APhA Member News
A minute with...
Shiyar Kapan, PharmD
Fellow, U.S./Global Medical Affairs
Pfizer, Inc., New York, NY
Member since 2018
As a member of APhA, I have had the privilege of participating in various initiatives that gave back to the community and provided valuable experiences. During my time as a member of the APhA–ASP Chapter at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), I was actively involved in community engagement efforts across Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville, TN. Currently, I am a member of the APhA–APPM Pharmacy Residency Education and Training Subcommittee. Involvement with this committee provides the opportunity to collaborate with fellow committee members and gain insights from my peers. I would like to continue to work with the group to help move the pharmacy profession forward.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
One of the most memorable aspects of being a member of APhA–ASP has been the ability to connect with pharmacists and other health care providers.
Through APhA–ASP, I worked on community engagement projects with student organizations within UTHSC and student pharmacists from other schools. This allowed me to learn from their experiences but also supplied me with a network of health care professionals in training. Being part of the APhA–APPM Pharmacy Residency Education and Training Subcommittee has exposed me to experienced residents who have helped me navigate the early stages of my career as a new practitioner. APhA has also presented numerous opportunities to attend conferences and educational events to meet and learn from other professionals in the field.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
What excites me is the ability to positively impact patient care and access. Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics, and can play a vital role on the health care team. With the expanding roles of pharmacists, patients are given more comprehensive care, including medication therapy management, chronic disease management, and vaccinations.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists were first on the front lines, assisting with vaccinations and providing education and support to patients. This is just one example of how pharmacists can step up and make a difference in patient care. The evolving landscape of health care allows endless opportunities for pharmacists to use their skills and knowledge to improve patient outcomes and access to care. I am excited to be a part of this profession and look forward to the future possibilities it holds.
Can you share a meaningful story about a time you interacted with a patient?
My first community service engagement event in pharmacy school was held at a small church in Memphis, TN. Here I was able to witness the impact of interprofessional collaborations in providing accessible health care for those in need.
At this event, our team monitored BP and blood glucose readings, while also offering basic disease state management medications to those who were uninsured or unable to afford them. What I remember most about this event was the trust that the patients had with our group of colleagues. This was a recurring clinic where patients were monitored regularly, granting us the ability to build relationships while providing care that was not otherwise available to them.
This experience solidified my passion for the profession of pharmacy and the vital role that pharmacists play in improving the health and well-being of our communities. ■
Advancing pharmacy practice
APhA, the official journal of the American Pharmacists Association, is pleased to announce a call for papers for the eighth annual special issue showcasing the scholarship of pharmacy residents. Elevate your professional horizons and improve patient care by publishing in this ideal forum for pharmacy residents and recent residency graduates. Authors will be paired with a mentor from the JAPhA Editorial Advisory Board to help develop their writing skills during the peer review process.
“As someone navigating the publication process as PI for the first time (as many residents are), I felt so much more confident and comfortable after meeting with my assigned EAB member,” said Lindsey Miller, PharmD. “Their advice was crucial in getting my manuscript to where it needed to be, and I also gained knowledge & best practices that I will use throughout the rest of my career to continue contributing to the literature. And I gained a new mentor!”
Manuscripts must be submitted by September 15, 2024.
Visit www.japha-innovations.org/call-for-papers for more information, topics of interest, and the process for submission. ■
Get involved in APhA
Immunizations have become an integral service in pharmacy. The Immunizing Pharmacists Special Interest Group (SIG) offers a way to stay up to date regarding changes in immunizations recommendations, as well as a way to connect with others who are involved with immunizations. The APhA–APPM Immunizing Pharmacists SIG provides members valuable educational tools including the Immunization Quick Reference Guide, Travel Health Guide, and regular webinars. "My involvement in the Immunizing Pharmacists SIG has provided me with opportunities to network with amazing individuals across the profession, learn best immunization practices, and expand my leadership experience," said Danielle Kieck, Immunizing Pharmacists SIG coordinator. "I am so happy that I joined this SIG and plan to remain involved for the foreseeable future!"
Visit our volunteer page at www.pharmacist.com/volunteer for more information. ■
Lead the way
JFPS 2024 is the premier event for federal pharmacists and technicians from all service branches and federal agencies.
We are thrilled to invite you to join us in San Diego, November 10–12, 2024, for an inspiring and educational gathering focused on the theme “Federal Pharmacy Professionals Lead the Way with Selfless Service to our Nation.”
In the realm of health care, federal pharmacy stands as a beacon of selfless service and leads the way in ensuring the well-being of our nation. This year’s meeting celebrates the remarkable journey of federal pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, their unwavering commitment to service, and the profound impact they have on the health and resilience of our nation.
Visit jfpsmeeting.pharmacist.com for updates on the meeting program, keynote speakers, registration details, and more. Together, let’s foster a unified force within the federal pharmacy community and lead the way toward positive change. ■