Week 1: student Chandler

Hello MPhA members. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself as I begin a five week rotation here in the St Paul office. My name is Nate Chandler and I’m in my fourth year of pharmacy studies at the U of M- Duluth campus. My roots are in rural Wisconsin, and still enjoy returning there to visit friends and family. Prior to my pharmacy education, I held a career in plastics manufacturing where I enjoyed several great experiences, including numerous medical device projects. A move westward to Arizona provided me the opportunity to escape the Midwest cold and snow and begin my undergraduate studies. My goal of entering a PharmD program brought me back to Minnesota and I’m happy to be planning my future here as rotations are wrapping up soon. 

As a pharmacist, I hope to be well-rounded and deliver the service and care that my patients deserve. Part of that, I believe, involves having a broad base of knowledge about events that happen outside the doors of the pharmacy which can shape the practice in significant ways. I am very happy to have this learning experience with everyone here at MPhA. I hope to use my time here to learn about the interaction between the profession and the legal processes that shape the future of the practice. We will be spending time at the capitol, meeting with representatives, and provide education to the lawmakers of the state about the bills and issues that are of immediate and future concern to our profession. Building upon the clinical training we have worked on for the past four years, this experience will most certainly be unlike any I have had in the past. I will attempt to keep everyone up to date as we move forward. Stay tuned! 

Nate Chandler
University of Minnesota-Duluth
College of Pharmacy
PharmD Class of 2011

Learning about advocacy, legislation and the administrative side of MPhA

Hello MPhA Members!  I am so excited to spend my next 5 weeks learning about advocacy, legislation and the administrative side of MPhA— in order to meet the needs of the changing pharmacy environment!  My name is Gina Rozinka and I am a 4th year student from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. I grew up in Plymouth Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Genetics, Cell Biology & Development with a minor in Leadership. During my time at the College of Pharmacy, I was actively involved with Phi Delta Chi professional fraternity, Phi Lambda Sigma Honor Society and College Board, serving in various leadership roles. These organizations allowed me to meet many wonderful faculty and staff, as well as my colleagues on the Duluth Campus!

During my first week, I had the opportunity to meet with several State Senators and Representatives to discuss the proposed audit standardization bill, expanding MTM eligibility and pharmaceutical waste. I also toured the state capital, learned some fun trivia about the building (did you know we have the 2nd largest marble dome in the world?) and experienced democracy first hand! Nate and I also attended the Board of Pharmacy proposed rule change comment session. The session allowed Board of Pharmacy members to interpret, evaluate and alter the existing proposed rule packet based on the comments received from the public.  It was very interesting to see how the new rules affect each area of practice!  We will be attending the Board of Pharmacy hearing with the administrative law judge next Thursday so check back next week for an update!

Gina E. Rozinka

PharmD Candidate Class of 2011
University of Minnesota
College of Pharmacy