Signing Off (for now)

Hello MPhA! Sadly, it is my last day here at MPhA offices.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and am grateful for the opportunity to serve all the great Pharmacists and members across the state for the past 5 weeks.  I have participated in a plethora of meetings, activities, committees, and events and really appreciated the unique experiences and knowledge gained.

Wrapping up the final week was a flurry of scheduling appointments and working on the agenda for legislative day – next Tuesday Feb. 21^st.  We also had many great encounters with legislators last week regarding the Pharmacy Audit Integrity Act and electronic prescribing of controlled substances.  I also had the pleasure of attending a very informative meeting at the College where some excellent education was provided to students who will be attending legislative day. 

Outside of the activities at the capitol and surrounding professional advocacy, another productive meeting of the community pharmacy business community transpired.  A great deal of information was shared at this meeting and we are all looking forward to future meetings of the group. 

Healthcare reform has been a constant on the agenda for the association’s work and this week was no exception as I had some additional meetings regarding ACOs (accountable care organizations) and some opportunities for community pharmacists in the very near future.

I will be passing the torch to the very capable hands of Lindsay Sorge, leadership resident, and Sean Kenny, next PharmD IV student.  Stay tuned to hear from them, as I am excited to watch their progress in all the great work the association does.  Although I will physically be in Duluth for the next 5 weeks, my work with the association will not end and you will still hear from me in the future.  I am excited to start my rotation with Dr. Schneiderhan at the Human Development Center, and am also encouraged by the fact that he is very active in MPhA.  Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to serve the pharmacy community for Minnesota and look forward to all the association can accomplish in the future.

Thank you and best regards to all,

Zach Marty 

Lindsay - Week 1

Greetings! My name is Lindsay Sorge and I am currently on rotation at MPhA. I graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy last May and now am a Pharmaceutical Care Leadership Resident at the U of M. 

During the past week, my eyes were opened even more to how important the association and its members are for pharmacists in the state of Minnesota. There are continually changes in legislation and policy discussed that affect pharmacy. It is important to have a voice in those processes and MPhA is that voice. The Minnesota Health Reform Task Force has been meeting and there have been such interesting discussions about payment reform and workforce issues. Since I am currently at MPhA, I was able to be in the room during the discussions instead of at home reading the minutes from these meetings. I have also been visiting legislators with Zach, pharmacy student, to discuss issues important this session. This is definitely the place to take an active role in your profession and work for and with your colleagues to advance pharmacy practice.