Ohio society of
health-system pharmacy

A look back at all of the 2021 Award Winners from 2021.

Walter M. Frazier - Michelle Dusing Wiest, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP

Timothy D. Moore - Pharmacy Management Scott Naples, PharmD, MBA

Health-System Pharmacist of the Year - Jordan DeWitt, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

PGY-1 Resident - Thanh Phan, PharmD, MS

Student Pharmacist Award - Teddy Nemunaitis, PharmD

Student Scholarship - Jessica Martz

Pharmacy Technician of the Year - Holley Boren, MBA, LSSGB, LBC

Health-System Pharmacy Practice Research Award - Sara Jordan Hyland, PharmD, BCCCP

Medication Safety Award - Susanna Petiya, PharmD

Residency Program Director Award - Michelle Cudnik, PharmD, BCACP

Preceptor of the Year - Michael J. Rush, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, CDE/CDCES/NCTTP

Emerging Leader - Kembral Nelson, PharmD, MS, BCSCP

Best Practice Advancement Success Award - OhioHealth Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacy Team

Author: Mathew Costello, PharmD Candidate, Northeast Ohio Medical University

Brexanolone (Zulresso™) is the first medication approved for the treatment of postpartum depression in adults. Postpartum depression is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, as a major depressive episode with the onset of symptoms either during pregnancy or in the first four weeks postpartum.¹ The mechanism of action for postpartum depression is not fully understood.Postpartum depression is thought to occur due to a precipitous decline in hormonal levels, including allopregnanolone levels, and downregulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid- A receptors following childbirth. Chemically identical to endogenous allopregnanolone, brexanolone is a neuroactive steroid that acts as a GABA-A receptor modulator.²

Efficacy for brexanolone in postpartum depression was investigated in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. The primary endpoint in all trials was measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS).³ The HDRS is a clinician-rated depression scale that can be used in practice or research and is generally considered the gold standard for clinical research.⁴Patients received a continuous infusion over a 60-hour period or placebo. Baseline antidepressant use was reported in 23% of patients. A target dose of 90 mcg/kg/hour was established. However, 38 patients, who were unable to withstand titration up to 90, were titrated to a tolerable dose of 60 mcg/kg/hour which ultimately demonstrated superiority to placebo. The HDRS score was significantly improved for brexanolone versus placebo in all trials.^{3, 5}

Brexanolone is a schedule IV controlled substance with no contraindications. Despite no contraindications, there is a boxed warning regarding the risk of excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness. As a result of this risk, it is available only through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) program. In addition, it contains a warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Some patients may experience adverse effects including sedation, dry mouth, and flushing and any patient on a central nervous system depressant may experience increased likelihood of sedation related to brexanolone use. Brexanolone does not prolong the QT interval to a relevant clinical extent.³ 

Prior to and during brexanolone therapy, monitor all patients for hypoxia with continuous pulse oximetry with alarm. Additionally, every two-hour monitoring for excessive sedation should be exercised during scheduled wake hours. It is important that patients are not the primary caregiver of their child(ren) while receiving this medication. Monitor for emerging suicidal thoughts and worsening postpartum depression.³

Furthermore, a lactation study examining 12 women who were less than six months postpartum found that brexanolone passes into breastmilk. There was, however, a low relative infant dose (RID) being 1%-2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage importantly showing low infant drug exposure. No effects on milk production were noted.³

Brexanolone is available as a single-dose vial with a concentration of 100 mg per 20 mL. While dosage adjustments for renal or hepatic impairment are not necessary, avoid brexanolone in patients with end-stage renal disease.³ 

Brexanolone Dosing3
Time (hours)	Dose (mcg/kg/hour)
0-4	30
4-24	60
24-52*	90
52-56	60
56-60	30

*Consider 60 mcg/kg/hour in hours 24-52 if the patient cannot tolerate the 90 mcg/kg/hour dosage

In summary, brexanolone represents a breakthrough in depression pharmacotherapy. It has a unique mechanism of action and is the first FDA approved medication for postpartum depression. Limitations to its use, including a REMS program, 60-hour infusion time, and boxed warning, may limit its clinical utility but remains an option for patients with postpartum depressed mood. It is important that the pharmacist informs the patient of potential medication treatment for postpartum depression and the risks it may expose to themselves and the child. Nevertheless, it is an important step forward for postpartum depression pharmacotherapy.

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2013.
2. Powell JG, Garland S, Preston K, Piszczatoski C. Brexanolone (Zulresso): finally, an FDA-approved treatment for postpartum depression. Ann Pharmacother. 2020;54(2):157-63.
3. Zulresso [package insert]. Cambridge, MA: Sage Therapeutics, Inc.; June 2019.
4. Rush AJ, First MB, Blacker D, eds. Handbook of Psychiatric Measures, 2nd ed. American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Arlington, VA. 2008.
5. Leader LD, O’Connell M, VandenBerg A. Brexanolone for postpartum depression: clinical evidence and practice considerations. Pharmacotherapy. 2019;39(11):1105-12.

Author: Mason Fowler, PharmD Candidate 2020, Northeast Ohio Medical University College of Pharmacy (NEOMED); Cynthia King, PharmD, BCACP, CACP, MetroHealth System and NEOMED

Low-dose aspirin (LDA) has been considered a mainstay in the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).¹ Recent data calls into question the appropriateness of LDA therapy for the nearly 30% of Americans age 40 years and older without a history of ASCVD taking a daily aspirin. The US Preventative Services Task Force in 2016 recommended LDA for adults 50-59 years with an ASCVD risk of at least 10% who are willing to take aspirin for at least 10 years and do not have an increased bleed risk.  Adults aged 60-69 years who have similar ASCVD risks are likely at increased risk of bleeding and may experience less benefit. ² Use of LDA for secondary prevention of ASCVD remains well established; however, the net benefit of aspirin for primary prevention is being questioned. 

Recent trials have focused on LDA therapy and the benefit for primary prevention of ASCVD.  The ASPREE trial was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to assess whether LDA prolongs life, or life free of dementia, or life free of significant, persistent physical disability in adults greater than 65 years of age. No difference was found in this composite endpoint, although the aspirin group did have a significant increase in major hemorrhage and all-cause mortality versus placebo.^3,4 The ARRIVE trial was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that examined the benefits of LDA in men at least 55 years old and women at least 60 years old with at least three cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and ASCVD risk score of 10-20% (moderate risk). The trial failed to show benefit of aspirin versus placebo in primary prevention of major CV event; however, less than 5% of all patients in the study had a major CV event.  A significant increase in gastrointestinal bleeding was seen in the aspirin group.⁵ Finally, the ASCEND study was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial to evaluated the benefit of aspirin therapy for primary prevention of major CV events in diabetic patients at least 40 years of age. This study found the group that received aspirin had a decreased number of major CV events compared to placebo. However, the aspirin group also had an increased risk of gastrointestinal bleed.⁶

A recent meta-analysis evaluating the CV and safety outcomes of LDA therapy for primary prevention of ASCVD included a total of 15 randomized controlled trials and 165,502 patients. Results showed the use of LDA versus placebo was not associated with changes in all-cause death, CV death, and non-CV death; a significant decrease in nonfatal myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack, and ischemic stroke; and a significant increase in major bleeding, intracranial bleeding and major gastrointestinal bleeding. The efficacy analysis revealed the use of LDA resulted a in number needed to treat of 357 patients for myocardial infection, 400 patients for ischemic stroke, and 263 for major CV event. The safety analysis showed a number needed to harm of 222 patients for a major bleeding event, 385 patients for a gastrointestinal bleed, and 1000 patients for an intracranial bleed.  Based on this data, the net benefit of LDA for primary prevention of ASCVD is further called into question.⁷

The 2019 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease cautions providers routine use of LDA for primary prevention of ASCVD due to a lack of net benefit.  The ACC/AHA guidelines went on to further specify LDA should not be used for primary prevention in adults of any age who are at an increased risk of bleeding or those over the age of 70 years.  LDA may be considered in adults 40-70 years who have a high ASCVD risk but do not have an increased risk of bleeding.⁸

With new data on the use of LDA in patients for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, healthcare providers need to closely evaluate whether LDA therapy is still appropriate for each patient. This will likely result in the deprescribing of aspirin therapy for many of our patients, especially in those 70 years and older or those at an increased bleed risk.  As the use of LDA has long been a corner stone in the primary prevention of ASCVD, pharmacists have the opportunity to provide education and reinforcement with our patients and other healthcare professionals regarding this major change in practice.

References

• 1. Baigent C, Blackwell L, Collins R, et al.; Antithrombotic Trialists’ (ATT) Collaboration. Aspirin in the primary and secondary prevention of vas­cular disease: collaborative meta-analysis of individual participant data from randomised trials. Lancet. 2009; 373(9678): 1849-1860.
• 2. Bibbins-Domingo K; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Aspirin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. Ann Intern Med. 2016; 164(12): 836-845.
• 3. McNeil JJ, Wolfe R, Woods RL, et al.; ASPREE Investigator Group. Effect of aspirin on cardiovascular events and bleeding in the healthy elderly. N Engl J Med. 2018; 379(16): 1509-1518.
• 4. McNeil JJ, Woods RL, Nelson MR, et al.; ASPREE Investigator Group. Effect of aspirin on disability-free survival in the healthy elderly. N Engl J Med. 2018; 379(16): 1499-1508.
• 5. Gaziano JM, Brotons C, Coppolecchia, et al. Use of aspirin to reduce risk of initial vascular events in patients at moderate risk of cardiovascular disease (ARRIVE): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet. 2018; 392:1036-1046.
• 6. Bowman L, Mafham M, Stevens W, et al. ASCEND: A study of cardiovascular events in diabetes: characteristics of a randomized trial of aspirin and of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in 15,480 people with diabetes. American Heart Journal. 2018;198:135–144. doi:10.1016/j.ahj.2017.12.006
• 7. Abdelaziz HK, Saad M, Pathineni NVK, et al. Aspirin for primary prevent of cardiovascular events. JACC. 2019;73(23). Doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2019.03.501
• 8. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Journal of the American College of Cardiology; 17 March 2019.

Author: Professional Affairs

During this unusual time, we have all been forced to do things differently in every aspect of our lives. The effects of the pandemic did not spare the annual events and traditions of OSHP either. Nevertheless, we find it very important to celebrate those deserving and accomplished individuals in our profession who were nominated and selected by their peers as OSHP award winners for 2020. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 crisis has made it impossible for us to meet and celebrate these folks in person this year. However, we have plans to recognize the 2020 award winners along with the 2021 award recipients at the 2021 OSHP annual meeting awards ceremony (hopefully in person). In the meantime, please join me in congratulating the recipients of the 2020 OSHP awards:

Award	Recipient
Walter M. Frazier Award	Samuel Calabrese
Richard E. Surface Award	Amy Bennett
Timothy D. Moore Pharmacy Management	Matt Sapko
Health-System Pharmacist of the Year	Kathryn McKinney
PGY-1 Resident	Megan Stephan
PGY-2 Resident	Stephanie Salch
Student Pharmacist Award	Cassie Rush
Student Scholarship	Jenna Wojkowski
Pharmacy Technician of the Year	Timmi Anne Boeskin
Health-System Pharmacy Practice Research Award	John Moorman
Humanitarian Award	Timothy Burkart
Medication Safety Award	Natalie Kuchik
Residency Program Director Award	Jenny Steinbrenner
Preceptor of the Year	Melissa Raich
Emerging Leader	Paige Bradshaw
Best Practice Advancement Success Award	Nationwide Children's

You can read more about the description and criteria for each award by clicking on the awards and scholarships tab on the OSHP website. There you will also find a listing of previous winners. These awards would not be possible without the quality nominations that we receive from our members. If you know a deserving pharmacist or technician, and I am sure that we all do, please take the time to complete a nomination form, which is conveniently located on the website as well for each award under the Awards and Scholarships tab. Once again, on behalf of OSHP we extend congratulations to the award recipients for 2020.

Author: Tyler Perry, PharmD, Summa Health System

At this point, many people are settling down after the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP) Residency match. Round 1 of the match went by in a blur, round 2 was just as hectic, and the scramble was exactly that. This year, 7,364 applicants, both PGY1 and PGY2, participated in the match, 4,425 received a match during round one, 346 received a match in round two, 43 programs were left in the scramble. Which leaves 2,593 candidates potentially without a match. One question remains I want to make sure does not go by the wayside. What advice should be considered for the candidates that did not match?

The first thing to think about would be determining if you are considering re-applying through next year’s residency cycle. While it may feel like there is time to relax, the search and application season will be starting in August-September. Dr. Jaclyn Boyle, a PGY1 residency program director at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)/AxessPointe and Assistant Dean of Student Success at NEOMED, was kind enough to give some advice on the matter. She stated the importance of “knowing what makes you stand out amongst other applicants, demonstrating enthusiasm, and describing how you are going to benefit a residency program.” The takeaway here being, that you will have a year to mature, self-reflect, and think about how you can improve your odds in the future. This self-reflection can be extremely beneficial when preparing for interviews and creating letters of intent.  You can speak to how you’ve grown in the months leading up to your interviews and what you’ve learned. During this time, it would also be beneficial to seek out a mentor that can help you to prepare and hone your application materials and interview skills. She also stated that “being aware of changes in pharmacy practice at large (particularly in the state you want to practice in)” will be important going further as well. Staying up to date on the current events in pharmacy and practice changes will be invaluable as continue that life-long learning model and prepare for pharmacy interviews. And lastly, she stated that “being very knowledgeable about what the program offers/doesn't offer and making sure it is a good fit for your short- and long-term career goals” is also particularly important.  I asked her specifically what advice she would have for a candidate in the meantime until the next match cycle.  She stated how important it is to start networking, developing yourself professionally, and practicing your interview skills. Some of her recommendations for professional development included seeking out additional training, educational opportunities, and volunteer experiences.

I think Dr. Boyle hit the nail on the head when it comes to developing yourself and networking. One of the most important things you can do until the next match cycle occurs is to continue to learn and gain more experience.  During these months, you can potentially gain pharmacy practice experience that will be bring new skills and knowledge that will be very beneficial. There are a few resources online from organizations and other pharmacists for candidates that haven’t matched including ASHP and ACCP as well as books, blogs, and forums.  One common theme that you will see with these resources, is that you shouldn’t give up. At the end of the day, you are still graduating with a Doctor in Pharmacy! You are a qualified applicant to work in many areas of the profession and based on the other 2,593 applicants, you are not alone. Reach out to preceptors, current and past, and ask if they are aware of any opportunities available or coming soon that align with your career interests. There may be entry-level pharmacist positions at the very same hospitals or community pharmacies that you sought out in the residency search process. Reach out to your mentors and ask if they are can help you network, review your CV, or help you hone your interview skills. There are many options after match day that keep you in the game if you DON’T GIVE UP. Continue to work, continue to learn, and continue to grow as a person and as a pharmacist.

Author: Laura Nice, PharmD, PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Resident, University of Louisville Hospital 

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment over the past 10 years. Traditional chemotherapy targets fast growing cells and halts the production of cells, including the body’s healthy cells. This leads to characteristic chemotherapy adverse events, including myelosuppression, nausea/vomiting, alopecia, and more. Alternatively, ICIs work to enhance the body’s immune system to fight cancer.¹ These are monoclonal antibodies given intravenously every two to four weeks. Inhibiting cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), or programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) stops the cancer from suppressing T cell activation, thereby allowing the immune system to fight (Table 1). In other terms, cancer places an “invisibility cloak” on itself to hide from the body’s immune system. ICIs remove this “invisibility cloak” and gives the T cells a chance to fight against the foreign cancer cells.

Table 1. Currently available immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and their mechanism of action.

	Atezolizumab (Tecentriq®) Durvalumab (Imfinzi®) Avelumab (Bavencio®)	Ipilimumab (Yervoy®)	Nivolumab (Opdivo®) Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) Cemiplimab (Libtayo®)
Mechanism of Action	Anti-PD-L1	Anti-CTLA-4	Anti-PD-1

While ICI’s mechanism leads to an antitumor effect in many cancers, not all cancers respond to immunotherapy. Response to immunotherapy can be predicted by biomarkers, such as the percentage of PD-L1 on cancer cells. This helps to guide whether ICIs can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. For certain cancers, ICIs have led to improved survival outcomes and have become first line treatment options. For example, KEYNOTE-024 evaluated pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer and a PD-L1 percentage > 50%.² Updated survival outcomes showed a median overall survival of 30.0 months for patients receiving pembrolizumab versus 14.2 months for patients receiving chemotherapy.

As more patients are exposed to ICIs, it is important for pharmacists and healthcare professionals to identify their major side effect: immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The underlying increase in T cell activation may also attack healthy organs, leading to an inflammatory response ranging from mild to life-threatening. Most commonly, irAEs are seen in the skin, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, endocrine, thyroid, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular systems.³ Any changes in organ systems in patients who are currently receiving or have received ICIs should include an assessment for irAEs. Typical manifestations may include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath, diarrhea, fatigue, and abnormal lab parameters. For example, a patient admitted to the hospital for diabetic ketoacidosis without a history of diabetes and currently on pembrolizumab for melanoma should spark concern for an endocrine irAE. Or, consider a patient currently on atezolizumab for lung cancer who comes to the local pharmacy with complaints of shortness of breath and new onset chest pain. Pneumonitis is on the differential diagnosis and this patient should be further evaluated by the healthcare team.

Studies have shown variable rates of irAEs, including a meta-analysis of patients receiving PD-L1 and PD-1 inhibitors, which found 66% of patients experienced any irAE and 14% of patients experienced severe irAEs.⁴ Rates of irAEs can also vary among ICIs; for example, gastrointestinal events were found to be more common with ipilimumab (30-40%) compared to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors.⁵ Fortunately, guidelines have been developed to assist in treatment of irAEs.³ For severe irAEs, first line therapy is high dose corticosteroids (1-2 mg/kg/day prednisone equivalents) to help calm the immune system. The course of corticosteroids for severe irAEs should include a taper over 4-6 weeks. In the event corticosteroids do not improve symptoms, second-line irAE therapy options include infliximab, intravenous immunoglobulin, mycophenolate, and vedolizumab. Once the irAE has resolved, the oncology team will assess the risk and benefit of resuming ICIs.

While ICIs may have serious adverse events, their mechanism of action and efficacy have provided a novel drug class to treat cancer. As patients are living longer with cancer there will be more patients who are on or have received ICIs. Pharmacists in all patient care settings have the opportunity to identify irAEs and can assist in recommending appropriate irAE management.

References:

1.      Darvin, P., Toor, S.M., Sasidharan Nair, V. et al. Immune checkpoint inhibitors: recent progress and potential biomarkers. Exp Mol Med. 2018; 50:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s12276-018-0191-1.

2.      Reck M, Rodriguez-Abreu D, et al. Updated Analysis of KEYNOTE-024: Pembrolizumab Versus Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer With PD-L1 Tumor Proportion Score of 50% or Greater. J Clin Oncol. 2019; 37:537-546.

3.      Brahmer JR, Lacchetti C, et al. Management of Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Clin Oncol. 2018; 36:1714-1768.

4.      Wang Y, Zhou S, Yang F, et al. Treatment-Related Adverse Events of PD-1 and PD-L1 Inhibitors in Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Oncol. 2019; 5(7):1008-1019.

5.      Kumar V, Chaudhary N, Garg M, Floudas CS, Soni P, Chandra AB. Current Diagnosis and Management of Immune Related Adverse Events (irAEs) Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy. Front Pharmacol. 2017 Feb 8;8:49.

Author: Brittany Bates, PharmD, BCPS; OSHP President-Elect

The current situation we are dealing with regarding COVID-19 has certainly created a great deal of uncertainty in our personal and professional lives. There are plenty of disappointments and frustrations that we are all dealing with: cancelled professional meetings, workload and workflow changes, moving pharmacy education to the virtual world, and dealing with public health concerns. Throughout these challenging times, I hope you try to find some silver linings: perhaps the satisfaction of trying new things or challenging yourself/your team to be innovative in the way we conduct our business. The way we react and respond to this event will likely pave the way in which our profession continues to evolve. Teamwork and innovative thinking will help us prevail through COVID-19, and remember when facing difficult circumstances...this too shall pass.

Other OSHP updates that I wanted to pass along include the new formation of a provider status implementation task force. The goal of this task force is to work alongside other state organizations as pharmacist provider status takes shape in Ohio. Thank you to Alex Hoffman for leading the task force!  Changes within our practice scope are already beginning to change in response to COVID-19, with the recent incorporation of pharmacy personnel to administer testing. Reimbursement for these activities and continued advocacy for the ability to perform and be reimbursed for services we provide to patients remain on ongoing challenge.

 An exciting update for this fall is that OSHP will be moving our Residency Showcase to a new venue at the Columbus Convention Center. Thank you to Jordan Long, Jessie Winters, and Bob Parsons for making this move possible!  And lastly, stay tuned for information regarding a new date for the OSHP Annual Meeting which was postponed from the May 7th and 8th dates. Thank you to the Educational Affairs Division and all those who have submitted CE for your hard work up until this point. We appreciate the patience of our members as we continue to plan and adapt to these unique circumstances.

Author: Jessica Hinson, PharmD, BCACP, Professional Affairs Division Director, OSHP

Ohio Northern University Raabe College of Pharmacy

“Wellbeing” and “Burnout” have been trending topics recently among healthcare professional organizations recently.  OSHP has even focused on the importance of these ideas with the 2019 Annual Meeting having a focus of “Taking Better Care of Ourselves for Our Patients”. 

Although many of us may be becoming numb to these topics as they have become buzzwords in our profession, it is important to remember that these ideas became headline news because of their importance to ourselves and to our patients.

Several pharmacy organizations, including ASHP, have published statements supporting efforts to protect pharmacist well being through reduction of burnout and excessive stressors in the workplace.  There are now published recommendations now in the form of both consensus statements as well as from individual organizations with ways in which employers can improve the wellness of their pharmacists while improving care provided to patients.

That leaves one question remaining...what can we do as practitioners in the meantime? 

Here are some tips from the National Council for Behavioral Health on how we can take better care of ourselves

1. Practice Self-Acceptance

We frequently focus on the parts of ourselves that we wish to change.  We look to obtain the ideal weight, dress in a particular manner, or perfect our appearance.  These goals may have the best intentions, but also focus on the negativity we feel about ourselves.  Practice self-acceptance by celebrating your traits that you love and learning to accept those you have previously thought of as flaws.

2. Blossom into a Social Butterfly!

Even if you are an introvert like myself, fostering close relationships with others has been shown to make us happier and healthier.  Take time for friends and family, put yourself in new social situations, and volunteer for causes that you love.  Connecting with people that love the same things you do will bring you happiness and lower your stress.

3. Work on your fitness

This doesn’t mean you have to purchase a gym membership or join crossfit (although those things are awesome!)  Even getting just 10 minutes more a day will help reduce stress, increase relaxation, and lower anxiety.

4. Be more like Sleeping Beauty

Many of us don’t get enough sleep, especially with pressures of work, family, and life in general.  The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep a night.  Remember your sleep hygiene lessons such as avoiding using televisions and phones in bed before you go to sleep!

5. Put Yourself First

As healthcare professionals and educators we frequently put the needs of others before our own.  Remember that you can only give as much of yourself as you care for!  Recognize your limits, remove toxicity from your life, and take time to treat yourself occasionally.  Relax, recharge, and flourish.

I hope these tips can help us recenter ourselves and live a better healthier life.

Resource:

https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/external/2018/01/healthy-ways-improve-mental-well-2018/

Author: Matthew Merical, PharmD Candidate 2022

“Policy” is not a word too many of us can find exciting; it reminds us of items we don’t like in our organizations or dogmatic rules to follow.

“Advocacy”, on the other hand, might just sound more friendly. It evokes strong images of teamwork, making a statement, and standing firm.

During the month of February, the Cedarville University chapter of SSHP partnered with our chapter of APhA-ASP for the purpose of promoting advocacy to students, engaging them in opportunities to promote the profession of pharmacy. With this partnership, we have streamlined our classmates’ abilities to attend Student Legislative Day and planned informational events that explain the legislative process. With this, we are equipping students to be good advocates, and explaining to them the “why” behind being involved.

Starting with our kickoff, students heard about upcoming events, saw posters from their peers and faculty on how to get involved, and met with other students to discuss their passions in the profession. Our unique ideas and different mindsets helped us challenge each other to ultimately support the profession

Our major event in the month, Bills Bills Bills (lovingly named after a campus-favorite donut shop), will use a game structure to show students how the legislative “Bill” process works, while letting them vote on interesting policies that are integrated into the game.

Finally, while not a result of our partnership with other student organizations, we will have an opportunity for student pharmacists to network with local pharmacists at our annual Networking Dinner. We anticipate professional connections will be fostered, developing conversations about what the future of pharmacy looks like and showing students how they can continue advocating for the profession.

ASHP’s PAI 2030 goals address many challenges the future of our profession faces. Many of these hurdles will be easy to address, and others require diligent work. It is an exciting time to join the profession due to the unique challenges we face, and we must move forward by educating ourselves, our communities, and other medical professions on the services we can provide. Most importantly for our chapter and others, this work can start now with student involvement. As student pharmacists finish school to join the workforce, we should be prepared and passionate about advocating and encouraging others to get involved.

As a challenge and encouragement, this work can be done as we work together and share a unified voice. The chapter meetings, conversations with peers, and ability to get involved are all within reach of each of us and are the foundation for change.

One small spark might not start the fire, but many certainly will.