About the Speaker

Bianca Romero Widmer, Pharm.D., BCGP, BCPS, is a double board-certified clinical pharmacist and health care leader with extensive experience in medication therapy management and clinical program development. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Clinical Pharmacy at Suvida Healthcare, a primary care organization specializing in geriatric healthcare, with a particular focus on Hispanic seniors and their families.

In this role, she leads initiatives to enhance clinical pharmacy services and regularly collaborates with the multi-disciplinary care team at Suvida to improve patient outcomes. Romero Widmer earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Texas A&M University in College Station and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

With expertise in chronic disease management, transitions of care, and medication adherence, Romero Widmer has been instrumental in optimizing care for high-risk patients. A dedicated mentor and industry advocate, she serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and as an alumni judge for the University of Houston's Patient Counseling Competition. She is also an active member of ACCP, with participation in both the ambulatory care and geriatrics practice and research network, and is committed to advancement of clinical pharmacy services and comprehensive patient-centered care in the ambulatory setting.

About the Lecture Series

The shouts of "Carpe Diem" emanating from James T. McCarty encouraged his students to strive to live for the day – to persevere through their time spent at the college for benefit of the patients they will serve. In fact, many students may remember how he emphasized the importance of treating all patients as equals.

Throughout the curriculum, faculty and students used McCarty as a model of leadership within the profession by emulating his ideals and teachings. For this reason, the students of Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership honor society, are proud to have named the Leadership Lecture Series after such an influential individual. The annual lecture is co-sponsored by UH College of Pharmacy.

About James T. McCarty

James T. McCarty (1928-2020) was a retired professor and alumnus of UH College of Pharmacy. Having spent a lifetime with the university, from graduation to retirement, McCarty built a legacy of professionalism in the classroom, in pharmacy practice, and behind the podium.

McCarty had many years of varied pharmacy experience, including hospital, manufacturing and community. His professional affiliations included Rho Chi National Honor Society, American Mensa and Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership society where he served as president in 1992 (one of five UHCOP alumni to hold the highest office in the organization). McCarty received many honors during his career, including the 1997 Harris County Pharmacist of the Year, the 1991 UH College of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni Award, the 1992 Texas Pharmacist Association Pharmacist of the Year Award and the 1992 Albert Rosica, Jr. Memorial Award by the American College of Apothecaries "for recognition of outstanding contribution to pharmacy education."

The shouts of "Carpe Diem" emanating from this distinguished gentleman encouraged his students to strive to live for the day – to persevere through their time spent at the college for benefit of the patients they will serve. In fact, many students may remember how he emphasized the importance of treating all patients as equals.

Throughout the curriculum, faculty and students used McCarty as a model of leadership within the profession by emulating his ideals and teachings. For this reason, the students of Phi Lambda Sigma, the national pharmacy leadership honor society, are proud to have named the Leadership Lecture Series after such an influential individual.

About Phi Lambda Sigma

Phi Lambda Sigma honors leadership. Members are selected by peer recognition. No greater honor can be bestowed upon an individual than to be recognized as a leader by one’s peers. Such recognition instills and enhances self-confidence, encourages the less active student to a more active role and promotes greater effort toward the advancement of pharmacy.

The purpose of Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the national Pharmacy Leadership Society, is to promote the development of leadership qualities, especially among pharmacy students. By peer recognition, the Society encourages participation in all pharmacy activities. Since membership crosses fraternal and organizational lines, the Society does not compete with other pharmacy organizations.

Founded in 1965, Phi Lambda Sigma has expanded to more than 90 schools and colleges of pharmacy in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. The UH Upsilon Chapter was established in 1988.

Recent Lecturers

Denise Jonathan, Pharm.D. ('05), 2024
Thomas Roduta, Pharm.D., M.S. ('18), BCPS, 2023
Alex C. Varkey, Pharm.D. ('05), M.S., FAPhA, 2022
Janis Parsley ('82), Carolyn Hilscher ('85), Julie Spier ('86), Debbie Veselka ('94) and Lynn Simpson ('97), 2021
No lecture in 2020
Thani M. Gossai ('08), 2019
Michael Moné, 2018
George Okpamen, 2017
Joyce A. Tipton ('79), 2016
David A. Zilz and Roger W. Anderson, 2015
The Honorable Charles L. "Chuck" Hopson ('65), 2014
No lecture in 2013
Todd W. Canada, 2012
Lisa Scholz ('99), 2011
Dennis B. Worthen, 2010
Joesph T. DiPiro, 2009
Lloyd Y. Young, 2008
Rhea Blanken, 2007