Register for the MSHP Annual Meeting Oct. 25 in Grand Rapids

Join the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) for its 2024 Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel! The MSHP Annual Meeting offers continuing education for pharmacists, residents and pharmacy technicians, along with a chance for exhibitors and sponsors to showcase products and network with MSHP members. Student pharmacists are highly encouraged to attend and participate in all activities.

Registration is available now! Click the buttons below to get started.

Book Your Room for ACE 2025 Now!

Start planning for the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa just outside of Traverse City! Information on registration, exhibitors and sponsorship will become available later this year, but it's not too early to block off your calendars as pharmacy's biggest continuing education event in Michigan takes its show on the road. You can book your room now by clicking the button below.

MPA is encouraging guests to make ACE 2025 their Michigan "staycation." Whether it's a round of golf or exploring the sights and sounds of the beautiful Traverse City area, there are limitless activities at ACE 2025.

Register for 4th Annual OASIS

The 2024 Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Innovations Symposium (OASIS), sponsored by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) and the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, is a 3.5-hour educational meeting, held on Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees.

Cost

• Pharmacists, nurses and providers: $25
• Pharmacy technicians and students: $15

Agenda

• 11:15 a.m. – Registration desk opens. Networking with speakers, attendees, and exhibitors.
• Noon – Management and Interventions to Improve Prescribing for Common Outpatient Infections
• 1 p.m. – Tracking Outpatient Antibiotic Use and Benchmarking- Statewide Examples with DHHS and CHAR
• 2 p.m. – Break: Networking with speakers, attendees, and exhibitors
• 2:30 p.m. – Best Practices in Outpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship – Panel Discussion
• 4 p.m. – Close

- BOARD UPDATE -

Wellbeing and Resilience in the Pharmacy Profession:

Essential Pillars for Sustainable Practice

By Amber Lanae Martirosov, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCACP, clinical associate professor, Wayne State University and Macy Shupp, 2025 Pharm.D. candidate,

Wayne State University

The pharmacy profession is a cornerstone of the health care system that demands high levels of precision, empathy and dedication. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a critical role in patient care, medication management and health promotion. However, the profession's demanding nature can take a toll on their mental and physical wellbeing. Fostering resilience and promoting overall wellbeing are essential to sustaining a healthy, effective and thriving workforce.

The Importance of Wellbeing in Pharmacy

Wellbeing encompasses multiple dimensions such as physical, mental and emotional health. For pharmacists, prioritizing wellbeing is essential not just for their personal welfare, but also for delivering high-quality care to all. Elevated levels of stress, burnout and dissatisfaction can result in medication dispensing errors, diminished quality of patient interactions and compromised patient outcomes. Therefore, emphasizing wellbeing within the pharmacy profession is essential.

Pharmacists are often on the front line of patient care, managing complex medication regimens and providing essential health advice. The emotional burden of dealing with patients’ health issues, coupled with high workloads and administrative pressures, can lead to significant stress and anxiety. Addressing mental health through counseling services, stress management workshops and mental health days can help pharmacists manage these pressures effectively.

Physically, the extended work hours, shift rotations and need for constant vigilance can impact the physical health of pharmacists. Promoting regular physical activity, ensuring sufficient breaks during shifts and encouraging healthy eating habits are crucial approaches to support overall physical wellbeing. Additionally, implementing ergonomic improvements in the workplace environment can mitigate physical strain and minimize injury risks.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a common challenge in the pharmacy profession. Flexible working hours, part-time options and supportive workplace policies can help pharmacists balance their professional and personal lives. Encouraging time off and ensuring that pharmacists are not overburdened with excessive work can also contribute significantly to their overall wellbeing.

Building Resilience in the Pharmacy Profession

Resilience is defined as the capacity to effectively navigate and recover from stressors and setbacks. Cultivating resilience equips pharmacists with the tools to manage the demanding aspects of their profession adeptly and sustain an optimistic perspective in the face of adversity. This skill not only enhances the ability to handle job-related pressures but also fosters personal growth and professional longevity amidst challenges encountered in their daily roles.

Training and Education

By integrating resilience training into both pharmacy education and ongoing professional development initiatives, pharmacists can acquire essential skills for effectively navigating and overcoming stressors and challenges they encounter in their careers, utilizing techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies and relaxation techniques to great advantage.

A supportive and inclusive work environment also plays an important role in fostering resilience. Mentorship programs, peer support groups and open communication channels can create a sense of community and belonging among pharmacists and technicians. When support is available, pharmacists and technicians feel they are better equipped to face what may come their way.

Institutional Strategies for Enhancing Wellbeing and Resilience

Health care institutions and pharmacy organizations play a significant role in promoting wellbeing and resilience among their staff. Implementing policies that prioritize employee health, such as comprehensive wellness programs, mental health support and recognition of achievements, can create a positive work culture. Regular assessments of staff wellbeing and proactive measures to address any issues can ensure that pharmacists feel valued and supported.

Wellbeing and resilience are integral to the sustainability and effectiveness of the pharmacy profession. By prioritizing mental, physical and emotional health — and fostering a supportive work environment — pharmacists can better manage the demands of their profession.



Building resilience through training, support and professional development can further empower pharmacists to thrive despite challenges. Ultimately, a focus on wellbeing and resilience not only benefits pharmacists, but also enhances the quality of care they provide to their patients.

- AMBULATORY CARE -

Disseminating Resources to Tackle Health-Related Social Needs

By Iman Ahmed, Pharm.D., BCOP, clinical pharmacist specialist, ambulatory hematology/oncology, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health System and Alison Lobkovich, Pharm.D., assistant professor (clinical), Wayne State University; clinical pharmacy specialist, ambulatory care, Henry Ford Health 

As discussed in the October 2023 MSHP Monitor Ambulatory Care Update, the MSHP Ambulatory Care Committee is looking to expand upon on the Ambulatory Care Survival Guide and include resources to help pharmacists triage and address their patients’ health-related social needs (HRSN). HRSN was developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and applies to five core domains: living situation, food, transportation, utilities and safety. Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) is defined by the World Health Organization as nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes such as conditions in which people are born, live, work and age.

SDoH can result in inequalities in HRSN. Addressing HRSN can allow growth towards health equity. The goal of this survey is to solicit feedback from our current members regarding their most helpful tools and websites (local, regional, national) utilized to intervene on the following HRSN domains. Please be as detailed as you can, as we hope to compile a list of resources from around the state and provide them to our members.

References

1. Social determinants of health. Social determinants of health (who.int)
2. CDC. Social determinants of health(Sdoh). About CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/about/priorities/why-is-addressing-sdoh-important.html
3. A Guide to Using the Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool: Promising Practices and Key Insights. Updates December 2023. https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/media/document/ahcm-screeningtool-companion 
4. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. 2020. The Accountable Health Communities Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool. The tool is available at this link The AHC Health-Related Social Needs Screening Tool (cms.gov)
5. Health-related Social Needs vs the Social Determinants of Health.pdf [oregon.gov Health-related Social Needs vs the Social Determinants of Health.pdf (oregon.gov)]
6. Magnan S. Social Determinants of Health 201 for Health Care: Plan, Do, Study, Act. NAM Perspect. 2021 Jun 21;2021:10.31478/202106c. doi: 10.31478/202106c. PMID: 34532697; PMCID: PMC8406598. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8406598

- MEMBERSHIP -

Getting Involved as a Student or New Practitioner

By Erin Drylie, Pharm.D., PGY1 pharmacy resident, Ascension Genesys Hospital

During my time as a pharmacy student, my professors and mentors emphasized how valuable it was to get involved within the pharmacy world and focus on professional development. I knew the importance of having a variety of experiences to put on my CV, but until I started the process of getting involved as a pharmacy professional, it was hard to quantify the many benefits associated with actively participating in my own professional development beyond just building my CV.

Students who join the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) are entitled to several benefits, including free or discounted registration at events such as the Annual Conference & Exhibition (ACE) and the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Annual Meeting. These events give students the opportunity to network with other students and pharmacy professionals. Student-focused programming at these events, such as the MSHP Student Luncheon at ACE, give students the opportunity to interact with different facilitators and discuss valuable topics such as career planning and professional development. Community involvement opportunities such as Pharmacy Day at the Capitol allow students to advocate for the future of the profession and publications offered by MPA and MSHP give students a head start on staying up to date with pharmacy news in the state.

The benefits of early involvement in MPA and its practice sections extends into the early practitioner phase as well. Getting involved in MPA can set the tone for a long, rewarding career as a pharmacist. Notably, new pharmacists also benefit from the reduced dues offered to new practitioners who join MPA for the first four years after graduation.

Early involvement with the opportunities for advocacy and networking offered by MSHP can have a profound impact on a new pharmacist’s career. I know we’ve all heard the phrase “pharmacy is a small world,” but networking and establishing connections with other members of the profession can allow new pharmacists to make this small world their oyster. Relationships built through MSHP between pharmacists across the state have the potential to create future positions, opportunities for involvement, and lifelong connections.

As I have witnessed first-hand this year, early involvement with committee work through MSHP allows new pharmacists to appreciate the work that happens behind the scenes to create positive change and empowers new pharmacists to collaborate with like-minded individuals to achieve goals and make a real impact on this profession. New practitioners who join MSHP are also likely thinking about things such as continuing education credits and personal liability insurance for the first time. These new professionals benefit from the continuing education offerings held by MSHP as well as the special rates on personal liability insurance offered to MPA members through PSI Insurance Agency.

If you are an MSHP member who serves as a preceptor or mentor for pharmacy students, I encourage you to have a conversation with your students about getting involved by joining organizations such as MPA. When students understand the benefits of early involvement and professional development beyond simply building a CV, it will set them up for future success and fulfillment in their careers. 

- RESIDENT'S CORNER -

Be On Your “A” (Algorithmic) Game

Regan VanderVeen, Pharm.D., PGY-1 resident, Meijer/Ferris State University/Pfizer

Social determinants of health (SDoH) have been a big topic in pharmacy in the last decade. SDoH classes are being integrated into pharmacy school curriculum, implicit bias training is now required for licensing in Michigan,and SDoH-based questions have become a common practice in patient interactions.

So, what more can pharmacists do to aid in deterring social determinants of health? Enter algorithmic biases, which are defined as “the instances when the application of an algorithm compounds existing inequities in socioeconomic status, race, ethnic background, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation to amplify them and adversely impact inequities in health systems."¹

A handful of health care teams – including those at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Heart Association (AHA), American Society of Hematology (ASH), Coalition to End Racism in Clinical Algorithms (CERCA) and National Academy of Sciences (NAS) – are currently reviewing their policies, guidelines and algorithms that inappropriately use race and may result in health disparities. The false idea that race is a biological construct can be linked back to the era of slavery, where these ideas we used to make a distinction between Black and white people to help justify slavery. Thomas Jefferson made false claims that Black people had less kidney output, more heat tolerance and poorer lung function than white individuals.^2,4 Louisiana physician Dr. Samuel Cartwright used these unproven claims to justify hard labor to improve Black slave’s lung function.^3,4

These claims over time became embedded in our medical literature, algorithms and clinical calculators and are still taught today. Use of race within these guidelines may lead to undertreatment and overtreatment of racialized individuals or delays in diagnosis and clinical care. Since these false claims have come under scrutiny, there have been updates to the algorithms pharmacists use, including kidney and lung function.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is an important calculation to estimate patient’s kidney function and can be used to determine dosing of medications. The original eGFR calculations included a multiplier if the patient was Black.^4,5 This results in higher eGFR values, which can cause prescribing of medication doses that can potentially be harmful to patients. It can also delay referral to nephrology since the eGFR will appear higher than it actually is. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) reviewed the evidence suggesting that Black people have higher kidney function than their white counterparts and recommended that hospitals immediately adopt the race-free 2021 Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine estimated glomerular filtration rate equation.⁶

Spirometry is a common pulmonary function test (PFT) used to help determine if patients have asthma, COPD, or another lung dysfunction. Individual’s spirometry results are compared with normal lung function results from individuals of the same sex, height, age, race and ethnicity.^4,5,7 These race-based corrections artificially boosts lung function measurements for Black patients by up to 15% and up to 6% in Asian patients.^4,5 With this boost, Black and Asian individuals with respiratory symptoms may be falsely reassured by seemingly normal lung function values. This could lead to a missed diagnosis of lung disorders, under treatment of disorders and delayed referral to a pulmonologist. To combat this, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommends a race-neutral approach to interpreting pulmonary function tests, which has been found in studies to produce more accurate results.⁴

False claims of racial differences have long been embedded in our medical guidelines. As pharmacists we can play a pivotal role in deterring the use of these guidelines. We can help re-train staff on updated algorithms and select bias-free algorithms when determining treatment plans for patients. Also understanding the role of factors used within guidelines, policies, algorithms and asking the question “Is there evidence to back up the reason for including these factors?” Racial disparities do exist within our society and may require intervention within our patient-centered care; these disparities should not be ignored. However, we must be aware when these disparities improve health equity – and in turn, when they do not.

References:

1. Algorithmic bias in clinical Decision-Making models. Published June 8, 2023. https://healthcare.rti.org/insights/algorithmic-bias-healthcare-predictive-models
2. Jefferson, Thomas. “Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826. Notes on the State of Virginia.” Unc.edu, 2014, docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/jefferson/jefferson.html.
3. Villarosa, Linda. “How False Beliefs in Physical Racial Difference Still Live in Medicine Today.” The New York Times, 14 Aug. 2019, www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/racial-differences- doctors.html.
4. Kuehn BM. Citing Harms, Momentum Grows to Remove Race From Clinical Algorithms. JAMA. 2024;331(6):463–465. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.25530
5. Vyas DA, Eisenstein LG, Jones DS. Hidden in Plain Sight - Reconsidering the Use of Race Correction in Clinical Algorithms. N Engl J Med. 2020 Aug 27;383(9):874-882. doi: 10.1056/NEJMms2004740. Epub 2020 Jun 17. PMID: 32853499
6. Delgado C, Baweja M, Crews DC, Eneanya ND, Gadegbeku CA, Inker LA, Mendu ML, Miller WG, Moxey-Mims MM, Roberts GV, St Peter WL, Warfield C, Powe NR. A Unifying Approach for GFR Estimation: Recommendations of the NKF-ASN Task Force on Reassessing the Inclusion of Race in Diagnosing Kidney Disease. Am J Kidney Dis. 2022 Feb;79(2):268-288.e1. doi: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.08.003. Epub 2021 Sep 23. PMID: 34563581.
7. Sjoding MW, Ansari S, Valley TS. Origins of Racial and Ethnic Bias in Pulmonary Technologies. Annu Rev Med. 2023 Jan 27;74:401-412. doi: 10.1146/annurev-med- 043021-024004. Epub 2022 Jul 28. PMID: 35901314; PMCID: PMC9883596.

Preceptor Lunch and Learn: Promoting Safety and Inclusion

Vivian Marie B. Schwer, Pharm.D., PGY-1 pharmacy resident,

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to lead a preceptor “lunch and learn,” where we discussed an article titled “Inclusive Precepting: Strategies to Promote Safety and Inclusion.” This article came from the “Preceptor Development Series” that is provided for free from the Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. I developed a game similar to Bingo that encouraged group discussion during the lunch and learn. Although this discussion focused on ways preceptors can promote safety and inclusion, this message can pertain to other pharmacy personnel as well as the health system as a whole.

Studies have shown that supporting social and emotional dimensions of students positively influences learning and performance.¹ Preceptors have the opportunity to create a framework to help guide residents and students in providing responses to exclusionary behaviors from team members and patients.

Below are a few ways we can promote safety and inclusion. While these are not all-encompassing, they are a good start in molding your personal strategies. There is no “right” way of accomplishing this and your methods may look a little different from preceptor to preceptor – which is OK as long as your goal is to promote both a safe and inclusive environment for students and residents.¹

1. Respect names, identities and pronouns that are shared
2. Communicate your want to foster a space that values the learner
3. Encourage your learner to come to you when there may be an issue or concern
4. Create a safe space for discussion and feedback
5. Share supportive resources available at your practice site that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)
6. Use non-gendered terms (e.g. “you all” instead of “you guys”)
7. Acknowledge and stop exclusionary behaviors whenever possible

During the lunch and learn, one of these topics was pulled randomly and the participants had to provide an example of how our health system does well – or needs improvement – in this particular area. Participation was key in winning the game. Some areas that we found to succeed included encouraging learners to come to the preceptor whenever they had concerns and getting to know the learner early on through ice breakers and a survey provided in the beginning of the rotation to gauge what the learner wants to get out of the rotation. Some improvements included knowing how to address exclusionary behaviors and sharing the health system’s DEI resources.

Again, there is no, one right way to promote safety and inclusion as a preceptor. Each will develop their own methods to achieve this. What is most important is making your environment comfortable for your learners to succeed and willing to accept feedback to improve.

I am very fortunate to have had this experience to lead a discussion for my current preceptors. As a resident, I was able to give insight on my positive experiences of feeling safe and included as someone who came from Missouri who had no previous connections to this health system.

References:

1. Williams C. Inclusive Precepting: Strategies to Promote Safety and Inclusion. The Journal of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. May 2023. Accessed March 2024. https://www.jpswi.org/uploads/1/1/7/1/117140068/jpswmj20_precepting.pdf.

- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -

Ben Pontefract

Associate professor of pharmacy practice, Ferris State University

Internal medicine clinical specialist, Corewell Health Blodgett Medical Center

Member Since: 2021

Describe Your Role/Day in the Life: I am an associate clinical professor at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy. I also work as an internal medicine clinical specialist at Corewell Health Blodgett Medical Center. At Ferris, most of my teaching focuses on clinical topics and calculation skills. I also coordinate part of the Integrated Pharmacotherapy course and precept APPE students in internal medicine during their final year of pharmacy school.

My area of clinical expertise is infectious diseases. I teach foundational topics such as antibiotic kinetics, skin and soft tissue infections, sepsis and antimicrobial stewardship, among others. I also serve as the director of research for the Collaboration to Harmonize Antimicrobial Registry Measures (CHARM) Project. The CHARM Project tracks outpatient antimicrobial use for health systems throughout the state of Michigan. By utilizing this data, health systems can identify problematic prescribing practices that could benefit from antimicrobial stewardship initiatives and can help track the effectiveness of these initiatives. As director of research, I assist with publication of data regarding CHARM through both posters at national conventions and manuscripts. I also serve as a clinical expert, meeting with pharmacists at partnering health systems to help interpret their antimicrobial use and guide intervention development.

Whenever I am not teaching, I spend my days at Corewell Health Blodgett Medical Center practicing as an internal medicine clinical specialist. There is no average day in the world of internal medicine. Activities I consistently engage in include therapeutic dosing of medications such as vancomycin and warfarin; responding to drug information questions from nurses and physicians; investigating issues brought forward by medical directors; and conducting journal clubs and topic discussions for students and residents.

Why You’re an MSHP/MPA Member: There are two main reasons I wanted to get involved with MSHP. First, I wanted to get to know the pharmacists in the area. When I moved to Michigan for my current position at Ferris, I did not really know anyone. That on top of the COVID-19 pandemic made it very difficult for me to connect with people in the area. Fortunately, I was able to join WMSHP, join their executive board and eventually become president. I've met so many fantastic people who I now consider good friends. Second, I’ve always enjoyed planning events with a group and I wanted to give back to the profession. While completing my training in Ohio and Idaho, I was a member of their state branches of ASHP. Through this, I met many pharmacists who invested their time and energy into me. I wanted to pay that forward to the community of pharmacists in Michigan as I got to know the pharmacists that call this state their home.

Recent Accomplishments: The most recent accomplishment that I am incredibly excited about is that I have been granted tenure and have been promoted to associate professor at Ferris State starting this upcoming academic year. My hard work through organizations such as WMSHP and MSHP, my dedication to my students through my didactic and experiential teaching, and my research through CHARM has been recognized by my peers as invaluable, which is always an appreciated acknowledgement. Along these lines, I was also asked by the Ferris class to be the keynote speaker at their Phi Lambda Sigma induction. While it was an overall low-key event, I was incredibly honored that the students selected me out of all their professors to share that evening with them.

How MSHP/MPA Has Helped You Achieve Any Accomplishments: My involvement in local and state pharmacy organizations has been pivotal in my recent accomplishments. Without MSHP and MPA, I would not have had the opportunity to meet the many pharmacists I consider friends and who I collaborate with daily. I would also not have had the opportunity to present local and state-level CE presentations, all of which are considered when I applied for tenure. The connections I’ve made through these organizations opened the door to countless opportunities that have helped me grow as a professional while also giving back to the profession that I’ve grown to love.

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

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

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT | Michelle Dehoorne | 313-343-6381 | Ascension, Detroit

TREASURER | Marc Guzzardo | 810-606-6095 | Ascension, Detroit

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

DIRECTORS

Diana Kostoff | 313-725-7925 | Henry Ford, Detroit

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

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

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

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 | Farzad Daneshvar | 248-910-2222 | AstraZeneca

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

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