MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

GROWING WITH MPA:

HOW MPA’S SUPPORT, CONNECTIONS AND RESOURCES HELPED ME THROUGH SCHOOL, RESIDENCY AND A GLOBAL PANDEMIC

BY BRITTANY KINNEY, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy specialist, Priority Health

Brittany Kinney

My involvement with the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) began similarly to most – as a student pharmacist. Throughout my education at Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, I became involved in multiple activities organized by MPA, including Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, Medication Take Back Day, the Annual Convention & Exposition and the Adopt-A- Student program. These activities provided me with the opportunity to network with numerous professionals, including pharmacists, technicians other student pharmacists and faculty members. These relationships and conversations fueled my passion for the expansive role of the pharmacist and ultimately helped to solidify and support my decision to complete residency training.

As I transitioned from student pharmacist to pharmacy resident, my involvement with MPA continued to grow through my completion of the Health Professional Leadership Academy (HPLA). HPLA is a nine-month program organized by the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation to support personal and organizational leadership development. Through this program, I learned important life lessons about what it takes to be an exceptional leader in both my personal and my professional roles. The knowledge and experiences I gained from this program set me up with the tools and confidence to accept a leadership position following the completion of my residency training.

Brittany Kinney and other graduates completed the Health Professional Leadership Academy through the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation in 2017.

Fast forward a couple of years and we find ourselves fighting a global pandemic. Like many, the year 2020 became one of the most impactful and powerful years of my life thus far. The pandemic brought with it a lot of challenges as far as how to care for my patients, for my colleagues, for my family and for myself in a time of uncertainty and fear. For a couple of months, it was hard to know where to turn to find accurate information quickly and the support necessary for navigating the pandemic. Thankfully, MPA quickly provided that support. The connections I have gained over the years with the MPA team became crucial to my ability to support my organization through the pandemic. The team at MPA was always available for questions either by email or phone regardless of the time of day. I additionally found support through the COVID updates, various publications and monthly Town Hall meetings that the MPA team kindly organized with various speakers from different sectors of the healthcare field.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to participate in the development of MPA’s current Mission, Vision and Purpose (i.e., MVP Team). The decision to gain insight from numerous pharmacy professionals representing various practice settings exemplifies MPA’s commitment to listen to member feedback. I strongly believe MPA diligently pursues their mission to “unite and empower pharmacy professionals through engagement, advancement and advocacy to optimize care and pursue health equity.”

My membership in MPA has provided numerous connections, robust knowledge and considerable support as I have navigated my first few years as a pharmacy professional. Although life can be hectic and busy, I would challenge all pharmacy professionals in Michigan to get involved in MPA. You won’t regret it!