ACE 2025 Registration is OPEN!

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 Jan. 31. Member pharmacists who sign up by Jan. 31 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.

- AMBULATORY CARE -

Ambulatory Care Funding: How Can Grants Help?

Emily Thomas, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP; Henry Ford Health clinical pharmacy coordinator-ambulatory clinical pharmacy services

While the clinical benefits of ambulatory care pharmacists are well known, funding their services can be a challenge. One way to get financial support for services is through grants. An innovative practice or a service that targets an underserved population is a good opportunity to apply for a grant. At Henry Ford Health, we have had some experience with grants supporting pharmacy ambulatory care services.

The first example is the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Foundation Pharmacy Resident Practice-Based Research Grant Program Award for $5,000. This was awarded for a project titled “A Longitudinal Analysis of Pharmacist-Driven Inhaler Optimization in the Ambulatory Care Setting.” At the time, the pulmonary clinic pharmacist was incorporating Vitalograph aerosol inhalation monitor (VAIM) testing for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma to optimize their inhaled therapy regimens based on their performance with the VAIM. The funding helped offset the cost of the VAIM supplies, making it easier to offer this service and it quickly became the standard of care in the clinic. This intervention demonstrated significant improvement in asthma and COPD control.¹

Another example is a grant by the American College of Preventative Medicine (ACPM) in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control to prevent, detect and control hypertension among Black men ages 35-64. Henry Ford Health was awarded a five-year grant from the ACPM and CDC to address hypertension improvement for Black men.² Because Black men have the highest hypertension-related mortality compared to any other race, ethnic group or sex, the Express Blood pressure clinic was created that focused on the following aims: achievement of BP goal in about eight weeks (less than 140/90) through both RN and Pharm.D. visits; medication adherence monitoring; and assessment of social determinants of health needs, with a focus on food insecurity. 

The funding helped support purchasing home blood pressure monitor kits for eligible patients, the addition of a pharmacy intern to the team and offsetting the pharmacist cost.

If you are trying to justify a new service or further support an innovation in your current practice, consider applying for a grant to support your efforts.

Table 1 provides some funding sources to consider. Also, be on the lookout for any opportunities through local and regional groups that may arise. It is a good idea to see if your institution has a grant department that offers support with applications.

Table 1

References:

1. Blum E, Thavarajah K, Martiroso AL. Optimization of patient-specific inhaler regimens with the use of the aerosol inhalation monitor. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2018;59:252-257. doi: 10.1016/j.japh.2018.10.012.
2. Anderson, Mike; Buggs, Michelle; Eis, Roberta; Jones, DaWanna; Kolander, Sarah; Kumar, Sanjeev; Lang-Piontkowski, Carolyn; Little, Melissa; Lobkovich, Alison; Shabazz, Pamela; Solomon, Octavia; and White-Perkins, Denise, "Project #51: Reducing Hypertension in Younger African American Men: Advancing Health Equity with a Multidisciplinary Express Blood Pressure Clinic

- BOARD UPDATE -

Empower, Engage, Enact: A Vision for 2025

Stacy Brousseau, Pharm.D., BCPS; emergency medicine clinical pharmacist, Bronson Methodist Hospital; MSHP president

As the health care landscape continues to shift and evolve, so too does the pivotal role of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. We’re standing at the crossroads of opportunity and it’s exciting to think about where we’re headed. That’s why the 2025 theme for MSHP – "Empower, Engage, Enact" – isn’t just a slogan, but a blueprint for what’s next. It’s all about strengthening our foundation, building stronger connections and making meaningful change happen.

Empower

Empowerment is all about giving ourselves the tools and support we need to step into our full professional capabilities. We know pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are the heart of patient care, but we’re often not tapping into all our potential. Let’s change that.

Empowerment starts with education. The more we know, the more we can do. MSHP is committed to providing continuing education that keeps us sharp and up to date on all the latest developments in pharmacy. But empowerment isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about being recognized for the value we bring to health care teams. When we are empowered to practice at the top of our abilities, everyone benefits – patients, providers and the whole health care system. Empowerment is about making sure our voices are heard in conversations surrounding patient care and health care policy.

Engage

Engagement is key to building stronger relationships – not just within our profession, but with patients and other health care professionals. It’s about more than just showing up; it includes being fully present, having a voice and working together to create solutions. Engaging with one another as MSHP members is where it all begins. Whether it’s through committee involvement, social events or meetings and conferences, MSHP is the place to connect, share ideas and learn from one another. This professional community is one of the best ways to feel supported and motivated in our work.

Let’s not forget about engaging with health care policymakers too. MSHP can play a vital role in advocating for policies that promote the role of pharmacists in the healthcare team, whether it’s through expanding access to services or advocating for policies that support our work. When we engage with those who shape health care policy, we’re working to create a system where pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are recognized as playing an indispensable part in patient care.

Enact

Empowerment and engagement build an excellent foundation, but without action, nothing changes. I want this theme to challenge us to take that energy and turn it into real, tangible outcomes. Enacting change is about taking the vision we have for pharmacy and making it a reality. Whether that’s advocating for new roles for pharmacists in patient care, pushing for changes in how pharmacy services are reimbursed or leading the charge on new, patient-centered initiatives in health care, it’s time for action. We’ve spent a lot of time talking about what needs to be done. Now it’s time to do it.

As we head into 2025, “Empower, Engage, Enact” isn’t just a theme for the year – it’s a call to action. This year, let’s empower ourselves through education and advocacy. Let’s engage with one another, our patients and our communities. And most importantly, let’s enact real change – for the benefit of our profession, our patients– and the entire health care system. Together, we can turn this vision into reality.

- MEMBERSHIP -

Membership Opens New Opportunities

By Melanie Harms, hospital sales specialist, Chiesi USA

I smile as I write this, not only because I get to write about something that has been such a positive experience, but the last time I drafted an article was back in college, when I could turn them out so easily. Now, not so much. In the 20-plus years since then, I have been in the pharmaceutical industry in various positions, meeting with so many people, understanding needs of customers and learning. And of all the things I enjoy about what I do, it is the collaboration with others that I enjoy the most. So here I am, in my first year as a member of MSHP and on the Membership Committee. And it was all because of my colleague and friend, Mike Toscano.

I came to know Mike because we worked together at Chiesi USA and it was because of him that I was introduced to MSHP as an organization. Now, I know Mike doesn’t need an introduction, but just in case, he was involved with MPA as Speaker of the House of Delegates and held a seat on the Executive Board. If that doesn’t jog your memory, you can find his name on the plaque that is affixed to the entrance wall at MPA headquarters as a member of the planning committee for the building. Mike has shared with me his history with MPA and MSHP, and so many things that make this organization special.

When I heard that I could serve on a committee, I immediately jumped at the chance.

In my first year as a member of the Membership Committee I helped form strategies to better serve current members and students, recruit potential members and help plan MSHP meetings. It is so much fun contributing ideas for engagement with students and members. It’s also interesting to understand the challenges that come with growing and maintaining membership in an organization. The things that our group works on continuously are how we can make membership to MSHP valuable to its members – which includes educational opportunities, mentorship and overall support of those in this profession.

I attended my first student luncheon at an MSHP meeting where students could make connections with pharmacists and learn about their profession. I was able to listen to the students’ interests and questions and hear how current pharmacists would direct them to help them meet their goals. I walked away from that luncheon seeing how much members care about students and how much the students appreciated the opportunity to connect with established pharmacists.

I have been asked why I joined MSHP and it’s because I wanted to understand my customers better so that I could be of greater service to them. I wanted to understand the challenges they face in their profession and how they work together to overcome them. I have not only seen that, but how they work together to meet the needs of their colleagues. The support of one another extends beyond their respective institutions and across the state. It’s the uniqueness of this organization that leads me to want to be involved and serve.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my appreciation of MPA Chief Strategy Officer Bryan Freeman. I have come to know him and his role in the organization and have so much respect for him and his tireless work ethic. What’s more, I now call him a friend. Bryan is also one of the reasons why I look forward to our meetings, and why I have had such a positive experience. I am also appreciative of the members in the committee I serve as they have been so welcoming from the start.

I plan to continue to learn and build relationships and be involved in MSHP. I am thankful to be a member and serve on the Membership Committee. I really enjoy the collaboration, as well as learning about the pharmacy profession. I am humbled by the challenges they face each day and how they overcome them, and for that I have tremendous respect. If you are a student or established professional reading this, I urge you to get involved and become a member if you aren’t already. This is a lifelong opportunity for you to be supported in your professional endeavors and get the one thing that is the most important when it comes to your success, and that is connection.

- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -

Stacy Bousseau

Pharm.D., Emergency medicine clinical pharmacist,

Bronson Methodist Hospital; MSHP president

Member Since: 2009

Describe Your Role/Day in the Life: Each day in the emergency department is dynamic and often fast-paced. Throughout the day, I collaborate closely with ED physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to ensure correct medication selection, preparation and administration. I review medication orders for appropriateness, answer verbal drug information questions and make therapeutic recommendations and interventions. When a critically ill patient arrives to the ED, I work side-by-side with the team in the resuscitation rooms to dose, prepare and provide recommendations for medications needed for both adult and pediatric patients. These emergency situations often include traumas, cardiac arrests, strokes, myocardial infarctions, rapid sequence intubations, seizures and medication overdoses. I also work directly with some fantastic pharmacy technicians who perform medication histories for all patients being admitted to the hospital from the ED. I precept students and residents on rotation in the ED as well, and I enjoy helping them grow their confidence and skills in therapeutics and medical emergencies. I love working in the emergency department because it is equally challenging and rewarding. I learn something new every day and feel fortunate to be part of such an amazing team.

Why You’re an MSHP/MPA Member: There are so many benefits to MSHP membership that I have realized over the past 15 years of being an MPA/MSHP member. I cannot emphasize enough how networking with other MSHP members has helped my practice and personal development over the years. Specifically, being involved in MSHP committees has afforded me the opportunity to meet and collaborate with incredible pharmacists across the state who I otherwise would not cross paths with. MSHP provides a wealth of resources that allows for sharing of ideas and best practices, fosters collaboration and mentorship, and ensures that our voices are heard in legislative issues that impact practice and patient care.

Recent Accomplishments: I think my biggest pharmacy-related accomplishment was being elected MSHP president for 2025.

How MSHP/MPA Has Helped You Achieve Any Accomplishments: In my preparation for the role of MSHP president, I had the privilege of working with MSHP committee co-chairs, board members and other health-system leaders in Michigan to develop the new 2025 charges for each of MSHP’s committees. It was an incredibly rewarding process to be able to formulate members’ input and ideas into actionable committee charges that will benefit Michigan pharmacists and patients. MSHP has undoubtedly played an integral role in my professional development from student pharmacist to now MSHP President.  

- REGIONAL UPDATE -

Capital Area Pharmacists Association

By Tim Ekola, BS Pharm, Pharm.D., MBA, MSHP board liaison

3rd Annual CAPA Social Event at EagleMonk Brewery

Thanks to all who came out to our third annual social event in August at EagleMonk Pub & Brewery! Once again, it was a beautiful evening to enjoy pizza and socializing on the EagleMonk patio!

Pharmacy Week CE: Wits & Wagers!

CAPA’s annual Wits & Wagers interactive CE event was held Oct. 24. This year’s mini-topics included:

● The Five Rights of Clinical Decision Support (Amber Schalk, Pharm.D., BCPS)

● The Future of Factor Xla Inhibitors: Game Changer or Stalemate? (Heather Schalk, Pharm.D., BCPS)

● RSV Prevention Methods in Newborns (Travis Edington, Pharm.D.)

● New Anti-Amyloid Treatments

Anyone interested in joining CAPA and becoming more involved can visit capapharm.org. 

- RESIDENCY -

MSHP Virtual Poster Competition

The MSHP Residency Committee has developed an exciting opportunity for pharmacy residents to share their completed research projects. Applicants’ abstract submissions will be evaluated by a designated review team and the top five finalists selected will be invited to share their research via a virtual poster presentation hosted by MPA/MSHP and published in the MSHP Monitor. A review team will then evaluate the five virtual poster presentations and one finalist will then be chosen to present their poster at the MSHP Annual Meeting and receive a $100 cash prize and one-year membership to MPA/MSHP.

Please share the application submission information below with your current PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents:

Applicant qualifications

• Research conducted while completing PGY1 or PGY2 residency 
• Completing residency program within Michigan

Please submit abstracts via email to ABuilta@MichiganPharmacists.org

• One abstract submission per resident
• Incomplete submissions will not be considered
• Description of preliminary research or planned research will not be considered

Abstract submission deadlines

• Applications can be submitted starting Dec. 1, 2024
• Submissions due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 1, 2025
• Finalists (5) will be notified via email by no later than March 1, 2025, with further instructions regarding virtual poster presentation submission process

CE Speaking Opportunities at Non-Pharmacy Organizations

The MSHP Publications Committee was charged in 2024 with identifying opportunities for pharmacists to present at non-pharmacy organization meetings. After surveying MSHP membership in April, the committee compiled a list of organizations. Click the button below if you're interested in presenting.

OFFICERS

PRESIDENT | Stacy Brousseau | 269-341-7407 | Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo

PRESIDENT-ELECT | Nada Farhat | nmhammou@med.umich.edu | Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT | Kyle Schmidt | 616-685-6675 | Mercy Health St. Mary's, Grand Rapids

TREASURER | Michelle Dehoorne | 313-343-6381 | Ascension, Detroit

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT | Edward Szandzik | 313-587-6279 | Detroit

DIRECTORS

Tara McAlpine | tara.mcalpine@trinity-health.org | Trinity Health Michigan

Ben Pontefract | bpontefract@gmail.com | Ferris State University, Big Rapids

Julie Schmidt | 269-341-7999 | Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo

Amber Lanae Martirosov | 313-916-3494 | Wayne State University, Detroit

REGIONAL SOCIETY REPRESENTATIVES 

CENTRAL | Tim Ekola | 734-845-3418 | VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

NORTHERN | Miranda Maitland | mirandapmaitland@gmail.com | My Michigan Medical Center, Sault Ste. Marie

SOUTHEASTERN | Lama Hsaiky | lama.hsaiky@corewellhealth.org | Corewell Health, Dearborn

WESTERN | Jessica Prociv | jessie_olds28@yahoo.com | Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo

MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Weiss | (517) 377-0232 | Michigan Pharmacists Association, Lansing

The MSHP Monitor is a publication of the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists, published as a service to its members.

Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists - An Affiliated Chapter of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and a Practice Section of the Michigan Pharmacists Association