NOTE: This corrected version of PRN includes information on ACE 2025 that was omitted.

In This Issue:

CEO Perspective

Professional Practice

• Cabrini Clinic in Detroit Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists
• Program Aims to Bolster Data on Respiratory Pathogens in Michigan

Legislative and Regulatory

• Bipartisan Lawmakers Want to Force Health Insurers, PBMs to Sell Off Pharmacies
• FDA: Knockoff Versions of Lilly Obesity Drug Must Come Off the Market

MPA News

• PSI Insurance Acquired by PMC Advantage; MPA Names PMIG as Endorsed Insurance Carrier
• ACE 2025 Registration is Open!
• Apply Now for MPA Executive Fellowship
• Renew Your Membership for 2025
• MPA Poster Presentations at ACE
• Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

Upcoming Live MPA CE Offerings

Upcoming Meetings and Events

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By now I’m sure you’ve seen or read the big news out of MPA last week. We made official an asset purchase agreement with PMCA Advantage, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company, resulting in the assumption by PMCA of all insurance business serviced by MPA's PSI Insurance Agency. Under a separate agreement, we also named Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group as our endorsed insurance carrier for members, a strategic partnership that brings MPA members access to a wide range of insurance products and unparalleled service.

I want to thank PMIC President & CEO Aaron Pearce and his team who traveled from Iowa to MPA headquarters to take part in this momentous occasion.

So, how does this affect MPA members? If you’re a current customer of our PSI Insurance Agency, you can keep your same policies intact but you’ll also have an array of new insurance solutions through PMIC that you may want to consider.

Best of all, current PSI staff will join PMCA as employees effective Jan. 1, 2025! That means Agency Director Ron Devers and Account Managers Ellen Rodriguez and Dave Spoelman will continue to serve you. And, if you’re not a customer, contact them now for a quote at 800-678-2774 or Agency@PSIinsurance.net.

Please have a happy and safe holiday season!

MPA and Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group officials met Dec. 18 at MPA Headquarters in Lansing to make the asset purchase of PSI Insurance Agency official.

Mark A. Glasper

CEO

Cabrini Clinic Seeks Volunteer Pharmacists

The Cabrini Clinic, 1234 Porter St. in Detroit, is seeking volunteer pharmacists.

Cabrini Clinic is in Detroit’s historic Corktown District and is the oldest free clinic in the country. It has a state-of-the-art dispensary with the SRS computer system in addition to a very well-stocked inventory. Patients are the uninsured and underserved members of our community, including many people of Hispanic and Arabic ethnicities. The clinic is looking for a commitment to only one shift per month for approximately two to three hours.  

If you think you can help with this important local outreach, please contact Kristen McErlean, Nurse Practitioner and clinical lead at Cabrini Clinic, for more details at cabriniclinic.com, or call 313-961-7863.

Bipartisan Lawmakers Want to Force Health Insurers,

PBMs to Sell off Pharmacies

A bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation that would force the breakup of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), the drug industry middlemen that have come under increasing scrutiny by lawmakers and regulators. 

A Senate bill led by Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., would prohibit a parent company of an insurer or PBM from also owning pharmacies, forcing companies to divest their pharmacy businesses within three years. 

It’s a practice the lawmakers called “a gross conflict of interest that enables these companies to enrich themselves at the expense of patients and independent pharmacies.” 

A companion bill in the House is led by Reps. Diana Harshbarger, R-Tenn., and Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass.

FDA: Knockoff Versions of Lilly Obesity Drug

Must Come Off the Market

Specialty pharmacies and online companies that have been selling off-brand copies of two blockbuster drugs for obesity and diabetes will need to phase out their versions next year under a federal decision issued Thursday.

The Food and Drug Administration said that a nationwide shortage of Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Mounjaro has been resolved, eliminating the need for copycat versions of the drugs that have become wildly popular with Americans trying to lose weight.

The decision is a win for Lilly — which had been pressing the FDA to take the step for months — and is expected to impact how patients access the drugs, including how much they pay.

Zepbound is FDA-approved to treat obesity and Mounjaro is approved for diabetes. They use the same active ingredient, tirzepatide.

The FDA said Thursday that “Lilly’s supply is currently meeting or exceeding demand,” after two years of shortages.

PSI Insurance Acquired by PMC Advantage;

MPA Names PMIG as Endorsed Insurance Carrier

The Michigan Pharmacists Association announces the closure of an asset sale agreement with PMC Advantage Insurance Services, Inc. (PMCA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company resulting in the assumption by PMCA of all insurance business serviced by MPA's wholly-owned subsidiary, PSI Insurance Agency. As part of the transaction, all PSI staff will also join PMCA as employees effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Under a separate agreement, MPA has also named Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group (PMIG) as its endorsed insurance carrier for members, a strategic partnership that brings MPA members access to a wide range of insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of pharmacy businesses and backed by PMIG's 115 years of experience and commitment to pharmacy professionals.

"MPA is excited to partner with Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Group to provide our members and agency customers with access to top-tier insurance solutions," MPA CEO Mark Glasper said. "This endorsement is part of our mission to empower pharmacy professionals and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive in today's challenging health care environment."

As part of the asset purchase transaction with PSI, PMCA will assume the office at PSI’s Lansing location inside MPA headquarters. This will be PMCA's first office outside of the state of Iowa and the company expects the transaction to result in more than $2 million in new business opportunities for PMCA over the next 12 months and afford other transformative growth opportunities for the Pharmacists Mutual group of companies.

"This partnership is an exciting step forward," said Aaron Pearce, president & CEO of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company. "This transaction, and the hiring of three incredible agency professionals, aligns with our long-term goal of responsibly scaling our retail business operations beyond Iowa and provides us a truly unique opportunity to enhance our ability to serve the Michigan insurance market. Michigan is a great state for the agency, and we are eager to grow closer with our clients in the state.”

MPA created the PSI Insurance Agency in 1992 to provide competitive insurance products to pharmacies and pharmacy professionals. It has served MPA members for more than 30 years, while also serving a diverse group of businesses and individuals throughout the state. Under PMCA, the agency adds the ability to serve members in all 50 states across multiple lines of insurance products.

“Joining the PMCA family means our clients will have access to a wider range of insurance solutions and larger customer support team,” said Director of PSI Agency Operations Ron Devers. “It's a win-win for everyone involved.”

ACE 2025 Registration is OPEN!

Registration for the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition is now OPEN! ACE 2025 is the premier pharmacy continuing education event in Michigan, taking place April 11-13, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.

Sign up now and save with MPA's early bird registration rate, which is available until Jan. 31. Member pharmacists who sign up by Jan. 31 can get $70 off their ACE rate! To view the full table of convention pricing, click here.

We encourage our members to make the 2025 ACE their "stay-cation" – golf, water activities and wineries are just a few things you can do in beautiful Traverse City. After you register for ACE 2025, be sure to book your room at the Grand Traverse Resort. MPA's room block is already more than half full, so act now! Click the booking link below or call 231-534-6001 to speak with a reservations agent. Attendees will receive the discounted rate if they mention the Michigan Pharmacists Association.

Apply for the MPA Executive Fellowship Program

MPA is proud to announce the return of its Executive Fellowship program beginning summer 2025!

The mission of the MPA Executive Fellowship is to produce highly competent individuals who are prepared to assume high-level leadership positions in pharmacy practice and/or a professional association by providing exceptional training in all areas of organizational development and administration, including leadership, professional advancement and business growth. This unparalleled opportunity will introduce you to pharmacy leaders from across the country, setting you up for an executive career in any practice setting.

Program Requirements

• Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, or anticipation of receipt of degree prior to June 30, 2025.
• Michigan pharmacist license, or anticipation of receipt of license by Oct. 1, 2025.
• Completion of a PGY-1 residency will be considered favorably but is not required.

MPA is accepting applications through Feb. 21, 2025. An Executive Fellow will be selected by March 21, 2025. Click the button below or scan the QR code above for more information on how to apply.

It's Time to Renew Your Membership

There are many benefits to renewing your membership with MPA, including:

• Direct access to experts who can answer law and practice questions
• Networking opportunities with pharmacy professionals, such as complimentary membership in our local county associations and practice sections
• Free and discounted CE opportunities such as the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – the state’s largest pharmacy conference
• Being part of the collective voice advocating for the future of the profession
• Competitive home, auto and business insurance through MPA’s affiliated PSI Insurance Agency

MPA exists for and is effective because of its members. RENEW today to ensure that your benefits are secured and that MPA has the resources to move the mountains ahead for you, for the profession and for patients.

MPA Poster Presentations at ACE

MPA is excited to announce the first poster presentation at the 2025 Annual Convention & Exposition in Traverse City!  

We invite all residents, fellows, students, practitioners, technicians and locals to share their research and practice expertise with colleagues. 

Poster Session Times  

• Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
• Please note that if the poster is accepted, the primary presenter is responsible for attending the meeting and ensuring the poster is presented at the poster sessions. 

Submission deadlines

• Abstracts must be submitted by Jan. 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
• The MPA Education Committee will review the posters.
• The primary author will be notified via email of acceptance or declination by Friday, Feb. 7, 2025.
• Accepted submissions will be provided a registration code so you can still receive the early bird rate for registration.
• All presenters must be registered for the Annual Convention & Exposition.
• Abstracts are limited to 400 words. Titles are limited to 120 characters.  

Selection Process 

• Abstracts will be peer-reviewed by the MPA Education Committee for originality and quality of content.
• For all abstracts, clear and concise communication of ideas written professionally and without grammatical and technical errors is strongly encouraged.
• The committee recommends that authors utilize colleagues to proofread abstracts for a high level of readability and organization. 

Questions? Contact Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org.  

Call for Speakers – Mini Management Moments at ACE

MPA is excited to announce a new series to take place at the 2025 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition – Mini Management Moments! These sessions will take place exclusively on Saturday, April 12, 2025, and focus on the skills, tips and tricks students and other pharmacy professionals can use on the job.  

To successfully host these “mini” sessions, MPA is looking for up to three speakers to present as part of a moderated 30-minute panel discussion on the following topics: 

• “How to Network” 
• “Post Graduation Panel – Tips for Getting the Job” 
• “Managing Up: Strategies to Transitioning from Student to Manager” 

Additionally, MPA is looking for up to four speakers to present as part of a one-hour moderated panel discussion on “Leaders in Pharmacy – Climbing the Career Ladder.” 

Please email Ashley Builta, Pharm.D., director of professional development and education at abuilta@michiganpharmacists.org indicating your interest and preferred topic. Include your CV and a brief (150 words maximum) message on why you feel called to speak on the topic.

Submissions should be received no later than Jan. 10, 2025.  

Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program

Dr. Helen Sairany's Trauma-Informed Workforce Certificate Training Program is a catalyst for personal transformation, enabling you to forge deeper connections with yourself, your work and your team. Embark on this trauma-informed journey to sustain your practice.

Participants will:

• Bid goodbye to burnout and toxic patterns.
• Explore the potential of your workplace. 
• Be mentored by an expert facilitator. 
• Gain mastery in conscious decision-making. 

Participants can take the training in its entirety or a la carte. Detailed information can be found at the links below. Please feel free to email or call the MPA Education and Events team with any questions or needs you may have!

Trauma-Informed Workforce:

All Home Study Offerings

IBT Home Studies

Couldn't make it to a live implicit bias training (IBT) session? Not to worry, our IBT home studies could be right for you! MPA currently offers two IBT home studies. Both meet all current Michigan licensing requirements. Click the buttons below to get started!

Looking for Something Else? Try MPA's On-Demand CE

In addition, MPA offers other on-demand pharmacy CE on a variety of topics that can be accessed 24/7/365 on its website. Click the button below to view our catalog of programs.

MedZoomer is the nation’s fastest growing same-day prescription delivery service. We can deliver to your patients, facilities, group homes and more.

We offer a wide range of deliveries: contactless, controlled, temp-regulated and over-the-counter drugs, all within a 25 or 50-mile radius of the pickup location.

MedZoomer is a Michigan Pharmacists Association Preferred Business Partner.

Dec. 24-26: Christmas (MPA closed)

Dec. 27-30: MPA Open with Limited Staff

Dec. 31-Jan. 1: New Year's (MPA closed)

Jan. 9: MSHP Committee Day/Board of Directors

Jan. 16: MPA Committee Day

Jan. 23: CSPM Board of Directors

Jan. 28: MPA Executive Board



MPA Events Calendar