2016 Patient Care Provider of the Year Finalists

2016 Patient Care Provider of the Year Finalists

As an associate professor of pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist, Joel Marrs has strived to optimize patient care by utilizing the skills required of health care providers and teachers, helping his patients to reach their best outcomes.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

I have been fortunate to be involved in the development and delivery of 2 pharmacy residency teaching certificate programs over the past 10 years in Oregon and Colorado.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

My biggest source of inspiration is my patients, especially when I can see them develop the self-management skills needed to help improve their chronic medical conditions and optimize their disease control.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

My philosophy is to always put the patient first when helping to determine the optimal plan for treatment.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

My vision for pharmacy is we will become a required and essential member of the health care team for all patients in all settings.

As a consultant pharmacist with Unity Point at Home, Richard Michael has advanced the role of the pharmacy professional by becoming a pharmacist volunteer to the state of Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program, which provides confidential, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

In addition to positions as a hospital, retail, and long-term care pharmacist, my most cherished achievement is being part of an interdisciplinary hospice care team for over 25 years.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

My inspiration comes from patients as they realize their pharmacist is the most accessible member of their health care team. Also, my wife, Crystal, who is also a pharmacist.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

The interests of the patient, family, and/ or caregiver have to be first as we navigate the changing scene of health care.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

The active partnership with physicians and the recognition of pharmacists as a valuable member of the health care team are well justified, but pharmacists must continue to embrace their evolving roles.

As a clinical service coordinator, Ashley Abode strives to enhance patient care in community pharmacy. Seeing the challenges her patients face has given her the drive to do her part to provide more comprehensive patient care beyond the pharmacy bench. Examples include disease state classes and a transitions-of-care program.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Serving as Realo Discount Drugs’ first clinical service coordinator, I changed the way patient care is provided. We provide comprehensive medication reviews for our patients and look at them as a whole.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

My patients. Seeing their struggles and, many times, their lack of understanding when it comes to their medications makes me want to do more. I’m constantly asking myself how to increase access to care.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

I see every relationship that I develop as a partnership. Partnerships take time. Each partner has different needs, and once you find those needs, you can find the best way to work together.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

I see our profession as the cornerstone of health care. My hope is that over the next few years, we will be able to fill the gaps. With provider status, I hope to see more opportunities for pharmacists.