1. business and industrial
2. company
3. bankruptcy

FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
ACCP STUNEWS
Clinical Pharmacy:
Issue 20 February 2015
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Growing into a clinical
pharmacist involves not only
assimilating the knowledge
learned in the classroom but
also applying that
information to improve the
lives of patients in a clinical
context. Though what is
learned in the classroom is
essential to the foundation of
professional success, training
is not confined to school. In
this issue we highlight
pharmacy conferences to inspire
you to seek out opportunities for
professional growth. Conferences
provide ample opportunities to
learn about innovations in
pharmacy practice, network with
current practitioners, meet new
friends from across the country
and see a new city. Unable to
make it to a conference? Consider
creating a monthly specialty case
series event like the SCCP chapter
of UMKC. Read about how one
pharmacist created her
educational path and position
spanning two practice sites. Learn
a bit about a recently approved
therapy for Hepatitis C:
Harvoni®. Or stretch your brain
with a little creativity and take
our chapter challenge just for fun!
ASHP Midyear:
Class of 2015 Experience
2
ACCP Annual
Meeting 2014
3
Chapter Spotlight:
UMKC
3
Clinical Spotlight:
Transitional & Home Care
4
20th Newsletter Special:
Student Network Growth
4
New Drug Update:
Harvoni®
5
Chapter Challenge:
Superpowers
6
“Learning is an experience. Everything else is
just information. “Albert Einstein
Clinical Case
HPI: A 50-year-old woman presents with persistent hand pain and stiffness for 3 mo. Two weeks ago, her right wrist became
so inflamed that it significantly impaired her ability to type and perform ADL. She has self-medicated with ibuprofen and
found some relief of pain. There is no history of recent trauma. PMH: Herniated disk & cervical fusion at C6–C7l.
Complicated abdominal hysterectomy 1y ago. Seasonal allergies. No heart disease or GI bleeding Nonsmoker, light social
drinker Current Medications: Ibuprofen 400 mg TID x 2 weeks; loratadine 10 mg QD PRN; calcium carbonate 500 mg TID
WM x 2 years NKDA Vital Signs: BP: 135/80 mm Hg; HR 68 bpm; Wt 73 kg; Ht 65 in Laboratory Values: Rheumatoid factor
1/80 titer; ESR 44 mm/h; WBC 6.4 x103; Hbg 11.9 g/dL; HCt 33.6%; Plt 313,000/μL; ferritin 200 ng/mL; Na+ 141 mEq/L; K+
4.7 mEq/L; Cl- 99 mEq/L; HCO3 22 mEq/L; BUN 23 mg/dL ; SCr 1.6 mg/dL; ALT 63 U/L ; AST 60 U/L Other Data: On
examination, the MCP (metacarpophalangeal) joints were swollen and very tender to palpation, and the right wrist plus the
left third and fourth PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joints were swollen. There was also some tenderness in the metatarsal
joints of the feet. No subcutaneous nodules were present. The patient is given a diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
1.
2.
3.
Which of the laboratory values for this patient are most suggestive of a poor long-term RA prognosis?
Her physician wants to initiate a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), but the patient notes that she is
leaving in less than 1 month for a 9-week dream trip across Europe with her husband. Because follow-up medical
care could be problematic, which DMARD is the best choice for her at this time?
What is the most appropriate adjustment to her NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) therapy?
For additional case questions and explained answers click here.
FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
ASHP Midyear: Class of 2015 Experience
Matt Atkinson, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate,
Oregon State University/ Oregon Health & Science
University College of Pharmacy
Erin McCreary, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate,
Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy
How did you make the most of ASHP Midyear?
Matt: My focus was the residency showcase. In order to best prepare for the showcase, I researched residency
programs of interest prior to the meeting and prepared meaningful questions to ask current residents and
program directors. Additionally, I planned each day in advance of the meeting to determine the best way to
approach the residency showcase, determining which programs would be present at each particular day and
time. This helped me prioritize the programs I wanted to speak with. I also optimized my experience by
attending other meeting events including my regional/college of pharmacy reception (NW Reception), the
PhORCAS 3.0 update and interviewing skills workshop.
Erin: I agree with Matt completely. I think it is critical to do your research beforehand. Explore beyond
program websites by utilizing your network to speak with individuals that have had experience with the
programs you are considering. People are definitely your most valuable resource!
What are you glad you did?
Erin: I am glad that I optimized my time by attending many aspects of the meeting, not just the Residency
Showcase. The interview skills workshop, PhORCAS review, Dollars and Sense, and Clinical Pearls were
extremely helpful. Attending receptions, general sessions, and educational programming is a great way to
meet people and to learn. Some topics discussed during the sessions may even come up during interviews so
this conference is an excellent way to start getting informed! I am also glad I presented a poster because it is
such a good opportunity to share your research with colleagues. Don’t forget to relax and smile a little!
Matt: I am also thankful that I attended student programs, networking sessions and educational discussions.
Although it was challenging for me to look past the residency showcase, the Midyear experience offers so
many other great learning and networking opportunities that should not be missed.
What do you wish you had known about or done differently?
Matt: Prior to the Midyear meeting, my goal was to speak to the residents and program directors at several
specific sites. On the first day of the residency showcase I focused my energy on my target programs.
However, I soon realized it would be beneficial for me to talk to other programs in order to determine if they
may be a better personal fit than those I had previously selected. On the second day of the residency showcase,
I shifted my focus and spoke to programs I initially had not considered. I am thankful that I ventured out of
my comfort zone because I am now planning to apply to several of these residency programs.
Erin: I found that I discovered programs I hadn’t researched at all prior to Midyear as well, and those are also
ones to which I applied. Several programs that ―looked good on paper‖ beforehand fit for me, and I had to
adjust my thought process. So while it is great to have a plan for the showcase, keep an open mind and don’t
be afraid to stop by a booth that catches your eye. I wish I had brought less copies of my CV and saved a few
trees—while I would bring a few, larger programs no longer collect these I also think it is a good idea if you
are presenting a poster to put the time and number of your presentation on the back of your business card. A
few peers did this, and residents and directors from programs they had met with stopped by! Cont. on page 5
STUNEWS|ACCP.COM
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FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
ACCP Annual Meeting 2014
Ruby Lee, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Class of 2017, St. John’s University
This past October, I was given the opportunity
to attend the 2014 ACCP Annual Meeting in Austin,
Texas. The nights leading up the annual meeting were
filled with anxiety, all which went away the minute I
walked into the Austin Convention Center. Seeing the
various clinical pharmacy sessions taking place in each
room and taking in the atmosphere; everything felt
right. ACCP felt like a home away from home. The first
day of the meeting was very student oriented as ACCP
started the afternoon off with their Emerge from the
Crowd programming and ended the night with the
Student and Resident Reception. The Emerge from the
Crowd agenda consisted of clinical pharmacists
presenting on several topics ranging from
―Documenting your Professional Growth in the Digital
Age‖ to ―Navigating the P4 year‖. The Student and
Resident Reception, Resident Roundtables and Clinical
Pharmacy Career Path Roundtables were great
networking opportunities, even for a first timer at a
national meeting like myself. Getting to hear first-hand
insights into the life of a current resident gave me the
chance to see the vast specialties and careers that I
could pursue.
The other highlight of my trip was being able to
attend the ACCP Student Chapter Forum, previously
known as the College of Pharmacy Faculty Liaisons
Meeting. This recent change allows members
representing their student chapters to collaborate
with ACCP on ideas for more student recruitment,
involvement and fundraising. Being part of a SCCP
chapter in its youth, I was more than eager to listen
to all the suggestions that the other chapters had. In
the short amount of time that we had, the many
schools present were able to bounce ideas off each
other – ranging from how to start a chapter to how to
sustain a chapter. It was a great tool to not only
network with my fellow students but also to give me
the chance to bring plenty of ideas back to my
chapter that I personally would not have thought of.
As my first ACCP Annual Meeting came to a close, it
definitely felt like an experience of a lifetime. It only
has me looking forward to the 2015 ACCP Global
Conference in San Francisco, California next year
and to see what new resources ACCP can offer me.
Student Chapter Spotlight: UMKC
Heather Buehrer,
SCCP President, Class of 2016
SCCP chapter at the University of Missouri-Kansas City was recognized in October as an official ACCP
student chapter. SCCP is one of the newest pharmacy organizations on our campus and it is our goal to
provide as many students as possible with opportunities and insights into the importance of clinical
pharmacy. One of the ways we have decided to do this is by providing monthly case study presentations, led
by faculty experts in their specialized field of study. During these case presentations, pharmacy students of
all levels gain exposure to various disease states, treatment regimens, and issues encountered in a real life
setting. By discussing the cases and providing opportunity for questions and answers, students will become
more aware of their expectations in a job setting, should they choose to go into clinical pharmacy.
STUNEWS|ACCP.COM
3
FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
Clinical Spotlight:
Shannon Reidt, Pharm.D., MPH, BCPS
Interviewed by Rebecca Pulk, Class of 2016, University of Minnesota
What educational steps did you take to get where you are today?
After earning my PharmD, I completed a two-year Pharmaceutical Care
Leadership Residency through the University of Minnesota. This program
integrated ambulatory care, practice management and teaching. During my
residency, I was able to complete a Masters of Public Health with an emphasis in
Administration & Policy. While an MPH was not an official part of this
residency, I was able to work with my preceptors and the School of Public
Health to coordinate my coursework and training.
How would you describe your practice site? I practice in two distinct settings
linked through a large urban health system, Hennepin County Medical
Center. One part of my practice is set in the Transitional Care Unit of a Skilled
Nursing Facility where I review medications for patients as they admit to and
discharge from care. The second part of my practice is providing MTM to
patients in their homes. Any patient who receives care through HCMC can be
referred to this service. I love my practice in that it is challenging and
collaborative. As a pharmacist I am valued as a necessary part of the team! How
How has ACCP been important in your professional development? The
geriatric and ambulatory care PRNs are a great way to network with other
practitioners. I really value being able to reach out to the list serve to consult the
opinions of other pharmacists. Earlier in my career, I was awarded an ACCP
Seed Grant to evaluate a teaching technique I was piloting. This project launched
my teaching scholarship.
How do you stay current in your field? I subscribe to tables of contents of
medical journals relevant to my field (geriatrics and internal medicine). I also
attend Grand Rounds presentations at my practice site and professional
meetings as I am able. The ACCP annual meeting has excellent programming
that inspires me to keep learning.
StuNews: 20th Edition Look Back
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight the many exciting and
advancing opportunities for student members of ACCP.

Student membership has doubled from 2100 to over 4200 members

Student Travel Award Grants have helped more than 415 students to attend
a national ACCP meeting, stipends have grown from $250 to $500

―Emerge from the Crowd‖, ACCP’s unique program aimed at helping
student position themselves as ideal residency candidates debuted in 2012.
The ―Emerge‖ program is now offered twice annually at both national
ACCP meetings. For more information on ―Emerge‖ click here.

The Clinical Pharmacy Challenge, ACCP’s novel pharmacy student team
competition expanded to include four online rounds and had record
participation with 104 unique institutions competing in 2014.

Beginning in 2013, ACCP officially recognized student chapters. To date 53
institutions have official ACCP Student Chapters
2014-2015
ACCP National Student
Network Advisory Committee
LEADERSHIP:
Kyle Strnad – Chair
Tyler Vest – Vice Chair
Erin McCreary – Secretary
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE:
Matthew Atkinson
Kelsey Billups
Timothy Howze
Jennifer Koehl
Ruby Lee
Alex Olinger
Jinhee Park
Rebecca Pulk
ACCP STAFF LIASON:
Michelle Kucera, Pharm.D., BCPS
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS:
Email: [email protected]
What a great time to be an ACCP student member!
STUNEWS|ACCP.COM
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FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
ASHP Midyear: Class of 2015 Experience
(Continued)
What advice do you have for the Class of 2016?
Erin: Asking meaningful questions is very important to
help you narrow down where to apply. Ask what a
typical day is like and the level of autonomy residents
are afforded. Note if they have a teaching certificate and
ask if the experiences are limited to precepting students
on rotations or if there are opportunities for didactic
lectures. Do not just ask how much and how often you
would staff but what role the pharmacist plays during
staffing hours. Do not just focus on meeting the
program director; residents will give you the best
perspective on what you can expect from the next year
and preceptors and other faculty are great resources to
get a feel for the site culture. I recommend talking to at
least two people (one resident, one other) at each
program. Keep in mind that outside of the showcase,
you never know whom you’ll meet! The person
standing in line next to you to get into the general
session could be a preceptor at one of your favorite
programs. Be open and positive the entire time, and
don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Do your
research, as several programs require a preliminary
phone interview, PPS, or completion of an interest form
before applications are due. You don’t want to miss the
opportunity to apply because you were unaware of this
requirement. Be prepared to return from Midyear and
get down to work. The turn-around time for submitting
references and applications is short.
Matt: Approach the residency showcase from a
fact-gathering perspective. The Midyear meeting is
huge and can be overwhelming. To minimize
distractions, prepare well and focus on gathering
specific information that will help you determine
which programs will be the best fit for you. During
the showcase you will receive a lot of information:
document your experience, so that you will be able
to reference what you learned following the
meeting. Take some time to attend student
programs, networking sessions and educational
discussions, as you may end up making
meaningful connections at one of your top
residency destinations.
New Drug Update: Harvoni®
Nabeela Ahmed
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Class of 2015
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The FDA approved its first combination pill to treat
hepatitis C (HCV) genotype 1 infection in October
2014. Harvoni® is the third drug approved over the
last few years to treat chronic HCV infection. Olysio®
(simeprevir) was approved in November 2013 and
Sovaldi® (sofosbuvir) was approved in December
2013. Unlike its counterparts, Harvoni® is the only
available treatment option for HCV that does not
require administration with interferon and ribavirin.
HCV is a viral infection that impacts the liver,
leading to chronic infection that can cause liver
failure, liver cancer and potentially a need for liver
transplantation.
Harvoni®, marketed by Gilead Sciences, Inc, is a
fixed–dose combination product containing 90mg of
ledipasvir and 400mg of sofosbuvir. For treatmentnaïve HCV or treatment experienced HCV without
cirrhosis, the recommended treatment course is once
daily for 12 weeks. For treatment experienced HCV
with cirrhosis, the recommended course is once daily
for 24 weeks.
Ledipasvir, an inhibitor of HCV NS5A, inhibits viral
replication, assembly, and secretion. Sofosbuvir, a
nucleotide analog inhibitor of NS5B polymerase,
inhibits RNA replication, while the triphosphate
form results in chain termination.
Phase 3 studies (ION-1, ION-2, and ION-3) have
consistently shown sustained virologic response
rates greater than 90% with the recommended
courses of Harvoni®, suggesting eradication of the
infection. Harvoni® is a well-tolerated medication.
Trials reported the most common adverse events to
be fatigue and headache. Currently, the greatest
limitation in obtaining this medication is the cost,
which is $1,125 a pill or $94,500 for 12-weeks.
For more information, please visit www.harvoni.com
Citations:
1. Harvoni[package insert] Foster City, CA: Gilead Sciences, Inc; 2014
2. "FDA approves first combination pill to treat hepatitis C." U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 28 Dec. 2014.
3. "Harvoni, a Hepatitis C Drug From Gilead FDA Approval." The New York Times [New York
City]<http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm418365.htm>.
STUNEWS|ACCP.COM
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FOR STUDENTS, BY STUDENTS
Student
Chapter
Challenge:
―If you could market a
new drug to provide
you with a super
power, what would
it be?
Submitted by:
Emily Rapesak,
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate,
Class of 2016
University of Houston College of
Pharmacy
ISSUE 20, FEBRUARY 2015
If I could market a new drug with a super power, it would be called
Breatheitol (pronounced breeth-it-tawl), which would provide people
the ability to breathe underwater. My thought process for this drug
was to find a super power that would be useful for me and useful for
other people too.
Who can use Breatheitol? Breatheitol can be used by anyone 6 years of
age and older for a large variety of reasons. Parents who would like
peace of mind while going to a pool can give Breatheitol to their
children who cannot swim. Professional divers can also use Breatheitol
so they don’t need to carry around their bulky diving equipment.
Breatheitol comes in many dosage forms including immediate release
(IR) and sustained release (SR) tablets, chewable tablets, and prefilled
auto-injections. This medication is used as needed and should be taken
30 minutes before your swimming activity. The IR tablet can be used for
brief swimming activities that last around 1 to 2 hours while the SR
tablet can be used for up to 6 hours. The chewable tablets would be
formulated for children who cannot swallow whole tablets and the
prefilled IM auto-injector would work in emergency situations
Side effects include shortness of breath when returning to land, residual
water in your lungs, and in very rare cases you may permanently lose
your ability to breathe air. Contact your doctor if symptoms last for
more than 4 hours. Breatheitol would be labeled as a controlled
substance to prevent abuse by competitive swimmers.
JOIN US FOR THE NEXT STUDENT CHAPTER CHALLENGE
Clinical pharmacists are superheroes. Please submit a short narrative detailing their powers!
Have an idea for a student chapter challenge? Submit your question to [email protected]
For more information:
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Check out our website:
http://www.accp.com/index.aspx
Find us on Facebook
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@Clinicalpharm
ACCP HEADQUATERS
13000 West 87th Street Parkway
Lenexa, Kansas 66215-4530
Telephone: (913) 492-3311
Fax (913) 492-3311
Email: [email protected]
February
15
Abstract Deadline: 2015 ACCP Global Conference
on Clinical Pharmacy
March
20
Residency Match Results Released
27-30 APhA Annual Meeting San Diego, CA
April
10-14 ACCP Updates in Therapeutics, Chicago, IL
11-12 Emerge from the Crowd 2015, Chicago, IL
STUNEWS|ACCP.COM
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