Fellows and Members

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

2025-05-14T15:08:53-05:00May 14th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Join us on June 10, 2025 for the Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting
2 pm ET / 1 pm CT / 12 pm MT / 11 am PT

🧬 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.

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.

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2025 American College of Apothecaries Conference & Expo

2025-04-28T12:26:12-05:00April 28th, 2025|Categories: ACA Fellows Benefit, Administration/Management, Community Pharmacy, Compliance, compounding, Continuing Education, 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!

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

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

2025-05-21T11:39:20-05:00April 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.

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Allergy Treatments: Homeopathy as a First Option and Supportive Care

2025-04-15T13:05:46-05:00March 24th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Did you miss the meeting? 

Listen Now
Topic: Understanding Medications and Achieving Front-End Success

Allergy Treatments: Homeopathy as a First Option and Supportive Care
Speaker:  Shane McCamey, Director of Training and Business Development

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 allergies. 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 allergy sufferers.

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.

Did you miss the April 9 meeting?
Listen Now!

Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: Recharge, Refocus, and Rediscover Balance

2025-01-16T11:20:20-06:00January 15th, 2025|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Recharge, Refocus, and Rediscover Balance: A Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 1:00 pm Eastern / 12 Noon Central / 11:00 am Mountain / 10:00 am Pacific
Hosted by: Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN and Steve Zielinski, PharmD, FACA

Show Yourself Some Love!

Is your job taking a toll on you? Are you feeling burned out? This Valentine’s season, it’s time to focus on self-care and wellness. Join us for an inspiring and open discussion designed for pharmacy teams, where we’ll tackle these pressing questions and share strategies to support one another.

What to Expect:

This meeting is more than just a conversation; it’s an opportunity to recharge, refocus, and rediscover balance in your life. Led by experts Hillary Howell and Steve Zielinski, the session will dive into practical ways to address burnout and prioritize self-care. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:

  • Addressing Workplace Challenges: Share and listen to experiences from colleagues facing similar struggles. Together, we can identify actionable solutions to create a more supportive environment.
  • Promoting Wellness: Explore positive ideas for fostering wellness, not only for yourself but for your entire team. From small daily habits to workplace initiatives, every step counts.
  • Rediscovering Balance: Learn how to prioritize your well-being without compromising your professional responsibilities. Because taking care of others starts with taking care of yourself.

This meeting will be recorded

Why You Should Attend:

Burnout isn’t just a personal challenge—it affects your ability to provide the best care for others. This Valentine’s season, let’s show ourselves some love and dedicate time to personal wellness. By recharging and refocusing, we can rediscover balance and approach our work with renewed energy and passion.

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, need a safe space to discuss challenges, or want to connect with a community that understands, this meeting is for you. Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive workplace.

Mark your calendar and join us for this transformative session. Because when you’re at your best, everyone benefits. Let’s commit to caring for ourselves and each other—one step at a time.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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Nutrition & Wellness Faculty Meeting: The Foundational Five

2025-01-16T11:58:22-06:00November 12th, 2024|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

“The Foundational Five”.  Matt will delve into the five most popular supplements, explaining their key benefits and the reasons we rely on them for health and wellness. He will break down each supplement’s role in supporting various bodily functions, addressing common health concerns, and enhancing overall well-being. By exploring the science behind each product, Matt aims to help us understand how these supplements contribute to optimal health and make informed choices for their wellness routines.

Due to illness the presentation was delivered by Hillary Howell.

Topic: The Foundational Five
Speaker: Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN,

Listen Now

This meeting will be recorded

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ACA MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH AIRCLEAN SYSTEMS

2024-10-30T17:02:18-05:00October 8th, 2024|Categories: Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members, networking, Pharmacy Practice, Public/Community Health|Tags: , , , , |

Title: Achieving USP Compliance with AirClean Systems
Did you miss the meeting, listen now – RECORDING

Description: Learn about USP General Chapters <795>, <797>, and <800>. Alanna will discuss which AirClean Systems products provide the necessary protection to keep your staff safe and maintain compliance.

Speaker: Alanna Zow, Technical Sales Specialist

Alanna has been a Technical Sales Specialist with AirClean Systems since early 2024. In her role, she assists customers across various industries – including research, education, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and medical fields – to ensure they have the fume hood or enclosure they need to protect their processes or keep their employees safe. Her background and education include a B.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida and an M.S. in Medical Sciences from the University of Kentucky. Her knowledge and experience allow her to understand her customers’ needs, applications, and concerns when selecting the right product.

Did you miss the meeting?  Listen Now

Registration is closed.

Recording – ACA MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH WAYPOINT

2024-10-09T11:17:51-05:00September 23rd, 2024|Categories: Community Pharmacy, Fellows and Members, networking, Pharmacy Practice, Public/Community Health|Tags: , , , , |

Boosting Cash Flow at Waypoint Company Member Meeting
Did you miss the meeting, listen now – Recording

We’re excited to announce that our next member meeting will focus on boosting cash flow in your pharmacy operations. In these challenging times, every dollar counts, and it’s crucial that we stay ahead of the game to combat the pressures posed by the PBM industry.  We have successfully saved or added hundreds of thousands of dollars to pharmacy cash flows. This initiative has grown into a powerful movement, and we want you to be a part of it.

Join us to learn valuable strategies and tips on how to maximize your cash flow and ensure your continued success in this competitive landscape. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Ben Coakley, Owner the Waypoint Company and RX Insurance Group.

Ben has served pharmacies and pharmacy owners for over 20 years now. He is dedicated to fighting for patients to continue to have access to independent pharmacies

This meeting will be recorded

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ACA MEMBER INFORMATIONAL MEETING WITH PTCB

2024-09-12T14:04:45-05:00August 23rd, 2024|Categories: Fellows and Members, networking, Nutrition, nutrition & wellness, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , |

Rx for Success: Elevating Pharmacy Technicians through Certification Excellence“.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
CLICK HERE FOR THE MEETING RECORDING

This will be a great opportunity for your pharmacy technicians to elevate their skills and expertise through certification excellence. This Rx for Success meeting will offer comprehensive information that can really take your team to the next level.  This event is a great opportunity to learn more about the benefits of certification and how it can help you stand out in the field.

Liza Chapman, PharmD, FAPhA
Chief Professional Officer

Liza Chapman serves as PTCB’s Chief Professional Officer where she is responsible for developing partnerships with the pharmacy community, including educators, employers, state and national pharmacy associations, and state boards of pharmacy to advance pharmacy technician roles and responsibilities, and medication safety.

This meeting will be recorded

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Special Benefit for New Members

2024-05-14T07:56:18-05:00July 6th, 2023|Categories: Continuing Education, Fellows and Members, Member Benefits|Tags: , , , , |

*does not apply to Student Pharmacist Members

For new ACA members, the bundle is accessible at no additional cost through a special code provided in the welcome email upon joining.

Current members and non-members interested in this valuable educational offering can purchase the bundle through the provided link: https://www.lecturepanda.com/a/NewMember.

The ACA New Member Bundle presents an excellent opportunity for both new and seasoned pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to advance their professional skills and earn continuing education credits. Accredited for 3.0 contact hours (0.3 CEUs), the bundle includes three insightful modules, each providing 1 CE credit.

The first webinar, “Opportunities in Wellness: Integrating Advanced Point of Sale Functional Testing in Community Pharmacy,” led by Hillary Howell, PharmD, CCN, FACA, explores innovative approaches to health screening and wellness monitoring directly at the point of sale. This session is particularly beneficial for professionals looking to expand their services beyond traditional dispensary roles, thereby enhancing patient care and pharmacy practice.

Next, “Long Walk Out of the Woods: A Physician’s Story of Addiction, Depression, Hope, and Recovery” by Adam Hill, MD, offers a profound personal narrative that sheds light on the critical issues of mental health in the healthcare profession. This presentation not only provides key insights into overcoming personal struggles but also emphasizes the importance of support systems and resilience in professional life.

The third webinar, “Implementing Personalized Nutrition into Pharmacy Practice” by Lara Zakaria, PharmD, MS, CNS, CDN, IFMCP, delves into the integration of nutritional counseling and personalized diet plans in pharmacy settings. This course is designed to equip pharmacists with the necessary tools to offer tailored nutritional advice to their patients, thereby contributing to better health outcomes.

Our Speakers:

Dr. Hillary Howell, PharmD, FACA, CCN worked as a pharmacy technician until graduating high school in 1998. Her passion for medicine led her to enroll in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Ferris State University and graduated in 2004. Shortly after graduating, she married her high school sweetheart and took a position as a retail staff pharmacist at a local pharmacy chain. This ultimately led to a manager position with the same company.

Hillary has two children, Hunter and Tanner, which she adores. 10 years into her position as a manager, her husband James was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer, leiomyosarcoma of the prostate. During his journey, the family decided to look into alternative treatments using both conventional and alternative therapies. Sadly, James’ journey ended 18 months later.

As a single mother, Hillary decided to take her career in a new direction. She opened Michigan’s first integrative cash based pharmacy, Apothecary & Co, in 2019, focusing on helping others to find their root cause instead of applying a “bandaid”. Apothecary & Co proudly specializes in compounding, point of care testing, and functional medicine consulting. Since opening in 2019, Hillary received her Certified Clinical Nutrition designation in 2021. She is currently pursuing a certification program through the Institute for Functional Medicine. Besides the love for functional medicine, her other passion is medicinal herbalism leading her to complete coursework through Rosemary Gladstar’s The Science of Art and Herbalism program.

Dr. Adam B. Hill, MD is a palliative care physician at Riley Hospital for Children. He is a proud Hoosier, a Butler Bulldog, and an IUSM graduate. He completed his pediatric residency training at St. Louis University, a fellowship in pediatric hematology/oncology at Duke University, and a palliative medicine fellowship at IUSM. His work in palliative care is focused on allowing patients to live the best quality of life possible in the midst of chronic, life-limiting, and/or life-threatening medical conditions.

In addition to palliative care, Dr. Hill is passionate about physician wellness/self-care, physician education, and international medical work. His international work has allowed him to work in Belize, Mexico, Kenya, Tanzania, and Australia over the past several years. In addition, as part of his work in palliative care, he serves as the medical director for a week-long summer camp for children affected by childhood cancer.

Dr. Lara Zakaria, PharmD, MS, CNS, CDN, IFMCP is a Pharmacist, Nutritionist, and adjunct professor specializing in Functional Medicine and Personalized nutrition. After spending 10 years in pharmacy community practice, she noticed that her patients were all getting worse, not better. She realized that the pharmaceutical-based guidelines she was trained in were intended only to manage chronic disease not prevent progression. That led her to FxMed and the power of nutrition. Dr. Zakaria is passionate about gut health and preventing and reversing metabolic, kidney, and autoimmune diseases. She splits her time between clinical practice, teaching, and mentorship in service of expanding awareness and access to FxMed and Personalized Nutrition.

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