

I was never happier to receive a jab in the arm, so thrilled to receive protection from COVID-19 delivered by one of our fine college graduates. Thank you, Frank Prano, for my vaccine – and for all you do to provide excellent health education and treatment for Detroit.

Return to news