Transforming an idea into action
INNOVATION
By Zachary Curren, PharmD, MPH, CACP
There’s a unique power in turning a thought into something real—an idea sparked in your mind that grows into a tangible solution. I first experienced this in high school student government, where I felt the nervous excitement of presenting a new concept, collaborating with others to shape it, and bringing it to life. That same thrill drives me today as a clinical pharmacist.
Whether it’s creating new clinical roles or developing programs to address gaps within organizations, the process of transforming an idea into action is what I love most about innovation. The most rewarding part is not just seeing an idea take shape, but witnessing its impact on patients and colleagues. This drive to envision solutions, work with others, and make a difference has been a guiding force throughout my career and continues to inspire me as I create roles and programs that improve care.
It’s a pursuit I will carry with me for the rest of my time in this profession.
Bridging gaps
Since graduating in 2021, I have had the privilege of creating, developing, and implementing three clinical pharmacist roles across two institutions. Each role began with the task of identifying gaps in care where a clinical pharmacist could provide meaningful support to both patients and providers. To ensure innovation remains at the forefront, I started by actively engaging with providers, nurses, and medical assistants, asking them how I could enhance their patient care efforts.
In many cases, I found that care teams may not fully understand the scope and potential of what clinical pharmacists can offer. To bridge this gap, I prioritized being visible and approachable—spending time at the nursing station, walking through clinic halls, and engaging in casual conversations with colleagues. These moments created opportunities for organic discussions and questions, allowing team members to recognize the value clinical pharmacists bring to patient care.
These efforts to foster visibility and collaboration paved the way for impactful initiatives. I managed warfarin therapy for more than 100 patients, achieving high-quality anticoagulation control (TTR >70% per ACC standards). I completed more than 1,500 consults across 17 clinics and established a student pharmacist and resident rounding service to enhance patient education and clinical interventions. I also created a clinical pharmacist discharge reconciliation process, ensuring safe medication transitions for more than 100 patients daily in collaboration with hospitalist teams. These initiatives underscored the importance of being present, fostering relationships, and demonstrating the significant impact clinical pharmacists can have on patient care and team dynamics.
Opportunities for success are waiting for you
My goal in sharing this journey is to inspire those who may feel hesitant to voice their ideas, nervous about advancing their careers, or unsure if their ambitions are within reach. The opportunities for success are there, waiting for you to take that leap. It’s up to you to transform your innovative ideas into actions that create meaningful change and positively impact lives in ways only you can.
What step will you take today to turn your thoughts into the next big innovation?
Zac Curren, PharmD, MPH, CACP, is a clinical pharmacist at Heartland Community Health Center in Lawrence, KS, and serves as the 2024–2025 APhA New Practitioner Advisory Committee Member Engagement Standing Committee member-at-large. His expertise lies in medication safety, drug information, and chronic care management. Outside of pharmacy, Zac is passionate about music and creates under the name “CXRRXNT.” He also enjoys cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs as they prepare for their Super Bowl three-peat.