September 7-8, 2017
St. Paul RiverCentre
Saint Paul, MN
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Speakers
Norris Anderson, MD, Medical Director, Southern Prairie Community Care
Dr. Norris Anderson is a family physician who now serves as medical director for Southern Prairie Community Care. His strong background as a family physician and physician leadership over thirty years fuels his passion to influence medical systems that strive to improve health for all. He provides additional focus on person centered care, culturally responsive care, and ongoing efforts to address health disparities in our communities.
Michelle Aytay, RPh, CDE, Region #21 Clinical Services, Walgreens Co., MPhA President
Michelle Aytay graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1996 and has been practicing community pharmacy with direct patient care in Minnesota since that time. She currently advances clinical pharmacy services in her work with Walgreens. Her volunteer leadership roles span numerous organizations. Aytay serves as MPhA President. Prior to assuming the presidency, she co-chaired the MPhA Public Affairs Committee and she currently serves as a member of the Pharmacy Advocacy Task Force. She is on the MPhA Board of Directors and Executive Finance Committee. She served as President of the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation and remains on the Board. She is active in numerous capacities at the College of Pharmacy, including Past President of the Pharmacy Alumni Society and board member of the Century Mortar Club. She is a preceptor, residency director, mentor and Leadership Networking Partner. Aytay actively promotes the role of pharmacists in patients’ health through community involvement with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. Her leadership has been recognized through numerous awards, most recently the University of Minnesota Pharmacy Alumni Society Distinguished Pharmacist Award. She also serves on the Minnesota Department of Health Pandemic Preparedness Taskforce.
Angel Behrens, Assistant Attorney General, Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
Angela Behrens is an Assistant Attorney General at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, where she is the manager of the Administrative Law Division. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School and joined the Attorney General’s Office in 2007 following clerkships at the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Since 2008, she has also been an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Law School, teaching legal research and writing.
Melani Bersten, PharmD, RPh, Cannabis Pharmacist, Minnesota Medical Solutions
Dr. Bersten graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and returned to Minnesota as the lead pharmacist of the Bloomington Cannabis Patient Center. Dr. Bersten is passionate about educating and supporting patients and providers on medical cannabis. She conducts virtual consultations and organizes monthly support groups for patients and their families.
Heather Blue, PharmD, BCPS, BCGP
Heather brings a wealth of experience working in several health care systems throughout Minnesota. She has experience implementing naloxone protocols within the emergency department at St. Luke’s hospital. She has collaborated with several state pharmacy professional organizations. To date, Dr. Blue’s research has focused on naloxone take-home dispensing in a health care system, with a focus on differences in perception regarding this dispensing based on clinical role.
Heidi Burres, PharmD, BCACP, Fairview Edina and Fridley
Heidi Burres, PharmD, BCACP, graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Duluth campus in 2010. She then completed a PGY-1 residency through the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Residency Program at Fairview and obtained her BCACP certification in 2013. She currently practices Medication Therapy Management at the Fairview Edina and Fridley clinics. She enjoys precepting both pharmacy residents and fourth year pharmacy students. Heidi has worked with ICSI on their COPD guideline and sits on a team for improving heart failure care within Fairview. She enjoys working with a wide variety of patients.
Amy Busker, PharmD, CGP, Medication Therapy Management Pharmacist, Geriatric Pharmacist, MTM Provider, Fairview Pharmacy Services
Amy Busker graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1999 with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. She has worked for Fairview Pharmacy Services since before she entered pharmacy school. She received her Board Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy in 2011. She works with Fairview Partners and Geriatric Services, where she provides Medication Therapy Management to patients in the community and Assisted Living setting. Dr. Busker also provides MTM at the Fairview Burnsville Memory Clinic once weekly. In addition, Dr. Busker performs medication reviews for Fairview Partners patients in the long-term care setting, and is a resource to the nurse practitioners, doctors, and case managers who work with Fairview Partners and Geriatric Services.
Sara Drake, RPh, MPH, MBA, Principal, Mercer, LLC
Sara Drake is a Principal in Mercer’s Government Human Services Consulting practice. Her experiences across the pharmacy, government, and health care landscapes allow her to assist her clients in evaluation, research, analysis, and implementation of both new and existing policy options for managing Medicaid benefits in both the managed care and fee-for-service (FFS) environment.
Prior to joining Mercer, Sara worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) where she served in a dual role as the Deputy Director of Health Care Purchasing and Service Delivery and Pharmacy Program Manager. Prior to her role in state government, Sara’s experiences included management consulting, nonprofit health plan, inpatient hospital pharmacy, and retail pharmacy.
Molly Ekstrand, RPh, BCACP, AE-C, Park Nicollet Medication Management Program Lead
Molly Ekstrand is a pharmacist and leader of the Ambulatory Medication Management program at Park Nicollet Health Services in Minnesota and MPhA’s past president. The Park Nicollet team of pharmacists reaches over 6000 unique patients annually. Patient-focused teamwork leads to empowering and engaging patients in the safe and effective use of their medication and is foundational to achieving success for the health of our population. Knowing when patients can effectively manage their own medications builds confidence and allows patients to live longer independently.
Denise M. Frank, RPh, Frank Consulting, LLC
Denise Frank is a pharmacist with 30+ years of experience, and currently an independent consultant in the areas of pharmacy practice, technician training, compounding, pharmacy and wholesaler accreditations, and operational and regulatory compliance. She is also a former member of the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy.
Previously serving as a surveyor and then the Accreditation and Inspection Services Manager for NABP, her responsibilities included development and maintenance of accreditation and inspection programs, and supervising NABP inspectors. Prior to this, she was an independent pharmacy owner, worked for a health-system, and was a pharmacy manager and district manager for a pharmacy chain.
Krista Gens, PharmD, BCPS-AQ ID, Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator, Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Krista Gens is an infectious diseases clinical pharmacy coordinator at Abbott Northwestern Hospital (ANW), Minneapolis, MN, where she helps maintain antimicrobial stewardship programs at ANW and at several Allina Health regional hospitals and hospital-based clinics. She received her PharmD from North Dakota State University in 2008, and completed both her PGY1 and PGY2 Infectious Diseases pharmacy residencies at ANW. Krista is board-certified in pharmacotherapy with added qualifications in infectious diseases. She also graduated from ASHP’s Pharmacy Leadership Academy in June 2015. Krista serves as a preceptor for the PGY1 and PGY2 infectious diseases rotations at ANW and preceptor for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Krista is an active member of MSHP, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, Minnesota College of Clinical Pharmacy, and Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.
Sarah Groen, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Pharmacist, Medication Therapy Management, HealthPartners
Sarah Groen is a clinical pharmacist with the HealthPartners Medication Therapy Management program. She received her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to joining HealthPartners, she completed her residency in Ambulatory Care at Columbus Regional Health System in Columbus, Georgia. She is a preceptor for Drake University as well as University of Minnesota pharmacy students.
Keri Hager, PharmD, BCACP, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Dr. Hager is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Duluth campus (on the beautiful shores of Lake Superior!). She is the Director of the Duluth campus MTM Clinic, and she has been practicing pharmaceutical care and precepting students on ambulatory care rotations for the past decade. She teaches pharmaceutical care, including the patient care process, starting in the fall of the PD1 year and threading through the didactic and experiential core and elective coursework at the University of Minnesota. Her practice, teaching, scholarship, and service all focus around her passion for preparing the next generation of pharmacist practitioners to improve health through collaborative team-based care. She is excited to share “lessons learned” from practicing and teaching the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process at the University of Minnesota.
Dave Hoang, PharmD, MBA, Minnesota Department of Human Services
David Hoang, PharmD, MBA, Clinical Pharmacist, is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the preferred drug program at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, which encompasses both prior authorization and a supplemental rebate program. Utilizing clinical pharmacy and analytical skills, David works with the Pharmacy Program Manager, Department pharmacy staff, and members of the Minnesota Drug Formulary Committee to develop and implement prior authorization criteria for new and existing drug therapies. David serves as the department’s primary clinical liaison to drug manufacturers and provider groups, among other duties. He has also worked at Fairview Health Services as a Pharmacist. David has been a very active member of MPhA, and currently serves as co-chair of the Editorial Advisory Committee.
Buck Humphrey, Pharmacy Advocacy Task Force Lobbyist
Buck Humphrey is an experienced government affairs and public relations executive with relationships and a track record with political leaders in Minnesota, throughout the Midwest and in our nation’s capital. For more than 20 years, Buck has worked at the intersection of the private and public sectors on issues at the federal, state and local levels. He knows and has worked with Governor Dayton, the minority leaders, speakers and much of the Minnesota Senate and House legislative membership. He has similar relationships with state capital leaders throughout the Midwest and around the country. Over the past 4 years, Buck has been on the lobbying team that has passed MAC transparency provisions and built a bipartisan patient pharmacy network access coalition. He is an experienced lobbyist, knowledgeable about our issues and with a strong desire and commitment to move Minnesota Pharmacy’s agenda.
Brian Isetts, RPh, PhD, Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Brian Isetts is currently Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Care & Health Systems at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. He is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist and has experience working as a pharmaceutical care practitioner, nursing home consultant, and in community and institutional practice. Brian received his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin, and his PhD in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota. Brian’s honors and awards include the Bowl of Hygeia, Hubert H. Humphrey, Jacob W. Miller, Peter P. Lamy, Innovations in Teaching Competition, and the APhA Foundation Pinnacle Awards.
Brian Isetts has been extensively involved in building a medication use system in which pharmacists collaborate with physicians and other providers to help patients achieve goals of therapy while identifying and resolving drug therapy problems. At the national level, Brian has worked with the American Medical Association to recognize and report pharmacists’ medication therapy management services within official CPT® health reporting and billing nomenclature. Brian also completed a two-and-a-half year sabbatical as a health policy fellow in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services working on improvements to the Part D MTM Program, and serving in the CMS Innovation Center as a Contracting Officer’s Representative.
Pamala Jacobson, PharmD, Professor, Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Distinguished Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Dr. Jacobson received a PharmD from the University of Nebraska followed by 2 years of postdoctoral training at the University of Michigan. After completing her education, she joined the faculty at the U of Michigan College of Pharmacy where she remained for 9 years. She then joined the faculty at the University of Minnesota and is now Professor of Pharmacy in the Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology in the College of Pharmacy. Jacobson is a clinical pharmacologist specializing in clinical pharmacology and pharmacogenetics. She investigates how genetic variation influences pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicity of medications. She is the Director of the Institute of Personalized Medicine in the College of Pharmacy.
Joshua Johnson, PharmD, ClearStone Solutions
Joshua Johnson graduated the University of Minnesota with a BS in Biology in 2004, and then went on to obtain his PharmD from Ferris State University in Michigan in 2008. Upon graduating, he returned to Minnesota, where he served as a community pharmacist for 8 years. In 2016, he was hired by ClearStone Solutions, a Part D Plan administrator, to run the 5-year CMS Enhanced MTM Pilot on behalf of the BlueCross BlueShield Northern Plains Alliance in Medicare Part D Region 25 (IA, MN, MT, ND, NE, SD, & WY). He has previously presented on Enhanced MTM at the NCPA Multiple Locations Conference in February 2017, as well as NASPA’s Annual Meeting in March 2017. He has also provided educational information on Enhanced MTM to the colleges of pharmacy at the University of Minnesota, the University of Iowa, Drake University, and Ferris State University.
Lisa Krohn, PharmD, BCACP, Medication Management Pharmacist, Park Nicollet Health Services
Lisa graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2013. She completed a PGY1 Ambulatory Care residency at Park Nicollet in 2014. Lisa then took a position as a full-time member of the medication management team at Park Nicollet and obtained BCACP certification. Her clinical interests include asthma/COPD and mental health. She currently practices integrated medication management at the Chanhassen and Shakopee primary care clinics.
Diana Langworthy, PharmD, BCPS, University of Minnesota
Dr. Diana Langworthy graduated pharmacy school in 2009 from Rutgers University. She completed her PGY1 and PGY2 Internal Medicine residencies at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, Virginia. She is currently serving as assistant professor at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy with a clinical practice site at The University of Minnesota Medical Center where she provides pharmacy services for inpatient internal medicine patients. Dr. Langworthy is pursuing research interests involving the impact of bariatric surgery on medication absorption and effectiveness in hopes to improve medication use in post-bariatric patients.
Gardner Lepp, PhD, Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
Dr. Lepp is a professional educator with leadership experience in business and health care organizations. His primary interest is in creating lasting, meaningful educational experiences, and helping others learn through critical, creative interactions.
The first 10 years of Dr. Lepp’s career was as manager in a corporate setting. The organizations included Best Buy Inc, and Target Corp, in Minneapolis, and FirstSolutions in Duluth, Minnesota. The work centered on communication and training: helping field employees understand and implement information sent from the corporate headquarters. This work in training others led him to pursue his doctorate to further understand the teaching/learning process.
Dr. Lepp has been with the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy since 2012. As an Education Specialist, he has worked toward helping administration, faculty and students identify and implement evidence-based instruction. The educational perspective he provided was instrumental in helping faculty apply a variety of active learning treatments to formerly traditional, lecture-based courses. Also, with his background in management and communication, and knowledge of education, Dr. Lepp has been asked to speak extensively to local professional groups on managing conflict, team development, inter-generational learning, and other topics.
In 2014, Dr. Lepp was given a Meritorious Service Award for contributions to the College of Pharmacy. In 2015, the college asked Dr. Lepp to be course director for all four Professional Development courses in the core curriculum.
Jeff Lindoo, RPh, Thrifty White (retired), MPhA Public Affairs Committee Co-Chair, MPhA Past President
Jeff Lindoo, RPh, grew up in the world of pharmacy. His earliest experience consisted primarily of reading comic books in the back of his Grandfather’s and Father’s pharmacy in rural Wisconsin. He later graduated to responsibility for emptying the trash and finally worked as a clerk, made fountain syrups, scrubbed the floors and worked as a technician (before the concept of technicians really existed) in the pharmacy, preparing prescriptions for his Father’s final approval. He has been a member of MPhA since graduating from the NDSU College of Pharmacy in 1974. He worked his entire 42-year career in pharmacy for Thrifty White Pharmacies, serving in multiple positions and retiring in June of 2016. He is a Past President of MPhA, and serves as co-chair of the Public Affairs Committee. He is a member of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy National Board of Advisors. He served on the Minnesota Board of Pharmacy from 1996 to 2000 and as Vice President in 1999. He is a former member of the Minnesota Retailers Association Board of Directors and Board Chair in 2010. He is also a member of APhA, ASCP and NCPA.
Joe Litsey, PharmD, Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, Director of Consulting Services, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Joe Litsey has worked with Thrifty White Pharmacy as a consultant pharmacist for over 15 years. He is currently the Director of Consulting Services for Thrifty White Pharmacy. In this role, Joe works with LTC communities and pharmacists developing best practice medication management programs and initiatives. Joe earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from North Dakota State University in 1994 and has specialized in geriatric medication management since the onset of his professional career. Joe is a Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, past president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists-Minnesota Chapter, served as a Long-Term-Care Delegate for the Minnesota Pharmacists Association, is a member of the American Medical Directors Association and routinely provides medication management educational sessions for LTC organizations, communities, facilities and fellow health care professionals.
Mark Loafman, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Family and Community Medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and Chief Medical Officer for Near North Community Health Center
Mark Loafman, MD, MPH, is Systems Chair for Family and Community Medicine at Cook County Hospital and Health System in Chicago. Prior to joining the County Health System in 2015 Dr. Loafman was Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine where his leadership roles included founding faculty for the innovative McGaw Northwestern Family Medicine “teaching health center” residency program, Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Clinical Integration Officer at the affiliated safety net hospital, interim Chief Medical Officer for Near North Health Centers along with medical school teaching and advisory activities. He is a graduate of Rush University Medical School, completed a Masters of Public Health at University of Illinois, and Family Medicine residency training at Brown University, where he served as Chief Resident and a fellowship in Maternal Child Health. Returning to Chicago he served as the founding medical director for the PCC Community Wellness Center, a nationally recognized community health center network with comprehensive medical and social services including integrated behavioral health and community based family medicine residency and fellowship programs.
Loafman recently served as Medical Administrator for the Illinois Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, providing leadership and guidance on clinical integration across primary care and mental health. He has served in faculty roles for a series of national health disparity learning collaboratives in chronic disease, medication management, health professions workforce development, perinatal safety and maternal child health. He was appointed Faculty Chair for the H.R.S.A. Patient Safety and Clinical Pharmacy Services (PSPC) Collaborative, and Project lead at the Alliance for Integrated Medication Management, a national medication management focused performance improvement learning collaborative. He served as Physician Advisor for health leadership and national and global health strategy for the Health Futures Group at National Defense University, and he is the former Chair and a founding member of the Board of Certification in Family Medicine-Obstetrics, a role he left to join FM Maternity Care efforts with colleagues at Society for Teachers of Family Medicine.
Lisa Lohr, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology MTM Provider, Masonic Cancer Clinic, University of Minnesota
Lisa Lohr has been involved in the care of oncology patients for over 30 years. She graduated from University of Iowa in 1986 with a BS in pharmacy, and then from the University of Washington in 1988 with a PharmD. She did a two-year hospital pharmacy residency at the University of Washington Hospital in 1986-1988. She worked as an acute care clinical oncology pharmacist at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and then at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. In 2011, Lisa became a clinical pharmacy specialist and MTM provider in the ambulatory care Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota, where she provides MTM services as well as manages a busy Oral Chemotherapy Monitoring program. She is board certified in Pharmacotherapy as well as Oncology, and is certified in Pharmaceutical Care. She has taught several Pharmacotherapy lectures each year at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy for the last 17 years.
Mary McGuiggan, PharmD, BCGP, Director of Preceptor Development, University of Minnesota
Mary McGuiggan is currently the Director of Preceptor Development at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Southwest Minnesota State University, a BS degree in Pharmacy and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. She completed a board certification in Geriatric Pharmacy and is certified in Medication Therapy Management. She has pharmacy practice experience in a variety of settings and precepting students in those settings. Her practice experience includes long-term care pharmacy and consulting, community pharmacy, Medication Therapy Management, pharmacy benefits management, pharmaceutical industry, health plan, and inter-professional case management.
Kristi Melby, PharmD, LADC, CTTS, Clinical Pharmacist & Addiction Counselor, Genesis Recovery Services, LLC
Kristi is a clinical pharmacist and addiction counselor at Genesis Recovery Services, LLC in Duluth, MN. She established a licensed limited services pharmacy at Genesis to treat patients suffering with addiction and mental illness. Kristi provides MTM and tobacco dependence counseling. Her practice focuses on harm reduction, opioid replacement therapy and reconnecting her patients to medical care. Kristi earned her PharmD at North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy. She completed a general pharmacy practice residency at Mayo Medical Center. Kristi is a Registered Pharmacist, Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor and Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Kristi holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management, Immunization, Anti-Coagulation and Chemical Dependency. Kristi serves on the State of Minnesota’s Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Advisory Council. Kristi is a preceptor and mentor for pharmacy students.
Jean Moon, PharmD, BCACP, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota
Dr. Moon is an associate professor for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy and adjunct associate professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. She is clinical faculty for the University of Minnesota North Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program where she provides comprehensive medication management services for a medically underserved patient population. Dr. Moon is the Program Director for the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy PGY-1 pharmacy residency program within ambulatory care settings across the state. She also serves as the Ambulatory Care APPE Course Director for the College of Pharmacy. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy and completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency in 2005 from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.
Ann Moyer, PharmD, HealthPartners Pharmacy Services
Ann Moyer is a clinical pharmacist at HealthPartners. She graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University and she received her Doctor of Pharmacy from The University of Shenandoah. She currently works in the Medication Therapy Management program. Her past work experiences include working in the Hyperlipidemia program, HealthPartners clinic pharmacies, IV homecare, long-term care and the Indian Health Service.
Richard Mullvain, RPh, BCPS (AQC), CCCC, Cardiovascular Clinical Pharmacist & STEMI Specialist
Richard Mullvain is a Clinical Pharmacist at the Essentia Health Heart & Vascular Center in Duluth, Minnesota. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. He completed internships at United & St. Paul Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN, and at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Minneapolis.
He has been employed at Essentia Health St. Mary’s since 1992. In 2008, he moved from the hospital pharmacy department to become the clinical pharmacist for the department of Cardiology. Duties at the Heart & Vascular Center include: Pharmaceutical Care Practitioner-Cardiovascular Clinical Specialist Manager of Essentia Health STEMI Program and Chest Pain Center Provider of Medication Therapy Management (MTM); Cardiovascular Peer Review/ Research Committee; Anticoagulation Steering Committee; Cardiology Residency Preceptor.
In March 2008, he completed the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Care Certificate Program for Medication Therapy Management (MTM). In December 2008, he passed the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties Certification in Pharmacotherapy, and renewed by exam in 2015. In May 2009, he was the first pharmacist in the state of Minnesota to be awarded “Added Qualifications in Cardiology” by the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties, renewed by board review in 2016.
In 2012, he received the Essentia Health Duluth Clinic Foundation Educator of the Year Award, along with a $10,000 grant to further his educational endeavors. This award was due to his work educating the northland in improving the care of STEMI heart attack patients.
In 2012 he became the first pharmacist in the country to become a Certified Chest Pain Center Coordinator, and renewed in 2015 to become a Certified Cardiovascular Care Coordinator. In 2013 he was named one of the Co-Chairs for the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline Minnesota Project.
Michelle Nemec, PharmD, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Michelle Nemec is a long-term care pharmacist at Thrifty White in Duluth. She graduated from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2009 with a Bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology. She received her doctoral degree in pharmacy in 2013, also from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Dr. Nemec has worked in Thrifty White long-term care and retail settings since 2008. She participates in Stratis Health, an organization that promotes collaboration between local health care facilities. She also mentors pharmacy students.
Laura Palombi, PharmD, MPH, MAT, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, Duluth
Laura Palombi, PharmD, MPH, MAT, has a number of years of experience working with communities to find solutions to the opioid epidemic. Through Laura’s work as a community pharmacist, as well as on the Carlton County Drug Court Team and numerous community coalitions, she has gained an appreciation for the challenges that face pharmacists who wish to address substance abuse in their community. She is currently partnered with several rural counties across the state, engaging pharmacists, prescribers, and institutions of higher education in prevention and treatment of substance use disorder.
Anjoli Punjabi, PharmD, MPH, Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident, University of Minnesota
Anjoli Punjabi graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master’s in Public Health dual degree from the University of Minnesota. She is originally from the Detroit metro area of Michigan. Anjoli earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in 2011. After this she served as a Teach For America corps member, where she dedicated two years as a middle school science teacher to closing the achievement gap between low-income and minority students and their affluent peers in the Twin Cities. During pharmacy school she served as President of the Minnesota Student Pharmacy Alliance (MPSA) and had leadership roles in Phi Lambda Sigma and the Philips Neighborhood Clinic, focusing on advocacy through professional associations and community outreach. Anjoli is passionate about research and programs that advance the role of pharmacists and meet the needs of underserved populations to reduce health care disparities. Therefore, she established a diabetes prevention program at Little Earth of United Tribes that seeks to help the community make a sustained commitment to health. Throughout her career, Anjoli will work to make sure that pharmacists’ skills and knowledge are being fully utilized to positively impact patient care. In addition, she is excited by the possibilities of expanding comprehensive medication management services in the changing health care landscape. After residency, Anjoli plans to pursue a career in academia as a practice faculty member.
Raquel Rodriguez, PhD, Director, Experiential Education, University of Minnesota
Dr. Raquel Rodriguez has been working with the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy since 1995 as the Director of Experiential Education Program. She is also an Assistant Professor at the PCHS Department and teaches in the SAPh graduate program. She earned her BS Pharmacy degree in Puerto Rico, and practiced for four years as a community pharmacist in a geriatric setting. She came to Minnesota to obtain her MS in Social & Administrative Pharmacy (SAPh) in 1984. She returned to the U of M in 1985 to successfully complete her PhD in SAPh in 1989. Dr. Rodriguez received various awards such as Faculty of the Year Award from students as well as Faculty of the Year from the Pharmacy Alumni Society (PAS). In 2011 Dr. Rodriguez completed her training through the Center for Spirituality and received a Certificate in Integrative Therapies & Healing Practices: Health Coaching from the University of Minnesota. This Center was established in 1997 and Dr. Rodriguez has an Associate Faculty Appointment there. She practices as a Health Coach at Pillsbury House Integrated Health Clinic. The skill set that this training provides includes stress management, which is put to good use working with students and preceptors.
Natalie Roy, PharmD, Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident, University of Minnesota
Natalie earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Drake University in 2016. She is currently a second-year Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. Through the residency, Natalie is building a new MTM practice in a clinic that has not previously had a clinical pharmacist. Natalie’s passion for patient care includes her vision of patient empowerment and better understanding patients’ medication experience. Following residency, Natalie looks forward to pursuing a career in academia in hopes of teaching student pharmacists, serving patients with chronic diseases, advocating for the profession, and conducting valuable research in the field.
Allyson Schlichte, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, MTM Provider and Operations Lead, Fairview Pharmacy Services
Allyson Schlichte, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, earned a Doctorate of Pharmacy and a Master’s of Business Administration from Drake University. After graduation, Allyson completed a residency with the University of Minnesota Ambulatory Care Residency Program and earned her certification as a board certified ambulatory care pharmacist.
Rajiv Shah, MD, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, MyMeds
Dr. Shah is the Founder of MyMeds and is a Minneapolis-based nephrologist who combines front-line experience of understanding multiple health care roles (patient, physician, entrepreneur) with dedication to improving health outcomes.
His TEDx talk –– The New Disrupters in Healthcare – Patients and Pharmacists –– and his work in the adherence field have established him as a thought leader in the pharmacy world, and he is a vocal advocate for pharmacists to play a more active role on the health care team. Last year, he was the keynote speaker at the American Pharmacists Association, as well as for many state pharmacy associations around the country.
He received his MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School, and a B.A. in Cognitive Psychology from Boston University. He has been recognized for his work in business, medicine and philanthropy with multiple awards, including the Virginia McKnight Binger Award in Human Service, 40 Under 40, Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans, Leaders in Healthcare, and Real Power 50.
Miriam Mobley Smith, PharmD, FASHP, Director Strategic Alliances, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Dr. Miriam Mobley Smith is Director of Strategic Alliances for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB). Previous positions include Dean and Professor at the Chicago State University College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy faculty; Chair, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE); Chair, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Professional Affairs Committee; Vice-Chair, Illinois State Board of Pharmacy; Chair, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Council on Education and Workforce Development; member, Institute of Medicine (IOM) Committee on the Future Healthcare Workforce for Older Americans; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2005 Primary Health care Policy Fellow; Chair, PTCB Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination Standards Setting Committee, 2005 National Practice Analysis, Past-President Certification Council.
She has received numerous professional and civic awards including the 2013 Illinois Pharmacists Association and 2005 Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists “Pharmacist of the Year”, 2013 ASHP Fellow, 2012 Chauncey I. Cooper Award and 2004 James N. Tyson Award from the National Pharmaceutical Association, 2011 AgeOptions Volunteer Service Award, 2006 Illinois Area Agencies on Aging Sid Granet Aging Network Achievement Award, and featured in the 2005 Aetna Profiles of African American Pharmacists. Dr. Mobley Smith received her BS Pharm from University of Michigan and PharmD from University of Illinois. She publishes and presents in areas relative to her focus.
Barb Stodola, Patient Partner, Park Nicollet Health Services
Barb’s fascination of all things pharmacy began when she learned that the chemical compounds in aspirin could give precise, consistent and measureable results. She prepared herself to work as a pharmacy technician by attending Century College’s Pharmacy Technician Program. While working full time and attending classes part-time, it took a number of years to graduate with an A.A. and A.A.S. Barb also was an officer for Phi Theta Kappa during that time. She became a nationally certified technician and maintained that until she retired.
Barb’s interest in pharmacy was greater than assisting the pharmacist and she worked for PBM’s (making medication compliance calls), Group Purchasing Organization (coaching hospital drug buyers into greater compliance to their purchasing contracts), Insurance Company (supervising audit, retro-recovery and subrogation staff) and Pharmacy Chain (first auditing and then managing audits). MPhA honored Barb with an award of outstanding contribution to the community. Martin Erickson was President at the time.
Barb enjoyed volunteering in drug take-back events and working on pharmacy technician training programs advisory committees. Currently, she serves as a patient partner for Park Nicollet and has had the privilege of telling the patient’s story to new hires, mid-level providers, and clinic staff.
In addition, she is in the first term of being a patient partner with PQA. They weigh in on measures and criteria.
Jill Strykowski, Director of Pharmacy, Mercy & Unity Hospitals, Allina Health, Pharmacy Advocacy Task Force Co-Chair, MPhA Past President
Jill Strykowski received her Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Master of Science in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota. Her Master’s thesis was entitled Implementation and Outcome Analysis of an Anticoagulation Clinic. Jill has written and lectured about various aspects of antithrombotic care; but importantly, it was through this work that she became passionate and interested in the potential of leadership of pharmacy practice. Jill is currently the Director of Pharmacy for Mercy Hospital and Unity Hospital in the 13-hospital Allina Health system.
Jill has mentored PharmD IV students and Residents for the last 15 years and has found this relationship to be the greatest joy in assisting young pharmacists in reaching their personal and professional goals. In 2013-14, Jill served as President of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association. Over the course of the last 4 years, Jill has served as a co-chair for the Pharmacy Advocacy Task Force to advance legislative changes for the practice of pharmacy. Jill also serves as a member of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy National Board of Advisors. Additional interests include participation in global health using the practice of pharmacy to advance health care. Jill has traveled with pharmacy students and residents to Peru and Tanzania to assist with the provision of pharmacy services in resource-poor areas. Jill is also interested in health care public policy, patient safety initiatives, and new business opportunities for the profession that serve the needs of our communities through the practice of pharmacy.
Stephanie Swanson, PharmD, Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident, University of Minnesota
Stephanie earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree with a Leadership Emphasis at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in May 2016. During pharmacy school, she was committed to leadership and teaching and was involved in the College at many levels including Phi Lambda Sigma, Philips Neighborhood Clinic and the Pharmaceutical Care Learning Center. She enjoys connecting with others and is enthusiastic about helping them achieve their goals, both as students and patients. Stephanie is currently in year two of the Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Residency where she spends half her time providing ambulatory care services at North Memorial Primary Care Clinic in Northeast Minneapolis, and the other half teaching at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. She is looking forward to fulfilling her dual passion for working with both patients and students.
Brittany Symonds, PharmD, BCACP, Fairview Pharmacy Services
Brittany Symonds, PharmD, BCACP, completed her doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities in 2012. She went on to complete a PGY-1 residency with Fairview Pharmacy Services through the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Ambulatory Care Residency Program in 2013. Upon residency graduation, she began Medication Therapy Management practices at four independent family practice clinics affiliated with Fairview Physician Associates in the Twin Cities area.
Brent Thompson, PharmD, First Light
Dr. Brent Thompson, PharmD, has been Pharmacy Director at FirstLight Health System in Mora, Minnesota since 2002. Brent earned his BS, PharmD, and Minor in Chemistry at North Dakota State University. He finished a term as President of the Minnesota Pharmacists Association in 2011 and served on the board of directors from 2006 to 2012. In 2014, Brent was recipient of the APhA Foundation Bowl of Hygeia Award. He served terms on the Policy and Reference committees of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) in 2012-2013. Recently he was elected to the Executive Committee of APhA Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management.
Lynda S. Welage, PharmD, FCCP, Dean, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Dr. Lynda S. Welage became the dean of the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy on July 31. Welage brings to the University extensive experience as a collaborative academic leader and an accomplished translational researcher, educator, and pharmacy practitioner and has overseen the development of innovative educational and practice models and strategic initiatives to improve the health of local and global communities. While dean at the University of New Mexico, she strengthened clinical initiatives in care management that benefit pharmacy students and serve the public––including the launch of a Medication Therapy Call Center to optimize medication therapy management in underserved rural communities across the state. Under her leadership, the college completed a strategic plan, updated its PharmD curriculum to enhance integration of foundational and clinical sciences, strengthened interprofessional education and practice, and launched a dual PharmD/MS program in pharmaceutical sciences. She also expanded development initiatives and enhanced faculty mentoring programs, including initiatives for faculty of color in the health sciences. Dr. Welage is well-poised to continue the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy’s legacy of leadership.
Jordan Wolf, PharmD, CGP, Long-Term Care Consultant Pharmacist, Thrifty White Pharmacy
Jordan Wolf is a Long-Term Care Consultant Pharmacist for Thrifty White Pharmacy, where he has been employed since 2012. He graduated from the North Dakota State University College of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Sciences in 2012, with a Bachelor’s of Pharmaceutical Sciences degree, Doctor of Pharmacy degree and minors in Chemistry and Spanish. He successfully obtained his Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy in November 2014. From August 2013 through September 2014, Dr. Wolf represented both Thrifty White and the Minnesota Pharmacists Association (MPhA) on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Immunization Pharmacy Advisory Group. He subsequently served on the Minnesota Department of Health’s Pandemic Preparedness Workgroup. He currently serves as Vice President of the Minnesota Chapter of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, and is an active member of the American Pharmacists Association, Minnesota Pharmacists Association, North Dakota Pharmacists Association, and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. Through his current role as a consultant pharmacist, Dr. Wolf has extensive experience in medication management in a variety of settings, including: Community, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Assisted Living Facilities, Group Homes, Correctional Facilities, etc. He is a certified trainer for the American Pharmacists Association’s MTM Certification Course, and has taught this course on behalf of MPhA on multiple occasions.
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