Fellows and Members

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: “The Shroom Boom in Pharmacy”

2025-11-19T12:23:15-06:00November 19th, 2025|Categories: nutrition & wellness, Alternative Medicine, Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

The Shroom Boom in Pharmacy: How you can incorporate mushroom medicine into your functional pharmacy practice
Presented by:  Matthew Hill, PharmD, PHC, Owner/CEO, Impossible Performance, LLC

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
1:00 pm ET / 12 Noon CT / 11:00 am MT / 10:00 am PT

There is a massive new trend in our communities right now for a strong focus on personal health and wellness. Many patients are looking for natural functional supplements which can help increase many areas of their performance, health, and wellness.  Functional mushrooms have grown to be a huge player in this field.  With benefits ranging from mental clarity and focus, to rest and recovery, to supporting immune health, mushrooms are an ancient practice that is finding new application in modern functional medicine.  Join this discussion to learn how you can empower your patients to incorporate mushroom supplements into their daily health and wellness routines to help maximize their health and achieve their goals.

Matt Hill is the Founder and CEO of Impossible Performance.  He first discovered the Power of the Human Mind during his battle with a rare pediatric cancer he battled at the age of 18, where he lost his leg, and very nearly, his life.

Since then, Matt has been able to use the 'Be Impossible' mindset to perform feats in Powerlifting and Endurance racing.  Now, it is his personal life's Mission to share this message with everyone, helping them unlock the Power of their Mind to enhance their own performance; all the while, building a Global Culture of Strength, in constant Pursuit of The Impossible.

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Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: “Homeopathic Medicines for Common Winter Ailments”

2025-11-18T17:29:40-06:00November 18th, 2025|Categories: nutrition & wellness, Alternative Medicine, Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

“Homeopathic Medicines for Common Winter Ailments”

Monday, December 8, 2025
1:00 pm ET / 12 Noon CT / 11:00 am MT / 10:00 am PT

Presented by:  Shane McCamey, Boiron USA, Director of Training and Business Development

3 Top Solutions – Cold, Flu, and Cough

3 Top Solutions – in Pediatric Care, with Focus on Fever

  • Supported by research and USA national sales data

Join us for an insightful Nutrition & Wellness Faculty meeting featuring Shane McCamey, Director of Training and Business Development at Boiron USA, as he discusses the benefits of homeopathy in treating Cold, Flu and Cough. With his extensive experience as Operations Manager at Capitol Drugs, Los Angeles, a leading integrative pharmacy, and his 600-hour training in Homeopathy for Acute Therapeutics, Shane will share valuable insights on using homeopathy both as a primary treatment and in supportive care for colds. flu and cough.

About Boiron: As the global leader in homeopathic medicines, Boiron was founded in 1932 by twin pharmacists Jean and Henri Boiron. Headquartered in Lyon, France, Boiron manufactures, educates, and distributes homeopathic medicines to over 50 countries. The company remains family-owned, with subsidiaries in the US, Canada, Italy, Spain, Poland, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, and more.

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2025 – 2026 ACA Officers & Directors

2025-10-30T14:44:45-05:00October 30th, 2025|Categories: Administration/Management, Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members, News Release|

Congratulations to the 2025–2026 ACA Officers and Board Members

The American College of Apothecaries is pleased to announce and congratulate the new Officers and Board Members for the 2025–2026 term. We thank each of these dedicated professionals for their commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and supporting the mission of the American College of Apothecaries.

ACE 2025 Officers
ACE 2025 Directors

We extend our appreciation to all who have served in leadership roles over the past year for their dedication and contributions. The continued success of the ACA depends on the commitment of members who volunteer their time and expertise to guide the organization’s direction and growth.

Please join us in congratulating the new ACA leadership team and thanking them for their service to the profession of pharmacy.

A Special Welcome to our New Directors

Bruce Biundo, RPh, FACA – Director for Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington

Bruce has dedicated more than 60 years to advancing the pharmacy profession through leadership, education, and innovation in compounding. A 1961 graduate of the University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP), Bruce began his career with Walgreens before opening Boone Road Pharmacy in Houston and later managing a hospital pharmacy for the Sisters of Charity.

In 1997, he joined the Professional Compounding Centers of America (PCCA), where his expertise in men’s health and hormone replacement therapy helped shape national educational initiatives. Bruce has authored numerous publications, contributed to Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, and co-authored the Nutrition chapter in Aging Men’s Health.

A Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries, Bruce’s accolades include PCCA’s Employee of the Year (2015), Eagle Award (2021), and UHCOP’s 2025 Meritorious Achievement Award. A tireless advocate for pharmacy education, Bruce continues to mentor and inspire future generations of pharmacists.

Dan’neasha Ellerson, PharmD, BCPS – Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota

Dan’neasha is the owner of Health Journey Pharmacy in Gahanna, Ohio. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Findlay and has more than 17 years of experience across community, hospital, and mail-order pharmacy. In 2023, she opened Health Journey Pharmacy, where she provides compounding, functional medicine, adherence solutions, and clinical services such as immunizations, medication therapy management, and remote patient monitoring.

Dr. Ellerson is active in community research, partnering with The Ohio State University on the Black Impact initiative to improve cardiovascular health and with Partners for Kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to strengthen medication adherence. She also participates in local and national pharmacy organizations to advance the profession. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys cheering for the OSU Buckeyes, crafting, home décor, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children.

L. Michelle Woosley, PharmD, CM&AP, CEC, FACA – Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee

Michelle is a pharmacist, business executive, and nationally recognized consultant and executive coach with over 25 years in the pharmacy industry and more than 15 years in senior leadership roles. She brings expertise across community, specialty, home infusion, veterinary, compounding (503A/503B), and health-system pharmacies, as well as medical aesthetics.

Michelle has extensive experience in pharmacy operations, sterile and nonsterile compounding, compliance, quality management, business development, and strategic growth. She has advised pharmacies nationwide on compounding standards, conducted audits, assisted with corrective actions, and collaborated with state Boards of Pharmacy.

Currently, Michelle serves as Vice President of Investment Banking at Cornerstone Business Services, guiding healthcare business owners through mergers, acquisitions, valuations, and strategic growth. She is also Executive Director of the National Coalition of Drug Quality & Security (NCDQS) and a Senior Consultant with Gates Healthcare Associates.

A Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional and Certified Executive Coach, Michelle becaome a Full Fellows in the American College of Apothecaries (FACA) in 2025 and has been nominated to the ACA Board of Directors. She lives in Louisville, Kentucky, and enjoys competitive tennis, the Kentucky Derby, and fine bourbon.

If you are interested in serving as a Director or would like to learn more about leadership opportunities within ACA, please contact us at membership@acainfo.org

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

2025-10-31T02:10:15-05:00October 2nd, 2025|Categories: News Release, Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members|

2025 ACE Save The Date Header

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.

Sports Pharmacy Network and American College of Apothecaries Partner to Advance Sports Pharmacy Education and Independent Pharmacy Practice

2025-11-04T08:41:43-06:00September 16th, 2025|Categories: News Release, Alternative Medicine, Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members, Sports Medicine|

SportsRxNetwork Logo

Sports Pharmacy Network and American College of Apothecaries Partner to Advance Sports Pharmacy Education and Independent Pharmacy Practice

ESTERO, Fla. — Sept. 4, 2025 — The Sports Pharmacy Network (SPN) is excited to announce a new working relationship with the American College of Apothecaries (ACA) designed to advance education in sports medicine and pharmacy practice.

As part of this collaboration, SPN board member Jessica Beal-Stahl, PharmD will present at the ACA Annual Conference & Expo, September 25–27, 2025, at The Peabody Memphis. Her session will highlight the practice and application of sports pharmacy, including how aspects of sports-focused pharmaceutical care can be integrated into a community and independent pharmacy setting. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the unique pharmaceutical needs of athletes and active patients, as well as strategies for performance health assessments and injury prevention tailored to the sports community.

This partnership reflects SPN’s mission to expand access to education, training, and professional development in sports pharmacy. Together with ACA, SPN is committed to providing reciprocal membership, event, and training benefits that strengthen the independent pharmacy community and empower pharmacists to better support athletes and sports medicine providers.

“We are thrilled to partner with the American College of Apothecaries,” shared Dr. Brandon K. Welch, PharmD, SPN Founder and CEO. “This collaboration will not only provide our members with access to ACA’s compounding expertise but also strengthen our connection with the independent pharmacy community. Together, we can equip more pharmacists with the specialized knowledge needed to support athletes and sports medicine providers nationwide.”

The partnership will create a synergistic relationship, offering significant benefits to both organizations and their members:

For ACA and Its Members:

  • Access to specialized sports pharmacy education and training through collaborations with SPN, expanding expertise beyond traditional compounding.
  • Opportunities to attract new members interested in sports medicine and pharmacy, broadening ACA’s reach and influence.
  • Tangible benefits including discounts on SPN events and subscriptions to Sports Pharmacy Magazine.

For SPN and Its Members:

  • A strong platform to reach a wider audience of pharmacists through presentations at ACA events, raising awareness of SPN’s mission and network
  • Access to ACA’s nationally recognized compounding training courses, a critical skill set for pharmacists working with athletes who require customized medications.
  • Reciprocal membership benefits and a corporate member program fostering greater interaction and collaboration between professionals in both organizations.

“This partnership represents a significant step forward in our mission to advance pharmacy practice,” said Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN, IFMCP, President-Elect of the ACA Board of Directors. “By collaborating with the Sports Pharmacy Network, we are able to provide our members with access to cutting-edge education in sports pharmacy, a field with immense growth potential, while simultaneously expanding our reach within the independent pharmacy community.”

This strategic alliance underscores both organizations’ commitment to professional development, innovation, and providing comprehensive resources to pharmacists dedicated to excellence in patient care.

About the American College of Apothecaries

Founded in 1940, the American College of Apothecaries is dedicated to the translation and dissemination of knowledge, research data, and recent developments in professional pharmacy practice for the benefit of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and the public. ACA achieves this through educational conferences, continuing education courses, and the development of publications and resources that support clinical and administrative excellence. https://acainfo.org

About the Sports Pharmacy Network

The Sports Pharmacy Network is dedicated to caring for and supporting athletes across all sports and skill levels. Its mission is to empower all members of the athlete healthcare team to provide comprehensive, individualized approaches to optimizing athletes’ health, performance, and overall well-being. SPN is committed to curating high-quality, evidence-based resources for lifelong learning and fostering meaningful connections between athlete healthcare professionals. https://sportsrxnetwork.com

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: “Strengthening Care & Income: Nutrition and Wellness Strategies for Pharmacists”

2025-10-31T12:09:01-05:00September 15th, 2025|Categories: nutrition & wellness, Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Strengthening Care & Income: Nutrition and Wellness Strategies for Pharmacists

Presented by: Dr. Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN, IFMCP
Available Now

Discover how to elevate your pharmacy practice through wellness and nutrition services that benefit both your patients and your bottom line.

In this session, Dr. Howell will explore:

  • Innovative testing services pharmacists can offer to patients and their communities—often at discounted rates.

  • How to establish professional supplement accounts at wholesale pricing to build seamless, recurring income streams.

  • Free educational tools and CE resources to empower your team, strengthen customer relationships, and expand your business.

Unlock the potential of pharmacy-based wellness and start turning care into growth.

Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN, IFMCP
President, American College of Apothecaries
Founder, Apothecary & Co.

Hillary Howell is a pharmacist, Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP) dedicated to redefining the role of pharmacists in patient care. She is the founder of Apothecary & Co., an independent compounding pharmacy and wellness company in Oxford, Michigan, where she integrates traditional pharmacy with holistic and nutritional approaches to health.

With over two decades of experience in pharmacy practice, Hillary champions innovation, professional development, and the growth of independent pharmacy. Through her work, Hillary has helped create sustainable business models that merge clinical excellence with pharmacy entrepreneurship, giving pharmacists the tools to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape.

Her unique background bridges evidence-based medicine, nutrition, and personalized wellness. Hillary is passionate about teaching healthcare professionals how to expand their clinical impact, strengthen patient relationships, and grow their businesses through professional-grade supplements, functional medicine strategies, and forward-thinking pharmacy models.

When she’s not teaching or working with patients, Hillary enjoys life on her small farm with her horses, chickens, cats, and other animals, and especially treasures time spent with her sons.

2025 Oct GRAPHIC

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Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Nutritional Lithium

2025-10-30T21:58:08-05:00August 18th, 2025|Categories: nutrition & wellness, Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Nutritional Lithium
With Dr. Abhishek Rai, M.D., Psychiatrist
Sacred Balance Integrative Health

Dr. Rai is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals grappling with psychiatric conditions such as depression, mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD. What sets Dr. Rai apart is his distinctive approach, seamlessly blending Western and Eastern medicine philosophies in a highly personalized manner for each patient. Driven by the conviction that true healing encompasses the body, mind, and spirit, he initiates treatment with medication but views complete healing as an intricate journey. He empowers his patients with evidence-based modalities and a diverse toolkit for a holistic and transformative healing experience.

Nutritional Lithium

Lithium, one of the oldest and most studied mood stabilizers, is a naturally occurring mineral found in trace amounts in food and water. Beyond its well-established role in bipolar disorder, research indicates it is an essential micronutrient involved in key biological processes and may have therapeutic potential at low doses for mood, behavioral, and cognitive disorders. Understanding lithium’s pharmacology, safety profile, and emerging applications is essential for pharmacists guiding patient care.

2025 Sept NW

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Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Probiotics & The Microbiome Theory of Aging

2025-10-30T22:38:47-05:00May 14th, 2025|Categories: nutrition & wellness, Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

🧬 Probiotics & The Microbiome Theory of Aging
with Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, the Natural Pharmacist, is an internationally recognized leader in the science & technology of life extension.

Ross Pelton

Discover how your gut health shapes your longevity. In this presentation, Dr. Ross Pelton will explore how the gut microbiome regulates multiple aspects of human health and introduce The Microbiome Theory of Aging. Learn about the powerful connection between probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotic metabolites, and the aging process.

Join us to gain new insights into the science of healthy aging.

2025 June

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2025 American College of Apothecaries Conference & Expo

2025-10-31T02:13:11-05:00April 28th, 2025|Categories: Continuing Education, ACA Fellows Benefit, Administration/Management, Community Pharmacy, Compliance, compounding, DEA, Ethics, FDA, Fellows and Members, Fellows Benefit, Member Benefits, networking, News Release, Pain Management, Patient Care, Patient Safety, Personal Development, Pharmacists, Pharmacy Law, Pharmacy Practice, Pharmacy Technicians, Preceptor/Mentor Training, Professional Development, Professional Growth, Public/Community Health, Regulatory Issues, Revenue, Risk Management, Sports Medicine, Telemedicine / Telepharmacy, USP 795, USP 797, USP 800, Veterinary Compounding, Webinar|Tags: , , , , , , |

It’s time to pack your bags and polish your business cards — the 2025 ACA Annual Conference & Expo is where independent pharmacy meets unforgettable opportunity!

📍 Memphis, TN | September 25–27, 2025

Join us at the legendary Peabody Hotel for the 2025 ACA Annual Conference & Expo — where independent pharmacy professionals come together to connect, learn, and grow.

Your registration includes:
• Continuing Education credit (except guest registration)
• Thursday Night Welcome Reception & Dinner
• All conference meals

• Full access to the exhibition hall

This is your chance to network with pharmacy leaders, discover the latest trends, and showcase your brand in a dynamic, in-person setting. With educational sessions, social events, and all meals included, this is more than a conference — it’s where pharmacy takes care of business!

Speakers Include:

Philip Cowley, PharmD
Kathy Campbell, PharmD
Jessica Beal, PharmD
Jennifer Adams, PharmD, EdD, FAPhA, FNAP
Sue Paul, RPh
L. Michelle Woosley, PharmD, MBA, CMAP

Reserve your spot today and be part of something meaningful!

2025 ACE Save The Date Rectangle
Reservations
The Peabody Memphis – The “South’s Grand Hotel”

The Peabody Memphis is legendary for its charm, elegance, gracious hospitality, and rich history. This Memphis icon, opened in 1869, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is world-famous for its five resident Mallard ducks, who march daily through the lobby at 11am and 5pm.

Nestled in the heart of downtown, this AAA Four-Diamond hotel offers a one-of-a-kind experience just blocks from Beale Street, the Memphis Rock ‘n Soul Museum, Fed-Ex Forum, Sun Studio, and the Orpheum Theatre.  The Peabody Memphis offers two Restaurants, two Bars, Spa, and a Deli with ice cream and desserts.

THE PEABODY MEMPHIS
149 Union Avenue, Memphis TN 38103

Group Rate: $249 plus taxes and fees
Room Block Deadline: Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:00 pm CDT

To make your reservations, click the button below or contact Susan Decker, ACA Director of Conferences at 434-989-5938 or susan@acainfo.org.

Individuals will guarantee reservations with a credit card or deposit equal to the first night’s room and tax.

2025 Sponsors and Exhibitors

AirClean
Boiron
Gates
RX Insider
Topi CLICK
ZRT Lab

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

2025-10-30T23:42:54-05:00April 15th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, News Release, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

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.

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