APhA Member News
APhA Staff
A minute with …
Brooke Kulusich, PharmD candidate 2022
University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy
Member since 201
“As a final-year student pharmacist at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, I attribute the most personally and professionally
rewarding aspects of my education to my involvement in APhA–ASP. This organization has challenged me as a leader, has provided me with a strong sense of community, and has ignited a passion for moving the profession forward.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
The relationships I have built through my membership have added immense meaning to my pharmacy school experience, both professionally and personally. The APhA community is powerful and I am grateful to have repeatedly benefitted from its ability to bring people together. For example, my membership recently landed me an interview thanks to a connection…of a connection…of a connection!
Personally, I have formed lifelong friendships with fellow student pharmacists that I will carry with me long after pharmacy school. We all come from various corners of the country and unique backgrounds, but we are united in our passion for pharmacy.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist (e.g., experiences in patient care projects, leadership opportunities, advocacy, etc.)?
My membership in APhA–ASP has equipped me with many tools that I will utilize as I embark on my career as a pharmacist: transformative patient care experiences, a robust network of professionals and peers, and a platform to lead and advocate for the profession. From working with the Operation Immunization committee to vaccinate my community against COVID-19, to completing an APPE rotation with the Government Affairs team, to serving on the National Executive Committee, I am grateful that I have seized these opportunities to maximize my membership.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
My favorite experience during my term as Speaker of the House has been chairing the APhA–ASP Resolutions Committee, in which we reviewed proposed resolutions from chapters across the country. I read over 100 proposed resolutions and was endlessly inspired by these student pharmacists’ cutting-edge ideas on how to advance our profession. The upcoming generation of pharmacists is passionate, purpose-driven, and determined to forge the future of pharmacy.
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 the initial COVID-19 vaccine rollout, I was proud to work with my chapter’s Operation Immunization committee to vaccinate the Pittsburgh community at university-wide clinics led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. I vividly remember the patients’ excitement and gratitude when they received their first doses. It was very rewarding to know that I played a small yet meaningful role in pursuit of ending the pandemic. ■
Get involved in APhA
Transitions of Care SIG
The primary purpose of the APhA–APPM Transitions of Care SIG is to provide a community where pharmacists and technicians in all practice settings can navigate the complex health care system by sharing ideas on how to collaborate in optimizing transitions of care. The mission of the APhA–APPM Transitions of Care Special Interest Group (SIG) is to create a professional network of pharmacists and technicians who are working to overcome the transitional challenges and enhance the collaboration among pharmacists in all practice settings as they provide care to patients during transitions to and from various health care settings. Members of the SIG can also choose to be further involved by participating in the practice, communications, or webinar committees.
Interested in getting involved in the Transitions of Care SIG? Visit apha.us/ToCSIG to learn more. ■
Did you know?
APhA has resources available for sterile compounding review and recertification
APhA has partnered with USP, the organization responsible for setting standards for sterile compounding, to plan and develop a comprehensive, innovative professional development program for the Board of Pharmacy specialty in compounded sterile preparations pharmacy. APhA and USP will help you meet the standards of USP Chapters <797> and <800> while ensuring quality and safety in the delivery of compounded medications to your patients. Programs are designed to meet the needs of practitioners seeking a board-certified sterile compounding pharmacist (BCSCP) designation or to provide recertification credit to those who have earned the credential.
Visit apha.us/BCSCP to check out the current activities. ■
APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition
While attending APhA2022, don’t miss these sessions on pharmacist burnout and well-being
APhA’s Practice Affairs Team is leading a session called “Open Forum: Creative Idea Exchange on Pharmacy Personnel Well-being” (March 20, 3:30–4:30PM).
Other related sessions at APhA2022:
- “Pharmacist’s Well-Being & Resilience: Well-Being Index for Pharmacy Personnel” (March 19; 2:30–3:30PM)
- “Pharmacist’s Fundamental Responsibilities and Rights—Year One: A Town Hall Discussion” (March 20; 11:30AM–12:30PM)
- “Heal Thyself: Burnout Recovery for Front-Line Heroes” (March 20; 1:00–2:00PM)
- “Alone Together: The Mental Health Toll of COVID-19” (March 20; 3:30–4:30PM) ■