This is a corrected version of the MSCP Community Connection that was sent on Feb. 4 | |
2025 MSCP Board of Directors | |
In October, the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) held elections for its 2025 board of directors. MSCP is delighted to welcome Mark Saleh, John Gross and Tonino Michienzi to the board for 2025. Additionally, past MSCP president and chair Brooke Roe was reappointed to finish the term of Hanadi Thomas, who was elected to the MPA Executive Board as the MSCP representative. Austin Brown was appointed to finish the last two years of Mike Nabolsi's term after the latter was chosen to be MSCP president-elect. | |
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About Our New Board Members
John Gross is a pharmacy owner and pharmacist. John is a 1992 Ferris State University College of Pharmacy graduate. He has been providing fast, friendly pharmacy services through local independent pharmacies since opening Gateway Pharmacy of Clare in 2004. John now owns the only local, independent pharmacies in Clare County, starting Eagle Pharmacy of Farwell (2011) and Harrison Family Pharmacy (2015). He also owns two pharmacies in Genesee County, Flint Family Pharmacy and Swartz Creek Pharmacy. John is an active community member, serving as treasurer on the local school board and clerk in his local church and through his support of multiple organizations within Clare County. John is championing independent pharmacy through his advocacy efforts in Lansing and Washington, serving on multiple pharmacy boards and committees at the state and national level.
Tonino Michienzi has been a medication therapy management specialist at Walgreens in the Grand Rapids area since 2016. He holds a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from Ferris State University and a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Western Ontario. Michienzi is a longtime member of MPA, the American Pharmacists Association and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. He has been a presenter at the state level for MPA's Annual Convention & Exposition and the Michigan State Medical Society. He is a preceptor at Ferris State and the University of Toledo.
Mark Saleh is a staff pharmacist at Walmart in Fenton. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Charleston (West Virginia) in 2021 and a bachelor's degree in biology from Oakland University in 2014. Saleh is a member of the Oakland County Pharmacists Association and was an OCPA representative in the MPA House of Delegates in 2023 and 2024.
Austin P. Brown currently works as an executive consultant for the Procurement Consulting Group based in Lansing. He works with group purchasing organizations to help public entities appropriately purchase products and services for the state of Michigan. Before working as a consultant, he served as a pharmacy technician, manager and vice president of the Advanced Care Provider network in Jackson for 20 years. Brown graduated with his Pharm.D. from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in 2017 and completed his MBA at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School in 2024. He holds certifications in pharmacogenomics, community pharmacy point-of-care testing and pharmacy-based immunization delivery. Austin previously served as the lead luminary for CPESN of Michigan, is a member of NCPA and continues to help draft pharmacy legislation for the state of Michigan with his colleagues in the American Pharmacies GPO cooperative. He has been an MPA member for more than seven years and has served on various committees and workgroups pertaining to community pharmacy practice. Brown was also the recipient of the 2020 Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award for his efforts in educating state legislators on PBM tactics and their impact on patient care in Michigan. He currently resides in Dexter.
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In today's rapidly evolving health care environment, the role of pharmacy technicians is crucial to the success of independent pharmacies. A skilled technician can be invaluable in freeing up the pharmacist to spend more of their time providing primary care, overseeing dispensing services, and building their business. Finding and keeping good technicians is also one of the biggest challenges for independent pharmacists. Our surveys consistently show that technicians are at the top of many pharmacy owners' recruiting list. That's why NCPA joined the PTCB Board of Governors – because we believe in the value of highly trained, certified technicians to enhance patient care and operational efficiencies that help pharmacy owners retain top employees and grow their business.
NCPA's involvement with PTCB has only deepened my appreciation for the importance of technicians and has broadened my thinking about their training and retention and how those two things go together. Candidly, in years past, technician certification has not always been a top NCPA priority. However, there are compelling reasons that make business and clinical sense for technicians to become certified.
One of the most compelling reasons is that PTCB-certified technicians tend to stay longer with their employers – a critical factor in our ongoing staffing challenges. Nearly half of all PTCB Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhTs) have been with their employers for six or more years, compared to just over 10 percent of uncertified technicians. And it's not hard to understand. Technicians whom you encourage to get certified feel like they're investing in their careers, building higher knowledge and more skills. Employees who are invested in what they're doing, and who see a path upward, tend to stay in their jobs longer. This level of retention can significantly impact your pharmacy's stability and bottom line.
I've updated my views on other things too. Many years ago, I took a PTCB practice exam. In my personal opinion, it seemed hospital-oriented and disconnected from community pharmacy practice. That was a couple of decades ago. Things change. PTCB continues to evolve to meet the needs of our industry. Their updated CPhT exam, introduced in 2020, goes beyond the hospital setting and caters to all practice settings by focusing on general skills and knowledge. That evolution was crucial to NCPA deciding to join up with PTCB. I also like that there is an avenue for additional certifications that could really help some pharmacy owners in specific areas, like sterile compounding, or with certificates in areas like billing and reimbursement or immunization administration. This ensures that your technicians are well-prepared to support the pharmacists' work in caring for patients.
To further support your technicians, PTCB has developed a robust suite of practice tools, including the Pre-PTCE and the new PTCE Practice Bank. Those who pass the Pre-PTCE are nearly three times more likely to pass the actual certification exam, and those who engage with the PTCE Practice Bank average 10 percent higher in passing rates. These resources can give your technicians the confidence they need to succeed on the exam.
At NCPA, we've invested in PTCB because they invest in pharmacy and because we know the demands on you as a pharmacy owner have never been greater. You need a well-trained team to support your efforts in running the business and taking care of the people in your community. As each of you continue to invest in your pharmacy technicians, I encourage you to consider the benefits of PTCB certification for your team. They've started a series of stories about some of our very own NCPA members which may inspire you. If you'd like to learn more, connect with the PTCB team here.
Best,
B. Douglas Hoey
Pharmacist, MBA, NCPA CEO
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MPA Receives Funding from McKesson Amplify Program
MPA is thrilled to announce that it has been selected to receive funding through the McKesson Amplify program. This generous support from McKesson will significantly enhance our ability to advocate for the pharmacy profession and improve patient care across our community.
The McKesson Amplify program is designed to support state pharmacy associations in their efforts to advance the pharmacy profession and create pathways for real, lasting change for independent pharmacies. With this funding, we are able to expand our advocacy efforts, host quality events and support initiatives that drive positive change in the pharmacy sector.
Some of the key areas that we will focus on this year include:
- Advocating for Medicaid and commercial reimbursement reform.
- Provide opportunities for local Associations to engage with their lawmakers through in-district events.
- Increase student pharmacist engagement in advocacy efforts.
- Provide new opportunities for independent pharmacy owners to engage with MPA and its legislative priorities
This support underscores our shared commitment to elevating the pharmacy profession and ensuring sustainability for the future. We are confident that this funding will help us achieve our mission of delivering exceptional care to our patients and our communities.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to McKesson for their commitment to independent pharmacies and their generous support through the McKesson Amplify program.
Stay tuned for more updates on how MPA is making a difference in our advocacy efforts and initiatives.
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Legislative and Regulatory | |
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Gov. Whitmer Signs MPA-Backed Bills Allowing Pharmacists
to Prescribe Contraception
LANSING – On Jan. 21, 2025, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed 16 bills that will expand reproductive freedom in Michigan, including a bill that allows pharmacists to directly prescribe and dispense contraceptives to patients. This package of bills ensures women can more easily access critical health care by lowering costs and cutting unnecessary red tape. These bills also bolster Gov. Whitmer’s commitment to advancing reproductive freedoms here in Michigan, giving more Michiganders the opportunity to control if, when, and how they choose to start their families.
"Today, I’m signing common sense bills to further protect everyone’s fundamental freedom to make their own decisions about their own body,” Whitmer said in a press release. “These bills will save women time and money so they can access the birth control they need and cut unnecessary red tape that stands between people and their health care. Whether you’re getting ready to start a family or figuring out which contraceptive option is best for you, I’ll fight to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice. Together, let’s keep fighting like hell to protect reproductive rights.”
House Bills 5435 and 5436, sponsored by state Reps. Stephanie A. Young, D-Detroit, and Kara Hope, D-Holt, expand contraceptive access in our state, giving thousands of Michiganders access to basic health care. The bills allow a pharmacist to directly prescribe birth control and require insurers to cover the contraceptives. Both bills were MPA-backed legislative priorities.
Currently, Michigan is experiencing a shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), with one-third of Michigan’s 83 counties having no OB/GYNs at all. This shortage has negatively affected thousands of Michiganders, making it harder for them to access hormonal birth control.
"Michigan has many medical deserts, with an even greater number of communities without an OB/GYN primary care provider," said MPA member and Wayne State University professor of pharmacy practice Mary Beth O'Connell, who was a leading voice in pushing for the bills' passage. "Michigan’s unintended pregnancy rate was 50% in 2020. This legislation will help decrease these reproductive health deserts for essential contraception medications and help Michiganders prevent unintended pregnancies. We know that 67% to 82% of college students in Michigan from all races, ethnicities, religions and political affiliations – including both Republicans and Democrats – stated they would be interested in getting their birth control from a pharmacy. Ninety percent of college students and 74% of women felt this service would definitely or probably decrease their likelihood of having an unintended pregnancy. They felt the pharmacy service would be more convenient, save time and be easier for them."
Whitmer said the bills increase access to safe, affordable birth control and recognize pharmacists as important members of a woman’s health care team. Michigan Pharmacists Association staff and members worked with state legislators to pass the legislation.
“Today, we are breaking down barriers to reproductive health care access in Michigan. This new law makes it easier for individuals — especially those in underserved communities — to take charge of their health and their futures," Young said. "Access to contraceptives shouldn’t depend on where you live or whether you can get a doctor’s appointment. By expanding access, we are prioritizing equity, convenience and the well-being of our residents. I’m grateful to my colleagues and advocates for helping us deliver meaningful change for Michiganders.”
“Contraception should be easily and safely accessible,” Hope added. “Now that these bills have been signed into law, barriers like geography and healthcare shortages are no longer obstacles to receiving contraceptive health care in Michigan. These new laws will make a meaningful change in the lives of Michiganders.”
"Pharmacist-provided hormonal contraception is a necessary factor in increasing accessibility, particularly in areas with limited access to healthcare services,” said Eric Roath, MPA's director of government affairs. “It enhances women's health by further empowering them to take control over reproductive decisions using safe and effective medications. This is critical toward improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary health care spending."
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NCAP Develops Substance Abuse Disorder Training Program
The North Carolina Association of Pharmacists has developed a comprehensive, one-time training program designed to give healthcare professionals a thorough understanding of preventing, detecting, and managing patients with substance use disorders. The program addresses prevention, treatment, and recovery, conceptualizing substance use disorder as a chronic brain disease affected by genetic, behavioral, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. The program will emphasize opioid use disorder (OUD) and is designed to equip participants with the information needed to treat and manage patients living with OUD effectively.
The target audience for this advanced-level training includes physicians, nurse practitioners/nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists. Clinicians who see patients with addiction in primary care, emergency/urgent care, treatment centers, or general psychiatry settings.
Sign up now!
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Early Bird Registration for ACE Open Through Feb. 7
Registration for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition is now OPEN! ACE 2025 is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
Sign up now and save with MPA's early bird registration rate, which is available until Feb. 7. Member pharmacists who sign up by Feb. 7 can get $70 off their ACE rate! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here.
We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE 2025, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. MPA's room block is already more than half full, so act now! Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.
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Apply for the MPA Executive Fellowship Program
MPA is proud to announce the return of its Executive Fellowship program beginning summer 2025!
The mission of the MPA Executive Fellowship is to produce highly competent individuals who are prepared to assume high-level leadership positions in pharmacy practice and/or a professional association by providing exceptional training in all areas of organizational development and administration, including leadership, professional advancement and business growth. This unparalleled opportunity will introduce you to pharmacy leaders from across the country, setting you up for an executive career in any practice setting.
Program Requirements
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, or anticipation of receipt of degree prior to June 30, 2025.
- Michigan pharmacist license, or anticipation of receipt of license by Oct. 1, 2025.
- Completion of a PGY-1 residency will be considered favorably but is not required.
MPA is accepting applications through Feb. 21, 2025. An Executive Fellow will be selected by March 21, 2025. Click the button below or scan the QR code above for more information on how to apply.
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