MSHP Social Sept. 18 at High Caliber

Join the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Organizational Affairs Committee for food, drinks and fun at High Caliber Karting & Entertainment Sept. 18 inside the Meridian Mall in Okemos. Pharmacists, technicians and their families are welcome to attend.



If you are interested in attending, please click the register button below and RSVP no later than Sept. 11, 2025. If members intend to bring their spouse, children or other guests, please make sure to add them as attendees when registering for your ticket.

ASHP’s New Public Awareness Campaign:

We’re Your Pharmacist

Hospital and health-system pharmacists are a key part of the patient care team. ASHP recently introduced We’re Your Pharmacist, a comprehensive look into the specialized knowledge and skills pharmacists demonstrate every day. We’re Your Pharmacist, a multimedia campaign, will help the public understand that hospital and health-system pharmacists are essential patient care providers, from selecting appropriate medication therapies to providing medication management across the continuum of care to counseling patients and helping make treatments more accessible and affordable. Visit YourPharmacist.org to share your story and learn how you can help activate the campaign in your network and community.

Nominations Open for MPA Executive Board and Section Boards

Nominations are now open for the MPA Executive Board and section boards. We welcome nominations for all MPA members – whether you are a seasoned professional or just getting started in your career. You can nominate yourself or a colleague!

Learn more about each board and the election process. Questions? Email MPA@MichiganPharmacists.org.

The deadline to submit nominations is May 31, 2025.

Nominate Colleagues for MPA and Section Awards Now

Nominate one of your colleagues for a prestigious MPA award to recognize their professional accomplishments! MPA is accepting nominations for the following awards:

MPA Awards

• MPA Pharmacist of the Year
• Bowl of Hygeia
• Executive Board Medal
• Excellence in Innovation
• Pharmacists^TM Mutual Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award
• Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award
• Fellow of MPA
• Ernie Koch Striving for Excellence Award

Section Awards

CSPM

• CSPM Pharmacist of the Year Award

MSCP

• MSCP Pharmacist of the Year Award

MSHP

• MSHP Pharmacist of the Year Award
• MSHP Joseph A. Oddis Leadership Award
• MSHP Professional Practice Award
• MSHP Presidents Award
• MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award

MSPT

• MSPT Pharmacist of the Year Award
• MSPT Service Award

- BOARD UPDATE -

How to “Empower, Engage, Enact”

with Local and State Pharmacy Organizations

By Benjamin Pontefract, Pharm.D., BCPS, associate professor, Ferris State University; internal medicine clinical specialist, Corewell Blodgett Hospital; director, MSHP; WMSHP immediate past president; director of research, CHARM Project

A wise mentor of mine once said: “If you are passionate about a topic or project, volunteer to write the first draft.” This advice has stuck with me over the years and the attitude it embodies is one of the reasons why I am currently serving in leadership positions for MSHP and WMSHP. 

Throughout your career, you will hear about openings for committees, work groups and leadership positions that you do not feel qualified or capable enough to fill. When you hear about these, your initial reaction might be to ignore the conversation, delete the email or politely decline. I’m here to argue that when you see those opportunities, you should recognize your insecurities but still apply for it anyway.  

This story starts shortly after I completed my fellowship in Idaho and moved to Michigan. I was excited to start a new life in a new city, but then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. After the lockdown ended, I decided to join WMSHP and within a month there was an open executive board position. At that point, I barely knew any pharmacists in the state, much less what all WMSHP did. I was fortunate enough to be elected to the board and that following December, there was an opening for president with no other board members interested. Now, at that point, I kind of knew how WMSHP operated, but I thought there was no way I was capable of being president. Still, I liked the organization and I wanted to help however I could. So, with that insecurity at the forefront of my mind, I took the position. 

As expected, the first few months were tough as I got up to speed. I made my share of mistakes and felt a fool every time, but I was fortunate enough to have the current and past WMSHP leaders available to help when I needed it. Fast forward two years later, and I am serving as immediate past president and I’m involved in pretty much everything WMSHP does. 

I think the moral to this anecdote is that it’s OK to accept a position even if you are anxious of what that may bring. When you are a part of a leadership team, there will be plenty of veteran members who will be willing to help you get your sea legs, then, you become that veteran member helping out the next incoming team.

The other anecdote I wanted to share involves my first year on WMSHP’s board. I had the idea of creating a learner hardship fund to help students and residents with monetary struggles (such as a broken-down car). I had no idea how providing such a donation would work, but, regardless, I decided to put together a Student Hardship application. It took several iterations before it was launched and once we received that first application, it became apparent there were even more glaring issues with the process we needed to address. Still, we continued to revise it until it resembled the application we now use. Through that, I am proud to say WMSHP has helped several students and residents in need. I think the lesson here is making a first draft of something is hard and it’s probably going to be bad. With that said, making something bad is the first step in the process of making something that is great! 

I share these stories of my insecurity not because I think they make me look cool for overcoming them, but because I think they realistically depict what many people feel when they see these opportunities. I hear a lot of negative self-talk from students and residents about how they feel like they aren’t good enough or aren’t accomplished enough to apply to a role or engage in a task. My advice to people in that situation is if you have any passion for the subject at all, just do it. It’s as the famous philosopher once said: “Sucking at something is the first step to being sort of good at something.”

We’re always looking for volunteers at MSHP and I hope we see some of you join us. I’m always happy to talk to anyone about what that might look like if this has stirred any interest in you!

- ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS -

Preview of the 2025 ASHP House of Delegates

By Rebecca S. Maynard, Pharm.D.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists will convene its 77th annual session of the House of Delegates in June at ASHP Pharmacy Futures 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ elected delegates – Rox Gatia, Lama Hsaiky, Amber Lanae Martirosov and Becky Maynard – will participate over multiple days to consider policy recommendations and statements, ASHP Board and Committee reports and other Society business. MPA member Jesse Hogue, the chair of the ASHP House of Delegates, will oversee the proceedings.

Our MSHP delegates have already been hard at work this year, starting with our first virtual House of Delegates in March where we considered 15 policy recommendations. In the virtual House, seven policies reached the threshold of 85% for approval. The eight policy recommendations not approved will be further considered by the House in June. The report on the March virtual House and a summary slide set of the policies approved at the March virtual House of Delegates are available on the HOD website.

During this year’s Regional Delegate Conferences (RDCs), ASHP hosted eight in-person and virtual meetings over four days, with over 200 delegates, board members and ASHP staff participating in a lively debate of policy amendments, as evidenced by the ASHP Connect discussion posts. Delegates are currently working to turn those in-depth conversations into policy amendment language. As it would be very time-consuming to provide a full report on each of these policies, we have provided some brief discussion and updates on the topics that generated the most interest.

Again this year, we have many policies related to access and there are also multiple policy recommendations related to whole person health and the impact on the pharmacy workforce, both in how we care for our patients, the public and each other. Below is the full list of policies and statements pending for the House, with a few highlights. ASHP members can view the official language of the policy recommendations at the ASHP House of Delegates website. Members can also follow online discussions via the House of Delegates community within ASHP Connect. 

We encourage you to review the proposed policies and contact one of the delegates with any questions or comments you may have: Rox Gatia (rgatia1@hfhs.org), Lama Hsaiky (lama.hsaiky@corewellhealth.org), Amber Lanae Martirosov (amartir1@hfhs.org) and Becky Maynard (maynardr@bronsonhg.org). The MSHP Organizational Affairs Committee has also coordinated two Zoom meetings for members to provide input on the proposed policies or ask questions about the ASHP House of Delegates and policy-making process. Please join us from noon to 1 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. June 3 to learn more and discuss ASHP Policy!

COUNCIL ON PHARMACY MANAGEMENT (CPM) POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Recovery and Assistance Programs for Healthcare Workers with Substance Use Disorder
2. Cellular and Gene Therapies
3. Interstate Pharmacist Licensure – recommend discontinuing this policy and move forward with Pharmacists Cross-State Licensure policy recommendation below.

COUNCIL ON PHARMACY PRACTICE (CPhP) POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Safe and Secure Transfer of Controlled Substances (CS) – response to recommendation from Council members concerned with patient safety risks from changing administration methods during patient transfers and the need for more standardization (in addition to revising ASHP Guidelines on Preventing Diversion of Controlled Substances to include content on safely and securely transferring CS).
2. Addressing and Preventing Moral Distress and Injury in the Healthcare Workforce – response to experiences in work environments where safety and quality may be compromised for the sake of financial performance.
3. Pharmacy Services to Optimize Patient Throughput

COUNCIL ON PUBLIC POLICY (CPuP) POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

4. Funding, Expertise and Oversight of State Boards of Pharmacy – policy to ensure inspectors have demonstrated competency in the applicable area of practice.

5. Payment Parity for Pharmacists’ Services – policy revision to shift previous focus on pharmacist status to payment for our services commensurate with what other providers receive (provides a refresh for the issue and may prove a more productive strategy).

6. Pharmacists Cross-State Licensure – identified need, especially in residency training, for more efficient licensure process

7. Patient’s Right to Choose – policy revision to focus more generally on informed consent rather than on specific controversial issues (e.g. end-of-life directives)

8. Support of Global Health Organizations – at Policy Week as part of sunset review for ASHP policy 2037, support of the World Health Organization. Council had initially recommended policy discontinuation, but in the 2025 winter call felt that discontinuing the policy could create the perception that ASHP does not support public health organizations, including domestic agencies, and recommended to edit policy language to support broader global health efforts.

COUNCIL ON THERAPEUTICS (COT) POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Accurate and Timely Height and Weight Measurements – an ongoing policy to support patient safety, especially in prescriptions for pediatric patients
2. Clinical and Safety Considerations of Naming Drug Moieties and Complexes – response to FDA reclassification of drugs with distinct, established names with different dosing and administration practices to singular entities (e.g. four iron-carbohydrate drugs were reclassified to a singular entity, ferric oxyhydroxide)
3. Clinical, Operational and Safe Use of Manipulated Drug Products and Alternate Administration Routes – consolidation of three existing policies into one that includes provisions for manipulation of drug products and alternate methods for drug product delivery
4. Expedited Partner Directed Therapy – while laws exist to promote EPT, there are significant barriers to treatment that this new policy addresses.
5. Quality Consumer Medication Information

COUNCIL ON EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (CEWD) POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Support for Caregiving Responsibilities in the Pharmacy Workforce – after a recommendation from the 2024 ASHP House of Delegates was submitted to address lactation support and resources within the pharmacy workforce, Council recommended a broader policy to encompass support for caregiving responsibilities in the workforce that includes lactation, eldercare, and other work-life integration needs
2. Cultural Competency and Trauma Informed Care – Council recommended inclusion of trauma-informed care and whole-person health to ASHP policy 2231, Cultural Competency, in response to a recommendation from the 2024 ASHP House of Delegates

- ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP -

Viral Care Packages: Can They Reduce Unnecessary Outpatient Antibiotic Prescriptions for Viral Respiratory Infections?

By Kayla Backus, Pharm.D., MBA; and Nicholas Torney, Pharm.D., BCIDP

Respiratory infections are one of the most common reasons for patients to seek care in the outpatient setting. Despite these infections being mostly viral, they account for a majority of outpatient antibiotic prescriptions. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing is highest in the urgent care setting, with over 30% of antibiotics estimated as unnecessary.¹ 

Respiratory infections can be classified into three tiers: 

• Tier 1 always requires antibiotics (i.e. pneumonia)
• Tier 2 sometimes requires antibiotics (i.e. acute sinusitis, otitis media)
• Tier 3 never requires antibiotics (i.e. bronchitis, upper respiratory infections, serous otitis media, and influenza).

The aim of this study was to assess if the implementation of a viral care package at one urgent care in northern Michigan was associated with a reduction in antibiotic prescriptions for Tier 3 respiratory infections.

Approximately 450 viral care packages were made and delivered to one Munson Healthcare urgent care in Traverse City. The viral care package included common over-the-counter products for symptomatic relief and was developed into four age-appropriate packages: pediatrics 2-11 years, pediatrics 12-17 years, adults 18-64 years (also safe in pregnancy and lactation) and adults 65-plus years. Viral care packages were dispensed from Nov. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025. Additionally, a one-time provider education was conducted prior to the Nov. go-live. 

Patients who were diagnosed with a Tier 3 viral respiratory infection were eligible to receive a viral care package prior to discharging from urgent care. Outcomes were assessed before (Oct. 1, 2023-April 30, 2024) and after (Feb. 1, 2025-April 30, 2025) viral care package implementation. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for patients with a Tier 3 viral respiratory diagnosis. The primary outcome was also assessed at three other urgent cares that did not implement the intervention, serving as controls. Secondary outcomes assessed the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for all encounters; the rate of antibiotic prescriptions within seven days of receiving a viral care package; two Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures; and patient and provider satisfaction of the viral care package through a survey. 

A total of 379 viral care packages were dispensed over three months, with 53 dispensed in the 2-11 age group, 36 in the 12-17 age group, 229 in the 18-64 age group and 61 in the 65-plus year age group. The rate of antibiotic prescriptions in patients with a Tier 3 respiratory infection during the 2023-24 cold and flu season (Oct. 1, 2023-April 30, 2024) compared to the first three months of the 2024-25 cold and flu season (Nov. 1, 2024-Jan. 31, 2025) was 13.9% vs. 9.1% (p-value <0.001). 

Three other urgent cares that did not implement the intervention experienced no change in the rate of antibiotic prescriptions for Tier 3 infections. The rate of all encounters to receive an antibiotic for any indication was 30.4% pre-intervention and 34.1% post-intervention (p-value <0.001). In patients that received a viral care package, 7.9% received an antibiotic prescription within seven days. The rate of patients with bronchitis that received an antibiotic pre-intervention compared to post-intervention was 44.1% vs. 25% (p-value <0.001). The rate of patients with an acute upper respiratory infection that received an antibiotic pre-intervention compared to post intervention was 4.8% vs. 3.3% (p-value 0.145). Approximately 10% (n=36) of patients who received a viral care package responded to a survey via QR code that was included in the viral care package. Average patient satisfaction of the viral care package was 9.6 out of 10. 

A provider-driven viral care package intervention plus a one-time provider education may be effective at decreasing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions for Tier 3 viral respiratory infections. Further studies are needed to assess implementation at other locations and sustainability. 

References:

1. Stenehjem E, Wallin A, Fleming-Dutra KE, et al. Antibiotic Prescribing Variability in a Large Urgent Care Network: A New Target for Outpatient Stewardship. Clin Infect Dis. 2020 Apr 10;70(8):1781-1787.

- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -

Calvin J. Ice, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP, FASHP

Pharmacy Manager, Training and Education, Corewell Health

Member Since: 2015

Describe Your Role/Day in the Life: In my role, I help to support our teams of pharmacy preceptors, supervisors, and coordinators in designing and conducting pharmacy technician student, pharmacy student, pharmacy intern and pharmacy residency training programs at Corewell Health. I help to schedule and facilitate educational events for our pharmacy team throughout the health system and my team engages new team members in orientation to our pharmacy department. I currently serve as the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals, and I still practice clinically in the Surgical-Trauma ICU at Butterworth Hospital.

Why You’re an MSHP/MPA Member: I am a member of MPA and MSHP to engage and network with peers across the state while supporting advancement of our profession. I appreciate MPA’s commitment to advocacy and in the meaningful opportunities provided to members to engage in committee work.

Recent Accomplishments: I was recently named a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and look forward to participating in recognition at the ASHP Pharmacy Futures Meeting in Charlotte. Additionally, in June my sixth and final class of PGY1 Pharmacy Residents will be completing residency as I transition out of a Residency Program Director role. I feel accomplished in having served as the Residency Program Director for 42 PGY1 Pharmacy Residents and in seeing them reach their next steps in their careers.

How MSHP/MPA Has Helped You Achieve Any Accomplishments: Engagement in MSHP and in its committees has been very meaningful to me in my professional development. The networking and leadership skills developed due to this engagement have helped foster and greatly supplemented the skills I have built through engagement in ASHP over the past decade.

- PHARMACOGENOMICS -

Pharmacogenomics Opportunities Through ASHP

By Shawna Kraft, Pharm.D., past MSHP president

Are you interested in expanding your pharmacogenomics knowledge? You may have heard about the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ resources for professional development in pharmacogenomics. Recently I met with Long To, ambulatory clinical pharmacy coordinator and pharmacogenomics specialist at Henry Ford Health, to hear about his experiences with these opportunities.

What is the Pharmacogenomics Certificate?

ASHP offers a Pharmacogenomics Certificate which is completed via self-study and includes 19.5 continuing education hours. The goal is to provide additional pharmacogenomic knowledge, including how to implement pharmacogenomics into clinical practice.

What is the Pharmacogenomic Accelerator Program and how does that compare to the certificate?

ASHP also offers a more comprehensive program, the Pharmacogenomics Accelerator. This program is in conjunction with University of Minnesota and includes a Pharmacogenomics Practice Management Assessment Tool with eight domains, covering aspects such as organizational support, care delivery processes, testing, informatics, education, team engagement and evaluating services. It also includes interaction with pharmacogenomics experts. This program is done in real time as opposed to the certificate, which is self-paced. However, the Accelerator program does include 10 pharmacogenomics certificates which can be utilized for team members at the institution participating in the program.

Who should consider applying for either opportunity?

To said the Accelerator program is for institutions with a clear initiative in mind as it provides a structured framework for implementation. The cost is also significantly more for the program. The certificate is geared towards individuals who want to learn more and also provides information on implementation but not interactive guidance with experts.

What is the time commitment?

To estimated five to 10 hours minimum per month for the Accelerator program and about two to three hours a month for the certificate (total of at least 20 hours to go through the modules for the continuing education and the test).

What pharmacogenomic testing did you focus on with your initial implementation?

We started with Cyp2C19 testing and then piloted dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) testing for colorectal cancer patients. 

The ASHP Pharmacogenomics Certificate is a great resource and support for expanding and optimizing personalized medication management for patients. If this sounds like something you are interested in, MSHP is accepting applications for up to two individuals interested in completing the certificate program. MSHP will reimburse the cost of the certificate program once completed and will have individuals present on their experience at an MSHP event or write an article for the MSHP Monitor. We strongly encourage you to apply for this opportunity!

Please apply by June 15, 2025, (recipients notified by July 1, 2025; completion of program by June 30, 2026) via application here and emailed to: Shawna Kraft svandeko@med.umich.edu 

- RESIDENT'S CORNER -

DOACs vs. Warfarin: Clinical Updates

and Considerations in Atrial Fibrillation

By Christian Dacon, Pharm.D., Lauren Harven, Pharm.D., Natasha Jolakoski, Pharm.D., and Andrew Nguyen, Pharm.D.,

PGY-1 pharmacy practice residents, Henry Ford St. John

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have transformed anticoagulation therapy by offering a safer and more convenient alternative to warfarin. DOACs are associated with fewer drug interactions, no requirement for routine international normalized ratio (INR) monitoring and a lower risk of major bleeding. However, warfarin remains a critical option in specific patient populations where DOACs are not suitable. With recent clinical updates and expanded indications, pharmacists must remain informed about the appropriate use of DOACs versus warfarin to optimize patient outcomes.

Key Updates in DOAC Therapy

DOACs as First-Line Therapy for Most Indications

The 2023 American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and Heart Rhythm Society (HRS) guidelines reaffirm DOACs – apixaban, rivaroxaban, edoxaban and dabigatran – as first-line therapy for most patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The preference for DOACs is based on several advantages:

• Lower or non-inferior stroke risk in AF compared to warfarin.
• Lower intracranial hemorrhage risk compared to warfarin.
• Predictable pharmacokinetics, eliminating the need for routine INR monitoring.

DOACs in Special Populations

Although DOACs are preferred for most patients, new data support their use in additional populations where they were previously not recommended.

• End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) with Atrial Fibrillation
• The RENAL-AF trial did not show a definitive benefit of apixaban over warfarin, necessitating individualized clinical judgment.²
• Apixaban is increasingly used off-label in patients with creatinine clearance (CrCl) less than 15 mL/min. In the FRAIL-AF trial, patients with CrCl less than 30 were excluded from the trial, however there are more studies suggesting a lower bleeding risk compared to warfarin.³
• Warfarin increases the risk of calciphylaxis in ESRD.⁴

Expanding Use of DOAC Reversal Agents⁵ 

As DOAC use increases, reversal strategies are becoming more critical. Pharmacists should be familiar with available agents:

• Idarucizumab (Praxbind): Reverses dabigatran in emergency situations.
• Andexanet alfa (Andexxa): Reverses apixaban and rivaroxaban in emergent situations. However, ANNEXA-I trial showed higher rates of thrombotic events when compared to standard of care. 
• Four-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC): An emerging alternative for cost-effective DOAC reversal.

When Warfarin Remains the Preferred Anticoagulant

Despite the widespread adoption of DOACs, warfarin remains the anticoagulant of choice in certain clinical scenarios:

• Mechanical heart valves (DOACs are not recommended).
• Severe mitral stenosis and rheumatic heart disease (guidelines still favor warfarin).
• Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) (higher failure rates reported with DOACs).
• Contraindicated drug interactions 

Clinical Implications for Pharmacists

• DOACs should be prioritized for most patients, particularly those with AF or VTE.
• Caution is advised in renal impairment – current guidelines say apixaban is the safest DOAC in ESKD. 
• Pharmacists should educate providers on DOAC reversal agents to ensure timely management of bleeding emergencies.
• Patients on warfarin should be closely monitored, particularly those with mechanical valves or APS, to ensure INR remains within the therapeutic range. However, there is data that shows monitoring in these patient populations can be prolonged if they are stable. 
• DOACs continue to replace warfarin as the preferred anticoagulant in most clinical scenarios, providing improved safety and ease of use. However, warfarin remains necessary for specific high-risk populations. Pharmacists play a crucial role in guiding therapy selection, monitoring renal function, managing anticoagulation in special populations, and educating both patients and healthcare providers on the latest anticoagulation strategies. Remaining up to date on evolving guidelines will ensure optimal anticoagulation management and improved patient outcomes.

References

1. Joglar JA, Chung MK, Armbruster AL, et al. 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Atrial Fibrillation: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines [published correction appears in Circulation. 2024 Jan 2;149(1):e167. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001207.] [published correction appears in Circulation. 2024 Feb 27;149(9):e936. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001218.] [published correction appears in Circulation. 2024 Jun 11;149(24):e1413. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001263.]. Circulation. 2024;149(1):e1-e156. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000001193
2. Pokorney SD, Chertow GM, Al-Khalidi HR, et al. Apixaban for Patients With Atrial Fibrillation on Hemodialysis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial. Circulation. 2022;146(23):1735-1745. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054990
3. Joosten LPT, van Doorn S, van de Ven PM, et al. Safety of Switching From a Vitamin K Antagonist to a Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant in Frail Older Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the FRAIL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial. Circulation. 2024;149(4):279-289. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.066485
4. Saifan C, Saad M, El-Charabaty E, El-Sayegh S. Warfarin-induced calciphylaxis: a case report and review of literature. Int J Gen Med. 2013;6:665-669. Published 2013 Aug 9. doi:10.2147/IJGM.S47397
5. Tomaselli, G, Mahaffey, K, Cuker, A. et al. 2020 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway on Management of Bleeding in Patients on Oral Anticoagulants: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Solution Set Oversight Committee. JACC. 2020 Aug, 76 (5) 594–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2020.04.053

- REGIONAL UPDATE -

Capital Area Pharmacists Association

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

Seniors at American House Meridian

Thank you to our fabulous female pharmacists of CAPA for speaking to seniors at American House Meridian on five topics for this community. We were well received and hopefully were impactful to this group.

Pictured from left are Susan Benivegna, Kelli Cotter, Heather Schalk , Faith Allen and Peggy Malovrh at American House Meridian.

Prevention at Impression 5

Poison Prevention Week was March 16-22, 2025. To raise awareness, CAPA staffed a table at Impression 5 Children’s Museum in downtown Lansing on March 22. The event had a full house of families with children enjoying the museum. In total our pharmacists spoke with 80-100 people about Poison Prevention and the Michigan Poison Control Helpline. We played “Medicine vs. Candy;” gave away Helpline stickers and magnets, coloring books, pamphlets and lollipops; demonstrated how to best draw up oral liquids for kids; and more. We even shared information about pets and toxins.

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

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