KPhA has assembled a wide selection of educational sessions covering a variety of practice types at the 2022 KPhA Annual Meeting and Trade Show, set for Sept. 22-23 in downtown Topeka.
A pre-conference class on Mental Health First Aid, limited to 20 people, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, if we meet the minimum sign-up requirement.
Breakout and general sessions start on Friday, Sept. 23, and run through Sunday, Sept. 25. Pharmacists and Technicians can earn up to 12 hours of continuing education credit. And select sessions will be available in an on-demand format following the conference for attendees to collect extra continuing education credits!
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FRIDAY, SEPT. 23
Immunization Update 2022
Amanda Applegate, PharmD, BCACP
Director of Practice Development, Kansas Pharmacists Association
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have 10 years as immunization coordinator for small chain of pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area - provided education for pharmacists and technicians in workflow management, clinical information, and patient counseling. Managed annual influenza vaccine orders and rollout of several new vaccines.
Program Summary
This presentation will begin with current vaccine rates and issues in the state of Kansas. COVID-19 vaccines and changes will be covered. We will then review recent changes to recommended vaccine schedules, including several new to market vaccines and updates to existing vaccines. Finally, we'll touch on an upcoming vaccine and vaccine resources.
Criminal Drug Diversion
Todd Hixson
Drug Intelligence Officer, Midwest HIDTA
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I am a retired Supervisory Special Agent with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). During my assignment in Kansas, I supervised the Tactical Diversion Squad which was focused on DEA registrants who were diverting controlled substances as a part of a criminal enterprise. I supervised several high-profile investigations of physicians and pharmacists in Kansas which resulted in significant prison sentences and asset forfeitures.
Program Summary
The focus of this presentation will be to explain how a criminal drug diversion investigation works and how pharmacists and technicians can look for red flags and participate in the on-going efforts to reduce opioid overdose rates in Kansas. Specifically, I will discuss a high-profile investigation of a doctor and a pharmacist that I supervised while with the DEA in Kansas. This case study will be used as an example of a "pill mill" doctor, and how he worked in conjunction with an area pharmacist to distribute opioids illegally for profit.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) Program Implementation and Outcomes
John Rosa, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist, Tria Health
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I am a clinical pharmacy at Tria Health where we utilize remote patient monitoring for specifically diabetes and hypertension. While utilizing these devices, we communicate with both patients and providers to assist patients with achieving the health goals.
Program Summary
Pharmacists are uniquely positioned to assist with the management of many disease states. One barrier to the success of pharmacist intervention is access to patient-specific disease information (blood glucose, blood pressure, etc.). Implementing a remote patient monitoring program is one way to address the barrier of lack of information. We will review what remote patient monitoring devices exist on the market, how these devices can be implemented by pharmacists, real outcomes from a remote patient monitoring program, and pharmacist billing codes for this service.
Advocating for Yourself and Your Profession
Aaron Dunkel, MPA
Executive Director, Kansas Pharmacists Association
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been working with governors, legislators, staff, and industry stakeholders for 22 years to advocate for various issues. In my current role, I am the main advocate in Topeka for KPhA.
Program Summary
This presentation will discuss how to approach policymakers and how to build relationships with them. I will provide insight on the current Kansas and federal political climate, and how that affects our efforts at relationship building and lobbying for our industry. I will provide an update on last year's efforts, what we are looking to support in the next legislative session and what our greatest risks are moving forward. We will discuss the upcoming election, what it means for our efforts, and how to become involved with the elections locally. All of these discussions are relevant to pharmacy practice due to the impact policy decisions at the state and federal level have on what pharmacists can do, how they get paid for their services, and how they interact with their patients.
Navigating HIV Prevention. Are You PrEPed?
Frank Fanizza, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP
Clinical Lead Pharmacist - Infectious Diseases/HIV, University Health Truman Medical Center
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I serve as the clinic pharmacist in the infectious disease clinic at University Health Truman Medical Center. I work with patients who are living with HIV, have been exposed and require PEP, and patients who are on PrEP to help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Prior to this role, I spent nearly 3 years at LMH Health as a clinic pharmacist assisting infectious disease providers in the outpatient setting to help manage their HIV and PrEP patients.
Program Summary
The goal of this program is to provide education to pharmacists regarding HIV prevention, specifically PrEP and PEP. Learners will be provided with an overview of the recently updated PrEP guidelines from the CDC and will learn about newer literature surrounding the use of tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine and cabotegravir for PrEP. Audience members will also be provided education about treatment options for PEP. Lastly, we will discuss how a community pharmacy can play a role in PrEP and PEP to help expand access and collaborate with physicians.
More Than a Technician: Expanding the Role of Pharmacy Student Learners in the Workplace
Jessica Bates, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor/Asst Director of Experiential Education, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
As current member of the KU-SOP Experiential Education team, my primary role is development of students and preceptors in various areas. I've precepted several students in the workplace, and currently oversee the student development during the P4 year.
Program Summary
This program will discuss the current pharmacy school curriculum and share various ways pharmacist preceptors can integrate students into their practice. Topics discussed include potential projects, shadowing, and learning opportunities for pharmacy students in various workplace settings. The intent of this presentations is to expand the students' role from dispensing and production focused experiences to clinical and knowledge-based activities.
A Changing Kansas: Implications for Health and Communities
D. Charles Hunt, MPH
Deputy Director, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have served as a public health practitioner, epidemiologist, and researcher in Kansas for 28 years. I served as State Epidemiologist and Director, Bureau of Epidemiology and Public Health Informatics, at Kansas Department of Health and Environment from 2009 - 2017. As part of my work as a Senior Analyst at Kansas Health Institute, I was the primary author on a report that examined the changing demographics of Kansas and the implications on public health and communities (Hunt D.C., Pañas L.J. (2018). A changing Kansas: Implications for health and communities. Kansas Health Foundation.
Program Summary
The general goals of this program are first to help pharmacists understand health from a community perspective, including the social, environmental, and upstream factors that form the foundation of health, and how the changing demographics of Kansas might impact these factors.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 24
Technician Training Day: Training and Retaining Pharmacy Technicians
Morgan Moellinger, CPhT
HR Director / Training Coordinator, El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a technician for 9 years and have been a Training Coordinator for 3 years. I have developed and maintained our training criteria as well as yearly technician training for the last 3 years.
Program Summary
Training an employee correctly goes hand in hand with retaining good employees. Working in any pharmacy over the last few years has been a challenge for everyone. To train anyone thoroughly has been a challenge. Especially in a field like ours where things are circumstantial it is almost impossible to train a new employee on EVERYTHING. However, training on the fundamentals, and core principals of your company’s values is essential if you hope to retain even a decent employee longer than one year.
Putting the Success in Succession Planning
Ryan Hellmer, BA, JD
Senior Vice-President & Trust Officer, CoreFirst Bank & Trust
Explain your expertise on this topic:
Vast experience in business transactions, primarily healthcare related, as well as mergers, acquisitions, re-structuring, public finance, and business organization services. In my role as Trust Officer, I work primarily in the planning and execution of estate and business transitions. We have worked with clients to develop valuation strategies, control and economic transfers, and transfer financing options for business owners. These plans have helped clients maximize the value of their business, to ensure its success in the future and to provide for estate plans that benefit all parties in the manner that the client deems appropriate.
Program Summary
This program will discuss the tools available to help business owners assess the value of structure of their existing business and the options available to help owners plan for the sale or continuation of the business with future generations. Financing options and estate equalization tools will also be presented.
Immunology 101: The Basic Science Behind Cutting-Edge Therapies
Susan King, PharmD, BCGP
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have a variety of interests related to this topic. At Florida Institute of Technology, I pursued a Master of Biotechnology degree and worked on new drug discovery. During my studies there, I learned a lot about cell biology, cancer cells, and new drug targets. I took a class in Immunology as part of my PharmD program and found it very interesting. Also, as a pharmacist working in multiple settings, I have dispensed monoclonal antibodies and think it is important to understand them.
Program Summary
Over the past 20 years we have seen an explosion in the use of monoclonal antibodies and other immunotherapies. This program will review immunology at a very basic level and examine several drugs that target the immune system, including monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T therapy, and antibody-drug conjugates. The goal of this presentation is for participants to understand how these new therapies work and be prepared for even more novel drug products.
Solving America's Healthcare Crisis: Deaths Related to Adverse Drug Events
Mindy Smith, BSPharm, RPh, MHA, CMWA
Senior Vice President, Professional Affairs, Tabula Rasa Healthcare
Explain your expertise on this topic:
As Vice President of Professional Affairs at Tabula Rasa HealthCare, I am passionate about the advancement of medication safety and giving pharmacists the tools needed to identify and prevent adverse drug events (ADEs).
Program Summary
There is a hidden health crisis that has emerged in American related to deaths associated with adverse drug events, beyond opioid use. Learn what the drivers are behind this epidemic and how we can leverage new technologies and models to address the issue. You will learn that there is a significant opportunity for pharmacists leverage their expertise in mitigating risks associated with medication use, impact total cost of care, and champion resolution of this crisis.
Technician Training Day: Understanding Insulin Therapy
Lawrence Davidow, PhD, RPh
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Kansas School of Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have taught active-learning activities about managing diabetes including disease monitoring and treatment (including insulin) for over 20 years at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy. I have also served as a Chapter Reviewer for the “Diabetes Mellitus” chapter published in the Pharmacotherapy Principles & Practice textbook since 2005 (most recent is 6th Edition, 2020).
Program Summary
The 2021 FDA approval of Semglee (insulin glargine-yfgn) as biosimilar to, and interchangeable with Lantus (insulin glargine) was an important first step in improving the affordability of insulin therapy. Many third-party insurance payers are changing their formularies and updating preferred drug status. This program will help pharmacy technicians prepare for these changes by reviewing the different types of insulins (e.g., basal or bolus) as well as addressing issues related to their dispensing (e.g., vials, pens, supplies, storage, etc.). The program will also define biosimilar and interchangeable products and predict their impact on future insulin dispensing.
Pharmacologic Management of Episodic and Chronic Migraine
Mary Beth Dameron, PharmD, BCACP
Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, University Health
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I currently practice within an outpatient neurology clinic and am involved with co-management of patients with migraines.
Program Summary
Migraine is a chronic neurological condition that affects more than 10% of the population worldwide. It is often associated with significant distress in a person’s life, which can lead to an inability to perform daily tasks, financial burden, and an increased risk for comorbid mental health diagnoses (such as anxiety and depression). Oral medications, such as propranolol or topiramate, are frequently used first line for migraine prevention due to current guideline recommendations, low cost, and ease of use. However, over the past several years, new therapies have emerged that have targeted mechanisms based on evolving knowledge of migraine pathophysiology. Patients and providers often consult pharmacists for their knowledge and expertise to assist with cost-effective therapy recommendations to reduce migraine frequency, severity, and/or duration. This presentation is intended to discuss the role of various agents available for acute migraine treatment or migraine prevention based on patient-specific factors.
Interviewing for the Right Fit
Nick Schulte, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Ambulatory & PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Stormont Vail Health
Munjal Attawala, PharmD, BCPS
Associate Medical Science Liaison, Astra Zeneca
Explain your expertise on this topic:
Following last year's session on teamwork, Schulte had a key takeaway in reading The Ideal Team Player. Going into Phase 2 residency interviews this year, Munjal and I chose to overhaul our interview process due to time constraints. The idea was to interview for the right fit, rather than trying to use rubrics with scoring rules attached to them. In the residency interview process, we are fortunate to be able to submit a rank list at the conclusion of interviews. This allows us to focus on finding the right fit. Using The Ideal Team Player as a reference, I believe I can make it more broadly applicable to non-residency positions.
Program Summary
We will discuss interviewing from both perspectives - the employer and the applicant. The goal is to provide the audience with information on how to interview for a good fit and find discriminating qualities between applicants or potential employers which can help decide to hire or accept an offer. Many publications on residency interviews and the match process focus on scored and measured qualities of successfully matched applicants, but we will attempt to take a different approach with fewer metrics. Prospective and recent graduates may find this helpful, and employers will get to hear our case study example of an interview process change.
Best Practices in Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy
Emily Prohaska, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, FAPhA
Coordinator, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services, LMH Health
Karen Braman, RPh, MS
Senior Vice President Clinical and Strategic Initiatives, Kansas Hospital Association
Explain your expertise on this topic:
Prohaska has worked in a practice setting that provides immunizations either full or part time since becoming certified in 2007. In Braman's current role, she has direct interactions with physicians, mid-level providers, and clinical staff to help recommend immunizations to eligible patients as well as directly providing immunizations to patients.
Program Summary
Have you ever wondered about vaccination rates for pediatric and adult patients in your community? Encountered resistance from patients or caregivers when recommending vaccinations? Wondered how you can overcome word of mouth or stigma to convince someone to receive a potentially life-saving vaccine? If so, this session is for you! Attend this program offering to hear from a topic expert and pharmacist panel to improve vaccine confidence and overcome barriers to patients receiving vaccinations at your practice site.
KEYNOTE -- Mindful Wellbeing: How Mindful Practices Help Balance Brain and Body
Kim Colegrove
Owner, Pause First Academy, Pause First Academy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I'm the author of Mindfulness for Warriors, and the owner of Pause First Academy, an organization that focuses on wellness and resilience training. I'm also a 45-year veteran of meditation and I've been teaching mindfulness professionally for over a decade. I previously taught mindfulness in corporate settings such as Garmin International, United Way, Department of Veterans Affairs, The National Court Reporters Association, and others.
Program Summary
An informative and experiential presentation that introduces the concepts of meditation and mindfulness. Attendees learn the evidence-based benefits of meditation discover how to use these powerful tools to mitigate stress, regulate emotions, and improve overall health.
LUNCH & LEARN -- Learn to Pause: 3 Daily Habits for Stress Reduction and Self-Regulation
Kim Colegrove
Owner, Pause First Academy, Pause First Academy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I'm a 45-year veteran of meditation and have taught meditation and mindfulness professionally, primarily in corporate settings, for over a decade. I'm also the author of the book, Mindfulness for Warriors.
Program Summary
Discover three simple but powerful evidence-based habits to help you navigate life with less stress and better self-mastery. Participants will learn how to use breathing exercises, mindful practices, and a daily meditation, to calm the chaos and experience ease.
Kansas Board of Pharmacy Annual Update
Alexandra Blasi, JD, MBA
Executive Director, Kansas Board of Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
As the agency head, I am well positioned to give an update on the Board's current activities, the protection of the public regarding the practice of pharmacy, and updates to the Kansas Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. I have been the Executive Director for 6.5 years and previously was an attorney with the State of Kansas for four years prior. In addition, I am a licensed attorney in the State of Kansas and have written and interpreted laws for over ten years.
Program Summary
I will provide an update on activities of the Board of Pharmacy for fiscal year 2022. Topics will include K-TRACS; Board members, decisions, committee activities, and guidance; new and amended laws and regulations; disciplinary actions; and updates to Board processes, procedures, and technology.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 25
New Drug Update Panel
Moderated by: Tessa Schnelle, PharmD, DPLA
Lead Clinical Pharmacist & Clinical Coordinator, Osawatomie State Hospital
and Amanda Applegate, PharmD, BCACP
Director of Practice Development, Kansas Pharmacists Association
Explain your expertise on this topic:
One of the capacities of Schnelle's role as Lead Clinical Pharmacist & Clinical Coordinator includes the responsibility of evaluating new drugs for the P&T committee at Osawatomie State Hospital. I also oversee education on new therapies for pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physicians. Applegate spent 10 years as immunization coordinator for small chain of pharmacies in the Kansas City metro area before joining KPhA as its director of practice development. They coordinated the student panel for this session.
Presentations from (clockwise from top left) Yezan Salamoun, Emily Conard, Saige Dixon-Peters, Manisha Ravi, Jacey Wedel, Aubrey Jessen, Austin Jamison, and Bayan Alghafli. All are PharmD Candidates in the Class of 2023 at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.
Program Summary
Every year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a wide range of new drugs and biological products, some that have never been used in clinical practice before. Pharmacists play a vital role on the health care team by being medication experts on these new medications and treatment alternatives and can assist with providing patients with the best care possible. Pharmacy technicians also play an important role in ensuring patients are equipped with the information they need to ensure the safe and effective use of these agents. This activity will provide a brief primer on newly approved drugs and indication so that individuals are able to familiarize themselves with these new medications. In addition, the activity will delve deeper into select medications to highlight important characteristics such as mechanism of action, dosing, administration, safety, and efficacy. It is vital that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians stay abreast of the unique nuances of new medications so that they can continue to optimize the care of their patients.
Make More Money by Letting Technicians Practice at the Top of THEIR License
Morgan Moellinger, CPhT
HR Director/Training Coordinator, El Dorado TrueCare Pharmacy
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a clerk, a state certified technician, a nationally certified technician, a lead technician, a lead over clerks and techs, training coordinator, and director of human resources. I have been able to explore many growing pains, challenges, and rewarding moments as a technician by being given the opportunity to push myself to learn new roles and responsibilities.
Program Summary
Many of the jobs/positions I have held are functions of a normal technician, but many of these things are positions that a technician would never see because they are reserved for pharmacists/people with specific titles/degrees. Technicians can take on many of the jobs within a pharmacy without an owner needing to hire unnecessary staff which offers technicians a more fulfilling career at the same time.
Self Care Challenge
Kristen Powell ,PharmD
Manager of Pharmacy Practice, Genoa Healthcare
Explain your expertise on this topic:
I have been a pharmacist since 2009; was the site manager for eight years at a pharmacy located inside a community mental health center; and currently am Manager of Pharmacy Practice for Genoa Healthcare.
Program Summary
The National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the Nonprescription Medicines Academy (NMA) have partnered to launch the NASPA/NMA Self Care Championship. The event, which is endowed by P&G, promotes active learning of self-care topics to the participants as well as the audience. Teams compete head-to-head in an event like a quiz bowl, as they answer questions developed by the NMA, which focus on self-care.