ACA Annual Conference & Expo 2025: A Celebration of Learning, Leadership, and Innovation

Terry Bondurant2025-10-02T10:28:38-05:00October 2nd, 2025|Categories: Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members, News Release|

ACA Annual Conference & Expo 2025: A Celebration of Learning, Leadership, and Innovation

The 2025 American College of Apothecaries Annual Conference & Expo brought together pharmacists from across the country for a dynamic mix of education, networking, and celebration. From groundbreaking CE sessions to inspiring leadership addresses, the conference offered something for every member—whether attending in person or following updates from afar.

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Thursday Night Welcome Dinner: Honoring Leadership and History

The conference kicked off Thursday evening with the Welcome Dinner, a memorable evening that combined celebration, recognition, and reflection. During the dinner, ACA welcomed its newest Fellows and installed incoming officers, honoring individuals who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing pharmacy practice and supporting the profession.

This year is a milestone for our College—2025 marks ACA’s 85th anniversary. For more than eight decades, ACA has stood as a community of pharmacists committed to innovation, education, and professional excellence. To celebrate that legacy while also looking ahead to an exciting future, ACA Fellow and Past President Carolyn Hilscher delivered a special address reflecting on the organization’s long history of supporting excellence in pharmacy and highlighting the vision for the future, as well as the impact ACA had made on her pharmacy career.

2025-2026 ACA Officers and Directors:

ACA Chairman of the Board—Nicholas Smock, PharmD, MBA, FACA, Kansas City, Missouri
ACA President—Hillary Howell, PharmD, CCN, FACA, IFMCP, Oxford, Michigan
ACA President Elect—Steve Zielinski, PharmD, FACA, Webster Groves, Missouri
ACA Secretary/Treasurer—Neil Leikach, RPh, FACA, Reisterstown, Maryland
Directors:
- Anthony Accuputo, PharmD, RPh, FACA, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
- Sheldon Birch, PharmD, FACA, Tooele, Utah
- Bruce Biundo, RPh, FACA, Houston, Texas
- Rich Dilzer, RPh, FAPC, FACA, Long Valley, New Jersey
- Danneasha Ellerson, PharmD, BCPS, Gahanna, Ohio
- Ben Smith, RPh, FACA, Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada
- L. Michelle Woosley, PharmD, MBA, CM&AP, FACA, Louisville, Kentucky

“ACA is more than a professional group. It’s a community, a think tank, and a support system…where the future of independent pharmacy is shaped.”

Incoming ACA President Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN, IFMCP, delivered an inspiring address emphasizing adaptation, engagement, and leadership in the evolving pharmacy landscape. Hillary thanked the ACA Fellows and members for their continued commitment to and support of the College and shared her vision for the next year—to honor traditions, meet challenges with boldness, and prepare the next generation to lead with heart and innovation. She concluded by reminding the audience that “together, we’ll continue to make ACA a home for independent thinkers, forward movers, and compassionate caregivers.”

Becoming a Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries is more than an honor—it is a commitment. It signifies a standard of excellence, a devotion to lifelong learning, and a pledge to uphold the values and mission of this College. The new ACA Fellows inducted this year have distinguished themselves through their knowledge, leadership, and service.

Khalid Boukhatem, PharmD, FACA, Hopkinton, Massachusetts**
L. Rad Dillon, RPh, MA, ASQ SSGB, FACA, Loveland, Colorado
Alexandria Gochenauer, PharmD, DICVP, FACA, FSVHP, Lafayette, Indiana**
John Herr, RPh, FAPC, FACA, Ramsey, New Jersey**
Jo Ah Lee, PharmD, MBA, BCSCP, FACA, Wylie, Texas
Logan Morse, PharmD, ABAAHP, FAAMFM, FACA, Ada, Michigan**
L. Michelle Woosley, PharmD, MBA, CM&AP, FACA, Louisville, Kentucky

** Inducted in absentia

Educational Sessions: Learning that Inspires and Equips

The conference featured a robust lineup of continuing education sessions, providing attendees with actionable strategies, clinical insights, and innovative ideas to apply in their practices. Philip Cowley, also known as “Phil’s My Pharmacist,” energized attendees with strategies for leveraging social media, building patient relationships, and promoting pharmacy services. Kathy Campbell shared practical insights into implementing fee-for-service programs and enhancing patient care delivery. Jessica Beal-Stahl explored testing strategies for optimizing athlete health and performance, highlighting opportunities for pharmacists in sports medicine.

Pharmacogenomics sessions featured foundational knowledge from Amy-Joan Ham and actionable guidance from Sue Paul on applying pharmacogenomics in real-world pharmacy business models. Michelle Woosley addressed trends and compliance in compounding, while Bryan Prince provided strategies for safer, more efficient compounding workflows. Randy Carr explored veterinary compounding applications. Jennifer Adams presented sessions on drug shortages and empowering pharmacy personnel with state-by-state regulatory guidance and standard-of-care frameworks.

Attendees left these sessions with practical takeaways they could immediately implement, ranging from workflow optimization and marketing strategies to patient-centered care and regulatory compliance.

Exhibitors & Networking

The exhibit hall showcased a variety of partners offering products, services, and innovations to support pharmacy practice. Attendees had opportunities to connect, explore new solutions, and strengthen relationships that enhance both patient care and business operations. Thanks to all of our exhibitors and sponsors for their support. We appreciate their participation with with the latest innovations, tools, and services that help us stay ahead in our field. Our supporters provide us with fresh ideas and solutions that inspire and drive progress.

AirClean Systems
ARL Bio Pharma
Boiron USA
Klutch Cargo
Pharma Source Direct
Sandlot Partners
Topi-CLICK
ZRT LABORATORY
And sponsors: Gates Healthcare, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Compounding (IJPC), American College of Apothecaries Research and Education Foundation, RXinsider, American College of Veterinary Pharmacists

The Exhibitor Passport game encouraged attendees to visit each booth and answer a fun trivia question about the exhibitor in order to enter for a chance to win a door prize. Exhibitor Spotlights gave each participant the opportunity to share information directly with the attendees during a meal or break.

A Little Fun: Nick Smock, Honorary Duckmaster

The conference also featured lighter moments, including new ACA Board Chair Nick Smock serving as Honorary Duckmaster for the legendary Peabody Hotel Duck March on Friday. Attendees enjoyed this tradition—and now Nick can officially add those credentials to his business cards!
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Looking Ahead

The 2025 ACA Conference reaffirmed why continuing education, collaboration, and innovation are at the heart of independent pharmacy. Memphis and the Peabody Hotel provided a truly one-of-a-kind setting for this time together. Attendees left equipped, inspired, and connected, ready to implement new strategies, expand their services, and elevate patient care.

ACA WEBINAR: What You Must Know About LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone)

Terry Bondurant2025-08-05T11:23:14-05:00June 25th, 2025|Categories: Clinical Research, compounding, Continuing Education, Naltrexone, Pharmacology|Tags: ACA Fellows, ACA members, news, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Student Pharmacists|

Friday, August 29, 2025 | Time: 11:30 am Eastern / 10:30 am Central / 9:30 am Mountain / 8:30 am Pacific

Curious about the latest research and clinical uses of Low Dose Naltrexone?

Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking to expand their clinical toolkit won’t want to miss our upcoming webinar, What You Must Know About LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone). As interest in LDN grows—especially for managing autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, and inflammatory disorders—this session will equip you with the knowledge to confidently support its use in integrative care.

Join us to explore how LDN works, how to approach dosing and compounding, and how to effectively counsel patients and collaborate with prescribers. Whether you’re new to LDN or looking to refine your practice, this presentation will help you deliver more personalized care and strengthen the role your pharmacy plays in improving outcomes for both patients and providers.

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

Describe how LDN works.
Identify its most common uses.
Understand dosing strategies and counseling points.
Recognize potential side effects.
Outline the requirements for compounding quality LDN formulations in a pharmacy setting.

ACA Members $40; Non-Members $50
SPECIAL PRICING FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS AND STUDENT PHARMACISTS

Whether you’re interested in understanding the science behind Low Dose Naltrexone or want to stay current on new clinical opportunities, this session offers timely insight for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

REGISTER HERE!

Note: It is not necessary to create a Lecture Panda account to register for this webinar.

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

ACA WEBINAR: Methylene Blue and Clinical Opportunities

Terry Bondurant2025-09-05T11:48:22-05:00June 25th, 2025|Categories: Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimers/Dementia, Clinical Research, compounding, Continuing Education, COVID-19, Patient Counseling, Pharmacology|Tags: ACA Fellows, ACA members, news, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, Student Pharmacists|

Wednesday, November 19, 2025
1:00 pm EASTERN / 12:00 pm CENTRAL / 11:00 am MOUNTAIN / 10:00 am PACIFIC

Curious about the latest research and clinical uses of Methylene Blue? This upcoming program will explore its emerging role in treating conditions like Lyme disease, dementia, Alzheimer’s, post-COVID syndrome, and more—plus offer practical compounding tips for pharmacy teams.

This talk aims to illuminate the evolving landscape of Methylene Blue’s applications in healthcare, specifically focusing on its novelutilization for enhancing patient outcomes. Delving into recent advancements and promising research for specific conditions such as Lyme disease, dementia, bladder health, Alzheimer’s disease, post-COVID syndrome, and for anti-aging /nootropic effects.

The program will also cover Methylene Blue’s pharmacology, including mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, helping learners describe these key concepts in detail. In addition, participants will outline evidence-based prescribing protocols and dosing strategies for Methylene Blue in clinical practice. They will learn to recognize common adverse reactions and explain appropriate management strategies to ensure patient safety.

Pharmacists can expect to gain insights into how this versatile compound is contributing to improved patient care, paving theway for a more nuanced understanding of its potential impact on healthcare outcomes. Included with be practical compounding pharmacy process tips that will benefit Pharmacy Technicians and improve lab efficiency.

Learning Objectives for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians:

Describe recent advancements and research findings on methylene blue’s effectiveness in managing conditions such as Lyme disease, dementia, bladder health, Alzheimer’s disease, and COVID-19.
Recognize the potential anti-aging and nootropic effects of methylene blue and their relationship to cognitive health.
Outline the pharmacological profile of methylene blue, including mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.
List key prescribing considerations and general dosing strategies for methylene blue in clinical settings.
Identify common adverse reactions to methylene blue and recall strategies for promoting patient safety.
Identify practical tips and techniques for working with methylene blue in a compounding lab setting that support efficient workflow.

ACA Members $40; Non-Members $50

SPECIAL PRICING FOR PHARMACY TECHNICIANS AND STUDENT PHARMACISTS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

Whether you’re interested in understanding the science behind Methylene Blue or want to stay current on new clinical opportunities, this session offers timely insight for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Independent Pharmacies at a Crossroads: Join the Conversation on PBM Reform

Terry Bondurant2025-05-21T11:39:20-05:00April 15th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, News Release, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: education, news, pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, student pharmacist|

For too long, independent pharmacists have carried the weight of a system that increasingly works against them. From below-cost reimbursements to clawbacks and opaque practices, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have shaped an uneven playing field that threatens not only the livelihood of community pharmacies—but also the access and quality of care patients rely on.

Anthony V. Minniti, BScPharm, RPh, FACA, Owner/RPIC of the Bell Rexall Pharmacy
- Key Takeaway – We are in the midst of a historic period for the profession of pharmacy. Never before have we, as pharmacists, been on the precipice of such a revolution in our professional roles. It’s imperative that we all recognize this reality and rise to meet this moment. We have a once in a century opportunity to chart an entirely new course for the profession of pharmacy, so it’s imperative that we’re engaged and making our voices heard.
Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP, Pharmacy Gladiator, President & CEO, Phipps Pharmacy, PhippsCARE, and Health Insurance Solutions
- Key Takeaway -Pharmacists are excellent patient care providers and we should utilize this experience in advocacy. In patient care, pharmacists educate, motivate and tell stories maximize the best patient outcomes. In advocacy, pharmacists need to lean on this experience to educate legislators, motivate them to make change by telling stories. This action is paramount for us to protect the profession, and the profession will then protect the patient.
Senator Evan Vickers, FACA, Utah State Senator and President, Bulloch’s Drug Store
- Key Takeaway – Stay engaged on a political level. The statement “if you don’t want to get involved in politics then get out of pharmacy” is so relevant today and in the future. Develop relationships with your state senator, state representative, US Congressman or Congresswoman, and your two US Senators. Invite them to your practice setting and tell your story. Reach out through text and email and NEVER use a form email. Be concise, short and to the point. Always tell them who you are, who you represent and where you live and practice. Also, offer your expertise in the future if they have questions.
Mark Ey, RPh, Senior Vice President and COO, National Community Pharmacists Association
- Key Takeaway -I mentioned during the call: If you are not involved in politics, get out of pharmacy.
  We are closer to PBM reform than ever before. Now is the time to double down on our efforts and keep the pressure up on elected officials in both state and federal governments. If you are doing nothing, its time to get involved and if you are already participating in advocacy, step it up a notch or two.

Click the picture above to watch the video from the Town Hall.

The conversation explored the evolving landscape of PBM reform, examined key legislation that was in motion, and outlined practical steps pharmacists could take to protect their practice and advocate for fairer systems. Featuring firsthand accounts and insights from policymakers, it was more than just a policy briefing—it served as a forum where pharmacists were seen, heard, and empowered.

Questions? email membership@acainfo.org or call 901-383-8119.

WEBINAR: Conquer Your Personal Coliseum by Developing Your Inner Gladiator

Terry Bondurant2024-10-23T16:10:34-05:00October 17th, 2024|Categories: Administration/Management, Webinar|Tags: pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, webinar|

In celebration of American Pharmacists Month, ACA is offering this webinar free of charge for ACA and ACVP members. A limited number of complimentary registrations are available for non-members; additional registrations are available for $10.

Date and Time of Activity
Wednesday, October 23, 2024
1:30 pm EDT/ 12:30 pm CDT/ 11:30 am MDT/ 10:30 am PDT

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, personal development is essential for professional growth, especially for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. However, many professionals in the field focus solely on clinical or business skills, often neglecting personal growth, which is key to long-term success and leadership.

This webinar will equip participants with practical strategies to conquer their own “personal coliseum” by developing the resilience and mindset of an inner gladiator. Attendees will explore key opportunities and barriers to personal growth, identify effective strategies for setting and achieving meaningful goals, and review literature-supported methods to enhance personal development.

At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

Recognize opportunities for personal leadership development
Identify barriers to personal development
Identify strategies to improve personal development goal success.
Use key strategies to create a personal development goal as part of a personal development action plan.

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

This high-energy session will supercharge you to step up as a dynamic leader, an unstoppable team player, and a top-tier patient care champion! Through focused personal development, you’ll gain the tools and mindset to break through barriers, unlock your full potential, and elevate your impact in every aspect of your career. Get ready to ignite your inner drive and lead like never before!

💥 Ready to unleash your inner gladiator? 💪

Save your seat now!

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The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Speaker: Dr. Jay Phipps, PharmD, MBA, FACA, FACVP

Dr. Jay Phipps, the Pharmacy Gladiator, is a Pharmacy Doctor, Entrepreneur, President, and CEO at Phipps Pharmacy. Phipps Pharmacy is an independent pharmacy who provides pharmacy doctor provided patient care including traditional dispensing, compounding services, long-term care pharmacy services, and tailor-made prescription compounding to patients in middle and west Tennessee. Dr. Jay is also the President and CEO of PhippsCare that focuses on Pharmacy Doctor provided healthcare and Health Insurance Solutions which specializes in medical and pharmacy insurance plans for seniors.

Dr. Jay received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Tennessee Health Science Center where he also completed a residency in Drug Information and Pharmacotherapy. He also received an MBA in Strategy and Leadership from Indiana University – Kelley School of Business. Dr. Jay claimed the #2 spot in the 2023 Top 50 Most Influential Leaders in Pharmacy and has also been recognized by Union University as the Preceptor of the Year. Phipps Pharmacy was the recipient of the 2024 Good Neighbor Pharmacy Advocacy Champion and was recognized as the 2022 NCPA Innovation Center Excellence Award for Best Community Engagement.

WEBINAR: DSCSA—13 Year Implementation and 2024 Update

Terry Bondurant2024-09-10T10:07:47-05:00September 10th, 2024|Categories: Pharmacy Law, Regulatory Issues, Webinar|Tags: pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, webinar|

Date and Time of Activity
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
11 am EDT/ 10 am CDT/ 9 am MDT/ 8 am PDT

Pharmacy professionals play a crucial role in protecting patient from drugs that may be counterfeit, stolen, contaminated, or otherwise harmful.

Enacted in 2013, DSCSA is taking over 13 years to implement. Pharmacies need to prepare for the DSCSA requirements with a November 27, 2026 FDA enforcement implementation to receive or exchange transaction information electronically and conduct package level verification. The implementation of systems to produce serialized transaction information in a readily retrievable manner and develop SOPs for regulatory or trading partner transaction data requests will take time, and pharmacies should start today, if they have not already, to ensure compliance with the new enforcement implementation date. That said, despite the DSCSCA granting an exemption for small dispensers until November 27, 2026, pharmacies should be aware of their obligations to make appropriate purchases and maintain inventory purchase information in accordance with their Pharmacy Benefit Manager (“PBM”) Provider Manuals and Agreements. PBMs continue to audit pharmacies to ensure their sourcing of inventory is valid and despite any exemption granted by the DSCSA, such audit measures are expected to continue.

Activity Description:

In this webinar, we will review the phased in implementation and provide update of 2024 and beyond.

At the completion of this activity, the participant will be able to:

Identify the DSCSA requirements for receiving, validating, and storing DSCSA Transaction Information (TI) and Transaction Statements (TS).
Describe the procedures for implementing electronic operability at the package level for traceability.
Identify the regulatory requirements and documentation needed for compliance with audit records, inspections, and other inquiries.
Explain the processes for verifying product legitimacy, including methods for quarantining, investigating, and reporting suspect products.

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your ability to implement best practices to protect patients from drugs that may be counterfeit, stolen, contaminated, or otherwise harmful.

Click below to register:

REGISTER HERE

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Speaker:

Martha M. Rumore, PharmD, Esq, MS, LLM, FAPhA is a pharmacist-attorney in Frier Levitt’s Life Sciences Department. She is also a registered patent attorney and leads the firm’s Intellectual property team. She has broad and in depth healthcare and regulatory experience. Her practice focuses on intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets) and healthcare law, Food, Drug, Device & Cosmetic law (all facets-483s to clinical trials to registrations and product approval), pharmacy law and regulatory issues, 503A/503B compounding, Board of Pharmacy (licensing and disciplinary matters), PBM audits, and DSCSA supply chain compliance. Dr. Rumore has over 25 years of health-system, pharmaceutical industry, and law firm experience in the area of Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law and pharmaceutical intellectual property Dr. Rumore is fluent in cGMPs, GCPs, writing and reviewing Clinical Trial Agreements (CTAs), Investigator brochures, manuscripts, labeling & advertising review, NDAs, study reports, and documents for regulatory submissions. She often prepares legal memoranda on healthcare/FDA matters and conducts Mock State Board of Pharmacy and FDA inspections for compounding pharmacies. Dr. Rumore has practiced both pharmacy and law. She has actual experience as a compounding pharmacist. She regularly counsels on Section 503A and state-specific compounding requirements, assesses compounding practices for state and federal regulatory compliance, including USP 797/795/800, medical necessity documentation, advertising & promotion, reimbursement issues, infrastructure, and preparing compounding policies and procedures that provide clear guidelines, standards, and training for staff. Previously, she was at the Director level in Drug Regulatory Affairs/Compliance in the pharmaceutical industry and hospital pharmacy. She taught Pharmacy Law, Drug Regulatory Affairs, and Food Drug & Cosmetic Law at several New York Colleges of Pharmacy and currently teaches Food, Drug & Cosmetic Law at Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. She is a frequent lecturer and has over 200 publications and presentations.

ACA WEBINAR: Understanding Adrenal Fatigue

Terry Bondurant2025-01-20T10:05:26-06:00September 9th, 2024|Categories: Continuing Education, Endocrinology, Hormones, Webinar|Tags: pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician, student pharmacist|

🌟 Watch Our Webinar: Understanding Adrenal Fatigue—Now On Demand! 🌟

Adrenal fatigue is an important condition that often gets overlooked but can seriously affect your patients’ health. It can range from normal adrenal function to more serious issues like Addison’s disease, with many patients experiencing symptoms that are easily missed.

In this session, we’ll cover:

Key signs of adrenal problems
Important hormones like adrenaline, hydrocortisone, and progesterone
Practical tips for identifying and managing adrenal health

By the end, you’ll be able to:

Identify three common signs of adrenal insufficiency.
Discuss the role of progesterone and other adrenal hormones in maintaining balance.
Define adrenaline dominance and its impact on adrenal health.

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your professional knowledge of adrenal fatigue and provide comprehensive care to those who need it most.

Click below to register:

REGISTER HERE

The American College of Apothecaries (ACA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. ACA has accredited this knowledge-based program for 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Speaker:

Carol Petersen, RPh, CNP, FACA, is an accomplished compounding pharmacist with decades of experience helping patients improve their quality of life through bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner. Her passion to optimize health and commitment to compounding is evident in her involvement with organizations including the International College of Integrated Medicine and the American College of Apothecaries, the Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M), American Pharmacists Association and the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding. Carol was the founder and first chair for the Compounding Special Interest Group with the American Pharmacists Association. Carol chairs the Integrated Medicine Consortium, an umbrella group for complementary medicine organizations, and cohosts a radio program “Take Charge of your Health” in the greater New York area. In addition to serving on the Medical Advisory Boards for the Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR.ca) and the Institute for Bioidentical Medicine (IOBIM.org), Carol writes and edits for A4M’s website www.worldhealth.net and is a coproducer of “Immortality Now” podcasts and serves forum.worldhealth.net as an executive editor. Her website is: www.thewellnessbydesignproject.com.

Say that Again? Community Pharmacy’s Role in Identifying Untreated Hearing Loss

Terry Bondurant2023-05-31T15:55:33-05:00May 12th, 2023|Categories: Community Pharmacy, News Release, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: education, pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician|

According to the National Institutes of Health, about 1 in 6 U.S. adults ages 18 and over reports some trouble hearing — approximately 37.5 million U.S. adults—but less than half (46.0 percent) of them have seen a doctor or other health professional about their hearing or ear problems in the last five years.

Untreated hearing loss significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life and contributes to high health care spending. A JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery study showed that untreated hearing loss was associated with $22,434 higher total health care costs per person over a 10-year period compared with costs for those without hearing loss.

Additionally, untreated hearing loss impacts individual’s quality of life and mental health. It can lead to isolation, and has been associated with serious conditions such as depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, dementia, reduced mobility, and falls.

Making hearing health care more accessible and affordable is a public health priority, especially as the number of older adults in the U.S. continues to grow.

While prescription hearing aids have been available for years, NIH data shows that only one in four adults who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them.

To address this public health issue, in October 2021, the FDA formally proposed a rule to establish the new OTC hearing aids category for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Finalized in August 2022, the final rule allows hearing aids within this category to be sold directly to consumers in stores without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist. Overall, among those reporting that they have trouble hearing, nearly two-thirds (62.6 percent) say that they have mild hearing loss, defined as “a little trouble hearing.”

The Role of Community Pharmacy

Community pharmacies are well-positioned to reach these individuals, who may not be aware of the recent availability of OTC hearing aids. OTC hearing aids that are FDA-compliance are usually more affordable than prescription hearing aids and can be FSA/HSA/HRA-eligible.

As the most accessible health care provider, pharmacists should be prepared to answer questions about OTC hearing devices and have the opportunity to discuss hearing screenings for patients during consultations.

Learn how to add a new clinical service to your pharmacy by offering in-store hearing tests and offering OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Hearing aids for more severe hearing loss or for users younger than age 18 remain prescription devices.

Unlocking the OTC Hearing Aid Marketplace

Join ACA Corporate Member Soundwave Hearing for a 30-minute webinar on “Unlocking the OTC Hearing Aid Marketplace” and receive more information on how your pharmacy can get started with their testing and OTC hearing aid solutions.

This activity will not offer CE credit.

Recordings:

To watch the video recording: Click here to view
To listen to the audio recording: Click here to listen

Unlocking the OTC Hearing Aid Marketplace

Recordings Available On-Demand

Anthony Florek
President, Soundwave Hearing LLC

Anthony has thirty plus years of medical device Sales and Marketing experience developed at leading medical equipment and consumer product companies, including Johnson and Johnson, Allergan Medical Optics and Beltone (GN Hearing Care). Anthony brings 15 years of experience from the traditional hearing aid industry and leads the development of the business model and value proposition at Soundwave Hearing.

Scroll down to register.

INDUSTRY UPDATE: USP 795 & Quality Nonsterile Compounds Webinar

Terry Bondurant2022-09-27T15:25:52-05:00September 13th, 2022|Categories: Pharmacist Training, Pharmacy Technician, USP 795|Tags: education, pharmacist|

USP has proposed revisions to chapter <795> which creates minimum standards for compounding of nonsterile dosage forms for both human and animal patients. Attendees will learn about the changes from the current version of USP <795>, highlight key themes in the proposed changes, and prepare themselves to meet or exceed these new standards. In addition, attendees will learn how some the concepts coincide with the FDA’s Insanitary Conditions Guidance document and the role this currently plays in pharmacy practice.

Tuesday, October 11, 2022
12 Noon Eastern / 11:00 am Central / 10:00 am Mountain / 9:00 am Pacific

ACA & ACVP Members: FREE
Non-Members: $20

Learning Objectives:

Define the changes in the proposed USP <795> compared to the current USP <795>
Illustrate the role that personnel and appropriate facilities play in limiting potential contamination of nonsterile compounds.
Analyze the key themes of the proposed USP <795> and how they coincide with the FDA’s Insanitary Conditions Guidance
Plan to implement any changes needed for compliance and quality of nonsterile compounds.

This webinar does not offer CE.

Register below. After you register, you will be directed to Zoom to complete your sign up and receive your Zoom webinar links via email.

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Matt Martin, PharmD, BCSCP, joined the PCCA Clinical Services team in September 2014 and now serves as Director of Clinical Services. He graduated from Morehead State University with a BS in Chemistry in 2002 and received his PharmD from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy in 2006. In 2020, Matt became board certified in Compounded Sterile Preparations through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Prior to joining the PCCA team, Matt worked in compounding pharmacy for more than eight years and has experience with both sterile and non-sterile preparations.

2021 ACA Member of the Year Awarded to Vinnie Dam

Terry Bondurant2022-11-18T12:02:17-06:00February 25th, 2022|Categories: News Release|Tags: awards|

RIO GRANDE, PR, February 25, 2022: The American College of Apothecaries presented the 2021 ACA Member of the Year Award to Vinnie Dam, PharmD, FACA, FACVP, of Los Angeles, California.

The award, established in 2013, recognizes an ACA Member for exceptional accomplishment and effort in serving his or her community and promoting community pharmacy through mentoring, entrepreneurship, and education, as well as support of the ACA. The presentation was made during the Opening Session at the College’s 2022 Annual Conference and Expo hosted at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar.

This year’s receipient of the ACA Member of the Year Award, Vinnie Dam, PharmD, FACA, FACVP, truly embodies the ACA entrepreneurial spirit and attitude:

“Entrepreneurship allows for freedom and flexibility in creating and shaping a company. While entrepreneurs face operational challenges on a daily basis, it’s what makes me excited to come to work. I always liked puzzles growing up, and I feel that being an entrepreneur requires constant utilization of one’s critical thinking skills. If you don’t mind hard work and long hours, and if you’re an innovative thinker who is up for the challenges of the unknown, I highly recommend becoming an entrepreneur.”

In 2017, Vinnie applied his love for animals and compounding medications to an entrepreneurial path. A co-founder of MixLab, a customer-driven veterinary compounding pharmacy, Vinnie currently serves as the Chief Pharmacy Officer.

Vinnie earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2003 and received a PharmD in Pharmacy Practice and MS in Regulatory Science from the University of Southern California in 2007. As a dual ACA and ACVP Fellow, Vinnie has served the organization through serving on committees and encouraging his staff pharmacists to pursue Fellowship in ACA and ACVP.

ACA 2021 Member of the Year Marisol Lopez with Executive Vice President Quentin Srnka

About Terry Bondurant

ACA Annual Conference & Expo 2025: A Celebration of Learning, Leadership, and Innovation

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Thursday Night Welcome Dinner: Honoring Leadership and History

Educational Sessions: Learning that Inspires and Equips

Exhibitors & Networking

REGISTER HERE!

Note: It is not necessary to create a Lecture Panda account to register for this webinar.

In celebration of American Pharmacists Month, ACA is offering this webinar free of charge for ACA and ACVP members. A limited number of complimentary registrations are available for non-members; additional registrations are available for $10.

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

Click Here to View Complete Activity Description

Unlocking the OTC Hearing Aid Marketplace

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