2023 Continuing Education

The following programs will be presented at the 74th Grand Council in Houston, Texas.

Thrombocytopenia: When You Really Can't Take a Punch

This is a concise review of the evaluation and treatment of common etiologies for thrombocytopenia. This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of the complex roles and life cycle of platelets, along with the spectrum of clinical factors that can affect platelet function and physiology.

Presented by Pamiz Alibhai (Alpha Rho) and Bhavyaa Patel

Not So Fast, NMDA! New Drug Updates in Major Depressive Disorder

According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 1 in 10 US adults have experienced at least 1 major depressive episode. While effective treatments exist in the form of evidence-based psychotherapy and antidepressants, they are limited by access and a lack of novel mechanisms of action, respectively. The purpose of this knowledge-based activity is to review the medications recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for major depressive disorder and discuss their differences from existing treatment options.

Presented by Kevin Bozymski (Alpha Phi)

Change is Inevitable: Updates in the Management of HIV Therapy

This course will provide updates on the management of patients living with HIV, including preferred treatment options, 2-drug regimens, and essential counseling topics.

Presented by Dena Dillon (Alpha)

An Introduction to the Star Framework

This introduction will equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to prevent team breakdowns and foster a high level of engagement and performance within their teams.

Presented by John Grabenstein (Beta Gamma) and Lori Carey (PLEI)

Who Am I? An interactive exploration of the many facets of identity

Participants will learn to comprehensively define their own identities and to more fully appreciate the complex identities of their patients.

Presented by Kate Grafel (Phi)

A Deep Dive into USP and Regulatory Updates to Ensure Safe and Compliant Compounds

Review recent USP regulatory updates, considerations from FDA guidance documents, and strategies for ensuring safety and quality with each compounded medication. Walk away with a better understanding of the changes impacting your pharmacy's compounding practice so you can ensure compliance with changes on the horizon.

Presented by Beau Harger (PCCA)

To Market, To Market - A Review of Small Molecule FDA Approvals in 2022

In 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved 38 new chemical entities (NCE's) for marketing. Excluding biological agents (monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, peptides), radiological agents, and imaging contrast agents, 10 small molecule NCE's were approved. The purpose of this knowledge-based activity is to review the chemistry and pharmacology of these agents with a focus on their indication & dosage, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, contraindications, drug interactions, and other patient counseling information for the pharmacy practitioner.

Presented by Kirk Hevener (Omega)

Pediatric Medication Adherence and Counseling

This activity is intended to increase pharmacy personnel's familiarity with pediatric adherence and counseling.

Presented by Joseph LaRochelle (Iota)

Effective Leadership: Compassion & Caring vs Command & Control

Pharmacy leaders generally rely on what they have learned and experienced “hand-on” about leadership throughout their careers. This often leads to behaviors that make obtaining results and profitability the highest priority which can often lead to increased employee stress and ultimately burnout and turnover. Leaders that prioritize compassionate and caring behaviors have been shown to build trust and influence, ultimately leading to decreased burnout and turnover as well as increased productivity and profitability. The purpose of this knowledge-based activity is to introduce and discuss the reasons why compassionate and caring leadership is essential to effective leadership and to share concepts and behaviors that can help develop individual leadership abilities.

Presented by Christopher Lynch (Beta Lambda)

Can You Fill a Prescription for My Pet? Veterinary Pharmacy Basics for the Practicing Pharmacist

This presentation is designed to provide basic information on veterinary pharmacy practice. Anatomical differences, dosage considerations, legal requirements, resources, and training as they pertain to veterinary pharmacy are just a few of the topics that will be discussed. 

The session will be an overview of topics that a pharmacist needs to consider when dispensing veterinary prescriptions and a starting point for veterinary pharmacy practice.

Presented by Thomas Magnifico (Beta Gamma)

Sweet Solutions: Summary of New Diabetes Technologies and Guideline Updates

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems, insulin pumps, and glucagon delivery devices are important technologies for diabetes management, but can be confusing for patients and healthcare providers alike. As new devices and updates become available, pharmacists play a crucial role in helping patients navigate these options and choose the best ones for their individual needs. This CE summary provides updates on the latest technologies, including the Dexcom G7, Abbott FreeStyle Libre 3, Tandem t:slim X2, Medtronic MiniMed 770G, glucagon nasal powder, and glucagon autoinjector, as well as the FDA's recent approvals for CGM use in insulin dosing decisions and interoperable insulin pumps. The aim of the CE is to help pharmacists understand how and when to best use these technologies to help and advocate for their patients.

Presented by Jacob Northrup (Gamma Pi) and Bryon Garrety (Beta Beta)

Cultural Competency in Action: Implications for Database Design

Cultural wisdom is a critical skill for healthcare providers. LCDR Julia Olson will review some of the biases that exist in our healthcare system which reduce our ability to practice culturally responsive care.

Presented by Julia Olson (Alpha Nu)

Preceptor Development: How to Incorporate Entrustable Professional Activities into Your Rotation

This presentation will discuss the utility of using Entrustable Professional Activities to help learners meet CAPE outcomes and ASHP residency requirements. The audience will be empowered to use EPAs to strengthen their rotation experience and to ensure that learners meet their required outcomes.

Presented by Jennifer Polyniak (Beta Upsilon)

Antidepressant pharmacogenetics for pharmacists: from science to policy

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability in the United States. Antidepressants are a cornerstone of treatment, but treatment failure is common. Pharmacogenetics (PGx), or the influence of an individual’s genetics on medication outcomes, is one source of variability in antidepressant treatment. Several PGx variants are known to affect antidepressant pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes. Recent studies show a modest but significant benefit of PGx testing for MDD. Despite this, PGx testing is rarely used in MDD. This is driven by several factors, including lack of provider confidence in using PGx, perceived lack of access to testing, and perceived high out-of-pocket cost. This knowledge-based activity will increase pharmacist understanding of how PGx affect antidepressants, increase confidence in applying this knowledge to clinical situations, and review real-world logistics of using PGx testing for MDD.

Presented by James Stevenson (Alpha)

Advances in Diabetes Management: A Focus on Medicines Revolutionizing Diabetes Care

Overview of diabetes guidelines and in-depth discussion on GLP-1 RA and SGLT2i with a look at two new novel agents (GLP-1 RA/GIP combo and SGLT2i/SGLT1i combo) and a discussion on the change in classification of insulin with a review of newer insulin therapies.

Presented by Chris Westrick (Alpha Upsilon)