Pharmacy Edge

Pharmacy Edge Magazin

Issue

Thirteen

Keaton Grant

e

March/2017

Aisha Shokoya The 340B Drug Pricing Program: Cut Backs or More Addendums?

The Little ÂŽ Medical School

The Benefits of Joining a Pharmacy Franchise

inspires young minds for future careers in healthcare.

Are DIR Fees Putting Independent Pharmacies Out of Business?

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Table of Contents Issue 13 / March, 2017

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The Little Medical SchoolÂŽ inspires young minds for future careers in healthcare.

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Keaton Grant

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Aisha Shokoya

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Are DIR Fees Putting Independent Pharmacies Out of Business?

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The Benefits of Joining a Pharmacy Franchise

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The 340B Drug Pricing Program: Cut Backs or More Addendums?

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APEA Newsletter

President’s message Joshua Pirestani It comes with great pleasure to announce The American Pharmacy Entrepreneur Alliance (APEA) chapter was formed in the beginning of January 2017 with the initial goal of helping pharmacy students achieve greater success after graduation.

Within a few short months, the APEA has been very successful in various areas in networking and student outreach.

When it comes to student development, we aim to motivate the individual to develop both professional and personal growth. On February 16th, we held our first LinkedIn workshop in which we provided the student body with the neces-

sary tools of expanding their network.

The following week, on February 21st, we had a student outreach presentation to undergrads who were interested in being a part of the field of pharmacy.

We encourage our readers to subscribe to our Pharmacy Edge Magazine at http://joinappa.com/pharmacy-edgemagazine/ and take benefit of all our services.

For more information and queries, please contact info@joinappa.com Joshua Pirestani President.

www.littlemedicalschool.com/southflorida

The Little ÂŽ Medical School inspires young minds for future careers in healthcare.

The Little Medical SchoolÂŽ, with its unique approach towards educating children about the importance of health and understanding medicine and the human body, develops scientific temper in the minds of youngsters in a practical way, which makes learning fun and introduces them to careers in healthcare.

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Parkland, FL – The Little Medical School®, as the name suggests, is a school designed specifically for youngsters who would like to learn more about the human body and how to keep it healthy with a practical approach, making it a fun experience for the children while they learn about careers in medicine, nursing, veterinary medicine, and pharmacy.

The interactive conceptual configuration of the program was created by a group of board-certified, well trained medical practitioners, and experienced instructors as a way of motivating young students to seek careers in the medical line and allied health professions. Every student that enrolls with The Little Medical School® gets to dress up like doctors, nurses, veterinarians, and pharmacists and use the medical instruments that are commonly used. This helps them understand the role of a doctor, nurse, veterinarian, or pharmacist and makes them more receptive to understanding how the human body works.

The Little Medical School® is not just a knowledgeable experience, it can play a vital role in how they shape their attitudes towards their health and wellbeing, not to mention the immense amount of confidence that it fills them with.

“There’s nothing quite like the look in a child’s eyes when they hear their heartbeat for the first time through their very own stethoscope,” says Tara Gratton, Owner/ Director of The Little Medical School® South Florida.

Not only do the participants learn STEM centered concepts, but they are led by role models currently work-

ing in the healthcare industry or are students pursuing advanced degrees. “Children leave with a new understanding of how the body works,” says Gratton. “In addition, they also gain confidence in themselves which will empower them to continue their quest of learning new things.”

The school is specifically designed to teach Elementary students the different elements of health and medicine. They are taught the different aspects of medicine in a fun – filled way by including lots of craft activities, songs, and games. Besides, they also conduct demonstrations involving the students to give them hands-on experience.

Little Medical School® wishes to encourage a scientific temper in the minds of the students from a young age and heighten their curiosity, the answers to which will not only make them more informed but also more interested in careers in the medical field. It also helps boost their morale and inculcates in them the values of love and caring for other individuals as well.

The Little Medical School® aims at creating favorable atmosphere for health professionals by connecting and collaborating with other community organizations and healthcare leaders. Through this program, children not only learn more about possible careers in the field of healthcare but at the same time, learn to lead a healthy lifestyle, too.

To learn more about the vision and initiative of The Little Medical School® please visit http://www.littlemedicalschool.com Contact: Tara Gratton, Owner/Director Little Medical School – South Florida (954) 789-4688 SFla.STEM@littlemedicalschool.com http://www.littlemedicalschool.com/southflorida/

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Keaton Grant Tell me about yourself I was born in the island of Jamaica, and I moved to the United States when I was 11 years of age and I have spent most of my life here. I am the youngest of 5 children. I grew up mostly in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and i always wanted to be a pharmacist.

Why did you get into the pharmacy industry?

My first experience with the industry of pharmacy was as a customer like most people. I grew up next door to a pharmacy in Montego Bay Jamaica and I was always curious about the inner workings. I noticed how a lot of people needed the services of the pharmacy and how the pharmacist always went above and beyond for every one of her patients. I was inspired and I wanted to own my own pharmacy and create the first major chain pharmacy in Jamaica.

Why you chose to attend PBA Pharmacy?

Palm Beach Atlantic stood out to me because of how it relates what we as pharmacist do and the work of Christ.

There are not many educational institutions where you can practice your faith while you learn. I feel that the Christian background at this school gives its graduates a positive outlook and a strong foundation that will be needed as a health care professional.

What are you currently active or involved with at school? (school board, extracurricular activities, etc.)

Currently I am the president of The Student National Pharmaceutical Association student chapter at our school and our ACCP student newsletter editor.

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What are your plans after pharmacy school? (Ultimate career goal or area of pharmacy you are interested in) My plan after pharmacy school is to become a resident and ultimately become an ambulatory care pharmacist.

What has made you so successful?

The biggest part of my current success would be the support of my family and friends. It keeps me motivated when I hear the encouragement and knowing that they are there cheering me on as I continue my journey to becoming a pharmacist.

What’s your definition of success?

My definition of success is when you’re at a place in life when you can finally be content and waking up every morning doesn’t feel like such a hard thing to do because you do what you love every single day.

Any advice you could give pharmacy students My advice to pharmacy students now would be to get involved in the profession and seek mentors so you can see that the profession of pharmacy has a lot to offer.

Aisha Shokoya

Tell me about yourself My name is Aisha Shokoya. I am a third-year PharmD. Candidate from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, Florida. I am the oldest of 4 siblings, was originally born in Lagos, Nigeria but

left as a new born and grew up in Alberta, Canada and no I have never rode a moose before. In high school I studied in Europe in a small country called the Netherlands, where I completed my International Baccalaureate diploma. After high

My own personal definition would be that success is that tingling exciting sensation I get when I have achieved something I set my mind to. school I completed 3 years of undergraduate education specializing in pharmacology at the University of Alberta. Furthermore, in undergrad I founded a non-profit organization called “Precious Women” where we were able to help young girls in countries like Kenya, Sierra Leone and more.

Prior to pharmacy school I was a Track sprinter and competed internationally in places like Quebec, Germany and Holland. In fact I thought one day I would go to the Olympics, however I ended that dream to pursue my bigger dream of going into the wonderful profession of pharmacy and making a difference in the healthcare setting.

Why did you get into the pharmacy industry?

I knew since I was a child I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a positive difference in the lives of others and through unique experiences, life pointed me towards pharmacy. Originally I thought I was going to be a physician, until I got accepted to a Masters Pharmacy program at the University College of London. I educated myself about the profession and loved the clinical shift the pharmacy profession was having at the time. Pharmacists are the most easily accessible healthcare professionals out there and I saw great potential in what they could do to improve patient outcomes and ultimately the healthcare system.

What awards have you received?

I have been blessed to receive prestigious scholarships such as the Tylenol Future Care

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scholarship, The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Foundation Mary Munson Runge scholarship and the Walgreens Diversity scholarship. I have also been fortunate to be inducted into the Rho Chi Pharmacy Academic Honor Society and the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society.

Why you chose to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University Pharmacy?

Our school’s motto is “pharmacy with faith” which was especially intriguing to me because all pharmacy students are taught to become servant leaders by following Christ’s principles of faithfully serving, healing and teaching those in need, in other words the patients we will be helping. These principles are especially important as a pharmacist as it enables us to become patient care advocates by promoting well-being and improving health outcomes. I chose Palm Beach Atlantic University because I knew they would prepare me to be the best pharmacist and patient care advocate, plus it is a nice bonus having a school close to the beach!

What are you currently active or involved with at school? (school board, extracurricular activities, etc.)

Due to my incredible passion about the profession of pharmacy, I cannot help but to get involved in as much as I can. Currently I am President of our university’s APhA-ASP chapter and I also hold executive positions with our university ACCP and SNPhA chapter. On the state level I serve on the

Florida Pharmacy Association Educational Affairs council and also on the Florida Society of Health System Pharmacy Membership Affairs council.

Outside of pharmacy activities I enjoy going to the gym and playing with my cat Simba.

What are your plans after pharmacy school?

(Ultimate career goal or area of pharmacy you are interested in) In my lifetime I have had many family members and close friends affected by cancer and it is a disease I hold dear to my heart. I have been very active in spreading awareness about breast cancer and cervical cancer since undergrad, and I know in my heart I am meant to work with cancer patients. I received an opportunity to shadow clinical pharmacists at a cancer center and I loved it! Ideally my goal is to pursue a PGY-1 residency and ultimately work at a cancer center. I love all specialties and areas in pharmacy, but I feel I have a calling in oncology.

What has made you so successful?

Funny enough a lot of people ask me this question and I never know how to answer. I honestly feel most of it, with blessings of course, is my passion and drive to make a difference in society. It has been my ultimate goal whether it is through pharmacy or my non-profit organization. With pharmacy school, I put in a lot of hard work and stay organized, without organization success can be quite difficult.

What’s your definition of success?

I feel success is unique and personal to each individual. My own personal definition would be that success is that tingling exciting sensation I get when I have achieved something I set my mind to.

Whether it was establishing a health fair, getting awarded a scholarship, starting a YouTube channel, or completing a research project I know I have achieved success once I feel it.

Any advice you could give pharmacy students My advice to pharmacy students will be to enjoy every moment of pharmacy school even with its ups and downs. Get involved wherever you can to learn more about your profession and how you can be involved to make it better. Don’t forget school always comes first but take time to have fun and to relax.

Your health is number one, sometimes it can be easy to neglect yourself while in school with the constant stress, but remember your well-being always comes first even before the grades.

Anything else you would like to talk about I have started a YouTube channel called Ms RxGeek where I will be talking about a lot of pharmacy related topics including breaking down some therapeutics in a simplified manner. As a student, I wished there was more material on YouTube explaining pharmacy therapeutics for students and pharmacists so I thought, why not start a channel so I can help educate others. Definitely check it out and subscribe I would appreciate the support.

I have started a YouTube channel called Ms RxGeek where I will be talking about a lot of pharmacy related topics including breaking down some therapeutics in a simplified manner.

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Are DIR Fees Putting Independent Pharmacies Out of Business?

The rate of therapeutic drug use in the U.S. has steadily climbed over the years as more people fall ill and seek medical help. This increase should have resulted to a healthy economy among those in the pharmacy business, but what’s happening in real life is actually the opposite. Many independent pharmacies are struggling to make ends meet, and some even decide to close their doors since their losses are too great to recoup.

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This is caused by a lot of factors, but one of the biggest culprits is direct and indirect remuneration or DIR fees.

These started out as a legitimate charge levied by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). But, over time, they have evolved to describe arrangements between pharmacies, Medicare Part D plan providers, and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Today, DIR fees are so steep that pharmacies — particularly

It’s important to note that DIR fees are charged retroactively. CMS requires PBMs and plan providers to submit DIR reports on a yearly basis.

independent ones — are struggling to pay them, with some barely breaking even and others even ending up in the red.

DIR FEES AND MEDICARE PART D So where did DIR fees come from? As mentioned above, it was coined by CMS to make it easier for them to monitor the amount of rebates and other types of price adjustments that drug manufacturers place on their products. These adjustments need to be calculated since they can greatly impact the overall cost of medications under Medicare Part D, and the savings they can provide are passed from PBMs to CMS. It’s important to note that DIR fees are charged retroactively. CMS requires PBMs and plan providers to submit DIR reports on a yearly basis. The agency then uses these reports in conjunction with Prescription Drug Event data to reconcile costs and see if they’re paying the right amounts to Medicare Part D plans.

A lot of people ask if DIR fees are legal. Well, in the case of CMS, the fees are legal since they’re intended to help the agency maximize its savings and reduce the overall cost of healthcare. The problem lies in the fact that plans and PBMs eventually used the term “DIR fees” to refer to the fees that they charge pharmacies.

DIR FEES FROM PBMS AND PLAN PROVIDERS Today, “DIR fees” can mean a wide range of things, depending on the type of charges that plans and PBMs want to levy. In some cases, they can refer to the amount that a pharmacy must pay to join the network of a plan

or PBM and be considered a “preferred pharmacy”. They can also refer to payment reconciliation, i.e. settling the difference between the projected medication costs and the actual costs.

DIR fees can even refer to the reimbursement that’s given to pharmacies for meeting certain performance metrics as well as to the fees levied to pharmacies that don’t meet these metrics. Many plans and PBMs consider the performance of each pharmacy in terms of refill rates, preferred product rates, audit error rates, and other factors. If pharmacies fall short on one or more of these metrics, they’ll most likely find themselves receiving less than what had been promised to them.

The Positive Side of DIR Fees Plans and PBMs defend their version of DIR fees, saying that these help lower healthcare costs. Payment reconciliation, for example, allows them to pay for the exact price of the drugs and nothing else, which means they can save money down the road and keep down the costs of Medicare Part D plans. This, in turn, gives people access to low-cost plans that would fit their budget.

They also point out that, since DIR fees are given retroactively, they require pharmacies, PBMs, and plan providers to do thorough auditing and ensure they’re submitting the right data. This helps them easily spot any fraudulent transactions and prevent these from happening in the first place.

The Negative Side of DIR Fees Unfortunately, despite these good intentions, DIR

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Since they don’t know how much their revenue stream would be, they find it hard to make business plans and decide where they would take their venture in the coming months and years.

fees end up doing more harm than good. Pharmacies are assessed for these fees on a monthly, quarterly, or even annual basis, which means there’s a long stretch of time between the point of sale and the day they receive their assessment. This “lag time” makes it difficult for pharmacies to clearly evaluate how much reimbursement they should receive and/or calculate the exact amount they should pay to PBMs.

Even if PBMs and plan providers don’t abuse their power, the fact remains that the retroactive nature of DIR fees make it difficult for pharmacists to map their future. Since they don’t know how much their revenue stream would be, they find it hard to make business plans and decide where they would take their venture in the coming months and years.

Of course, it’s important to note that many PBMs and plan providers abuse the concept of DIR fees. For instance, they set high estimated costs at the beginning of the year so they can charge high premiums. The costs are ultimately reconciled at the end of the year, but the companies are essentially getting an interestfree loan from the CMS.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE So what can independent pharmacies do to combat DIR fees? Well, the most obvious choice is to avoid signing up for a preferred network (or opting out if they have already joined one). However, this isn’t the ideal solution since it would increase the co-pays that their customers would have to pay and limit the target audience they can serve.

Some even go a step further by tying payments to performance metrics then determining what these metrics are after the claims are paid. This is unfair since it prevents pharmacies from knowing exactly what quality measures they should be striving for. It also allows plan providers and PBMs to reduce the amount they would pay to pharmacies if the latter don’t meet the metrics.

The best thing that pharmacists can do is to support bipartisan legislation that would get rid of retroactive DIR fees and help improve the transparency in Medicare Part D spending. If passed, H.R. 5951 and its companion legislation Senate Bill 3308 will prevent PBMs from unduly changing their reimbursements whenever they want. This, in turn, ensures that pharmacies know exactly how much they’ll earn at the point of sale.

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The Benefits

a Pharmacy Franchise Do you want to be a part of a lucrative business while helping other people? Your best bet is to join a pharmacy franchise, where you not only sell medicines, but also provide other forms of assistance to patients who need them. It is also a great way to gain business confidence, considering that you’ve been entrusted to use someone else’s brand and help market it.

Why join a pharmacy franchise?

1. Start a business easier and quicker In a franchise, every aspect of a business is taken care of before it is handed to you. Unlike a regular startup, you don’t need to create a business plan, study the trends and your target market, or find a suitable location for your business. You may need to take out a business loan or borrow money to pay for the franchise, but everything else will be handled on your behalf. In

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some cases, even hiring employees will be handled by the mother company. So if you want to start a business in the pharmaceutical industry, a pharmacy franchise is a great idea.

2. Rules and policies are already established What is your company’s vision and mission? How are employees expected to act? What type of services should they offer? The answer to these are already provided, so you don’t need to develop your own rules and policies. Just follow what has already been established and proven effective.

3. Gain a competitive edge in marketing, advertising and negotiating In franchising, you are selling a brand that usually has an established market or following. This provides better branding and marketing, which will prove

With the advantages outweighing the disadvantages, you should not hesitate to join a pharmacy franchise.

advantageous to a franchise owner. After all, they are not only marketing the brand, but the quality of service as well. This gives you an edge over new, and unknown startups.

4. Better payment arrangements How you pay for your franchise will depend on agreed terms and policies. When franchising a pharmacy, you may be required to pay a one-off franchise fee, followed by a royalty fee paid monthly. With a predictable payment option, a franchise owner need not worry about fees changing without notice, and they know how much they need to make to cover payments and gain a profit.

5. Better access to stocks When you join a pharmacy franchise, you don’t need to

worry as to where you can source medicines and other supplies, since these will be provided for you. Just keep your inventory updated and you won’t have to run out of stocks. Different franchises, however, may have different levels of requirements in terms of the look and feel of a pharmacy, which will dictate as to which stocks you can and can’t carry.

In business, however, not everything is all sunshine and happiness. Joining a pharmacy franchise is no different, and its biggest risk would be the company’s reputation. It only takes one franchise to ruin an entire company. But, if you choose a trusted and well-known brand, it will take a lot to ruin its reputation.

With the advantages outweighing the disadvantages, you should not hesitate to join a pharmacy franchise.

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The 340B Drug Pricing Program: Cut Backs or More Addendums?

In an AIR 340B-sponsored roundtable discussion, senior legislative assistant for Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), Ted Alexander said that Collins is looking to improve transparency of the program, but nothing is certain about what will happen to it.

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With the ongoing debate and opposing moves, the future of the 340B Drug Pricing Program is definitely uncertain.

Created by the US federal government in 1992, the 340B Drug Pricing Program was supposed to help poor patients acquire outpatient drugs at significantly reduced prices. It mandates drug manufacturers to allow covered entities to reach as many eligible patients as possible by stretching scarce federal resources.

Unfortunately, the pricing program has now become a source of pain, rather than cure, for many patients.

A clever lawyer discovered a massive loophole in the 340B Drug Pricing Program, turning it from an obscure government program into a means for hospitals to make money at the expense of patients. 340B specifies that drug manufacturers provide discounts for poor people, not whoever provides the outpatient drugs. This gave hospitals the idea to keep the discounts for themselves, instead of passing it on to patients. Pharmacies, especially brand new stores, are exploiting the loophole as well.

But the benefits that hospitals and pharmacies are enjoying right now are at risk of coming to an end. A report by AIR 340B, a group linked to drugmakers, revealed that the 340B Drug Pricing Program has gone unchecked for too long, resulting in an estimated program sales of $16.1 billion in 2016 and an expected total drug sales to reach $23 billion by 2021. The group is urging policymakers to reexamine the program, and ensure that it serves its original intent. They’re also pushing to limit the program’s expansion.

In an AIR 340B-sponsored roundtable discussion, senior legislative assistant for Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.), Ted Alexander said that Collins is looking to improve transparency of the program, but nothing is certain about what will happen to it. What is certain, however, is that a number of different health care bills will be submitted next Congress, and stakeholders would do well to gather information as to how the 340B Drug Pricing Program will affect federal spending

Last November, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has released an addendum to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. This required drug manufacturers to include in their existing PPA the following terms: 1) Manufacturer shall furnish the Secretary with reports, on a quarterly basis, that include the price of each covered outpatient drug that is subject to the Agreement, that according to the manufacturer, represents the maximum price that covered entities may permissibly be required to pay for the drug (referred to in this addendum as the “ceiling price”).

2) Manufacturer shall offer each covered entity covered outpatient drugs for purchase at or below the applicable ceiling price, if such drug is made available to any other purchaser at any price.

With the new changes coming, the fight to discredit the drug pricing program is renewed.

Hospitals, pharmacies and other safety-net providers, however, claim that the program must be protected, since it allows entities to provide improved healthcare services with little to no insurance.

In a December email to Bloomberg BNA, 340B Health’s vice president of communications, Randy Barrett, accused the drug industry to have “commissioned a cynical report designed to protect future profits”. Any move that will cut back the program could have an adverse effect to the poor across America, since this will result in an increase in medicine prices and a decrease in access to clinical care.

With the ongoing debate and opposing moves, the future of the 340B Drug Pricing Program is definitely uncertain. pharmacy edge

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“The strength of people, the power of alliance”

Why We Started?

We noticed there was a gap of resources to be filled within pharmacy student organizations and the pharmacy classroom setting. We understood there was simply just not enough time to teach students everything in the classroom setting. We understood the emphasis of our program, to be the highest trained clinician coming out of pharmacy school. But, what if your interest also lied into the business of pharmacy? Or, what if you wanted to combine your clinician knowledge into an innovative idea, but just didn’t understand the business components?

pharmacy industry. Think of it as purchasing a product in bulk for a lower price, “the more you buy the more you save.” Now say you only need a small quantity, “The less you buy, the less you save.” That’s where APPA comes in, we help our members obtain these products at bulk price by combining their needs without them having to purchase the required high volume. As a result, we provide a cost benefit to these independent pharmacy members of which are then able to continue running their business.

Developing a business acumen or educating students about the business of pharmacy is never highlighted on deeply in the classroom setting. We quickly picked up on like-minded students that were eager to understand the “how to” and the “why” behind the business processes in pharmacy and the business elements that tie into the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. This is when we came together as an alliance and created the “American Pharmacy Entrepreneur Alliance”.

Who’s Our Audience?

We came in with a goal in mind to fill this void, and provide students with unprecedented knowledge and resources through our pharmacy network channel. We want students to be the most well-rounded pharmacy clinicians coming out of pharmacy school.

Who Are We?



Students who wish to be a part of a growing organization that will expose them to the proper methods of networking, leadership and entrepreneurship.



Pre-Pharmacy students interested in being connected to pharmacist for shadowing opportunities and guidance with getting into pharmacy school



Individuals interested in the opportunity of starting an independent pharmacy.



Pharmacy staff personal (Pharmacy Technicians)

We are a student division of our parent organization “American Pharmacy Purchasing Alliance” (APPA).

American Pharmacy Purchasing Alliance is a buying group that helps members obtain the most cost effective products to run a pharmacy through their buying power and strong relationships with different vendors in the

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Who Leads the Team?

President Brandon Welch Brandon@joinappa.com Currently a 2nd year pharmacy student at the University of South Florida. He currently works in Pharmacy Operations at Benzer Pharmacy where he establishes strategic goals by gathering pertinent business in the pharmacy industry and Medication Therapy Management. He also is a business developer for Dr.Forde Skincare. He serves on the e-board as Vice president of Finance for the USF Health organization; Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship in Health Care. More importantly, he is renounced for his philanthropy efforts, as his most recent accolades include Warrick Dunn Charities for Heart scholarship and the Norman Tomaka and Family community service award.

Brandon received his bachelors in bio-medical sciences at the University of South Florida with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

Executive Vice President Nicholas Micciche Nicholas@joinappa.com Mr. Nicholas Micciche is currently a second-year pharmacy student at the USF College of Pharmacy. He has worked in the field of pharmacy for the past 11 years and has experience in the retail, medication therapy management (MTM), and compounding fields of pharmacy. Mr. Nicholas Micciche hopes to contribute to the sustainability of personalized medicine via custom pharmaceutical compounding.

Vice President of Membership David Bohunicky dbohunic@health.usf.edu David is currently a 2nd year pharmacy student at the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy where he is also a member of his class’ curriculum committee.

He is a member of the graduating class of 2015 at the State University of New York College at Oneonta where he earned a bachelor’s degree in biology. He works with classmates and faculty members to ensure that the curriculum maintains the standards set by the ACPE. He also performs cardiology-based research with respected faculty members and hopes to continue to expand his knowledge in a clinical setting.

Currently, he works for Angels Senior Living at Tampa LTC Pharmacy where he works alongside the pharmacist to provide patients in assisted living facilities with their medications. He strives to use his passion for pharmacy, and for patient health, in order to grow as a leader and as a future healthcare provider.

Secretary Anissa Lewis anissalewis@health.usf.edu Anissa Lewis is a second year pharmacy student at the University of South Florida college of pharmacy. She is currently a pharmacy intern & Health and Wellness Event Coordinator at Walmart Pharmacy and has experience specializing in MTM services. Anissa is vice president of the student society of health systems pharmacy (SSHP) at the USF chapter. Anissa received her bachelor’s in pharmaceutical sciences and minor in chemistry from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. In her spare time, Anissa enjoys volunteering at the Dream Center being a mentor to kids in her local community, spending time with family and friends, jogging, and reading.

Fundraiser Chair Brianna Choyce bchoyce@health.usf.edu

Brianna Choyce is currently a second-year pharmacy student at the USF College of Pharmacy.

She has worked in the field of pharmacy for the past 8 years and has experience in community pharmacies and custom pharmaceutical compounding. Currently, she performs medication therapy management services at Trinity Medical Pharmacy for patients using transdermal pain creams. Brianna hopes to continue working with patients suffering from chronic pain conditions in clinical settings and also has a strong interest in the academic pharmacy career path.

Public Relations Chair Kristal Urena kristalu@health.usf.edu Kristal Urena is a second year pharmacy student at the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy. She

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received her Bachelors of Science in Neuroscience from Florida Atlantic University in 2015. Serving as a tutor and delegate for the University, Kristal has an extensive outreach to both present and incoming students. She is also a recent recipient of the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship. Her responsibilities fall under the management of the reputation of the organization and its members through the various forms of media and communication. She is also responsible in promoting the monthly press release for the student body. As well as to provide media posts of all events such as body meetings, health fairs, community service events, etc.)

Treasurer Nikesh Bhika nbhika@health.usf.edu In just his 2nd year of pharmacy school Nikesh has established himself as a prominent individual on the University of South Florida campus. Currently he serves as the President of the USF chapter of AMCP (Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy). He has participated in several volunteer events including OTC med safety and health fairs around the Tampa area. Outside of school he currently holds two internship positions at both Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Benzer Pharmacy. At Benzer Pharmacy he is a part of Pharmacy Operations, where he establishes strategic goals by gathering pertinent business in the pharmacy industry and marketing strategies. As an intern at TGH he is enhancing his clinical and administrative knowledge by working alongside expert pharmacist. Nikesh received his bachelor’s in Molecular & Microbiology with a minor in Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida.

Philanthropy Chair Shantel Houston houston4@health.usf.edu Shantel Houston is a third year student at the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy. She serves as a student delegate for the college while remaining greatly involved with pharmacy organizations that promote the profession, give back to the community and provide opportunities for mentorship and leadership development. She works as a pharmacy intern at an independent pharmacy and also as a tutor for high school students. Shantel is passionate about pharmacy ownership, personalized patient care and advancement of the pharmacy profession. In the future she hopes to

complete a community pharmacy residency before working for a pharmacy association and ultimately owning her own innovative pharmacy practice.

Director of Policy Development Kyle Guerrero kyleguerrero@health.usf.edu Kyle Guerrero is a pharmacy student at the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy. Graduating from the University of Florida, Kyle has explored his interests of finance and politics in the pharmacy profession. Kyle has participated in patient-friendly legislation advocacy on the state level and has held executive board positions for policy and treasury at USF College of Pharmacy.

Educational Outreach Coordinator Shawn Somers ssomers@health.usf.edu My name is Shawn Somers, I am currently a first-year pharmacy student at the USF College of Pharmacy. I have worked in the medical field for over 5 years in many settings. Coming from a patient care background working directly with various states of diseases in a hospital setting as a certified nursing assistant. I have also worked at a Walgreens specialty compounding pharmacy and the well known retail side of the chain. I have dedicated my life to make great strides in volunteer work both on a personal side as well as; through many organizations such as PPAG, APhA-ASP, HAP, etc. As the community outreach chair for the class of 2020 I strive to engage our program with the community and make a lasting impact.

I hope to get into more of the independent side of the Pharmacy field and focus on entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to reach the people of the community in a more of a compassionate way, focusing on their needs before big business. He is tasked with the responsibility of promoting the organization to other fellow peers of the USF College of Pharmacy by providing them with information on the opportunities the organization has to offer.

Editor-in-Chief Fernando Vega fvega@health.usf.edu Became an active student in the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy in 2016. Worked for 6 years at SMP Pharmacy Solutions, which is an independent pharmacy based in Miami, FL as a pharmacy technician.

He understands the fundamental role an independent pharmacy plays in a diverse and active community.

February 1, 2017 APEA Newsletter Issue Page 3

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pharmacy edge

received her his Bachelors Science in Neuroscience from Throughout time as of a technician, he was exposed to Florida in 2015.

Serving as apharmacy tutor and various Atlantic aspects University that makes an independent delegate forpatient the University, Kristalmaintenance. has an extensive thrive from care to inventory He is outreach to both present of andtheincoming She of is also currently a member Hispanicstudents.

Association also a recent recipient of the Air Force Health Professions Pharmacists (HAP) USF chapter in which he volunteers Scholarship.

Her responsibilities fall He under for various community health fair events. is alsothea management the reputation the organization andfree its member of theofBRIDGE clinic,of which is a student run members through the various and clinic located in the Morsani centerforms at the of USFmedia campus communication. She is also responsible in promoting the Undergraduate Pharmacy O’Connor monthly press release for theLiaison student Xavier body. As well as to provide media posts of all events such as body meetings, Xavierfairs, is a third-year undergraduate student health community service events, etc.) majoring in biomedical sciences at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus.

Originally Treasurer Nikesh Bhika from Erie, PA and raised in Columbia, MD, he has hopes of becoming the first nbhika@health.usf.edu pharmacist in his family and to inspire others that come In justa his 2nd year community of pharmacy has from low-income to school pursue Nikesh any health established himself as a as prominent career. He has experience pharmacyindividual technicianon andthe is University of South Florida campus.

Currently he serves an active community service member in various as the President of the USF chapter of AMCP (Academy organizations of Managed Care Pharmacy). He has participated in several volunteer events including OTC med safety and health fairs around the Tampa area. Outside of school he currently holds two internship positions at both Tampa General Hospital (TGH) and Benzer Pharmacy. At Benzer Pharmacy he is a part of Pharmacy Operations, where he establishes strategic goals by gathering pertinent business in the pharmacy industry and marketing strategies. As an intern at TGH he is enhancing his clinical and administrative knowledge by working alongside expert pharmacist. Nikesh received his bachelor’s in Molecular & Microbiology with a minor in Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida.

Philanthropy Chair Shantel Houston houston4@health.usf.edu

What Do We Want To Do for

Shantel Houston is a third year student at the University Students? of South Florida College of Pharmacy. She serves as a student delegate for the college while remaining greatly We want to equip students with the most cutting edge involved with pharmacy organizations that promote the knowledge in the pharmaceutical industry and first-hand profession, give back to the community and provide interactive education on the variety of elements that opportunities for mentorship and leadership incorporates the business of pharmacy. We would also development. She works as a pharmacy intern at an like to offer students the proper resources that will prove beneficial in the process of developing their leadership independent pharmacy and also as a tutor for high school and networking As well about as to expose them to the students.

Shantelskills. is passionate pharmacy entrepreneurial opportunities within the pharmaceutical ownership, personalized patient care and advancement of industry. the pharmacy profession. In the future she hopes to

complete a community pharmacy residency before What is the Price of Membership? working for a pharmacy association and ultimately owning her own innovative pharmacy practice.

Only $25.

Director of Policy Development Kyle Guerrero What are the benefits of joining? kyleguerrero@health.usf.edu We offer the following benefits to all student members Kyle Guerrero is a pharmacy student at the University of who join, such as: South Florida College of Pharmacy. Graduating from the University of Florida, Kyle has explored his interests of • Scholarship opportunities finance and politics in the pharmacy profession. Kyle has participated in free patient-friendly • Access to webinars legislation advocacy on the state level and has held executive board positions for policy and treasury at USF College of Pharmacy.

• Industry job alerts before they are announced

Educational Outreach Coordinator • Career development resourcesShawn Somers ssomers@health.usf.edu • Access to member only e-newsletter My name is Shawn Somers, I am currently a first-year • Access to at beneficial opportunities pharmacy student the USF networking College of Pharmacy.

I have worked in the medical field for over 5 years in many • Receive access to ourcare membership settings.

Coming from a patient background discount working program (for theme parks, rentals, hotels, etc.) directly with various states of diseases in a hospital setting as a certified nursing assistant. I have also worked at a • Educational programs and services Walgreens specialty compounding pharmacy and the well known side of the chain.

I have dedicated my life to • retail Complimentary Ad featured in Pharmacy Edge make great strides in volunteer work both on a personal magazine side as well as; through many organizations such as PPAG, APhA-ASP, HAP, etc. As the such community • Invites to our organizational events as outreach chair for the class of 2020 I strive to engage our  theNational Meetings program with community and make a lasting impact.

I hope to get into more of the independent side of the  Holiday Partyon entrepreneurship. My Pharmacy field and focus ultimate goal is to reach the people of the community in a  Annual Convention and Wise Choice more of a compassionate way, focusing on their needs Pharmacy Summit before big business. He is tasked with the responsibility of promoting the organization to other fellow peers of the USF College of Pharmacy by providing them with information on the opportunities the organization has to offer.

Editor-in-Chief Fernando Vega fvega@health.usf.edu Became an active student in the University of South Florida College of Pharmacy in 2016. Worked for 6 years at SMP Pharmacy Solutions, which is an independent pharmacy based in Miami, FL as a pharmacy technician.

He understands the fundamental role an independent pharmacy plays in a diverse and active community.

February 1, 2017 February 2017 APEA Newsletter Issue1,Page 3 APEA Newsletter Issue Page 4 pharmacy edge

25

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