APhA Member News
APhA staff
A Minute with...
Kaitlyn Priestley, BFA, MS, CPhT-ADV
Pharmacy Operations Manager on Special Assignment, Immunization Services, Walgreens, Sarasota, FL
Member since 2023
While my background as a pharmacy technician may not align with traditional paths, I believe that uniqueness is a strength. Each of us brings distinct talents, interests, and career experiences to the table. I hold a master’s in student development and education, and my early career was in art and design. Nine years ago, I became a licensed pharmacy technician, initially as a supplementary job to ‘pay the bills,’ without fully realizing that those letters, ‘CPhT,’ would open doors to a wide range of career opportunities within the pharmacy field. This role has allowed me to blend my creative problem-solving abilities, human development knowledge, and my core commitment to helping others. My experiences at Walgreens, as well as my involvement with APhA, have inspired me to advocate for the continued growth of the pharmacy technician profession and the career development opportunities available within the field.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
Although I’m new to APhA, I’ve received valuable opportunities from the organization in the past 15 months. I’ve networked with Walgreens peers at the Annual Meeting & Exposition, collaborated with pharmacy technicians nationwide on resource development, and helped lay the foundation for the Pharmacy Technician Community as chair-elect in its inaugural year.
These connections, both locally and nationally, support my work in immunization services and inspire me to show that pharmacy technicians—especially those on nontraditional paths—can pursue diverse opportunities. By advocating for ourselves, asking questions, and driving positive change, we can have a lasting impact on health care and improve patient outcomes.
How does APhA help you thrive in your everyday practice?
APhA has resources that provide quick updates throughout the work week, which allow me to stay relevant with updates to immunization recommendations, ACIP meetings, news briefings, and conversation from peers. I receive daily news updates, as well as updates from the communities I’ve joined on the APhA ENGAGE platform. These resources are helpful, especially if you are on the go and need quick snapshots of what’s going on in the world of pharmacy as you start your workday!
What are some challenges pharmacy technicians face, and how do you overcome them?
The pharmacy technician role is multifaceted, encompassing patient service, billing, immunization, and more. It has evolved significantly, especially since the pandemic, with many states now allowing pharmacy technicians to administer vaccines. Despite the demanding nature of the role, what keeps me motivated is the patient. That patient could be someone’s mother, grandfather, cousin, or best friend.
The Japanese concept of Ikigai—“a reason for being”—reminds me that my purpose is to ensure people are cared for, educated on immunizations based on their risks, and receive their medications, even if it’s just before closing. Working in pharmacy can be intense, but remembering the impact of a small action, like a medication refill or co-administering vaccines, makes it all worthwhile. ■
News
New fellows of the American Pharmacists Association
APhA is thrilled to celebrate and welcome our new Class of 2025 APhA Fellows who were recognized on March 21 during the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition Opening General Session in Nashville. A fellow of the American Pharmacists Association is a member of the APhA Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management or the APhA Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience and achievements in professional practice. An APhA fellow has also rendered outstanding service to the profession through activities in APhA and other organizations. Examples of service to organizations may include an elected or appointed office; service on a committee, expert panel, or review board; or other relevant activities. The selection of members as APhA fellows is made by their respective academy. To all new and current APhA fellows, your exemplary professional achievements in professional practice, science and research, and outstanding service to the profession are greatly appreciated and valued by APhA. Thank you for all you do for APhA and the profession of pharmacy every day!
Selected as APhA fellows by APhA–APPM
- Mary S. Klein, PharmD, BCACP, CHSE
- Gregory Fox, BS
- Jessica L. Hinson, PharmD, BCACP, NCNTT
- Erin E. Pauling, PharmD, BCACP
- Katherine S. O’Neal, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, CDCES, BC–ADM, AE–C, CLS, FADCES
- Nanci L. Murphy, PharmD, FWSPA
- Elizabeth G. Johnson, PharmD
- Clark D. Kebodeaux, PharmD, BCACP
- Traci M. Poole, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP
- Courtney Doyle-Campbell, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, AHSCP–CHC
Selected as APhA fellows by APhA–APRS
- Brandi Hamilton, PharmD, MS, BCPS
- Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, PhD, BPharm
- Elizabeth J. Unni, PhD, MBA, BPharm
- Joey Mattingly, PharmD, MBA, PhD
- Anthony W. Olson, PhD, PharmD
Learn
APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders
Join us in Salt Lake City from May 28, 2025, to May 31, 2025, for a life-changing experience where you’ll gain valuable insights, practical tools, and connections to make a difference in addressing SUD. The APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders is your gateway to expanding knowledge and reshaping perspectives on addiction. It provides a platform for attendees to engage deeply with the science, statistics, and personal narratives surrounding this critical issue.
The APhA Institute hopes to provide pharmacists, student pharmacists, and the profession with resources, information, and guidance regarding SUD education. It is our hope that the institute will help you redefine your views on the disease and serve as a catalyst to help increase the awareness of health and social problems related to alcohol use disorder and other drug dependencies. During the institute, attendees will not only learn about the science, but they will also discover the personal and emotional effects involved in SUDs. Attendees can earn 12 hours of CPE or 2.0 university credit hours. Visit aphainstitute.pharmacist.com to learn more. ■
Stay informed
Lp(a) shared decision-making guide
Pharmacists can now play a crucial role in managing lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] with the shared decision-making guide developed by APhA Foundation and the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention. The guide simplifies complex Lp(a) information, enabling pharmacists to better assist patients in understanding their condition and making heart-healthy decisions.
In shared decision making, patients and health care providers collaborate to make the best possible health care decisions. Together, they consider fact-based information, the clinician’s knowledge and education, and the patient’s values, questions, and preferences. Use the guide to break down complex terms into simple language, help patients navigate their treatment options, and encourage healthy changes that fit patients’ lifestyles.
Visit apha.us/LpGuide to download the guide. ■
Get involved
APhA Communities
The APhA Communities are dynamic networks designed for pharmacists, researchers, new practitioners, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians to connect, collaborate, and grow together. Engage in meaningful discussions, share expertise, and stay informed about the latest industry trends. Whether you’re seeking mentorship, networking opportunities, or insights to advance your career, the APhA Communities provide the support and resources you need. Join us and be part of a network that is shaping the future of pharmacy! Take the first step toward enriching your career and making a difference. Unlock your potential by checking out www.pharmacist.com/Membership/Communities and join today! ■