APhA Member News
A minute with …
Elias Nazario, 2021 PharmD candidate
University of Florida College of Pharmacy; and pharmacy intern,
Publix Supermarkets, Miami
Member since 2018
To be involved in something outside what is expected of you is a fantastic feat because it requires you to search for greater meaning in what is laid out for you. Being a member of APhA’s Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA–ASP) has provided me that opportunity, since I now know I can do much more, not only for myself but also for those locally and internationally. APhA has been excellent in getting its members engaged and continues to demonstrate how valuable student pharmacists can be in any setting. More and more, I see plenty of students eager to help out with health screenings and patient care projects and attend international health outreach trips. I couldn’t be more excited for the future of pharmacy. It leads me to believe that I made a strong career choice, knowing how bright the future will be, and I can thank APhA for that forward outlook.
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
My first pharmacy-related event was APhA’s Annual Meeting in Nashville, where I got to meet so many people from distance campuses. I got to see how many other students were passionate about what we do, and I began attending more events, such as the Midyear Regional Meeting, Legislative Days, and the APhA Annual Meeting once again. Each and every time, I meet more and more passionate people and get to rekindle friendships made earlier. I can honestly say I have made plenty of connections throughout the U.S. and while in pharmacy school.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist?
I earned my first major leadership position as the communications vice president in my first year of pharmacy school. I used to tend to stay in smaller roles because I could not bear the responsibility. However, when given the opportunity, I saw that I had plenty of help from people who have held the position in the past and current vice presidents from other chapters. It really made me a better leader to realize how to best use one’s own resources. APhA makes it easy to do this through the very connected network it strives to maintain. I believe that I was able to become the best communications vice president I could be because of this, and in turn, I can realize my potential as a better leader in any upcoming leadership positions.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
Pharmacy seems to be appreciated most when pharmacists are in the room and other professionals comment on how nice it is to have a pharmacist on board. Pharmacists are starting to enter more and more rooms, and we have become vital members of the health care team. We always have made humongous contributions to providing premier patient care, but with the changing of the guard and a new incoming generation, it is exciting to see that more and more health care professionals want to see pharmacists as a part of the interprofessional team.
Can you share a meaningful story about a time you interacted with a patient? Perhaps a time you felt that you really made a difference for them?
I strive to be a prominent member of health care incentives to help less-privileged populations, particularly in the Hispanic community. I have helped lead pharmacy-driven tasks in this community by way of medication reconciliation, counseling, and distribution of medications for patients at no cost.
I think the thing they appreciate most is the ability to speak to someone in their own language who understands them and can provide information in a way they understand. Some areas aren’t lucky enough to have bilingual pharmacists and patients have to make do with some sort of broken English to get a sliver of help. The gleam in their eye, knowing they will be taken care of properly, is why I love to do what I do and will continue to help those who need it the most.
Stories from the front lines
“At an APhA blood pressure screening event, I had a unique opportunity to talk with a married couple about the husband’s blood pressure medication. While I took their blood pressure as part of our patient care event, I also used this opportunity to ask more questions about their medications, any medication-related problems, and any potential issues with adherence. I let the responses lead our conversation, and I was able to break down the pathophysiology of high blood pressure in patient-friendly terms, explain how the medication helps lower their blood pressure, and discussed other lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise for both the husband and wife. This was a very rewarding experience for me, as I was able to practice communicating disease-state and medication knowledge in patient-friendly terms that we don’t often get to practice during a didactic lecture. This couple was extremely grateful for the time I spent explaining their medication to them and the importance of taking it every day. Knowing how easily accessible pharmacists are in the community, it makes me excited for the future to know that I will have many more of these conversations.”
Allison Waldvogel, 2020 PharmD candidate, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL
Did you know?
Pharmacists’ Guide to Coronavirus
APhA’s guide to coronavirus for pharmacists (www.pharmacist.com/coronavirus) includes information and resources, including what to tell your patients, the International Pharmaceutical Federation’s decision guide tree, and links to the latest information from CDC, the World Health Organization, and more. The site is updated continuously with the most recent information.
Members in motion
Lemrey “Al” Carter, MS, PharmD, RPh, named executive director/secretary of NABP
The executive committee of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) recently announced that Lemrey “Al” Carter, MS, PharmD, RPh, will become the association’s executive director/secretary effective May 16, 2020. Carter will succeed Carmen A. Catizone, MS, RPh, DPh, who is retiring from NABP in December 2020 after serving the association for 35 years. Before joining NABP, Carter served as the divisional vice president of pharmacy operations and professional affairs for Walgreens. In addition, Carter is serving his second term as a member of the Illinois State Board of Pharmacy. He earned his MS from the University of Florida and his PharmD from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy.