APhA Member News
APhA staff
A Minute with...
Shefa Ali, PharmD candidate 2024
Pharmacy intern, Publix Pharmacy, Deland, FL, and final-year student pharmacist at University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Member since 2020
The variety of resources and opportunities provided by APhA have allowed me to broaden my knowledge and explore areas of pharmacy that pique my interest. Through their diverse range of learning materials, webinars, patient care opportunities, and conferences, I have been able to expand my understanding beyond what I learn in the classroom.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
Attending APhA conferences and meetings has provided me with a platform to engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and build relationships with individuals who share a common passion for pharmacy. These events have been instrumental in expanding my network and connecting me with professionals from various practice settings and areas of expertise.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist?
APhA encourages members to become advocates for the profession and engage in policy development. This advocacy focus has allowed me to develop leadership skills in shaping health care policy, understanding the legislative process, and effectively communicating with policymakers. APhA’s resources, training programs, and events have equipped me with the knowledge and tools to become an influential advocate for positive change within the pharmacy profession.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
What truly excites me about the profession of pharmacy is the opportunity to directly impact patients’ lives and ensure the best care possible. As a pharmacist, I have the privilege of being on the front line of patient care, playing a vital role in optimizing medication therapy, and promoting positive health outcomes.
Can you share a meaningful story about a time you interacted with a patient? Perhaps a time you felt like you really made a difference for them?
An older patient came in for a comprehensive medication review with a bag full of medications. She appeared overwhelmed and confused, so I took the time to carefully review each medication, checking for potential interactions, duplications, and adherence challenges. As we went through the list together, I noticed discrepancies between her actual medication regimen and what was documented in her medication records.
Understanding the importance of medication adherence and patient education, I patiently explained the purpose of each medication, its proper use, and potential adverse effects. I used visual aids from my phone when possible and simplified the language to ensure she fully understood the instructions. We also discussed the importance of adhering to the prescribed schedule and the role of each medication in managing her chronic conditions. Realizing that organizing her medications was a significant barrier to adherence, I suggested the use of a morning/afternoon pill organizer and demonstrated how to set it up properly.
I also offered to synchronize her refills, making it easier for her to manage her medications and prevent her from running out of her medications. As the patient left the pharmacy, she expressed her gratitude, saying she felt more confident and reassured about managing her medications.
Months later, this same patient reported that, through our interactions and the interventions implemented, she had gained a better understanding of her medications, diligently followed her prescribed regimen, and noticed positive changes in her health conditions. ■
New
Pharmacy Profiles’ certification
Pharmacy Profiles, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Pharmacists Association, has achieved certification as a credentials verification organization (CVO) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). This certification underscores Pharmacy Profiles’ commitment to the highest standards of quality and efficiency in the credentialing processes.
The NCQA CVO certification is a prestigious recognition awarded to organizations that demonstrate compliance with rigorous standards in verifying the credentials of health care professionals. The certification process evaluates key aspects of credentialing, including data integrity, accuracy, and timeliness, ensuring that Pharmacy Profiles meets or exceeds industry benchmarks. Achieving NCQA certification positions Pharmacy Profiles among a distinguished group of organizations committed to fostering trust and accountability in health care. Please visit www.pharmacyprofiles.com for more information about Pharmacy Profiles and its credentialing services. ■
Did You Know?
Pharmacy deserts
Over the past 8 years, there has been a 6% decrease in the number of pharmacies in Virginia, according to a JAPhA article published online on February 10, 2025. This decline mirrors a 5.4% national decrease. These pharmacy deserts limit access to essential medications and health care services, particularly impacting underserved communities. This study dove into the causes of this decline and suggested that factors such as economic pressures and regulatory challenges were key contributors. Individuals who are Black, uninsured, living in poverty, or only have Medicare or Medicaid coverage are more likely to live in a pharmacy desert, according to the study. Visit www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(25)00013-5/abstract to read more by Boyle and colleagues. ■
Learn
OTC hearing aids
APhA offers a 3-hour, competency-based, interprofessional advanced training program on OTC hearing aids that was developed by a pharmacist and audiologist at the University of Pittsburgh. Set to equip pharmacists in the community setting with the competence to recognize, screen, intervene, and refer patients with hearing loss effectively, this course is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collaborate with hearing health care professionals and educate your patients about OTC hearing devices sold at pharmacies.
This eLearning course is suited for both pharmacists and student pharmacists alike. Visit www.pharmacist.com/Education/Advanced-Training-Self-Paced/Pharmacy-based-OTC-hearing-aids to learn more about enrollment options. ■
Get involved
Discover your professional home with APhA
Our new communities are the heart of APhA, where like-minded individuals collaborate to create resources, products, and services that advance the pharmacy profession and improve patient care. By joining one of our diverse communities, you’ll connect with pharmacists, researchers, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians who share your interests and goals. Joining a community opens doors to invaluable networking opportunities and benefits tailored to your needs.
Volunteering and active engagement in these communities not only expands your network but also enhances your leadership skills and professional development. Get involved by joining a work group and engaging in projects that matter to you. As a community member, you’ll have access to APhA Engage, our electronic networking platform, where you can stay updated with daily digest emails or customize your notification settings to suit your preferences.
Take the first step toward enriching your career and making a difference. Join an APhA Community today and unlock your potential! Check it out at www.pharmacist.com/Membership/Communities.
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