Contact Information

Biography

Dr. Branden Nemecek is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacy specialist practicing in Internal Medicine and Nephrology at UPMC Mercy Hospital. Dr. Nemecek has been a clinician and faculty at Duquesne since completing his PGY2 Internal Medicine Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina in 2013. He was recently named Director of Residency Programs for all Duquesne residency programs while serving as the program director for our PGY2 Internal Medicine program in association with Mercy Hospital. Dr. Nemecek co-coordinates our Teaching and Learning Certificate program, along with Dr. Jordan Covvey, which trains residents and practicing pharmacists in optimal teaching and precepting strategies.

His teaching focus is in gastroenterology/nutrition, inpatient management of endocrine disorders, clinical patient assessment, and he co-directs the acute care concentration. Dr. Nemecek has won multiple Teacher of the Year awards (given each year by each class at Duquesne) and one "TOPS" award, which is given to the faculty who had the largest impact on a graduating class throughout their education at Duquesne.

He is active on a national level with both ASHP and ACCP including serving as the Adult Medicine Network Facilitator at this past ASHP Midyear and has been a member of multiple committees within the Adult Medicine PRN with ACCP including having served as the chair of the Research Committee. Dr. Nemecek recently published a text through ASHP Publications titled "Demystifying Drug Dosing in Renal Disease." His research and publication interests focus are within the nephrology and gastroenterology areas with additional interest in retrospective reviews on safety and efficacy of therapies within the general medicine population. Dr. Nemecek also serves as chair of the International Pharmacy Education committee at Duquesne which has led to his travel to present at, and attend, three SIFO congresses in Italy while hosting multiple clinical pharmacy visits within the U.S. for pharmacist from Italy, Ghana, Nigeria, and Japan. He is a member of ACCP, ASHP, AACP and PPA.

Education

  • PGY2 Internal Medicine Residency, Medical University of South Carolina, 2013
  • PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency, Medical University of South Carolina, 2012
  • Pharm.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center, 2011
  • B.S. Biochemistry, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2007

School

Journal Publications
  • Covvey JR, Erickson O, Fiumara D, Mazzei K, Moszczenski Z, Slipak K, Nemecek BD, Zimmerman DE, Guarascio AJ. Comparison of vancomycin area-under-the-curve dosing versus trough target-based dosing in obese and nonobese patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Ann Pharmacother. 2019 Dec 30; [epub ahead of print]
  • Zimmerman DE, Covvey JR, Nemecek BD, Guarascio AJ, Wilson L, Freedy HR, Yassin MH. Prescribing trends and revisit rates following a pharmacist‐driven protocol change for community-acquired pneumonia in the emergency department. Int J Pharm Pract. 2019;27:279-285.
  • Dashputre AA, Nemecek BD, Kamal KM, Covvey JR. The relationship between a cirrhosis-specific comorbidity scoring system and healthcare utilization patterns. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019;32(7):1222-1230.
  • Morris J, Bohm N, Nemecek BD, Crawford R, Kelley D, Bhasin B, Neitert P, Velez JC. Rapidity of correction of hyponatremia due to syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone following tolvaptan. Am J Kidney Dis. 2018;71(6):772-782.
  • Guarascio AJ, Nemecek BD, Zimmerman DE. Evaluation of students' perceptions of the Socrative application versus a traditional student response system and its impact on classroom engagement. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning 2017:808-812.
  • Nemecek BD, Hermayer KL, Arnold PC, Bohm N. Evaluation of ward management of diabetic ketoacidosis. Clin Diabetes. 2014;32(3):100-104.
  • Nemecek BD, Bohm N, Gomez J. Adequacy of empiric coverage of Gram-negative bacteremias in an adult population [abstract]. Pharmacotherapy 2012; 32(10): e309-310. October 2012.
  • Nemecek BD. Disaster Preparedness – Where does a Pharmacist fit in the puzzle? Nebraska Mortar & Pestle. Sept/Oct 2011: 75(5):22-29.
Published Books – Editor
  • Nemecek BD, Hammond D (ed). Demystifying Drug Dosing in Renal Dysfunction. 1st ed. American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Publications, Bethesda, MD: 2019: ISBN 978-1-58528-5
Published Book Chapters
  • Guarascio AJ, Nemecek BD. Chapter 117: Using laboratory tests in infectious diseases: chief of staph level III. Pharmacotherapy Casebook: a patient centered approach, 11e. Schwinghammer J, et al (ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2020
  • Barretto EF, Nemecek BD. Renal Disease and Renal Replacement Therapy Overview. Demystifying Drug Dosing in Renal Dysfunction. Nemecek BD, Hammond DA (ed). American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Publications, Bethesda, MD. 2019
  • Klootwyk JM, King A, Hammond DA, Nemecek BD. Cardiovascular Disease. Demystifying Drug Dosing in Renal Dysfunction. Nemecek BD, Hammond DA (ed). American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Publications, Bethesda, MD. 2019
  • Nemecek BD. Chronic Kidney Disease, Common Comorbidities, and Diabetes. Demystifying Drug Dosing in Renal Dysfunction. Nemecek BD, Hammond DA (ed). American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Publications, Bethesda, MD. 2019
  • Nemecek BD. "Gout and hyperuricemia". American College of Clinical Pharmacy. PSAP Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program: Module. Kansas City, MO, 2017
  • Guarascio AJ, Nemecek BD. Chapter 117: Using laboratory tests in infectious diseases: chief of staph level III. Pharmacotherapy Casebook: a patient centered approach, 10e. Schwinghammer J, et al (ed). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2016
  • Nemecek BD. Medication absorption in bariatric surgery. Demystifying Drug Dosing in Obese Patients. Shank BR, Zimmerman DE (ed). American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist Publications, Bethesda, MD, 2016
Grant Funding
  • Covvey J, Nemecek BD Evaluation of Clinical Care in Cirrhosis and Related Complications
    Role: Co-Primary Investigator
    Duquesne University Faculty Development Fund
    April 2015 – April 2017 – funding; project ongoing
    Awarded: $9,000
  • Kimmel M, Olesky C, Covvey J, Nemecek BD The association between MELD-Na and clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
    Role: Co-Primary Preceptor & Investigator
    Duquesne University Undergraduate Summer Research Grant
    May 2016 – August 2017
    Awarded: $1,000
Published Conference Proceedings
  • Venezia S, Nemecek BD, Zimmerman DE, Francavilla F, Ferretti A, Alberti C, Vecchio S, Bricker JD. Clinical pharmacy applications from the Duquesne University Clinical Certificate Program: from training to today. Eur J Hosp Pharm. 26(Suppl 1): A289-A290. [abstract]
  • Kimmel M, Olesky C, Covvey JR, Nemecek BD. Examination of the association between MELD-Na and clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Pharmacotherapy 2017;37(12):e170-171. [abstract]
  • Dashputre AA, Kamal KM, Nemecek BD, Covvey JR. Quality of care in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, hepatic encephalopathy or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records. Value in Health 2017;20(5):A187
  • Coleman P, Sears M, Vaichys S, Nemecek BD, Guarascio A. Evaluation of appropriateness of vaccination procedures of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in a hospital setting. Pharmacotherapy 2015;35(11):e305. [abstract]
  • Ross W, Brown J, Guido K, Nemecek BD, Guarascio A. Vancomycin dosing considerations in patients with liver cirrhosis. Pharmacotherapy 2015;35(11):e300. [abstract]
  • Nemecek BD, Bohm N, Gomez J. Adequacy of empiric coverage of Gram-negative bacteremias in an adult population. Pharmacotherapy 2012;32(10):e309-310. [abstract]
Professional Poster Presentations
  • Schillero D, Christner J, Hildebrand J, Markovich E, Covvey JR, Zimmerman DE, Montepara CA, Nemecek BD. Appropriateness of opioid prescribing according to potency on general medicine wards. Role: Lead faculty mentor. ACCP Annual Meeting. New York City, NY. October 2019. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Dusch A, Harvath K, Ruane M, Sebastani S, Covvey JR, Zimmerman DE, Nemecek BD, Stanton B, Montepara CA. Clinical outcomes after switching between P2Y12 inhibitors post-acute coronary syndrome or percutaneous coronary intervention. ACCP Annual Meeting. New York City, NY. October 2019. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Brilbeck A, Kachel A, Linden A, Schotting P, Covvey JR, Nemecek BD, Montepara CA, Zimmerman DE. Pharmacologic treatment of renal colic in the emergency department: a multi-center cohort analysis. ACCP Annual Meeting. New York City, NY. October 2019. (national forum, peer reviewed)
    • Allison Kachel won the ACCP Emergency Medicine PRN student travel grant through her work on this project
  • Anderson CA, Covvey JR, Tidgewell KJ, Kamal KM, Zimmerman DE, Nemecek BD. Establishing health partnerships across the globe. AACP Annual Meeting. Chicago, IL. July 2019. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Venezia S, Nemecek BD, Zimmerman DE, Francavilla F, Ferretti A, Alberti C, Vecchio S, Bricker JD. Clinical pharmacy applications from the Duquesne University Clinical Certificate Program: from training to today. Congress of the EAHP. Barcelona, Spain. Mar 2019 (international forum, peer reviewed).
  • Hayden E*, Dillon C*, English M*, Jankowski I*, Guarascio A, Zimmerman DE, Covvey JR, Nemecek BD. Comparing the use of immediate and extended release of oral diltiazem post-intravenous conversion for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. ACCP Annual Meeting; Seattle, WA. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Oct 2018 (national forum, peer reviewed)
    • Caroline Dillon won the ACCP Adult Medicine PRN student travel grant through her work on this project
  • Magda V*, Calcagno T*, Montepara C, Covvey J, Nemecek BD. As-needed intravenous labetalol and hydralazine use in hospitalized ward patients. ACCP Annual Meeting; Seattle, WA. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Oct 2018 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Kennedy A, Miner K, Preutt S, Tripodis A, Covvey JR, Nemecek BD, Guarascio AJ, Zimmerman DE. Dosing ketamine for obese patients undergoing procedural sedation. ACCP Annual Meeting; Seattle, WA. Role: Faculty mentor. Oct 2018 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Miller B*, Nero J*, Nesbitt V*, Rohm V*, Covvey J, Zimmerman D, Guarascio A, Nemecek BD. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of potassium supplementation in the non-intensive care setting. ASHP Annual Meeting; Orlando, FL. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Dec 2017 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Kimmel M*, Olesky C*, Covvey J, Zimmerman D, Guarascio A, Nemecek BD. Examination of the association between MELD-Na and clinical outcomes for hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. ACCP Annual Meeting; Phoenix AZ. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Aug 2017 (national forum, peer reviewed)
    • Courtney Olesky won an ACCP student travel award to support presenting this research with myself serving as her reference based on her leadership and work on this project
  • Bever A*, Cauley B*, Hoffman R*, Palmieri N*, Covvey J, Zimmerman D, Guarascio A, Nemecek BD. Safety and efficacy evaluation of as-needed intravenous antihypertensive utilization in non-ICU patients. ACCP Annual Meeting; Phoenix AZ. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Aug 2017 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Gaydosh A*, Gerstein R*, Scott J*, Tompkins K*, Covvey J, Nemecek BD, Guarascio A, Zimmerman D. Utilization of ketamine for procedural sedation among patients with obesity. ACCP Annual Meeting; Phoenix AZ. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Aug 2017 (national forum, peer reviewed)
    • Student Rachel Gerstein won the ACCP Emergency Medicine PRN student travel grant through her work on this project
  • Covvey JR, Nemecek BD. Development of a model for student engagement in a practical research experience. AACP Annual Meeting; Nashville, TN. Role: Co-Lead author. Jul 2017 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Dashputre A, Kamal KM, Nemecek BD, Covvey JR. Quality of care in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, hepatic encephalopathy or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records. ISPOR Annual International Meeting; Boston, MA. Role: Faculty mentor. Value Health 2017;20(5):A187. May 2017. (international forum, peer reviewed)

    Collier C*, Curry L*, Heller S*, Palermo M*, Zarger L*, Nemecek BD, Covvey JR, Guarascio AJ, Yassin M, Freedy H, Zimmerman DE. Revisits to the emergency department for community-acquired pneumonia: a four-year experience. ASHP Annual Meeting; Las Vegas, NV. Role: Co-faculty mentor. Dec 2016. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • DeLeo AE*, Gatchel MR*, Tomy P*, Travers EA*, Verna NJ*, Covvey JR, Guarascio AJ, Zimmerman DE, Nemecek BD. Antibiotic prophylaxis failure among patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis: influence of antimicrobial agent, body mass index and prognostic score. ASHP Annual Meeting; Las Vegas, NV. Role: Lead faculty mentor. Dec 2016. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • McHugh C*, Taylor B*, Caspero G*, Steffes M*, Hedjazi M*, Kimmel M, Zimmerman DE, Nemecek BD, Covvey JR, Guarascio AJ. The association between MELD-Na and clinical outcomes in patients with cirrhosis hospitalized with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. ASHP Annual Meeting; Las Vegas, NV. Role: Co-faculty mentor. Dec 2016. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Dashputre A, Kamal KM, Nemecek BD, Covvey JR. Adherence to clinical guidelines in patients with cirrhosis and its complications: a retrospective analysis of electronic medical records. AMCP Annual Meeting; San Francisco, CA. National forum. Role: Faculty mentor and clinical advisor. April 2016. (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Ross W*, Brown J*, Guido K*, Guarascio A, Nemecek BD. Vancomycin dosing considerations in patients with liver cirrhosis. Poster presentation accepted for the American Colleges of Clinical Pharmacy - Global Conference on Clinical Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA. October 2015 (international forum, peer reviewed)
    • Jennifer Brown won the ACCP Adult Medicine PRN student travel grant through her work on this project and Katherine Guido won the Gastrointestinal and Nutrition Practice student travel grant through her work on this project
  • Sears M*, Coleman P*, Vaichys S*, Nemecek BD, Guarascio A. Evaluation of appropriateness of vaccination procedures of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine in a hospital setting. Poster presentation accepted for the American Colleges of Clinical Pharmacy - Global Conference on Clinical Pharmacy, San Francisco, CA. October 2015 (international forum, peer reviewed)
    • Paige Coleman won the ACCP Geriatrics PRN student travel grant through her work on this project
    • Encore presentation at Duquesne Undergraduate Research & Scholarship Symposium
              ○ Honorable Mention Phi Kappa Phi Honors society award for best poster award
  • Gray E*, Sacco A*, Nemecek BD. Utilization review and cost analysis of N-acetylcysteine for the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy. Poster presented at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Midyear Meeting, Anaheim, CA. December 2014 (national forum, peer reviewed)
  • Nemecek BD, Cearly M, Dubovetsky D, Hoover K, Bohm N, Garrison N, New J, Neyens R. Effectiveness of an insulin protocol for management of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome. Poster presented at Optimizing Pharmacy Education and Training - International Conference, Riyadh Saudi Arabia. February 2013. (international forum, invited presentation)
  • Medication Use Evaluation: Evaluation of utilization of bisphosphonates at an academic medical center: a safety and efficacy analysis. Presented at the UHC resident poster session at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Midyear meeting, Las Vegas, NV. December 2012
  • Medication Use Evaluation: Efficacy of insulin infusion protocols for reaching target blood glucose. Presented at the UHC resident poster session at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Midyear meeting, New Orleans, LA. December 2011.
  • Effect of student-pharmacist driven patient education on medication adherence in an indigent population at a student-run clinic. Presented at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Midyear meeting, primary author, Anaheim, CA. December 2010.
  • Barriers to medication adherence in an indigent population. Presented at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Midyear meeting, secondary author, Anaheim, CA. December 2010.
Teaching Awards:

2019
  • Duquesne Univerity Creative Teaching Award
  • Professor of the Year Award
    Named by the Class of 2019 for the 2017-18 AY
2017
  • Professor of the Year Award
    Named by Class of 2017 for the 2015-16 AY
2016
  • TOPS (Teacher of Pharmacy School) Award
    Named by Class of 2016 as top professor across all six years of Pharm.D. Program

Awards (Pre-Teaching):

2012
  • American Colleges of Clinical Pharmacy - Travel Grant
2011
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center Joseph B. Burt Memorial Leadership Award
  • Dean's Leadership Scholarship
  • Joseph D. Williams Pharmacy Scholarship/Leadership Award