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.

Register 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.

- AMBULATORY CARE -

Still Short on GLP-1RA and Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonists:

Strategies to Navigate Shortages 

By Ze’Nae Williams and Faieza Kassab, 2025 Pharm.D. candidates, Wayne State University; Sundi Nuzha, Pharm.D. and Insaf Mohammad, Pharm.D., BCACP, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) and dual GLP-1/glucose‐insulinotropic polypeptide (GLP-1/GIP) receptor agonists have become increasingly popular leading to the demand exceeding the supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration currently reports a shortage of semaglutide, dulaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide.¹ Per the American Diabetes Association Standards of Care in Diabetes, these medications are recommended for use in individuals with type 2 diabetes with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease or obesity.^1,2 GLP1-RAs such as semaglutide and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists such as tirzepatide offer both glycemic and weight loss benefits along with having a low risk for hypoglycemia.² Due to these benefits, prescribers and patients are increasingly seeking these medications, although many patients may not meet the criteria suggested by guidelines.³ The shortage of these medications that has resulted warrants action from pharmacists and other health care professionals to obtain access to therapy for those patients who need it. There are several strategies that clinicians should consider:

1. Using different antihyperglycemic medications: In place of GLP1-RAs, pharmacists may recommend use of a sodium-glucose cotransporter inhibitor for patients with congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, or established or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Additional choices include basal insulin, thiazolidinediones and/or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors. When choosing a different agent, factors such as cost, adverse effects, dosage frequency and administration techniques should be taken into account.⁴
2. Swapping GLP1-RAs and alternative dosing options: Pharmacists may recommend starting a new agent with an equivalent dosing in lieu of the original GLP1-RA.⁴ Health care providers should consider patient-specific factors such as glucose control, duration of lapse in therapy and the GLP1-RA initial tolerability. This may require requesting prior authorizations when necessary per managed care plan formularies, with documentation of the rationale for switching agents.^4,5 When switching from a product that was taken once or twice daily, start the new medication the day after discontinuing the original; if replacing a weekly product, begin taking the new agent seven days after stopping the previous one. Alternative dosing options include using adjustable multi-dose pens to select intermediate doses based on clicks. For multiple weekly injections of dulaglutide, lower strength pens (0.75 or 1.5 milligrams) may be injected twice or three times weekly to match higher doses when they are unavailable.⁴
3. Routine correspondence with community pharmacists: Ambulatory care pharmacists should maintain communication with community pharmacies to verify which medication options are available, as well as anticipated delivery dates when known. This requires close communication with patients as well, including asking them about any other local pharmacies they prefer.^4,5
4. Educating on compounded semaglutide safety: Clinicians should assess the risks and benefits of compounded GLP1-RA therapy. While medications on the FDA shortage list may be legally compounded, there is currently a trend of medications such as semaglutide being compounded with base products that are not FDA approved.⁶ This has led to a significant degree of adverse events being reported, including overdosages leading to acute care visits.⁷ Ambulatory care pharmacists should educate and advise providers and patients against using compounded agents that are not obtained from a reputable compounding pharmacy, particularly avoiding sources such as medical spas.⁶ 
5. Advocating for increased access to anti-obesity medications: The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act was created to increase access of anti-obesity medications to Medicare beneficiaries through Medicare Part D coverage as well as increasing access to providers that offer intensive behavioral therapy to manage obesity.⁸ Pharmacists should contact their elected officials to ask for their support on the bill using the following link: https://diabetes.org/advocacy/raise-your-voice/platform#/

While the GLP-1RA and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist drug shortage is a roadblock for both patients and providers, it is important that pharmacists continue to collaborate with patients and the interprofessional team to circumvent barriers to access. 

References

1. FDA drug shortages. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/drugshortages/default.cfm
2. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 10. Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2024. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S179–S218. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc24-S010.
3. American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee; 8. Obesity and Weight Management for the Prevention and Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Standards of Care in Diabetes – 2024. Diabetes Care 1 January 2024; 47 (Supplement_1): S145–S157.
4. Whitley HP, Trujillo JM, Neumiller JJ. Special Report: Potential Strategies for Addressing GLP-1 and Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Shortages. Clinical Diabetes. 2023;41(3):467-473. doi:10.2337/cd23-0023
5. Nguyen K. Running on empty: navigating the GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug shortage. AmbCare Connect. Published May 27, 2024.
6. Spitery A, Elder MJ, Farhat N, Mohammad I, Lobkovich A. Legal, safety, and practical considerations of compounded injectable semaglutide. JACCP: Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. Published online June 29, 2024. doi:10.1002/jac5.1999
7. Lambson JE, Flegal SC, Johnson AR. Administration errors of compounded semaglutide reported to a poison control center – Case series. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. 2023;63(5):1643-1645. doi:10.1016/j.japh.2023.06.017
8. "H.R.4818 - Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2023." Congress.gov, Library of Congress, 27 June 2024. https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4818/text.

- BOARD UPDATE -

Securing the Future Success of MSHP

By Marc Guzzardo RPh, MBA, FMPA, CPEL, director of pharmacy,

Ascension Genesys Hospital, MSHP treasurer

The Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists is having a great 2024. We are fresh off the MSHP strategic planning session where we plan for the future of MSHP. Dozens of dedicated MSHP leaders gathered at the Michigan Pharmacists Association building Sept. 5 to set the course for 2025 and beyond, allowing us to achieve our vision and goals. MSHP is blessed to have so many talented individuals dedicated to improving health system pharmacy practice for us.

The MSHP social event was also held on Sept. 5. This was an opportunity to network and have some fun together as a community with a shared vision to improve health care through advancement of pharmacy care.

The MSHP Annual Meeting is planned for Oct. 25 at the Grand Rapids Sheraton Airport Hotel. An excellent meeting is planned and it is always a great opportunity to learn, connect and recharge. 

Events such as strategic planning sessions, social events, annual meetings and education sessions bring us together to accomplish our shared vision and goals. At the beginning of this year, MSHP President Kyle Schmidt shared his theme of “Less, not Loss” as a way to achieve our vision and goals. The message of “Less, Not Loss” tells us to remove barriers to progress and focus on the cumulative impact of incremental small wins on progress. Focus on thoughtful action to create an impact on the problems we choose to conquer so that we can all reflect on our actions and clearly see the positive impact we have made. 

Throughout this year MSHP board meetings, committees and members have worked together to create and accomplish thoughtful actions that bring us closer to achieving our vision and goals. We look forward to completing the actions identified for 2024 and preparing for 2025. Many thanks to our members that make our vision a reality through their membership and participation with MSHP.

- MEMBER SPOTLIGHT -

Ben Zalupski

P4 Pharmacy Intern, Walgreens

Member Since: December 2023

Describe Your Role/Day in the Life: As an intern at Walgreens, my focus day to day is delivering positive, patient-centered care. Typically, my day during the fall consists of a wide range of tasks all aimed at supporting the pharmacy team. I generally will assist the pharmacist with vaccine administration, conduct COVID-19 tests and provide patient counseling in addition to processing prescriptions, insurance billing and other general community pharmacy services.

Why You’re an MSHP/MPA Member: I initially joined for the networking opportunities and the ability to connect with my peers mentors, and other members of the pharmacy profession in Michigan. Also, my membership contributes to important advocacy efforts to ensure that pharmacists have a voice in shaping future policies and regulations.

Recent Accomplishments: I, alongside Michael Klepser and others, were recently published in Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy, examining the most recent trends in pharmacy-based CLIA-waived testing in the United States following the introduction of COVID-19 testing in pharmacies in 2020 and 2021. I was also a recipient of the 2023 Gateways to Research Award; my project focused on synthesizing and evaluating PPAR agonists in relation to Alzheimer’s disease pathologies. My research group, led by Dr. Tracey Ward, recently sent our manuscript for publication.

How MSHP/MPA Has Helped You Achieve Any Accomplishments: My experience has already contributed to my professional development in meaningful ways. The opportunities for networking have allowed me to connect with other pharmacists and are preparing me to achieve future goals to make a positive impact in my field.

- REGIONAL UPDATE -

Western Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists Update

By Ben Pontefract, WMSHP president

The Western Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists has continued strong through 2024. In June, we had our annual summer planning meeting to lay out how the upcoming year will look. You may have already participated in some of it! One such example was our annual trip to a West Michigan Whitecaps game, which we held in August. We had a total of 43 attendees, which was a great time! Thank you everyone who came out. We look forward to next year!

The WMSHP Executive Board. Back row, from left: Nathan Kanous, Brad Miller, Ben Pontefract, Kristina Stoncius, Jeff VanHouten, Amy Bower, Ashley Blanchette and Lupe Chavez. Front row, from left: Jessie Prociv, Tara McAlpine, Heather Hamilton, Andrea Borst, Kelsey Ernst.

We also held our September meeting and continuing education session. Sarah Leonard, Pharm.D., gave a presentation on how pharmacists can improve precepting skills to benefit our APPE students and residents. We also completed our annual residency showcase. This year, we have not only residency programs, but a few industry fellowships as well. We are always trying to expand what is offered at this event to be of interest to as many students as possible; so, this was a win for us.

As for upcoming events, we will be conducting our mock interviews near the end of the year as well. If anyone is interested in serving as a volunteer interviewer, please contact myself (bpontefract@gmail.com) or Tara McAlpine (Tara.McAlpine@trinity-health.org). We are always looking for people to give fresh perspectives!



Finally, we are also proud to announce our resident at large member this upcoming year will be Kyle Brillantes (pictured at right). Kyle is currently a resident at Corewell Health West and he is excited to keep us all young and hip with the next generation of pharmacists.

Thank you everyone for joining us throughout the year. Hopefully, our events have been beneficial to students, residents and practicing pharmacists. If you have any ideas for future events, or if you are interested in getting more involved, head on over to WMSHP.net or send me an email at bpontefract@gmail.com and get in touch! 

- RESIDENT'S CORNER -

Changes and Updates to Pharmacy Law and Licensing Requirements in Michigan, 2024

By Elizabeth Pearson, Pharm.D., Claire Richardson, Pharm.D., Amy Smith, Pharm.D., Ezekiel Jacobs, Pharm.D., PGY1 residents at Trinity Health Muskegon

The Michigan Joint Committee on Administrative Rules ruled on Feb. 29, 2024, to remove the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam from the requirements for first-time pharmacists and pharmacists moving into the state of Michigan, instead opting for an attestation of sufficient knowledge of the codes and rules to sufficiently practice pharmacy in the state. Despite no longer requiring an exam, it is still crucial for pharmacists to stay current on changes in pharmacy laws and practices, as well as being aware of other licensure requirements for new licensees in Michigan. Below, we highlight some important updates to laws and updates and current requirements for licensure for new practitioners.

Section I: Law Updates

Buprenorphine X-Waiver

The X-waiver was developed in 2000 as part of the Drug Addiction Treatment Act, which authorized the outpatient use of buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). An X-waiver could be obtained by physicians after completing specialized training in OUD and submitting a letter of intent to the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to the requirements for obtaining an X-waiver, prescribers were also limited to treat a maximum of 30 patients during their first year of certification. The goal of the X-waiver was to increase access to treatment for patients with OUD, but it created a significant barrier for patients and increased stigma associated with OUD.¹ 

As of Jan. 2023, SAMHSA and the DEA removed the X-waiver through the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment Act within the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. This act expanded the ability for providers to prescribe medications to treat opioid use disorder, including buprenorphine. Medications to treat opioid use disorder have been proven to reduce the risk of overdose-related death by 50%.² Any provider with the authority to prescribe Schedule III medications may now prescribe buprenorphine for OUD after completing a one-time, eight-hour training course. The Consolidated Appropriations Act also removed restrictions on the number of patients treated with buprenorphine. Allowing increased prescribing of buprenorphine is essential for normalizing the treatment of OUD. SAMHSA.gov offers various tools, trainings and assistance to providers in treating OUD.³

Gabapentin Descheduling

As of May 28, 2024, gabapentin is no longer classified as a scheduled medication in Michigan.⁴ Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin, among others) is a Gamma-aminobutyric acid analogue approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and partial seizures. It is also commonly used off-label for a wide variety of conditions, ranging from neuropathic pain, restless leg syndrome and anxiety disorders. It is even used in veterinary medicine for chronic pain control and anxiety in animals.⁵ Gabapentin was the 10th-most prescribed drug nationwide in 2022, with over 40 million prescriptions written.⁶ Gabapentin is not a federally-scheduled medication, however some states have opted to add gabapentin to their list of scheduled medications or require reporting to their respective prescription drug monitoring programs. The Michigan Legislature included gabapentin on the C-V scheduled medication list in January 2019 and began requiring reporting to the Michigan Automated Prescription System. 

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs stated on Jan. 9, 2019, that “potentially harmful effects when combined with other opioids” as a major contributor to the decision to add gabapentin to the controlled substance list.⁷ Other states that have made the decision to schedule gabapentin have also cited a potential for misuse or concerns about potential drug-drug interactions, namely with opioids. While a definitive reason for the recent descheduling was not given, there is evidence suggesting that the true potential for misuse in patients with no previous substance use disorder is very low, which may not justify a Schedule V classification.⁸ 

With options for pharmaceutical management of chronic pain, especially neuropathy, remaining limited, gabapentin offers a safe, non-opioid option that can be used long-term with a relatively low risk of dependence compared to other treatment options.⁸ The descheduling of gabapentin will provide easier access for patients, possibly reducing the frequency of visits required to renew prescriptions, and will provide decreased administrative burden on health care providers in the form of adherence to the levels of documentation required for controlled substances. Overall, this change will lead to a more simplified and efficient prescribing process and will support better chronic pain management through improved patient access to effective treatment. 

Section II: PBM Licensing Requirement Updates

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Licensure and Regulation Act

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are third party organizations that work as financial negotiators between insurance companies, distributors and pharmaceutical manufacturers. These companies were originally established to determine which medications would be on formularies and help keep the cost of medications down for insurers. Three of the largest PBMs in the United States are CVS Caremark, Express Scripts and OptumRx. The discounts or rebates negotiated by PBMs have a direct effect on what a patient will pay for their medication at the pharmacy. To improve the transparency of prices between PBMs and patients, new legislation and licensure qualifications are being developed and adopted into practice. 

The Pharmacy Benefit Manager Licensure and Regulation Act of 2022 went into effect in Michigan on Jan. 1, 2024. This new bill focused on adding regulations to operate PBMs, in addition to making licensure requirements stricter. Initiatives put forward in these laws work to eliminate discrimination enacted upon pharmacies and discount programs. PBMs can no longer exclude pharmacies from their services based on lack of financial gain. They also cannot avoid collaboration with 340B programs that help patients on Medicaid get prescriptions at a discount. "Gag clauses," which have been used to prohibit pharmacists from revealing cash prices to patients, even if their co-pay with insurance was more expensive, are also prohibited. 

Under this new legislation, pharmacists are now empowered to provide patients with pricing information to help them get their medications at the lowest cost. Additional licensing requirements include obtaining a third-Party Administrator certification, completion of PBM fee card and payment, and filing of transparency reports with the Department of Insurance and Financial Services. Ultimately, these new laws have made health care more affordable for all patients in the state of Michigan.

Section III: Pharmacist License Requirements

Current CE Requirements for Licensure:

• Human trafficking: This requirement was added for all license renewals on Jan. 1, 2020, and for all initial licenses issued after Nov. 13, 2022. The human trafficking course is a one-time course. MPA has developed an at home course for all pharmacists and technicians to meet this requirement if not yet completed.
• Implicit bias: This requirement was added to the public health code in 2021 and took effect on June 1, 2022. This training must be completed for initial licensure and subsequent renewals. New applicants must have completed two hours of training in the five years prior to licensure. For pharmacists renewing their license it is required to complete one hour for each year of their registration cycle; taking a two-hour course for the two-year cycle is acceptable. MPA offers both at home courses and live courses for implicit bias training.
• Controlled substance course: This requirement was added for all controlled substance license renewals and initial licenses following Sept. 1, 2019. The controlled substance course is a one-time course. MPA has developed an at home course for all pharmacists to meet this requirement if not yet completed.

 References

1. Elimination of x-waiver removes major barrier to opioid use disorder treatment | ACP online. February 9, 2023. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.acponline.org/advocacy/acp-advocate/archive/february-10-2023/elimination-of-x-waiver-removes-major-barrier-to-opioid-use-disorder-treatment
2. Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) | Washington State Health Care Authority. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.hca.wa.gov/billers-providers-partners/program-information-providers/medications-opioid-use-disorder-moud#:~:text=MOUD%20can%3A,Reduce%20pregnancy%20risks%20and%20complications
3. Practitioner training. Accessed August 12, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/practitioner-training
4. Mich. Admin. Code R. 338.3111; 2024 MR 10, Eff. 5/28/2024
5. Yasaei R, Katta S, Patel P, et al. Gabapentin. [Updated 2024 Feb 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493228/
6. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) 2013-2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Rockville, MD. ClinCalc DrugStats Database version 2024.08.
7. Gabapentin scheduled as controlled substance to help with state’s opioid epidemic. SOM - State of Michigan. (2019, January 9). https://www.michigan.gov/opioids/nel/panel-news/news/gabapentin-scheduled-as-controlled-substance-to-help-with-states-opioid-epidemic
8. Bonnet, U., & Scherbaum, N. (2017). How addictive are gabapentin and pregabalin? A systematic review. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 27(12), 1185–1215. doi:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.08.430
9. Insurance Topics | Pharmacy Benefit Managers | NAIC; MCL - Act 11 of 2022 - Michigan Legislature; PBM; Sullivan
10. MCL - Act 11 of 2022 - Michigan Legislature. Mi.gov, 2022, legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=MCL-ACT-11-OF-2022. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
11. PBM. Michigan.gov, 2022, www.michigan.gov/difs/pbm. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
12. Sullivan, Thomas. Michigan Makes Changes to Laws Surrounding Pharmacy Benefit Managers. Policymed.com, 2024, www.policymed.com/2022/03/michigan-makes-changes-to-laws-surrounding-pharmacy-benefit-managers.html. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024.
13. glmdev. (n.d.). Ce requirements. Michiganpharmacists.Org. Retrieved August 18, 2024, from https://www.michiganpharmacists.org/ce-requirements
14. Michigan implicit bias training. (n.d.). Retrieved August 18, 2024, from https://michigan-implicit-bias-training.com/requirements/michigan

- STUDENT FOCUS -

What to Consider When Finding a Job During Pharmacy School?

By Gracie Neiderquill and Robin Rodriguez, Pharm.D. candidates,

Ferris State University College of Pharmacy

A common discussion among peers is about the feasibility and practicality of working while in pharmacy school. While most would agree that it is beneficial from both a financial and educational perspective, it can sometimes be stressful to commit to having a job while concurrently completing a degree. Some factors that should be considered when finding a job during pharmacy school include:

1. Work-school-life balance
2. Time commitment
3. Type of positions available 
4. Pharmacy setting and environment

While some people may start pharmacy school with a technician job already, others may start their job search during school. No matter the circumstances, it is important to be informed about the expectations and requirements for the position. Some students have jobs in their hometowns, which may be hours away from campus. This requires assessing if it is realistic to continue working weekends while staying on top of coursework. On the other hand, working limited hours close to campus may not meet financial needs. Finding the right balance is incredibly important and requires assessing the individual needs and determining the allotment of hours that can be spent working. This may change throughout the year based on things like school work, holiday breaks and duties related to extracurricular activities or clubs.

Another consideration is the type of position available – technician or intern. During school, pharmacy students must renew and maintain a pharmacist intern license for experiential rotations. Some employers offer intern positions, which can make it easier to maintain a single license. Conversely, some employers only have technician positions available. In this case, students will additionally pay for and maintain a technician license. If an employer offers both positions, it is important to learn more about what each entails. Intern positions often offer the opportunity to complete projects and job shadow, which may be a resume booster. Interns may also be compensated differently due to their additional responsibilities. 

One of the largest considerations a student must make is the type of pharmacy to work in. If there is interest in a particular subtype of pharmacy, this is a great way to gain experience, build your CV and make connections with people in the field. Additionally, consideration to the environment of the pharmacy can be significant. Is it an extremely fast-paced store? Is there time for someone to explain things or allow for tasks other than filling? No job will be perfect 100% of the time, but there will be learning opportunities and experiences to gain regardless of the type of pharmacy selected or the environment of the specific workplace.

There is a lot to consider when deciding if having a job during pharmacy school is right for you. It is a great opportunity to start learning medication names, dosing and indications. It makes it possible to find mentors and resources for assistance during school and your career. Deciding to work during school is difficult, so it is important to ensure that the job aligns with your goals and availability and helps you grow on your journey to becoming a pharmacist.

Impact of Hurricane Helene

on IV and Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in coordination with the Michigan Health and Hospital Association (MHA) and federal partners, is monitoring impacts related to the closure of the Baxter North Cove production facility in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. This facility produces at least 60% of the company’s intravenous (IV) and peritoneal dialysis solutions. While the FDA has not declared any new shortages related to products produced at the facility, health care entities should implement appropriate product management and conservation measures. 

Recommendations for health care providers:

• Review Baxter’s guidance for healthcare entities on management and conservation of supplies. Implement appropriate conservations measures in accordance with facility policy. 
• Review the ECRI report designed to help health care providers navigate shortages caused by this facility closure. 
• Health care entities who are nearing a shortage of these supplies should contact their regional healthcare coalition. This will allow for local, regional, state and federal coordination. 
• If a facility does not have adequate supply for a patient, they should be referred to the nearest emergency room.

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