APhA Member News
APhA staff
A minute with...
Joseph Miles Azurin, PharmD
PGY1/MS Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership resident at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, Palo Alto, CA
Member since 2021
How would you say your membership has been valuable to your career?
In one word, rewarding! In a field in which connections are so important, the friends and “pharm-ily” I’ve made along the way make me feel like I can reach out to someone anywhere throughout the country.
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
Through the APhA Foundation and my role on the International Standing Committee, I’ve had the honor of connecting with pharmacists and student pharmacists from around the world both virtually and in-person! Learning about pharmacy education and practice in different countries has been such an awesome experience and opportunity thanks to APhA.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist?
Thanks to the opportunities to lead as chapter president at Loma Linda and national contact person on the International Standing Committee, I feel better equipped with the skills and experience to lead teams and projects successfully.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
I’m excited about the growing services that pharmacists can provide to better serve our patients.
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?
During an immunization clinic organized by our chapter at Loma Linda, I had a patient who was terrified of needles but wanted to get their annual flu vaccine. After calming her down and letting her talk about her plans for the weekend, she didn’t even realize that I had already given her the shot! She told me that she would tell all her classmates to ask for “Joseph” when getting their vaccine. ■
Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services
Your patients already trust you. Now, get trained to support them in one of the most critical areas of public health: HIV prevention. APhA’s Pharmacy-Based HIV Prevention Services Certificate Training Program equips you with the clinical knowledge and communication tools to confidently offer PrEP and PEP services.
Earn 12 hours of CPE with this virtual training that reviews real-world scenarios and the building blocks of communication methods for discussing sexual health. It also covers CDC guidelines for provision of PrEP and PEP, epidemiology and pathophysiology, screening, and pharmacotherapy of sexually transmitted infections. Visit apha.us/HIVPrevention to enroll today. ■
Focus On: COVID-19 Test-to-Treat Services
The most powerful interventions often begin with a simple question. APhA’s Focus On: COVID-19 Test-to-Treat Services provides conversation starters and motivational interviewing tips to help pharmacy teams discuss COVID-19 symptoms, testing, and treatment options with patients. These tools are crucial for guiding patients who may be unsure, hesitant, or unaware of the risks of Long COVID. Using the right language and tone can direct patients toward timely care, potentially preventing serious outcomes.
As COVID-19 becomes endemic, mastering test-to-treat protocols is crucial. This comprehensive guide covers high-risk patient identification, antiviral options, and treatment timing. It equips health care professionals with the knowledge to handle conversations confidently and competently. Use it for team development or individual learning. Download your free copy at apha.us/COVID19TTS to enhance your understanding and preparedness. ■
Implementing Solutions 2.0
The Implementing Solutions 2.0 report, a call to action to improve working conditions affecting the mental health and well-being of pharmacists and pharmacy personnel, was recently released by APhA, ASHP, and NABP.
The report is the culmination of a recent summit convened by the three organizations to address workplace conditions, burnout, and mental health. This report builds on the 2023 summit and keeps momentum moving toward a sustainable, healthy pharmacy workforce. We are committed to continuing our efforts to improve well-being and workplace issues.
The five main themes covered are practice advancement, technology and workflow efficiencies, workforce, mental health, and a regulatory and legislative framework. Participants devised actionable solutions for employers, associations, boards of pharmacy, and individuals to implement within their circles of influence. Visit apha.us/ImplementSolutions to learn more. ■