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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

ACA HOME STUDY: Dermatological Compounding

2025-04-16T08:59:57-05:00April 16th, 2025|Categories: compounding, Continuing Education, Dermatology, Home Study, USP 800, Workplace Skills|Tags: , , , , , |

Our Dermatological Compounding Home Study is an accredited 5-hour knowledge-based program designed specifically for compounding pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This self-paced learning program provides a thorough overview of the formulation and preparation of creams, emulsions, ointments, pastes, gels, PLOs, solutions, lotions, powders, and both semi-solid and commercially available bases.

Participants will also review important compendial standards, including microbial content, minimum fill, quality control, preparation and labeling, patient counseling, and guidelines for establishing and extending beyond-use dates.

Course Highlights Include:

Introduction to Compounding

  • History of pharmaceutical compounding
  • USP chapters and drug monographs
  • Best practices and evolving trends in the U.S.

Dermatological Disease States Covered:

  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Clinical features, treatment options, and custom formulations
  • Psoriasis & Cutaneous Infections: Includes dermatophytosis, candidiasis, and warts
  • Acne Vulgaris & Rosacea: Differentiation, treatment overviews, and compoundable therapies

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your foundational knowledge or expand your skill set in dermatological compounding, this home study offers a well-rounded, practical approach. Enroll now and learn at your own pace! Registration is below.


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 5 contact hours (0.5 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

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!

ACA WEBINAR: Opportunities in Wellness – Integrating Advanced Point-of-Sale Functional Testing in Community Pharmacy

2025-03-10T08:59:15-05:00March 10th, 2025|Categories: Continuing Education, On-Demand Webinars, Pharmacy Practice, Revenue, Technology, Wellness|Tags: , , , , , |

Earn 1.0 contact hour (0.1 CEUs) of continuing education credit!

About the Webinar
Functional testing focuses on assessing physiological function at a biological level rather than detecting disease markers. Community pharmacies are uniquely positioned to offer these services, empowering patients with deeper insights into their health while supporting nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

This webinar will explore how pharmacists and pharmacy technicians can integrate Advanced Point-of-Sale Functional Testing into their practice. Topics include stool testing, breath testing, saliva testing, dried urine testing, food intolerance testing, and more. Learn how these tests can enhance patient outcomes, expand the role of pharmacy professionals, and boost revenue—all without requiring a CLIA waiver.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead in the evolving landscape of community pharmacy!

Speaker:

As a young teenager, Hillary 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.

 


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.

ACA WEBINAR: Neurology and Opportunities for Compounding

2025-02-25T09:00:31-06:00January 22nd, 2025|Categories: compounding, Continuing Education, Disease Management, Neurology, On-Demand Webinars, Patient Care, Pharmacy Practice|Tags: , , , , , |

Earn up to 1.5 hours of continuing education with the webinar Neurology and Opportunities for Compounding, originally presented at the ACA | ACVP | PPHI Annual Conference & Expo. This session is designed for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking to expand their knowledge in neurology and compounding.

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

  1. Understand the role of the neurologist in treating neurological diseases.
  2. Provide neurologists with therapeutic compounding options not commercially available, helping to meet patient needs.
  3. Identify specific disease states, including Parkinson’s Disease, the use of low-dose Naltrexone, and effective pain management.

This program will enhance your ability to offer specialized care in neurology and compounding practices.

Speaker:

Paul W. Lofholm, PharmD, is a Clinical Professor of Pharmacy from his alma mater, University of California, San Francisco.  He is an owner of Ross Valley Compounding Pharmacy in San Rafael, CA.  He regularly teaches pharmacy students from the SF Bay Area Schools of pharmacy. His compounding experience includes teaching compounding at UCSF.  He has been a member of the USP Compounding Committee and he is a member of the California Pharmacist’s Compounding Academy.  He has been a surveyor for PCAB and now ACHC where he reviews compounding activities for those pharmacies seeking accreditation.

He is married to Rebecca Lofholm who is a pharmacist.  He has two daughters and a son-in-law who practice together in Marin County.  He is a past president of ACA, the California Pharmacists Association, and the Rotary Club of Central Marin.  He was the 2011 Recipient of the Remington Honor Metal.

 


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 1.5 contact hours (0.15 CEUs) of continuing education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

ACA WEBINAR: DSCSA – 13 Year Implementation & 2024 Update

2025-02-25T08:59:33-06:00January 22nd, 2025|Categories: Compliance, Continuing Education, FDA, On-Demand Webinars, Pharmacy Law, Professional Development, Supply Chain Management|Tags: , , , , , |

📢 Missed the Webinar? Catch it On-Demand!

Webinar Title: DSCSA – 13 Year Implementation & 2024 Update
Accreditation: 1-hour CE (0.1 CEUs) for Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians

The DSCSA, enacted in 2013, is nearing full implementation! This on-demand webinar covers:

✅ Key DSCSA requirements for transaction information (TI) and transaction statements (TS)
✅ Steps to implement electronic traceability at the package level
✅ Strategies to ensure compliance with regulatory audits and inspections
✅ Best practices for identifying and reporting suspect products

FDA Enforcement Deadline: November 27, 2026 – Don’t wait to start preparing!

Learn how to meet these requirements and stay ahead of PBM audits. Watch now and ensure your pharmacy is ready for the future of supply chain compliance.  

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.


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.

ACA WEBINAR: Conquer Your Personal Coliseum by Developing Your Inner Gladiator

2025-02-25T09:01:49-06:00January 20th, 2025|Categories: Continuing Education, Leadership Training, On-Demand Webinars, Personal Development, Professional Growth, Workplace Skills|Tags: , , , , , |

Missed It Live? “Conquer Your Personal Coliseum by Developing Your Inner Gladiator” is now On-Demand!

This 1-hour on-demand session is now available, offering you practical strategies to conquer your own “personal coliseum. By attending this session, participants will be able to gain tools to overcome common barriers to personal development, receive goal-framing techniques that increase the likelihood of success, and develop a personalized action plan for your growth journey. Personal development often takes a backseat to clinical and business skills. But long-term success and leadership require more than technical expertise—it’s about developing the resilience and mindset of an inner gladiator.

Designed for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, this session is packed with literature-supported methods to better personal development, build leadership skills, and improve patient care.

Take charge of your growth and become the leader your team and patients need!

Speaker:

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


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.

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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