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- ORGANIZATIONAL AFFAIRS -

Rox Gatia, Lama Hsaiky, Amber Lanae Martirosov and Becky Maynard represented 
MPA at the ASHP HoD in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Recap of the 2025 ASHP House of Delegates 

By Jessica Jones, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCCCP, critical care specialist, 
Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital, ASHP alternate delegate 2025

The 77th Annual Session of the ASHP House of Delegates (HOD) convened in June at the 2025 ASHP Pharmacy Futures Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Serving as Michigan delegates this year were Rox Gatia, Lama Hsaiky, Rebecca Maynard and Amber Lanae Martirosov. They were proud to serve this year under the guidance of MPA member Jesse Hogue in his inaugural year as ASHP Speaker of the House! His extensive advocacy efforts across state and national platforms significantly contributed to the remarkably efficient and productive nature of the 2025 House. 

Delegates across the country collaborated over four days to consider 18 policy recommendations and discuss issues facing the profession that warrant consideration for new policies. Since March, the House has approved 19 policy positions and discontinued six. The Policies Approved by the ASHP HOD June 2025 and a summary slide set are available on the ASHP website. A full list of policy titles can be found at the bottom of this article.

At its first meeting on June 8, the House of Delegates approved three policy recommendations without amendment: Council on Public Policy - Support of Global Health Organizations; Council on Pharmacy Management - Interstate Pharmacist Licensure (discontinuation); and Council on Education and Workforce Development - Cultural Competency and Trauma Informed Care. In addition, the House of Delegates amended 15 policy recommendations and the ASHP Board agreed with the House’s amendments to 15 policy recommendations, with non-substantive editorial changes provided to eight of those 15 policy recommendations.

During the second House session on Tuesday, delegates considered three new business items and one resolution, and approved the Board’s final actions on eight policy recommendations. Additionally, at the conclusion of every second HOD session, delegates are provided the opportunity to propose new recommendations for the ASHP Board and Councils to consider for new policy or statements. Common or interesting themes included: accessibility of future ASHP meetings; health care transparency; value-based care models/PBMs; pharmacy workforce support; and to consider Detroit as a future conference location! A complete list of proposed items from 2025 delegates can be found here. 

New Business Item: Pharmacist’s Role in Value-Based Care Models 

• To affirm the role of the pharmacy workforce in advancing value-based care through the optimization of medication use, improvement of clinical outcomes, and reduction of total cost of care; further, 
• To promote pharmacist leadership in value-based care models; further, 
• To advocate for the inclusion of pharmacists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of value-based care models and alternative payment arrangements; further, 
• To support the use of performance metrics that demonstrate the impact of the pharmacy workforce in value-based care.

– Approved and referred to Council on Pharmacy Management

New Business Item: Decriminalization of the interdisciplinary workforce involved with medical events 

• To advocate that health care interdisciplinary workforce involved in medical error shall be immune from criminal liability for any harm or damages alleged to arise from an act or omission relating to the provision of health services; 
• Further, the immunity would not limit liability for any gross negligence or wanton, willful, malicious, or intentional misconduct and does not protect health care professionals from civil litigation. 
• Further, to advocate that each state enacts legislation to decriminalize medical errors.

– Approved as amended and referred to Council on Public Policy

New Business Item: Integrity of Pharmacist Provided Health Information 

• To oppose any governmental restrictions on pharmacists' ability to provide evidence-based health information to patients; further,
• To urge policymakers to protect pharmacists' professional autonomy in educating patients on medications, public health issues and emerging scientific developments; further,
• To oppose the elimination, suppression, manipulation, or politicization of evidence-based public health data and drug safety information by any entity; further,
• To advocate for legislation that protects scientific integrity and ensures transparency in the dissemination of public health information; further,
• To affirm that pharmacists have the professional responsibility to disseminate evidence-based, health information to patients and communities.

– Approved as amended and referred to Board for appropriate Council assignment

2025 ASHP House of Delegates Policy Recommendations

Council on Public Policy (CPP)

1. Funding, Expertise and Oversight of State Boards of Pharmacy
2. Payment Parity for Pharmacist’s Services
3. Pharmacists Cross-State Licensure
4. Patient’s Right to Choose
5. Support of Global Health Organizations

Council on Pharmacy Management (CPM)

1. Recovery and Assistance Programs for Health Care Workers with Substance Use Disorder
2. Cellular and Gene Therapies
3. Interstate Pharmacist Licensure

Council on Pharmacy Practice (CPhP)

1. Safe and Secure Transfer of Controlled Substances
2. Addressing and Preventing Moral Distress and Injury in the Health Care Workforce
3. Pharmacy Services to Optimize Patient Throughput

Council on Therapeutics (COT)

1. Accurate and Timely Height and Weight Measurements
2. Clinical and Safety Considerations of Naming Drug Moieties and Complexes
3. Clinical, Operational and Safe Use of Manipulated Drug Products and Alternate Administration Routes
4. Expedited Partner Directed Therapy
5. Quality Consumer Medication Information

Council on Education and Workforce Development (CEWD)

1. Support for Caregiving Responsibilities in the Pharmacy Workforce
2. Cultural Competency and Trauma Informed Care

To keep the ASHP policy cycle efficient, ASHP will conduct another online meeting of the House of Delegates in November. Proposed professional policy language is expected to be posted to the ASHP House of Delegates website and ASHP Connect in early October, and voting will take place from Nov. 7-14. We continue to encourage you to review the proposed policies and contact one of the delegates with any questions or comments you may have: Lama Hsaiky (lama.hsaiky@corewellhealth.org), Jesse Hogue (hoguej@bronsonhg.org), Rebecca Maynard (maynardr@bronsonhg.org) or Amber Lanae Martirosov (amartir1@hfhs.org).

- RESIDENT'S CORNER -

Our Journey to Residency

Alexis Anthony, Pharm.D., PGY-1 resident, Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center

At the start of pharmacy school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after I graduated and I never thought that I would end up doing a residency. With much of my background being retail, I figured that is what I would end up doing. I have always enjoyed talking to patients, but I also enjoy the clinical aspects of pharmacy. Throughout my time at Ferris State University, my favorite rotations were always those in the ambulatory care field because it allowed me to communicate with patients while also being more clinically involved in their care.

Towards the beginning of my fourth year, I decided that I wanted my career to be in the ambulatory setting and I knew I wanted to try for a residency position. I spent hours researching programs that I thought might be a good fit for me and I kept a spreadsheet on all the things that different programs had to offer. I wanted a residency program that would allow me to broaden my clinical abilities and gain more experience in ambulatory care. I was originally drawn to this program because of the ambulatory experiences the VA has to offer. After speaking with last year’s residents during a showcase, I knew that the Saginaw VA would be a good fit for me.

The process of applying and interviewing for residency was both overwhelming and exciting. I was so happy when I found out that I matched. I am looking forward to this next year of residency and the experiences and learning opportunities to come. After being here for a month, I can already tell this program was the right fit for me. I am so excited to be able to provide care to our veterans and give back to those who served our country.

Kalisa Williams, Pharm.D., PGY-1 resident, Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center



Upon being accepted into pharmacy school, my involvement in the pharmacy realm was extremely minimal. I knew without much experience it would be more difficult to navigate my way through pharmacy school; so, I became an intern at a retail pharmacy following my first year. With my journey nearing the end, I entered my fourth and final year and was still unsure of what I wanted to do after graduation.

After meeting with my faculty advisor, she mentioned I was a great candidate for a residency. I had heard the term being used before but didn’t give it much thought at the time. As I started my APPE rotations, I spoke with preceptors, current residents and faculty. Residency came up in countless conversations again. I started to do some research and finally attended my first residency showcase. While there, I met with residency program directors, and past and present residents, who shared their experience and the benefits in pursuing a residency. I finally built up the courage to apply to a program.

During the application process, I wanted to find a program that would allow me to step out of my comfort zone and push me to become a better pharmacist while avoiding being “burned out” early in my career. I wanted to find a place that felt like home and provided a learning atmosphere for its residents. After speaking with the program director and residents, I knew I wanted to be here. With my parents being Army veterans, the opportunity of working at the VA meant a lot to them and would be a great way for me to give back to those who sacrificed so much for me while also aligning with my dream of being in ambulatory care.

Despite being a resident for just a little over a month, I am extremely thankful that I matched to this program. I have already begun to acquire skills and training specific to my personal development as a pharmacist and I can’t wait to see the progress and opportunities I will experience over the next year.

- STUDENT FOCUS -

More Than Just Meds: Patient-Centered Communication

as a Core Competency

By Heather O’Brien, Pharm.D. candidate 2026,

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions

As pharmacy students, we are taught drug mechanisms and treatment protocols, but learning to connect with patients on a personal level is what really transforms us into health care professionals. Patient-centered communication refers to the practice of actively involving patients in their care, respecting their preferences and fostering mutual understanding.¹ Effective communication is linked to increased patient satisfaction and greater adherence, which ultimately results in improved health outcomes.²

Effective communication is vital to building trust and rapport with patients. Throughout my APPE rotations, I have observed how a minor adjustment in communication style can transform a routine counseling session into a meaningful interaction. When patients feel heard and respected, they’re more inclined to participate in their care and share important information that could influence their treatment.

Strategies to assist pharmacy students in developing effective patient-centered communication have been outlined below:³

• Use open-ended questions – “What concerns do you have about this medication?”
• Practice active listening – don’t interrupt or rush the patient.
• Avoid medical jargon – utilize terms like "high blood pressure" rather than "hypertension."
• Practice empathy.
• Acknowledge emotions – “I understand why you are feeling overwhelmed.”
• Validate concerns – “Many people worry about side effects – let’s talk through them.”
• Involve patients in their own care – respect autonomy.
• Does the patient have any religious beliefs or traditions that should be considered?
• Tailor communication to the patient demographic:
• Low health literacy
• Elderly individuals
• Those with mental health issues
• Patients with visual or auditory impairments

Patient-centered communication is not a soft skill – it’s a clinical necessity. As future pharmacists, it is essential for us to recognize that each patient interaction presents an opportunity – not just to dispense medication, but to improve patient outcomes. By embracing a patient-centered approach, we assist patients in understanding their treatment, navigating barriers, and making informed decisions.



References

1. King A, Hoppe RB. "Best practice" for patient-centered communication: a narrative review. J Grad Med Educ. 2013 Sep;5(3):385-93. doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-13-00072.1. PMID: 24404300; PMCID: PMC3771166.
2. Sharkiya SH. Quality communication can improve patient-centered health outcomes among older patients: a rapid review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2023 Aug 22;23(1):886. doi: 10.1186/s12913-023-09869-8. PMID: 37608376; PMCID: PMC10464255.
3. Nguyen KT, Warunek L. Pharmacy Communication Strategies. [Updated 2024 Apr 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603742

- TRANSITIONS OF CARE -

Advanced Pharmacy Technician Roles: 
Spotlight on Transitions of Care

By Lindsey Clark, Pharm.D., MBA, DPLA, pharmacy assistant director, community pharmacy services and transitions of care, University of Michigan Health

Pharmacy technicians providing discharge medication access and meds-to-beds services play a critical role in optimizing patient care transitions from the inpatient hospital setting to home. These advanced pharmacy technician roles demonstrate the tremendous value, knowledge and skills that technicians bring to patients and the interdisciplinary health care team. Additionally, these technician roles provide professional growth opportunities and job satisfaction to our pharmacy technicians.

The Transitions of Care (TOC) pharmacy technician discharge medication access team consists of four pharmacy technicians. The pharmacy technicians perform insurance coverage checks to assess the affordability of medications, submit prior authorizations and appeals in collaboration with the medical team, help identify formulary preferred alternatives, coordinate the timely filling of discharge prescriptions, and resolve other medication access barriers. The technicians also partner extensively with social workers and case management to improve the discharge coordination of care for patients in need.

The TOC pharmacy technician discharge medication access team serves a diverse array of patients, including those discharging to home from the adult hospitals; new start insulin patients on the Pediatric Endocrine service; adult and pediatric hematology/oncology and bone marrow transplant patients; and Women’s Hospital patients who are planned to be discharged on anticoagulation.

Furthermore, pharmacy technicians working at the Taubman Ambulatory Care Pharmacy provide meds-to-beds delivery of discharge medications for patients discharging to home from the adult hospitals and children and women’s hospitals. This convenient service helps to ensure patients leave the hospital with their discharge medications in hand and prevents patients from having to make a stop at the pharmacy on their way home from the hospital.

The TOC pharmacy technician discharge medication access and meds-to-beds services continue to demonstrate an extremely positive impact on patient care. Observed benefits of these services include more timely access to discharge medications; improved patient and staff satisfaction; reduced workload burden on providers, nurses and pharmacists; and an improved patient care experience and coordination of care.

Efforts are now focused on the continued expansion of these highly valued services to additional patient populations through the optimization of workflows.

- BOARD UPDATE -

Let’s Form a Rock Band

 Kyle J. Schmidt, Pharm.D., MBA, BCCCP; Ferris State University College of Pharmacy; MSHP immediate-past president

Our theme for this year is rooted in three central pillars that have been the guiding light for our efforts – “Empower, Engage, Enact.” In her announcement of the theme, MSHP President Stacy Brousseau mentioned a critical component to engagement, being that it is “…key to building stronger relationships – not just within our profession, but with patients and other health care professionals.” We serve communities of friends, families, patients and professionals throughout the state. Yet so frequently we find that we gravitate toward self-promotion with ourselves, isolated into pharmacy conferences, retreats, or webinars.



Let’s put this into more concrete terms. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 9,640 pharmacists and 14,610 pharmacy technicians in Michigan as of May 2024.¹ Collectively that represents more than 24,000 voices to advocate for pharmacy services, which is certainly an impressive number. However, there is a clear trend toward less pharmacies, which may consequently result in a shrinking pharmacy workforce. Economics issues aside, this has the potential to reduce our effective voice for direct advocacy. In the spirit of creativity, finding ways to indirectly advocate, through our community connections, can serve as a massive amplifier for our efforts.

Circling back to Stacy’s point, engagement must be more than simply within our profession. Most pharmacy personnel are likely aware of the potential for the profession to advance the health of our communities. It doesn’t make sense to continue “tooting our own horns” at each other. For years, there have been many advocating for the profession directly to attempt to drive change, but at times it seems our voice isn’t heard.

What if we considered our profession as a band? We can gather, plan the set and get on stage to play. If we’re playing instruments or singing without speakers and amplifiers expecting a crowd, we’re not likely to draw the attention we seek. We know our potential is great and that the “music” we’re playing is great, but if we’re not able to get the attention we need, we’re losing out on the opportunity for exponential advancement of our message.

What gets your attention at a rock concert? I would guess it’s not a soft-spoken lead singer calmly presenting their lyrical creativity. Effective use of amplifiers, speakers and an electric atmosphere creates the deafening sound and experience that is impossible to ignore. Michigan’s population is around 10.2 million people, almost 80% of whom are adults. Further, almost 20% of that population are considered seniors, a group much more likely to require significant health care. If we can engage the voices of those outside our profession, starting with patients, we can evolve from an acoustic ensemble performing on a quiet side street to a bona fide rock band of legendary status that would be hard for anyone to ignore. Inspiring others to engage with us is our source of amplification. Fortunately for us, we have resources already available to do that.

ASHP has developed excellent toolkits and materials to drive construction of this amplification system for our message.² Visit https://www.yourpharmacist.org/toolkits/ for a plethora of resources that can be deployed in a variety of settings. We all have the opportunity and ability to engage with our communities in a meaningful way to make our message deafening. It’s simply a matter of taking the leap forward to do so together. 

References

1. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available from: https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/geoOcc/Multiple occupations for one geographical area 
2. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. We’re your pharmacist: campaign toolkits. Available from: https://www.yourpharmacist.org/toolkits

- REGIONAL UPDATE -

Capital Area Pharmacists Association

By Tim Ekola, BS Pharm, Pharm.D., MBA, MSHP Board Liaison

Congratulations to our 2024 CAPA Scholarship winners!

Rebecca Bovee is a P3 at Ferris State University. She holds leadership positions in several student pharmacy organizations, including Rho Chi Beta Mu Chapter and Kappa Psi Gamma Chi, and is an active member of the Student Michigan Pharmacists Association, Arab American Pharmacist Association and the Dean’s Advisory Board. After graduation, Rebecca plans to pursue a residency with the Department of Veterans Affairs and dreams of a career supporting the holistic wellness of those who serve our country.

Hailey Pike is a P4 at University of Michigan. As the current Vice President of Phi Lambda Sigma she organizes leadership workshops and recruitment activities. She is also a member of the college’s Wellbeing Committee, participating in events that promote wellness of pharmacy students. In the future, Hailey envisions herself working in pediatric pharmacy in the intensive care unit or infectious disease team.

This year’s scholarship application can be found on the CAPA website and is due Nov. 1, 2025. P1-P4 pharmacy students in the quad county area (Clinton, Shiawassee, Eaton and Ingham) are eligible to apply, as long as they were not awarded the CAPA scholarship the previous year. Anyone interested in joining CAPA and becoming more involved can visit capapharm.org.

2025 CAPA Presidential Address

By Faith Allen, Pharm.D.

I am genuinely honored to serve as President of the Capital Area Pharmacists Association. As a new resident of Michigan and a member of Michigan Pharmacist Association and CAPA for the past two years, I am eager to actively participate and enhance the ongoing vitality of our community through committed service.

I firmly believe that servant leadership should be our foremost priority. For the past 25 years, CAPA has been a vital pillar of our community. It provides numerous opportunities for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to uphold their professional oath through community education, community outreach, advocacy and scholarships.

As we embark on this new year, I am eager to foster positive relationships, enhance membership retention, and carry forward our mission of “uniting and empowering Michigan pharmacy professionals.” I am thrilled to introduce a refreshing and fulfilling aspect to the Capital area.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the previous CAPA Executive Board and officers for their unwavering commitment to our organization and its mission. Onward and upward!

Volunteer for MSHP Committees Today

Our profession is rapidly evolving and the future of pharmacy depends on the voices of engaged members like you! Serving on an MSHP committee provides the opportunity to contribute your ideas, share your expertise, and directly shape the initiatives that advance pharmacy practice and patient care across the state.

Your expertise and passion are exactly what our organization needs to succeed. By serving on an MSHP committee, you will have the unique opportunity to:

• Shape the future of pharmacy practice and patient care.
• Collaborate with innovative, dedicated colleagues from across the state.
• Strengthen your leadership skills and expand your professional network.

Whether your interests lie in advocacy, education, clinical practice, or member engagement, there’s a place for you to make an impact. Committees typically meet twice a year and welcome members from all practice settings and career stages. As president-elect, my goal is to ensure these committees reflect diverse perspectives and experiences to adequately capture all voices across our profession.

Take the next step in advancing pharmacy – and your career – by joining a committee today! Click on the link below to learn more about these committees and submit your interest form.

We can’t wait to see the difference you’ll make!

Nada Farhat

MSHP President-elect

If you are interested in serving on a 2026 MPA or MSHP committee, the submission deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025. Even if you miss this deadline, MPA encourages you to complete the form. Your information will be kept on file and considered for future opportunities, committee expansions or mid-year openings.

MPA committee members are required to attend the following committee days:

• Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026 (in-person, MPA headquarters)
• Wednesday, May 13, 2026 (virtual)

MSHP committee members are required to attend the following committee days:

• Thursday, Jan. 8 (in-person, MPA headquarters)
• May 2026, date TBD (in-person, MPA headquarters)

2025 MSHP Annual Meeting – Register Now!

The MSHP Annual Meeting is coming Oct. 24 to the Hilton Doubletree-Dearborn! Registration is open now, with early bird pricing available until Sept. 28.

Hotel Booking Available Now!

Book your stay now at the Hilton Doubletree-Dearborn for the MSHP Annual Meeting. NOTE: The hotel website will currently default to the entire three-day block MPA has reserved. To book for fewer nights, click the "Edit Stay" option when selecting your room. Book Now!

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.

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 | Gary Blake | 248-840-2382 | Henry Ford Health | Troy

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