2015 Next-Generation PharmacistÂ® Award Winners Announced

Michael Evans, Geisinger Health System, Receives Top Honor in Pharmacy; Industry Leaders Recognized at Sixth Annual Next-Generation Pharmacist Awards Gala

PLAINSBORO, N.J.--(

BUSINESS WIRE

)--Pharmacy leaders gathered last night at the sixth annual Next-Generation Pharmacist

awards gala to celebrate the 2015 finalists and learn who among them would be named winners.

“Since 2010, this program has recognized more than 150 pharmacy professionals for their leadership, passion and commitment to their patients and industry. This year’s finalists and winners epitomize the next generation of pharmacy; each is practicing at the top of their profession and inspiring progress.”

Michael Evans, B.S., RPh, the director of ambulatory clinical pharmacy programs at Geisinger Health System in Danville, Pa., received the evening’s top honor: the coveted title of 2015 Next-Generation Pharmacist. Following last night’s announcement, Evans will be featured on the cover of the August 2015 issue of Pharmacy Times, which will contain a profile of his award-winning contributions to the industry.

“We’d like to congratulate all the 2015 Next-Generation Pharmacist finalists and winners,” said DJ Dougherty, CEO of Parata Systems. “Since 2010, this program has recognized more than 150 pharmacy professionals for their leadership, passion and commitment to their patients and industry. This year’s finalists and winners epitomize the next generation of pharmacy; each is practicing at the top of their profession and inspiring progress.”

Nominations were received across 11 categories. An independent panel of judges scored each entry, naming the three highest scoring entries in each category as finalists and the top-scoring entry as the category winner. The overall Next-Generation Pharmacist was selected from among the winners of the nine pharmacist categories.

“This year’s Next-Generation Pharmacist truly demonstrates the qualities of a leader in pharmacy,” said Fred M. Eckel, RPh, M.S., ScD (Hon), Pharmacy Times editor-in-chief, who chaired the independent panel of judges that reviewed nominations. “Michael is committed to his role as a counselor, helping his patients understand their medical conditions, improve their overall health and wellness and recognize how to maximize their insurance plans and medical coverage. He is an excellent example to others in the industry, and we are proud to honor him.”

Evans, the first winner of the newly added Health-System Pharmacist category, was honored for his tremendous efforts in Geisinger’s Medication Disease Management Program. Under Evans’ leadership, this program has improved outcomes for patients with high-risk chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, heart failure and chronic pain.

“The winners of the Next-Generation Pharmacist awards are shaping an ever-changing industry,” said Ashley Hennessy Talamo, publisher of Pharmacy Times. “Pharmacists play an increasingly important role in the health care system. With frequent, face-to-face contact with patients, pharmacists have the ability to influence changes in patient behavior and to help people live generally healthier lives. It is an honor to give them the spotlight they deserve.”

The 2015 Next-Generation Pharmacist winners are:

Civic Leader

George Kress, RPh, AAHIVP, Walgreens Co.

Entrepreneur

Phillip LaFoy, DPh, Blount Discount Pharmacy, Inc.

Future Pharmacist

Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Lampien, University of the Incarnate Word

Health-System Pharmacist (NEW Category)

Michael Evans, B.S., RPh, Geisinger Health System

Lifetime Leadership

William Sheridan, RPh, The Kroger Co.

Military Pharmacist

Maj. David Jarnot, BSC, BCACP, United States Air Force

Patient Care Provider

Jack Dunn, RPh, Jasper Drugs

Rising Star

Evan Schnur, PharmD, Walmart

Specialty Pharmacist

Chris Williams, PharmD, Manatee County Government

Technician

Verender Gail Brown, B.S., RPhT, CPhT, School District of Osceola County

Technology Innovator

David Medvedeff, PharmD, MBA, VUCA Health

For a recap of the event and information on next year’s awards, visit http://www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com and connect with the Next-Generation Pharmacist program on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

More information can be found at http://www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com and http://www.pharmacytimes.com.

About Parata Systems, LLC

Parata provides technology solutions to support coordinated care, better health outcomes and lower medical costs, empowering pharmacists to grow their businesses. Founded in 2001, the Durham, N.C.-based company is a brand trusted by more than 12,000 pharmacies and a growing number of global health care professionals serving diverse patient populations. Our technology has filled more than 2.5 billion prescriptions, helping pharmacists avoid an estimated 15 million medication errors. For more information, visit www.parata.com, contact us via info@parata.com or 888-PARATA1 (727-2821) or check us out on Facebook or Twitter.

About Pharmacy Times

Pharmacy Times is the industry’s leading publication, providing practical, clinical information pharmacists can use in their everyday practices when counseling patients and interacting with physicians. Each issue contains articles and features covering medication errors, drug interactions, patient education, pharmacy technology, disease state management, patient counseling, product news, pharmacy law and specialty pharmacy. The Pharmacy Times Office of Continuing Professional Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Learn more at www.PharmacyTimes.com, write to info@pharmacytimes.com, call 609-716-7777 or visit us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PharmacyTimes) and Twitter (@pharmacy_times). Pharmacy Times is published by Michael J. Hennessy Associates, Inc., a leading provider of health care publications, research, information and education.

Next-Generation Pharmacist

is a registered trademark of Parata Systems, LLC.