June 2, 2010 — As lead pharmacist in the University of Virginia Medical Center's Investigational Drugs Pharmacy, Michelle Hobbs has mastered the art of multi-tasking.

She's a mother of two who earned her Ph.D. in pharmacy while working full time. While others might have difficulty finding any more time to give, Hobbs eagerly volunteers to help those in need, her colleagues wrote in nominating her for a Leonard W. Sandridge Outstanding Contribution Award.

She has coordinated pharmacy service for the Remote Area Medical Clinic in Southwest Virginia for the past six years. Last year, she participated in a mission trip to Africa.

"Michelle Hobbs gives her all, whether it is her work at the Medical Center, at RAM or even volunteering on her own time," one of her nominators wrote.

Others see her taking pride in her work, especially in the clinical trials process.

"Michelle constantly looks for ways to improve the system, enabling more patients to be treated with new drugs," another nominator wrote. "She provides vital analysis and recommendations for a multitude of clinical trials before and after they are approved.

"Her expertise is reliable and her diligence is admirable."