Please join us as we welcome PPA members both students and practitioners to the podcast to speak on their experience at the annual Pennsylvania Pharmacist Association Conference in October 2022.Isabelle Litvak, PharmDRachel DiPaolantonio, PharmD

On today's episode, we welcome Ryan Ray, PharmD, a clinical pharmacist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist for Wellpower. As a staff pharmacist, Dr. Ray's responsibility is to collaborate with other mental health staff providers to help his patients manage their diabetes and help understand the long term complications of poor diabetes control. In addition to his staff pharmacy role, he is also integrated into diabetes care and education into WellPower's integrated Primary Care Unit. Dr. Ray is focused on addressing health inequities he has identified over his years of experience with the SMI population. This work includes creating a new curriculum to teach DSMES to the SMI population and using and advocating for advanced technology to be incorporated into his practice and diabetes practice as a whole. Join us as we discuss the successes and challenges with the SMI population and how to overcome some barriers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us today as we talk all things continuous glucose monitoring with a diabetes care and education specialist, Dr. Diana Isaacs. Learn more about the barriers and challenges associated with using CGM for your patients and strategies to overcome these challenges. In addition, Dr. Diana Isaacs walks us through the newest technologies and innovations in the diabetes management space as diabetes care has transformed drastically in the last decade.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristen Archibald who is the Chief Operations Officer and Director of Clinical Services for West Towne Pharmacy and Princeton Drug in Johnson City, TN and is also co-owner of Chinook Pharmacy in Lafayette, CO. Dr. Archibald is passionate about community service, disease state education, and patient advocacy, which are perfectly blended in her current role. In today's episode, we learn about the unique challenges and rewards of leading DSMES classes for underserved populations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we welcome Dr. Susan Cornell, PharmD, CDCES, FAPhA, FADCES, an associate director of experiential education and professor in the department of pharmacy practice at Midwestern University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Cornell provides insight into ADCES, its benefits, and obtaining credentials as a practicing pharmacist interested in diabetes care. Pharmacists are only a small portion of diabetes educators and obtaining credentialing can provide more opportunities. Listen in to learn about ways you can get involved from an esteemed pharmacist with over 25 years of experience in diabetes management. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, we are joined by Dr. Megan Bookser who is an ambulatory care pharmacist in Washington, PA. Dr. Bookser is the Program Manager of Ambulatory Care Pharmacy at PPCP, an independent primary care practice group. She is the Program Coordinator for PPCP’s DSMES service and along with a collaborating dietitian, leads virtual classes every other month. Today we hear about the differences and similarities between starting a DSMES service in the ambulatory care setting verses the community setting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we are joined by Dr. Danielle Kieck, an Assistant Professor of pharmacy practice at Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Dr. Kieck's current practice site is Cook's Pharmacy, an independent community pharmacy in Kingston Pennsylvania. Diabetes is a passion of Dr. Kieck's and DSMES classes were one of the first services she implemented at Cook's Pharmacy. Today we talk about leveraging our students and technicians, DSMES accreditation, our favorite patient success stories, and celebrating the small wins along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please join us as we dive into a conversation with two ambulatory care pharmacists and a dietitian to explore their DSMES and diabetes education at the Zufall Health Clinic in New Jersey. Listen in as they share their interprofessional practice and structure of their curriculum to help various patient populations overcome barriers to diabetes care.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, PGY1 Community Pharmacy Resident with the University of Pittsburgh and Rite Aid, Michelle Koverman, shares her experience as a resident integrated in DSMES classes. Michelle has taken the lead role in recruitment of patients and leading classes since beginning her residency in July 2021. She explains the way Rite Aid in Pittsburgh is able to get referrals and shares her patient success stories! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode of "Beyond the Sig" is with special guest P2 Wilkes University School of Pharmacy student, Julia Firestine as we focus on the student's role in DSMES classes. Julia was able to initiate and develop the DSMES accreditation as well as lead the discussions on her own. DSMES has helped her develop her clinical knowledge and grow with patients during the duration of the program. Leverage student pharmacists and their passion for patient care to develop your DSMES accreditation and allow them to take the lead!  Referenced Article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877129720303397?casa_token=aMfiYa3u-4IAAAAA:9hp61_fP1cXhalJBjHiZrev9p770vKR06Ysa_ey0UHJjj1e5sAPmyZJRkenbGOlQ2v5L4HUl Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. Thomas Franko, PharmD, president of the Pennsylvania Pharmacist's Association talks with Todd Eury, CEO & Founder of the Pharmacy Podcast Network about his 'Vision for the Role of the Pharmacist in 2022'. Most people see pharmacists behind the counter dispensing pills and occasionally giving advice on prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications; they may sometimes remind customers of preventive screenings or flu shots. But pharmacists are capable of much more. As part of their professional degree, they receive extensive training on medication management to optimize treatment options, manage medication side effects, interactions and duplications, interpret lab results, perform physical exams, and administer vaccines. --from Deloitte Insights The pandemic increased opportunities for pharmacists to deliver hands-on care. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gave pharmacists the authority to order and administer COVID-19 tests, childhood vaccines (3–18 years of age), and COVID-19 vaccines.4 Subsequently, pharmacists, interns, and pharmacy technicians were on the front lines, testing for COVID-19, giving shots, and educating the public, all the while keeping their doors open throughout the pandemic. These efforts elevated the public's perception of pharmacists and offset the burden on other parts of the health care system, providing an opportunity for the profession to redefine its role and value. About Dr. Thomas Franko, PharmD Dr. Franko is the PPA's on-coming President for 2022. After service as a clinical pharmacist in outpatient chronic pain management, Dr. Franko joined Wilkes University in 2013. He maintains an ambulatory care practice site with the Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Kingston, PA. He is involved with medication therapy management for several chronic diseases, especially pain management, at the Wright Center. Along with pharmacy students, Dr. Franko trains pharmacy and medical residents from Moses Taylor Hospital and The Wright Center. He is an active member of the American Pharmacists Association, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. His interests are in pain management, substance use disorder and harm reduction strategies. Education and Training Doctor of Pharmacy, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA Pharmacy Practice Residency, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode, we welcome Jerry Meece, who is a major leader in diabetes management with nearly 25 years of experience. We discuss how diabetes education has evolved from a knowledge-based approach to a patient empowerment-based approach. Jerry also discussed the 10 minute consult that he created and how that can be implemented in your DSMES practice. He provides encouraging advice about how pharmacists can become more involved in diabetes management at a higher level.   References: PSAD Special Issue PaperTrends in diabetes self-management education https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/dme.14256 Diabetes Self Management Education Patient Empowerment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this month’s episode, we welcome pharmacist, Dr. Nicole Pezzino, who has a myriad of experience with DSMES from student and resident to a nationwide coach. Dr. Pezzino received her PharmD degree from the University of Pittsburgh and continued her training as a community pharmacy resident at UNC. She is now an associate professor, the Director of Community Outreach and Innovation, and the PGY1 community pharmacy residency director at Wilkes University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pezzino-pharmd/ Dr. Pezzino shares personal stories of the impact a pharmacist can make on building relationships with patients in order to individualize their diabetes care. A recent article published in March 2020 found that pharmacy students who taught DSMES classes had a significant improvement in their clinical knowledge and confidence. Dr. Pezzino has seen similar results in her own practice with the pharmacy students on APPE rotations she integrates into DSMES. https://www.ajpe.org/content/84/3/7621.full Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Pharmacist Association Annual Conference Summary Podcast.  Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen pharmacists Level Up, demonstrating innovation, resilience, and our collective power to be an integral part of the healthcare team.  The PPA’s theme is all about Pennsylvania’s Pharmacists ability to LEVEL UP!! The Annual Conference took place on Friday, September 24th through Sunday, September 26th at the Harrisburg Hilton Hotel - in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  Dr. Isabelle Litvak, PharmD --the host of Beyond the Sig! PGY1 Community-Based Resident Wilkes University/Weis Markets Lambda Kappa Sigma, Alumni-Collegiate Ambassador 2020-2022 We are excited to be back in-person for the 2021 PPA Annual Conference at the Harrisburg Hilton. This year’s conference theme is Level Up, and this could not be more true over the past year for all involved in the pharmacy profession. We are excited to have our signature events return such as our Exhibit Hall, Student Diabetes and Lip Sync Competition, and our Annual Leadership and Awards Dinner. We also will have continuing education sessions throughout the weekend in a variety of pharmacy topics. We hope you join us for our first live event back. https://www.papharmacists.com/page/Annual Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On our inaugural show we chat with, Lyndi Wieand, Weis Markets In-Store Registered Dietitian about her role in DSMES. Diet is a significant portion of diabetes management that is unfortunately sometimes overlooked. An article recently published in 2018, Diabetes and Diet: A Patient and Dietitian's Perspective, discusses the challenges that Type 2 Diabetes patients face when trying to lose weight, especially while taking insulin therapy. The dietitian plays a vital role in the management of carbohydrate awareness while concurrently minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia. Because of this, utilizing the dietitian in DSMES classes can have a positive impact on patients' health.  Isabelle Litvak, PharmD & Rachel Hay, PharmD are the new hosts of season 2 of Beyond the Sig for the DSMES Podcast Series powered by the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association. The podcast’s goal is to bring awareness to Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support and how individuals like you play a role in educating both patients and health care practitioners. Today we discussed the DSMES classes from the dietitian's perspective. We hear about Lyndi's DSMES successes, challenges, and personal stories overcoming patient barriers during her three-year experience. Reference Articles: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6167292/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7605030/ Today's guest is Lyndi Wieand, MHSc, RDN, LDN. Lyndi graduated from the University of Vermont in 2016 with a B.S. in Dietetics, Nutrition and Food Science, then completed her Dietetic Internship at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA in 2018. She passed her Registered Dietitian credentialing exam in June 2018 and was hired at Weis Markets as an In-Store Registered Dietitian in August of that year. Lyndi covers the Lehigh Valley regional area, but primarily work in the Allentown and Schnecksville stores. In May 2021, she graduated with her Master of Health Sciences degree from Cedar Crest College and volunteers as a preceptor for the Cedar Crest Dietetic Internship, volunteer with the Bethlehem YWCA Diabetes Coalition, and is a Certified Group Lifestyle Balance Coach for the Diabetes Prevention Program. Lyndi also serves as the President of the Lehigh Valley Dietetic Association. Lyndi Wieand, MHSc, RDN, LDN Lehigh Valley In-Store Dietitian Weis Markets, Inc. Our hosts: Dr. Isabelle Litvak, PharmD is a 2021 graduate from St. John's University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Litvak is currently pursuing a PGY-1 Community-Based Pharmacy Residency with Weis Markets and Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy where she participates in collaborative care in both the community and ambulatory care setting, caring for patients with chronic diseases like diabetes. Dr. Rachel Hay PharmD is a PGY-1 community pharmacy resident at Duquesne University and the Center for Pharmacy Care. She is a recent 2021 PharmD graduate from the University of Michigan. Rachel is passionate about diabetes management and education, especially in underserved populations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In March of 2020, we launched Beyond the Sig by hosting Randy McDonough, Director of Practice Transformation of Flip the Pharmacy, to discuss how the Flip the Pharmacy initiative was supporting pharmacies in practice transformation.   During this episode of Beyond the Sig, PPCN Executive Director Stephanie McGrath sits down with Randy virtually to reflect on the past year, how Flip the Pharmacy has supported pharmacies through the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlight some of the brightest innovations demonstrated by participating pharmacies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond the Sig, third-year student pharmacist Brooke Kulusich chats with Eric Yarnell, Vice President of Pharmacy at Gateway Health. He brings both pharmacist and payer perspectives as a member of the Flip the Pharmacy Payer Advisory Board. In this conversation, Eric shares how Gateway Health has worked with a community pharmacy network to implement a patient care program and how community pharmacy enhanced services bring value to health plans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Skippack Pharmacy has been leading mass COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the Schwenksville, Pennsylvania community and their efforts have gained national attention. You might recognize Skippack’s owner as the Superman pharmacist recently featured on Good Morning America. Today, we will hear from two members of the Skippack team, who have been working behind the scenes to help Skippack Pharmacy administer over 10,000 COVID-19 vaccines. On this episode of Beyond the Sig, third-year student pharmacist Brooke Kulusich chats with Skippack Pharmacy intern, Erica Mabry, and American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Chief of Governance & State Affiliates and Executive Director of the APhA Foundation, Mitch Rotholz, who is the policy lead for immunizations for the profession. They share their experiences working together to coordinate these clinics and their perspectives on the future of community pharmacy practice transformation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond the Sig, student pharmacist Brooke Kulusich chats with Pennsylvania Pharmacists Care Network Luminary Molly Beimel, PharmD  of St. Marys Pharmacy in St. Marys, Pennsylvania. This independent pharmacy has been a leader in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, providing over 8,700 COVID-19 vaccines. Molly shares her pharmacy’s step-by-step process for successful vaccine clinics, social media tips, and strategies to engage students and staff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Beyond the Sig, third-year student pharmacist Brooke Kulusich chats with Kevin Day, PharmD, President of Day’s Miami Heights Pharmacy in Cincinnati, Ohio and Managing Network Facilitator of CPESN Ohio. Kevin shares his insight into the network’s efforts to provide enhanced patient care services and the implications of provider status for pharmacists in Ohio. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices