Research Spotlight
Mark Stratton, Pharm.D., BCPS, GCP, FASHP
Dr. Mark Stratton joined the College of Pharmacy in 2001 as Professor and Herbert and Dorothy Langsam Endowed Chair in Geriatric Pharmacy. His main research interests are in geriatric pharmacotherapies with a particular emphasis on seniors over the age of 75 years. Recent funding for Dr. Stratton included a Presbyterian Health Foundation grant entitled: “Analysis of Treatment for Hyperlipidemia in the Old-Old.” Dr. Stratton authored an article “Disparities in the Prevalence of Medication Therapy for Hyperlipidemia in the Elderly” that covered the results of this research and the article was published in The Consultant Pharmacist volume 22 number 10 October 2007.
The leading cause of death in people 75 years of age and older is atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). Dr. Stratton states that this demographic population is under-represented in research pertaining to CAD as well as most other cardiovascular diseases. His research regarding hyperlipidemia has shown that older people were prescribed therapy less frequently than younger people, that women were prescribed therapy less frequently than men, that Caucasians were prescribed therapy more frequently than African-Americans, and that those living in a nursing facility were prescribed therapy less frequently than those living in other settings. Dr. Stratton also feels that while these differences in rates of therapy were statistically significant, more research needs to be done before the results can translate to a meaningful clinically significant phenomenon.
He is also actively securing funding for the development of a program to evaluate the impact of clinical pharmacists who would provide medication therapy management for home bound elders.
Dr. Stratton is the 2008 recipient of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Leadership in Education Award. This award recognizes the unique and innovative educational endeavors of ASCP members. Dr. Stratton will be presented with the award by the ASCP Midyear Conference in May 2008.
Biographical Sketch | Research Spotlight Archives