Bios & Memories

Herm Fishman

IN TRIBUTE: HERM FISHMAN, RPH

BY LOU SESTI, former MPA CEO, 1966-1994

Coming off years of political in-fighting and power politics within the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, organized pharmacy was able to advocate through the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) for a new kind of leadership. It succeeded in securing the appointment of Pharmacist Herm Fishman by then Gov. George Romney to be secretary of the Board of Pharmacy – what was then a powerful position within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Fishman was a Wayne State University College of Pharmacy graduate and an active member of the since-disbanded Downriver Pharmacists Association. Fishman brought a new kind of public and professional responsibility to the work of the board in both the licensing of qualified pharmacy graduates and the professional practice of licensed pharmacists.

Fishman bridged the gap between the unique role of the Board of Pharmacy in its responsibility to advance public health and safe pharmacy practices consistent with the then-rapidly changing role of pharmacists. Fishman respected the synergistic role, yet distinctly different responsibilities, of the colleges of pharmacy in Michigan, the

association and the licensure power of the Board of Pharmacy.

Fishman was always available to the profession, often speaking at statewide meetings, at local association meetings and serving on critical committees and task forces of the association. Fishman was “on the job” when Michigan implemented the prescription drug program by Medicaid and, a year later, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Prescription Drug Program for United Auto Workers (UAW) members on July 1, 1969. Fishman was again “on duty” when the Public Health Code was first adopted by the Michigan Legislature in 1978, which, for the first time, codified all licensing and registration laws relative to every health occupation. Fishman was again there when the profession wrestled with the existence and functioning of pharmacy supportive personnel now known as pharmacy technicians, which previously were not even allowed within the pharmacy practice area.

Herm’s leadership within all the health licensing boards, coupled with his integrity, sustainability, as well as his management and governance style, led to his promotion as deputy director of the department for two administrations prior to his retirement.

Pharmacist Fishman was a man of honor and professional integrity. He was a humble man, yet also a person very proud of his profession as Michigan pharmacy achieved pinnacle achievements within national pharmacy circles. Herm was dedicated in so many ways, among them to his family, friends and profession. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kate. He is survived by his treasures – his children: Sherri Prins, Tamara Brandt and Greg Fishman.

IN TRIBUTE: BRUCE C. FIELD

Bruce C. Field

Bruce C. Field, longtime member of the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, April 1, 2021. Field was born on Sept. 5, 1943, to the late LaMott and Ingrid (Nelson) Field in Owosso. He was a graduate of Laingsburg High School and in 1967, graduated from Ferris State University, the same year he married Ruth Poffinbarger.

Field was the owner and pharmacist of Field Pharmacy for 46 years, teaching first aid and EMT classes and volunteering on the Laingsburg Ambulance Service for 36 years. He was an active supporter of the Laingsburg Band Boosters and the Boy Scouts of America.

An MPA member since 1967, Field served as MPA treasurer from 1976-1988. Also active as a member of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Field served as APhA-APPM President/APhA Trustee from 2001-2002 and earned the APhA Fellow Award.

He was an adjunct professor of pharmacy at Ferris State University and was inducted into the Golden Eagle Society for 50 years of service in 2017. Locally, he was a member of the Capital Area Pharmacists Association, the Laingsburg Lions Club and a past member of the Laingsburg Business Association. He was a charter member of the University Reformed Church of East Lansing and served as a former deacon, usher and sound technician there.

Field was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 53 years; his children, Mary Sieben, Pamela (Thomas) Danckaert and Kevin Field; and his grandchildren, Tyler Sieben, Audrey Sieben, Isabella Danckaert, and Anneliese Danckaert.

NEW STAFF BIOS

ALIVIA BOWERS, STUDENT PHARMACIST

Alivia Bowers

Alivia Bowers is a Michigan native currently finishing her last year at South University School of Pharmacy in Savannah, Georgia. While on her five-week rotation at the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA), Alivia hopes to learn more about career paths available to pharmacists outside of clinical and retail pharmacy environments. She hopes that the knowledge, experience and training she gains during her rotation with MPA will enable her to begin her career as a pharmacist with a broadened perspective and skill set. After graduation, Alivia plans to return to her hometown of Alpena, which is a medically underserved but close-knit community, to serve her patients and further strengthen her relationship with the community.

CHELSY VITANZA, STUDENT PHARMACIST

Chelsy Vitanza

Chelsy Vitanza is a fourth year pharmacy student at Creighton University with 11 years of community pharmacy experience. She looks forward to earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in May 2022 and is excited to begin her career as a pharmacist. She is originally from Pittsburgh, Pa., where she worked in a Transitions of Care Program at a psychiatric hospital for the past three years. She will be joining the MPA from Oct. 25 to Nov. 24 for an experiential rotation in leadership. Through this experience, she hopes to further develop her leadership skills to be able to advocate more for the poor and vulnerable. Chelsy aims to pursue a career in leadership with a Master of Business in Healthcare Administration in an effort to be the voice of pharmacy someday.

AARON WITTBRODT, MEETINGS AND EDUCATION MANAGER

Aaron Wittbrodt joins MPA as the meetings and education manager, with more than two years of experience as a meetings professional. He graduated from Central Michigan University with his bachelor’s degree in integrative public relations with a minor in event management and public affairs. Prior to MPA, Aaron was an event planner at the Michigan Public Health Institute where he planned state-wide conferences for healthcare clients. When not engaged in planning, Aaron enjoys spending time reading and writing, performing or spending time with family and friends. He is very excited to interact with and get to know the members of MPA and looks forward to assisting them in having successful meetings, trainings and networking events.