A Minute With...
Sarah Vas, 2024 PharmD candidate
Purdue University College of Pharmacy, West Lafayette, IN
Member since 2019
"Being a member of APhA–ASP has provided me countless invaluable experiences as a student pharmacist. These experiences have expanded my leadership skills, increased my confidence as a future provider, and empowered me to push the boundaries. APhA–ASP has given me the freedom to challenge myself, while supporting me every step of the way.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
APhA has helped me establish meaningful connections through both local and national events. The abundance of opportunities connecting students and pharmacists together has allowed me to expand my network on a vast scale. I have benefited from collaborating with local chapters within Indiana as well as attending the APhA’s Annual Meeting & Exposition this past spring. Being the largest pharmacy organization, APhA has introduced me to amazing individuals within the pharmacy profession who I hope to cross paths with over the years.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist (e.g., experiences in patient care projects, leadership opportunities, advocacy, etc.)?
The vast leadership opportunities within APhA–ASP have opened doors for me to grow in preparation for a career in pharmacy. As the current Purdue University chapter president, I have expanded my communication, time-management, and delegation skills. Through APhA, I’ve found a passion for supporting others on an administrative and logistic scale and hope to apply the knowledge gained over the next year to a future career in clinical pharmacy.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
I am most excited about the change and growth within the profession of pharmacy. Health care professionals are recognizing the important role pharmacists play in properly caring for patients. Our scope of practice is constantly expanding, and pharmacists are valued now more than ever. I am looking forward to joining the effort of providing exceptional, holistic care to patients upon my graduation.
Can you share a meaningful story about a time you interacted with a patient? Perhaps a time you felt like you really made a difference for them?
As an intern within the outpatient setting, I work longitudinally with patients to assist and counsel them on proper medication adherence. During these appointments, I guide patients in filling pillboxes, educate them on medication changes, and work to eliminate barriers impacting their care.
One patient in particular recently underwent a liver transplant and was prescribed a complex medication regimen. He was primarily Spanish-speaking and struggled to understand the medication list and bottles. He found himself with a heavy pill burden and a stringent routine, creating a high potential for poor adherence.
The patient was referred to our patient care services, and I was able to set up weekly meetings with him and his caregiver. Over the 5 weeks spent with this patient, I used translation services to create a Spanish medication guide, assisted in enrolling him for a COVID-19 vaccine, and supported him in navigating insurance challenges. Each week, I saw improvements in understanding and confidence as this patient became familiar with his medications and pillbox routine. Eventually, the patient presented with excellent adherence and lab results, indicating proper post-transplant management. ■
SDOH screening tool
Make an IMPACT
As a pharmacist, have you ever considered the impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) on your patients? These are the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that have a significant impact on their health and well-being. SDOH includes factors such as socioeconomic status, race, gender, education level, employment status, housing conditions, access to healthy food and safe environments, and social support networks. To provide comprehensive care to our patients, it’s essential to consider the whole person and not just their symptoms, medication, and medical history.
As one of the most accessible health care providers, pharmacists can play a vital role in identifying and addressing SDOH in their patients. By screening and assessing patients for SDOH, pharmacists can provide targeted interventions to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. APhA recognizes the importance of addressing SDOH and offers a variety of screening resources to help pharmacists identify these factors in their patients. These tools can help assess SDOH related to food insecurity, literacy, and cultural competency.
The next time you’re counseling a patient, consider asking about their living conditions, access to healthy food, and social support networks. You might be surprised by what you discover and how you can make a difference. Visit pharmacist.com/sdoh to learn more. ■
Did you know?
Reimbursement for billing primer
Did you know that you may be able to get reimbursed for the clinical services you provide under Medicare’s Outpatient Fee-for-Service (FFS) program? If not, don’t fret—APhA has got you covered.
The APhA Outpatient Fee-for-Service Billing resource is your go-to guide for understanding the opportunities for payment of clinical services provided by pharmacists. With this resource, you can learn about the various services that are reimbursable under Medicare FFS, such as medication therapy management, immunizations, and chronic care management.
But that’s not all. The APhA resource can also help you navigate the complexities of the Medicare billing system. You can learn about the documentation and coding requirements necessary for billing clinical services and stay up to date with changes in Medicare billing rules and regulations.
By utilizing the APhA Outpatient FFS Billing resource, you can improve patient care and generate additional revenue for your pharmacy practice. Take advantage of this valuable resource today and discover the opportunities for payment of clinical services provided by pharmacists under Medicare’s Outpatient FFS program. Visit apha.us/BillingCenter to learn more! ■
Did you know?
Transitioning Membership
Student pharmacists who are graduating in 2024 are eligible for APhA’s Transitioning Membership! The 24-month membership provides extensive resources to support students entering their rotation year.
The APhA NAPLEX Review Guide, a one-year Subscription to Pyrls, and an APPE Pocket Guide are just a few of the most valued benefits included in this membership. Enrollment started April 1, 2023. The students pictured with special APhA tote bags earned an APhA Surprise Pack for registering for Transitioning Membership early—during APhA2023.
Last call to 2024 graduates! Join APhA’s Transitioning Membership before it’s too late! Learn more or register at: www.pharmacist.com/transitioning-membership. ■
Honoring leadership, service, and commitment to the advancement of the pharmacy profession
The APhA Awards and Honors Program is the most comprehensive recognition program in the pharmacy profession. Every year at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition, pharmacists and other professionals are recognized and honored for their achievements and contributions in the community, the profession, and beyond. Among the many accomplished and deserving professionals honored this year, a few are highlighted below.
The highest honor
Henri R. Manasse, Jr., PhD, ScD (Hon), FFIP, of Downers Grove, IL, is the recipient of the 2023 Remington Honor Medal, the highest pharmacy honor bestowed by APhA. The award recognizes distinguished service on behalf of American pharmacy during the preceding years, culminating in the past year, or during a long period of outstanding or fruitful achievement.
Manasse has served in many roles throughout his accomplished career and is currently a professor and dean emeritus of the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy. Manasse previously served for 14 years as executive vice president and CEO at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists following more than 30 years of experience in numerous other positions within academia and public policy. Manasse is a pharmacy graduate of the University of Illinois at the Medical Center. He received his master’s degree from Loyola University, and he was the first PhD graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Social and Administrative Pharmacy graduate program.
Henri R. Manasse Jr., PhD, ScD (Hon), FFIP accepts the Remington Honor Medal.
Manasse was selected for this honor due to his extensive service to the profession as a leader who touched many areas of pharmacy practice and education.
Manasse’s nominators described his impact on the profession of pharmacy as having been broadly influential in defining an elevated role of pharmacists in society and supporting the advancement of education to fulfill this role. Additionally, Manasse’s efforts to educate and collaborate with health care leaders, government officials, and other groups outside of pharmacy have expanded the ability for pharmacists to provide enhanced, collaborative patient care.
Nominators also described Manasse as having been at the forefront of pharmacy advancement that included a global impact through leadership positions with the International Pharmaceutical Federation. Lastly, through almost 200 publications or contributions to journals or textbooks he has provided extensive review, analysis, and direction for the profession, which has advanced the profession of pharmacy and its external recognition.
Remington Honor Medal winners — Top row left to right: Lowell Anderson, DSc, FAPhA, Colonel (Ret) John D. Grabenstein, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, FASHP, Leslie Z. Benet, PharmD, PhD, Peter H. Vlasses, PharmD, BSc (Hon), FCCP, and Paul W. Lofholm, PharmD. Bottom row left to right: Daniel Hussar, BSPharm, PhD, Marialice Bennett, BSPharm, FAPhA, Henri R. Manasse Jr., PhD, ScD (Hon), FFIP, Lucinda Maine, RPh, PhD, FAPhA, and Harold Godwin, BSPharm, MS, RPh, FAPhA, FASHP.
Profession-wide awards
The Hugo H. Schaefer Award, presented to Ruth A. Smarinsky, PharmD, of Goleta, CA, recognizes outstanding voluntary contributions to the organization, the profession, and society. Smarinsky is Senior Advisor for Direct Relief, an international humanitarian organization that provides donations of medicines and other health resources to vulnerable people in more than 100 countries. Smarinsky has been actively involved with growing the Direct Relief’s programs to increase access to medication at community clinics and health centers throughout the United States, both on an ongoing basis and during times of disaster. She has developed several innovative programs, including a bulk patient assistance program, hurricane preparedness kits, and national distribution of naloxone. Direct Relief has since grown to be the largest charitable organization for the distribution of prescription drugs in the United States. Much of her career has been devoted to providing access to quality pharmaceutical care for underserved patients. She has served as volunteer faculty for the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy (her alma mater), Western University School of Pharmacy, and USC School of Pharmacy.
The Hubert H. Humphrey Award, presented to Farah M. Jalloul, BS, PharmD, MBA, of Lansing, MI, recognizes APhA members who have made major contributions in government and legislative service at the local, state, or national level. Jalloul was recognized for her contributions as the Director of Professional Development at the Michigan Pharmacists Association. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned into a liaison role between the MPA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. She facilitated discussions between the state and pharmacists throughout of Michigan and continues to serve as the state’s pharmacy emergency preparedness coordinator.
The Good Government Pharmacist-of-the-Year Award, presented to Corrie Sanders, PharmD, of Honolulu, HI, recognizes an individual pharmacist who contributes to the community through their active involvement in the political process. Sanders was recognized for her contributions serving as president of the Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare Systems. ■
Honorary membership
Honorary APhA membership is conferred by the APhA Board of Trustees upon individuals, either within the profession of pharmacy or outside of it, whose activities and achievements have had a significant positive impact on public health, the pharmacy profession, and its practitioners. Please visit apha.us/HonoraryMembers to see the complete list of APhA Honorary Members.