On Oct. 15, 2024, Professor of Pharmacy Practice Michael Rybak was honored with the 2024 Outstanding Mentor Award from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) during the group's Annual Business Meeting in Los Angeles.

The premier organization for pharmacists engaged in infectious diseases with more than 2,000 health care professional members, SIDP is dedicated to promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials through education, training, research and policy. 

One of SIDP’s founding members, Rybak is internationally renowned and has helped develop national guidelines on several infectious diseases. He has taught at Wayne State University since 1981 and serves as director of his Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, housed in the Applebaum Building.

The ARL Fellowship program was established in 1985 and, under Rybak’s direction, has trained more than 50 research fellows in its two tracks — ID pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and ID health outcomes research.

All fellows participate in teaching and precepting pharmacy students at Wayne State, clinical training by rounding with the ID consultation service at Detroit Receiving Hospital, and enroll in graduate course work in the WSU School of Medicine’s Department of Public Health. During their training, residents and fellows have published more than 250 papers that have been cited over 10,000 times.

Through the fellowship program and more, Rybak meets and exceeds SIDP’s definition of outstanding mentorship:

• Dedication to the personal and professional growth of mentees.
• Guiding, inspiring and empowering mentees with respect to their career development.
• Demonstrating a sustained commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion as a mentor.
• Sustained commitment to mentees over time.

“Personally and on behalf of the college, I’m delighted to see Dr. Rybak recognized for his contributions in mentoring,” said Associate Dean for Pharmacy Susan Davis, who was an ARL fellow from 2003-05 and counts Rybak among her mentors. “As a member of the SIDP community myself, I have seen the impact he has had on individuals and our profession for many years.”

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The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process or the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.

An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 24,000 students.