MelisRxScripts

In Episode 65, Melissa talks with Farah Towfic, Senior Director of Healthcare Quality and Safety Center of Excellence with the US Pharmacopeia (USP). We discuss Farah’s passion for innovative technology and advancing medicines quality worldwide. She shares her experiences working as a pharmacist with the world-renowned Osterhaus pharmacy.  Farah also received the 2022 University of Iowa Alumni Achievement Award (Recent Graduate) for leadership on the USP COVID-19 Vaccine Handling Toolkit. Farah is committed to empowering women in pharmacy and leads the APhA Foundation’s Women in Pharmacy Committee. Register here for the October 2024 Women in Pharmacy Fall Event

https://www.aphafoundation.org/wip2024fallevent

In Episode 64, Melissa talks with Kristen Peterson, a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist with RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center and the recipient of the 2023 University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Genesis Alumni Award. They spend time talking about next steps for patients after a cancer diagnosis. Kristen describes the important role of an oncology pharmacist to answer cancer treatment questions on side effects of treatment and how it will affect daily life. As a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist, she collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team. Kristen also shares examples of how to build your professional network, prepare for your clinical rotations, and land your dream job including her experience with pharmacy residency training and oncology pharmacy specialty certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.

In episode 63, Melissa is joined by pharmacist Gretchen Brummel. Gretchen “flips the script” and interviews Melissa, a pharmacist and Certified Association Executive, who also was recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy (January 2023). Gretchen and Melissa explore launching MelisRxScripts during the pandemic and how to start a podcast. Melissa, a servant leader, discusses being an advocate for collaboration and bringing people together in health care to advance innovation. As a mentor, Melissa champions connection, well-being and resilience.

Read Working Together: Summary and Recommendations of the 2022 Bridging Pharmacy Education and Practice Summit here.

In Episode 62, Melissa talks with Diane B. Ginsburg, Associate Dean for Healthcare Partnerships at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy and the recipient of the 2024 Harvey AK Whitney Lecture Award, health-system pharmacy’s highest award. They discuss her Whitney lecture, “Pharmacy’s Golden Circle” and Call to Action. A servant leader, Diane shares insights on giving back and her experiences as an educator, author, speaker and volunteer leader with multiple pharmacy organizations including the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. Finally, she describes her mentoring impact on the lives of 4,000 student pharmacists over multiple decades and how she is inspired to learn and grow every single day.

https://harveywhitney.org/lectures/diane-b-ginsburg/

In Episode 61, Melissa talks with Rucha Bond, Assistant Dean for Experiential Education at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. They discuss Rucha’s passion for research, scholarship and collaboration. Rucha is a graduate of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Leadership Fellows Program and recently completed her EdD. Rucha reflects on navigating tough times with family and treasuring every moment together. Finally, she honors her mentors who have supported her career journey.

Looking to enrich your career as a pharmacist and preceptor? Check out MelisRxScripts episode 60 with Erin Keen, a clinical pharmacist focused on home-based primary care with the VA. As a preceptor and mentor, Erin fosters a supportive environment with active listening and engaging learning experiences.  She is dedicated to guiding future generations of pharmacists and committed to making a difference by serving Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Beyond her pharmacy career, Erin shares a deep love for dogs, cultivated through decades of involvement in dog showmanship and training. We did a deep dive on her furry friends, Indy, Shannon, Maggie, and Baron. Indy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, shares love as a therapy dog at airports. Instagram: @Indy_the_speedy_cavalier

www.therapydogs.com

In Episode 59, Melissa talks with Emmeline Paintsil, an educator, pharmacist, and artist. Emmeline’s journey includes a deep commitment to making a positive impact on healthcare and paying it forward through mentoring. They reflect on their collaboration on the Zada Cooper Leadership Symposium and shared commitment to fostering belonging and empowering others to be the best they can be. Finally, Emmeline reveals a big dream and thrilling adventure in the works.

In Episode 58, Melissa connects with Jenny Bingham, a pharmacist, educator, innovator and advocate for health equity. Jenny shares her insights on leadership, mentoring, and paying it forward. Learn how to navigate career challenges with resilience and discover her pillars of wellness. Finally, Jenny shares highlights of her collaborative research on the history of American pharmacy contributions to pandemic responses. Ready to lead change? Tune in to this MelisRxScripts podcast and be empowered to make a difference in pharmacy!

https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(23)00297-2/abstract

https://www.aphafoundation.org/honorees2022

In Episode 57, join us as we dive into the world of community pharmacy practice innovation and advocacy with student pharmacist Haley McKeefer and her mentor, pharmacist Jennifer Fix. Haley, a 2024 PharmD candidate, recently recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy, shares her student learning journey and preparation for her upcoming role as a Health Policy & Communications Fellow. Jennifer, a seasoned pharmacist and educator reflects on legislative advocacy, training for pharmacy technicians and expanding pharmacists’ services. Tune in as we explore, mentors, resilience and the important role of state associations.

In Episode 56, Melissa celebrates Season 5 and highlights a prescription or life lesson from her outstanding guests. There are many takeaways on leadership, learning from failure, and paying it forward. Finally, there are reflections on the  importance of pausing to reduce stress and improve overall health.