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by Brian Clark, Chief Executive Officer
As the year draws to a close, the holiday season gives us a moment to pause and reflect on the journey we have taken together as a pharmacy community. It is also a time to look ahead with anticipation, setting our sights on the progress we aim to achieve in 2025. The theme of this edition, Preparing for Progress: Navigating the Road Ahead, captures the essence of what lies before us—a balance of celebration, preparation, and ambition.
As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply thankful for each of our members, leaders, and partners— who work tirelessly to advance pharmacy in South Carolina. Your dedication inspires us at SCPhA to continue championing initiatives that empower pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to deliver exceptional care.
This is also a time to recharge. The work we do can be demanding, but the holiday season reminds us of the importance of balance and community. I hope you will take this opportunity to connect with loved ones, celebrate your successes, and prepare for the exciting work ahead.
With the new year comes the start of South Carolina’s 2025 legislative session, which will run from January through May. This session is especially significant as we embark on the first year of a twoyear legislative cycle. SCPhA is focusing on several critical issues, including advancing PBM reform, as well as, expanding pharmacists' clinical roles through initiatives such as collaborative practice, test and treat, and revisions to the Pharmacy Access Act.
Our advocacy efforts will require collective action, and your involvement will be critical. Whether it is contacting your legislators, attending Pharmacy Day at the Statehouse, or sharing your stories, EVERY VOICE MATTERS. SCPhA will provide updates and resources throughout the session to keep you informed and engaged. Together, we can make meaningful strides that elevate our profession and improve health outcomes for South Carolinians.
As we prepare for the 22nd Annual Southeastern Leadership Weekend, set for January 10-12, 2025, at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, I am filled with excitement for what promises to be another extraordinary gathering. This event has become a hallmark of regional collaboration, drawing attendees from states throughout the southeast and beyond to learn, network, and grow together.
This year’s lineup features dynamic speakers from four states who will address critical topics, including personal and professional leadership, weight management, the opioid crisis, and immunization updates. The weekend offers not only valuable professional development, but also an opportunity to reflect on the evolving role of pharmacy leaders in today’s healthcare landscape.
As I reflect on the past year, I am deeply thankful for each of our members, leaders, and partners—who work tirelessly to advance pharmacy in South Carolina.
If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to not miss this chance to invest in your growth while contributing to the ongoing success of pharmacy in our region.
As we navigate the road ahead, one thing is certain: progress requires preparation, unity, and vision. Together, we have accomplished much, and there is still so much potential to unlock. From advancing legislation to hosting transformative events like the Southeastern Leadership Weekend, SCPhA is committed to driving innovation, advocating for your needs, and building a brighter future for pharmacy. On behalf of SCPhA, I wish you a joyous holiday season filled with peace, gratitude, and hope. Let us embrace 2025 with determination, enthusiasm, and a shared commitment to progress.
Warm Regards,
BrianClark,BSPharm,R.Ph.
DECEMBER 2024 | Volume 64, Issue 4
Kayce Shealy, Pharm.D., BCPS, CDCES President/Chairman of the Board
Whitney Pence, Pharm.D. President-Elect
William Wynn, Pharm.D., R.Ph., BCMAS Treasurer
Cheryl Anderson, BS Pharm, R.Ph. Immediate Past-President
Anthony DeClue, Pharm.D., MA, BCACP Speaker, House of Delegates
Emily Russell, Pharm.D. Speaker-Elect, House of Delegates
Sarah Braga, Pharm.D. At-Large Director
Julie Sease, Pharm.D., FCCP, BCPS, CDCES, BCACP Midlands Region Director
Erin Blackmon Stelling, Pharm.D., MBA
Pee Dee Region Director
Deborah Bowers, Pharm.D., R.Ph., AFMC
Upstate Region Director
Marissa Beck, Pharm.D., MBA
Lowcountry Region Director
by Kayce Shealy, SCPhA President
Hi SCPhA faithful! It’s hard to believe that we have reached the halfway point of the Board year, and we are preparing for a new calendar year. It doesn’t seem like it’s been almost 6 months since we convened in Charleston to illuminate the bright things happening in pharmacy and in the Association.
In August, the Board set the priorities for the organization and priorities for us to act on legislatively. I’d like to share a summary of the efforts to address these in my President’s letter this month. I hope that this update demonstrates how we are preparing for progress and also how we are planning to navigate the road ahead.
Priorities for the Board of Directors:
Develop a structure or framework for member engagement within regions on matters of importance to SCPhA.
• Our Region Directors have worked in concert with our Speaker
Our hope is that these priorities will make us stronger together as an Association and profession.
of the House to convene members in each region ahead of scheduled House of Delegates meetings. This is an effort to keep our members informed as well as provide an opportunity to be heard and/or provide feedback on matters that are to scheduled to be discussed at the House. These were held virtually for the first time in November, and will be held ahead of our February and June sessions. Be on the lookout for information from your Region Director to join the next meetings and provide your feedback to SCPhA.
• Explore and secure non-dues revenue streams : This continues to be an area of focus for our Board, and particularly our CEO, as we strive to maintain financial sustainability for the Association long-term. We’ve been fortunate with sponsorships at many of our events and I’m excited about partnerships to come in the future.
• Increase membership engagement in SCPhA activities and events across all sections.: We experienced a substantial increase in our membership over the last year, and now we want to be sure that we keep everyone engaged moving forward. Our Board and committees are focused on engaging members across all sections from pharmacists to students to technicians and those who support our profession as associate members. We have some exciting news coming regarding membership opportunities at the start of the year. We have several events planned in the next few months for member engagement, and we’ll need all of our members to be engaged in the upcoming legislative session.
Propose legislation that is favorable to practice of pharmacy: Our legislative priorities for the year include revising the Pharmacy Access Act to remove barriers for pharmacists to engage in this service; PBM reform that seeks more fair regulations for patient and pharmacy protection; defining
collaborative practice agreements so that our members are able to continue serving their patients; and supporting pharmacists’ ability to test and treat select conditions like we did throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We also are supporting efforts to eliminate discriminatory practices within the 340B realm where appropriate and beginning work to outline a standard of care regulatory framework. Our legislative committee will also be busy staying abreast of any other items that may impact our profession.
Our hope is that these priorities will make us stronger together as an Association and profession. We’ll do our best to keep everyone informed of upcoming opportunities and changes that may impact you.
There is one last update I’d like to share in closing. When I took the oath to lead this organization in June, I was unsure of the turn my professional journey would be taking as we close out 2024. I am leaving Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy at the end of December to pursue a professional opportunity within the state. I have been very blessed with the opportunities afforded me as a
We experienced a substantial increase in our membership over the last year, and now we want to be sure that we keep everyone engaged moving forward.
member of the faculty at PC and as a leader of the Association, and these experiences have made me a better person and professional. My new adventure requires that I step away from the Board of Directors, though, so this will be my last letter as President of the South Carolina Pharmacy Association. Our by-laws provide guidance on how to navigate such a vacancy, and I have full confidence in the leaders that we have in place for our Association to lead us into the future. I am excited to continue to work closely with the leaders in the Association and our members across the state, just in a different capacity. Here’s to a new 2025!
KayceShealy,PharmD,BCPS,CDCES SCPhAPresident SCPharmacyAssociation
Dear SCPhA Members,
I hope this message finds you well. As we are preparing for an exciting 2025, I want to share some important updates regarding our membership structure and pricing. First, let me extend my deep gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to the South Carolina Pharmacy Association. Membership has grown by over 30 percent since April 2023!
Since November 2006, SCPhA membership dues have remained unchanged. However, after careful consideration, our Board of Directors recently voted to make a modest adjustment to our membership fees. This change reflects our commitment to reinvesting in the resources, services, and opportunities you rely on as professionals. We view this adjustment as an investment in both your growth and the future of our organization.
Why the Increase?
• Recognizing the Value of Membership: Our commitment to providing valuable resources and support for our members remains unwavering. This increase will allow us to enhance the benefits and services you rely on.
• Enhancing Member Benefits: We are continuously working to provide more resources, educational opportunities, and networking events. This investment will help us deliver even greater value.
• Supporting Organizational Growth: As the pharmacy profession evolves, so must our association. Increased revenue will support new initiatives and strategic priorities that align with your needs and expectations.
• Covering Rising Operational Costs: Like many organizations, we have faced rising operational costs over the years. This adjustment will help us maintain the high standard of service you deserve.
• Keeping Up with Inflation: It is crucial for us to ensure that our operations and services remain viable in the face of rising costs.
• Streamlined Membership Options: We currently have 20 different membership categories. To simplify our offerings, we will be sunsetting some categories and eliminating others. Categories with no current members will be eliminated. For those of you in categories being sunsetted, you may continue in that category as long as you remain a member in good standing. However, these options will not be available for new members.
Additionally, I am thrilled to announce the Vested Member Payment Plan—approved at our June 2024 House of Delegates meeting— which enables members to pay dues over a 12-month period, making it easier than ever to maintain your membership.
We are also launching the 1876 Founders Club, exclusively for vested and life members. This initiative allows members to “reinvest” in our association, honoring our founding year while supporting SCPhA’s future.
Finally, I am pleased to share that SCPhA has been selected for a membership pilot program by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), which means all SCPhA members will enjoy a complimentary year of APhA membership ($284 value), giving you access to even more valuable resources. We are the first state to be chosen for such a program.
Current prices will remain in effect until the end of the year, so now is a great time to renew your membership or join as a vested member at the current rate!
Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to be an integral part of SCPhA. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Brian Clark CEO South Carolina Pharmacy Association
Not only do we value the expertise you bring to work while wearing the lab coat — we celebrate the person underneath.
by Reagan K. Barfield, PharmD, BCPS; P. Brandon Bookstaver, PharmD, BCIDP, FCCP, FIDSA
Rewind the clock to 2019, work began in earnest to couple a pharmacy residency program to be housed at Tandem Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Sumter County with the expansion of a Family Medicine residency program through Prisma HealthUniversity of South Carolina School of Medicine (USC SOM). Through a remarkable team effort including Tandem Health, the USC College of Pharmacy (USC COP), Prisma Health Tuomey, and the South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare (SC-CRPH), an outpatient focused pharmacy residency program was established presenting the opportunity to drive change in rural healthcare, positively impacting patients, providers, and institutions throughout South Carolina.
During the residency planning stage from 2019 to early 2021, there was 1 pharmacist full-time equivalent (FTE) devoted to clinical pharmacy services at Tandem Health and none at Prisma Health Tuomey affiliated clinics.
The Tandem Health-USC COP PGY1 pharmacy residency program welcomed its inaugural resident in July 2021, Carrington Royals, PharmD. From its inception, this residency program was innovative and inclusive, drawing preceptors together from the college, Tandem Health, and Prisma Health to ensure a robust offering of rotations for the residents. With a shortage of residency-trained pharmacists at Tandem Health initially, the program incorporated preceptors from other institutions, knowing that as time progressed and value-added benefit of pharmacists was demonstrated, service line expansion would result and thus additional preceptors at Tandem.
Though this seemed like a shortcoming originally, the intrigue of the residency program led to an excitement and opportunity to develop new preceptors and cultivate a teaching and learning community in the Sumter area. This also provided a homebase for pharmacists affiliated with Prisma Health in Sumter to actively precept residents. The American Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists awarded an 8-year accreditation status in 2022, the maximum granted, and often a rarity for a newly established program.
As of this publication, there are eight ambulatory-based clinical pharmacists practicing in Sumter, with four practicing at Prisma Health Tuomey and Tandem Health, respectively (Figure 1). There is now an additional inpatient pharmacist FTE at Tuomey supporting transitions of care. The scope of practice has increased drastically from medication reconciliations, initially, to now robust collaborative practice agreements allowing pharmacists to independently manage chronic disease states in established clinics. Additionally, for the 2020-2021 academic year, there were only three months offered for advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) for students, increasing to 61 months of APPEs available for students during the 20232024 academic year (Figure 2). This exponential growth can be strongly attributed to the success of the pharmacy residency program at Tandem Health, developing effective preceptors while proving both the value of and return on investment for expanding pharmacy services in the outpatient setting.
The successes in Sumter cannot be highlighted without mentioning the interprofessional relationships present. The pharmacy resident works alongside the family medicine medical residents daily and has primary preceptors which are physicians and physician assistants. The providers at Tandem Health view the pharmacists as one of their own, including them on quarterly provider meetings and in high level leadership decision making. This progress did not come effortlessly but has been cultivated through demonstrated worth of clinical pharmacists over time and intentional relationship building. The support of Tandem Health leadership was and continues to be critical to both the initial success and service line sustainability.
The expansion of clinical pharmacy services in Sumter has led to the desire to duplicate this model across the state of South Carolina. Similar programs are currently in development in other areas in the state. As the need for care in rural areas increases, we plan to ensure clinical pharmacists are on the front lines providing much needed services. Pharmacists interested in partnering with the USC COP on postgraduate training expansion should contact Drs. Barfield and Bookstaver using the emails below.
Reagan
Barfield: reagankb@cop.sc.edu
Brandon Bookstaver:
bookstaver@cop.sc.edu
by Catey Lechner
The South Carolina State House is gearing up to begin the first year of a two-year session on January 14, 2024. With the election in the rearview, there will be many new faces in the General Assembly next month. The Republican Party grew its majority in both Houses, signifying a “red wave” across the state. The GOP gained a supermajority in both chambers by flipping four Senate seats and maintaining their strong foothold in the House. The Republican Party has controlled the Senate since 2000, but with four blue seats now red, its grip on control has tightened significantly.
Senator Gerald Malloy (D-Darlington) lost his bid for reelection by a less than 1% margin to Republican JD Chaplin. Chaplin, a conservative row crop farmer, will be taking over the Senate District 29 seat that Malloy previously held for 22 years.
In another upset, Senator Mike Fanning (D-Fairfield) lost his seat to Republican attorney Everett Stubbs, who campaigned as an avid supporter of the 1st and 2nd amendments. Republicans Jeff Zell and Tom Fernandez defeated incumbent Democrat Senators Kevin Johnson of Manning and Vernon Stephens of Orangeburg, respectively. Fernandez winning the District 39 seat marks a significant shift in that region, as a Democrat has held the seat for more than 50 years. Fernandez was endorsed by House Freedom Caucus Chairman Jordan Pace and is a self-proclaimed libertarian activist.
In the House, there are 19 new members. Out of 124 representatives, 34 will be Democrat. After holding an organizational session on December 3rd, the House re-elected Murrell Smith (R-Sumter) to serve as Speaker and Tommy Pope (R-York) as Speaker Pro Tempore. The ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus made an unsuccessful attempt to unseat Speaker Smith with Representative Bill Chumley from Spartanburg, garnering only 17 votes.
The House leadership has unveiled its general legislative priorities for the 2025 session. They will revisit the school voucher program legislation which was previously ruled unconstitutional by the South Carolina Supreme Court and continue to look for a solution to the growing energy crisis in the state. Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey (R-Edgefield) stated he and his colleagues will likely take up issues that stalled last year, including retail crime, gang activity, and tort reform. According to Massey, abortion is not currently a top priority for his caucus. Medical Marijuana, an issue that has come up in the legislature repeatedly, is expected to be reintroduced again this session, after successfully passing the Senate twice in as many sessions.
The SCPhA had significant legislative success in 2024 by securing the passage of the PREP Act, which enhanced pharmacists’ ability to administer certain vaccines and conduct testing throughout the state post-COVID.
Using this momentum, SCPhA is focused on our legislative priorities for 2025 through the summer and fall. PBM reform remains our top priority. We are working closely with the South Carolina Department of Insurance to streamline the complaint process for the ease of pharmacists and to create more data on PBM practices in South Carolina. Legislatively, we are working with Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee Ronnie Cromer on additional solutions to provide relief to our pharmacies in the face of continued challenges from PBMs.
Additionally, the SCPhA has prioritized efforts to re-authorize collaborative practice agreements in South Carolina, which the Board of Pharmacy rescinded earlier this year. CPAs are vital for pharmacists and physicians to work together to care for patients. We are actively engaging stakeholders, including the South Carolina Medical Association, Academy of Family Physicians, Hospital Association, Primary Health Care Association (FQHCs), and the Board of Pharmacy on this issue, strategizing whether regulatory change or statutory change would provide the best and most efficient solution.
Other priorities include revising processes created by the Pharmacy Access Act to ensure pharmacists are able to provide birth control as the 2022 legislation intended, increasing pharmacists’ role in treatment of select conditions, and monitoring medical marijuana legislation to maintain involvement.
by Philip D. Hall, Dean of MUSC College of Pharmacy
Football players say there are three or four big plays in a game that will decide the outcome. The challenge is figuring out which ones are the big ones... while they’re happening. Is this play another routine four-yard gain or a game-breaking 60-yard touchdown?
More importantly, what can we do as players to turn it from a small gain to a touchdown?
Pharmacists face the same kind of issues on the professional field. What will be the impact of a new policy? Is opening a new location a good investment? Which of these promising molecules will turn into a profitable drug?
The answer to any of these could be pivotal, changing the game for good. How do we navigate the road now to ensure we head towards a future we want?
At the MUSC College of Pharmacy, we recognize the path ahead is hard to see. Yet, many of the people who will be leading the profession down that path are still in school, and we need to provide the education that prepares tomorrow’s pharmacy leaders to find the way.
We have recently adopted a new strategic plan that arose from extensive discussions involving many members of the MUSC pharmacy family so we could cull the best and brightest ideas from a wide range of constituents.
The strategic plan is comprehensive and, while there are vital parts in familiar areas like curricular change, academic support, grant funding, and innovation, we focused on forward-looking aspects of pharmacy education.
Implementation of the plan has already begun. Two highlights related to the road ahead are reducing student debt and incorporating artificial intelligence.
The college hasn’t increased tuition in five years to help alleviate student debt. Yet, average student debt is still more than $130,000 by graduation. We’re looking at a combination of increased student financial literacy and scholarship support to help students enter the profession without burdensome financial shackles.
A critical factor in reducing student debt is increasing scholarship support. The college has recently added two new scholarships that should have a substantial impact.
The new $10,000 MUSC Presidential Scholarships provide scholarship support to fourth-year students who have made an IMPACT on their college, their community and/or MUSC. This year’s awardees are students Sarah Smith and Janey Cole.
The S.C. State Legislature seeded funding for two full one-year tuition First scholarships for students who are first in their family to attend college. This year’s awardees are students Zomaria Smith (see image) and Holly A. Kahmke. The Charleston Post & Courier did a feature story on Zomaria, illustrating the multi-generational impact of this new scholarship.
Artificial Intelligence
AI is already changing fundamentally the way the world does
business. It promises to be more than just a new technology. How do we prepare students to use it and how do use it ourselves to better prepare students? Part of the College of Pharmacy’s answer is to take full advantage of its position as part of an academic medical center, as the MUSC enterprise has developed and adopted an AI Strategic Plan.
The MUSC enterprise established a new position, the director of artificial intelligence and creative learning, which should help all colleges leverage AI to help students.
MUSC also has an AI Hub. The mission of the MUSC AI Hub is to expand and promote the use, understanding and research of artificial intelligence and related technologies at MUSC.
In June, 2025, MUSC will hold a Symposium on AI Leadership which will be another milestone in MUSC’s commitment to purposeful and progressing planning and implementation around AI in education. The plan includes developing an AI inventory, decision-making tools, and a resources repository, alongside integrating AI into the curriculum and creating a catalog of AI use cases in education.
Pharmacy has a complicated road ahead! Colleges of pharmacy can contribute to the profession’s successful navigation of that road by anticipating change and preparing students to enter the profession fully equipped to lead wherever the path takes us.
by Stephen Cutler, Dean of USC College of Pharmacy
As dean of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, I have the privilege of witnessing firsthand how our next generation of pharmacists is preparing to lead and transform the future of health care. At a time when the role of pharmacists has never been more critical, securing the future of our profession requires equipping our students not only with clinical expertise but with the advocacy skills needed to champion the health and well-being of their patients and the advancement of their profession. I am confident that empowering them in these ways will have a lasting impact on health care for years to come. The challenges facing pharmacy today are both urgent and complex. In South Carolina alone, we’ve witnessed a ten percent decline in independent pharmacies since 2023, further widening health care deserts in communities where pharmacists are often the sole accessible health care providers. Nationally, our profession is grappling with crucial issues: the pursuit of provider status, fair reimbursement, and recognition for our increasingly vital role in patient care. Addressing these obstacles requires a new generation of pharmacists who are not only clinically adept but also equipped as strong advocates and transformative leaders in health care.
At the USC College of Pharmacy, we have made advocacy training a key component of our curriculum. Our approach is intentionally multi-tiered, beginning with foundational lectures on legislative advocacy led by Dr. Betsy Blake, co-director of our interprofessional education program.
What makes me particularly proud is watching our students take these lessons and transform them into action. By their second year of pharmacy school, these sessions evolve into engaging panel discussions with practicing professionals and South Carolina Pharmacy Association leaders, where students learn about pressing issues facing our profession.
Students then identify causes they are passionate about and work together to develop presentations aimed at legislators. Many of our students take these campaigns to Washington, D.C., whether through student organization meetings on Capitol Hill or through our Walker Leadership Scholars program, where they engage directly with Congressional staff and lawmakers.
We have also made leadership development mandatory, requiring students to complete a leadership activity by the end of their third year. Many of them exceed this requirement, participating in multiple leadership roles and attending annual leadership development workshops as part of our Personal and
Professional Development Course Series. Our students' entrepreneurial spirit gives me great hope for the future of independent pharmacy. Our business plan competition team, sponsored by the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center, has for the past three consecutive years ranked among the top three teams nationally at the Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition, claiming the national title in 2023. Their winning proposal demonstrated innovative thinking about expanding patient services through immunization centers, point-of-care testing, and sterile compounding capabilities – the kind of forward-thinking approach our profession needs.
Looking ahead, we are exploring the addition of an independent pharmacy track to our curriculum, recognizing the critical need to prepare students for pharmacy ownership and operation. This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the crisis facing independent pharmacies while creating new opportunities for our graduates.
However, preparing effective advocates requires more than just classroom instruction. It demands engagement from seasoned professionals who can mentor our students and provide a realworld perspective. I have seen how these relationships transform our students' understanding of advocacy and professional development. Every experienced pharmacist who shares their insights with our students helps shape the future of our profession.
As dean, I believe that advocacy is not just about protecting our profession – it is about advancing patient care and public health. When our students graduate, they must be prepared not only to practice at the top of their field but also to articulate the value of pharmacy services to policymakers, health care partners, and the public.
The future of pharmacy will be determined by how effectively we prepare today's students to be tomorrow's advocates. At the USC College of Pharmacy, we are committed to developing pharmacists who are not just practitioners but leaders – professionals who understand their responsibility to advance the profession and improve patient care through effective advocacy.
The investments we make today in preparing student pharmacists as advocates will yield dividends for generations to come. Our profession's future depends on their ability to navigate complex health care environments, champion expanded roles for pharmacists and ensure that community pharmacy remains a vital component of our health care system. Through their success, we secure not just the future of our profession, but better health outcomes for all our patients in South Carolina and beyond.
by Giuseppe Gumina, Dean of PC School of Pharmacy
The road ahead in the pharmacy profession and education has never been more filled with twists and turns! Part of it has to do with external events: In five short years we were hit by a pandemic, remote work/teaching/learning, and the rise of AI!
The Gen Zers are all grown up, and 20-25% of them have already joined the workforce, while the Alpha generation is getting ready for college!
All these events affected the world of pharmacy as much as the rest of society. More unique to our field are issues concerning pharmacists’ working conditions, the struggle of independent pharmacies, the pharmacy deserts, the politics and controversy around role and practices of PBMs, the expansion of scope of practice (or “scope creep”, depending on who you ask!), and, of course, the importance to obtain provider status. Things are moving faster than ever. Less than fifteen years ago, South Carolina pharmacists were not authorized to administer vaccines. Now test to treat and prescribe authority is expanding.
In academia, our mission to develop students into outstanding professionals means that we must continuously adapt to an ever-changing professional landscape. Our already crowded curricula must find room to expose our students to the latest trend. Syllabi are continuously updated to include the latest scientific knowledge, therapeutic treatments, and diagnostic technologies. Our co-curriculum emphasizes advocacy and leadership, and is addresses social determinants of health, inclusivity, and service. Our academic concentrations in innovation and entrepreneurship, public and rural health, and research, expose students to diverse and contemporary aspects of pharmacy. We strongly emphasize the importance of advocacy through active participation within professional organizations. We support scholarship efforts in all disciplines, professional travel, and interprofessional education.
In our interprofessional events, future pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and occupational therapists learn how to communicate in professional settings. Health fairs are also
fantastic opportunities for more interprofessional education and service learning.
In times of great change, some directions are quite clear. The role of the pharmacists within the healthcare team is growing. And yet, pharmacy remains “a small world”. Three quarters of a million high school students in South Carolina must be better informed on the 100 plus pharmacy careers.
In recruiting events, we talk to hundreds of bright students and parents who are interested in pharmacy, but they do not really know much about it. They do not know of the roles pharmacists can play in practice, industry, technology, government, academia, and more. They do not know that they can get into a pharmacy program without a 4-year degree and apply portions of their undergraduate state scholarships to a graduate program. And they do not know that a pharmacy education, while costly, is not for privileged kids only. We want those students to join us in our favorite careers! As the organization that advocates for all fields of pharmacy, SCPhA is well positioned to help with this task.
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In 1988, Willie Lee graduated from the University of Georgia with a pharmacy degree and began his career in the corporate world, working for Revco/CVS. Little did he know that his journey would eventually lead him to something far beyond his original plans—owning and operating an independent pharmacy in the heart of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. This journey became not just a business venture, but a story of faith, family, and a deep commitment to serving the community in meaningful ways.
From an early age, Willie was no stranger to small businesses. His parents owned Wallace Lee’s Seafood, a local restaurant, and his wife, Melissa, grew up in the independent pharmacy world. Her father, Wilson Cain, operated Southside Pharmacy in Myrtle Beach for over 40 years. What began as the family’s go-to pharmacy became his father-in-law’s business and ultimately inspired Willie to pursue pharmacy ownership.
After spending over 13 years in the corporate pharmacy world, Willie and Melissa felt an unmistakable calling to take a different path. With four young children under the age of 10, leaving the corporate world seemed daunting, but they believed God was opening a door they had not anticipated. Their dream was simple: to provide personalized care and create a place where community, faith, and service thrived.
In September of this year, Inlet Apothecary celebrated 22 years of serving the community. Success has been measured not just
by the services offered but by the relationships built with customers. The pharmacy has become more than a place to fill prescriptions—it’s a vital part of the fabric of Murrells Inlet. Through God’s guidance, the business was built on faith and a steadfast commitment to caring for others.
At the heart of Inlet Apothecary lies a commitment to service that goes beyond filling prescriptions. With God at the center of everything, the business was founded on treating customers like family. Every phone call is answered personally, and sick customers are regularly checked on, demonstrating care and compassion in every interaction.
The focus on personal connections is unwavering. Customers are treated as individuals with unique stories, not just prescription numbers. Whether through handwritten notes, modern tools like an app and texting, or simple acts of kindness, the team ensures every customer feels valued.
In addition to pharmacy services, the business has become a community hub. A 1920s-style Soda Fountain, acquired from Route 66, serves classic sweet treats, while the “Give Back” gift boutique has supported around 50 charities over the years. The pharmacy’s signature delivery vehicle, a multicolored VW Bug known as the "Drug Bug," is a beloved local icon.
Customers are regarded as part of an extended family. The pharmacy team makes it a priority to learn names, ask about families, and check in regularly. Personalized care and small gestures—like delivering flowers to homebound patients on Valentine’s Day—create a sense of trust and support.
Inlet Apothecary also offers unique local products, such as allorganic Elderberry syrup and chews, helping customers stay healthy year-round. These personal touches set it apart from chain pharmacies and emphasize the deep care provided to the community.
The healthcare landscape has changed dramatically, and with it, the role of pharmacists. As an independent pharmacist, Willie has made it a mission to adapt to these shifts while staying true to core values of patient care. He actively advocates for the profession, spending time reading, listening, and addressing challenges such as Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) reform. Willie believes pharmacists play a crucial role as the first line of communication in healthcare, providing personalized care often
absent in the current system. His advocacy includes calling and visiting legislators, staying informed about relevant bills, and encouraging customers to share their voices with policymakers.
The future of independent pharmacy depends on legislative action, particularly around PBM reform. Willie is passionate about ensuring fair reimbursement rates and creating a level playing field for independent pharmacies. Through regular communication with legislators and community education, he works to secure a future where independent pharmacies continue to thrive.
I believe that the best years of pharmacy are still ahead but to get there, we must advocate for the changes that will allow us to thrive.
At the heart of it all is family. Willie has been married to his wife, Melissa, for over 37 years, and they have raised four children. With their second granddaughter on the way this December, the family continues to grow. In his free time, Willie enjoys boating on Murrells Inlet or the Waccamaw River and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturdays in the fall.
He also stays active with the F3 exercise community, a group of men dedicated to physical and mental fitness.
Looking ahead, Willie remains optimistic about the future of independent pharmacy. By advocating for reforms, building relationships, and providing compassionate care, he believes the profession can continue to make a lasting impact on patients and communities.
Willie emphasizes the importance of relationshipbuilding, compassion, and advocacy to sustain the profession. “If we are intentional about building relationships, providing compassionate care, and fighting for the reforms that will support our profession, I’m confident we can continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of our patients and the communities we serve.”
By: Julia Hormann, MUSC
Wow! I am honored and proud to be writing in this publication for our organization today. Five years ago, if you had asked me where I thought I’d be in this moment, I would have struggled to answer, feeling overwhelmed by the idea of choosing a career path. I knew I wanted to be in healthcare, but I wasn’t sure where I belonged. Now, I am so glad I have found my place in pharmacy.
I grew up in a suburban town on Long Island, where I was exposed to the world of patient care. My mom was a nurse and my dad a physician assistant; however, they never pushed me towards their fields. In fact, they often imagined I’d become a lawyer or a writer. Despite their inklings, when it came to choose a college, I wanted a place I could explore all avenues in medicine. Fortunately, I found myself at the College of Charleston in South Carolina, just a few blocks down the road from MUSC.
Through shadowing experiences in my undergraduate years, I quickly learned that what I loved most about healthcare was the opportunity to talk to patients, to be an advocate, and to be an educator. These were things that I never knew were so integral to pharmacy, and I never imagined I would become so passionate about.
In the fall of 2022, when I began my time at MUSC, I was eager to get involved. I got advice from upperclassmen who suggested joining one or two organizations that I would want to become truly invested in. One of these organizations was the American Pharmacy Association (APhA). I was drawn to APhA because it embodies every facet of pharmacy, and I knew it was an organization that I could belong in, no matter where my career took me.
As we approach the new year and new semester, I think that the most important thing we can do for ourselves is get on the road. Ask yourself – when you get in the car, where is your destination? In other words, find the issue that you care most about and start talking about it.
It was through APhA that I learned of our state association, and I joined as a student delegate in my P2 year. I remember my first house of delegates – I was nervous to meet so many new faces in the pharmacy world. I was overwhelmed with the terminology, and I had never learned Robert’s Rules. But I learned that the members of SCPhA are inviting. You are all enthusiastic to have students by your side. And while I may not have been able to contribute at my very first visit, I learned that part of navigating the road ahead is getting behind the wheel.
I wrote all this to say that five years ago I didn’t know I would be a pharmacy student. Two years ago, I didn’t know I’ d be involved in our state organization. And one year ago, I did not know I would sit on the junior board. I did not know about PBMs or collaborative practice agreements or what provider status really meant. And the truth is, I would be lying if I said I 100% understood it all even now. The point is that we are all navigating this road. Student involvement is vital to sustain progress made, and support that which we will continue to make. We need dedicated members who are willing to show up, to speak up, to advocate for our profession, and for our future patients.
For me, the greatest barrier in our way surrounds our scope of practice. Pharmacists and pharmacy students alike understand the expansive role that our profession has; however, most of the population does not. We are highly trained professionals, yet current laws limit us from practicing at the top of our license, and from getting compensated to do so. We are the most accessible healthcare professional, and we are doing both our patients and ourselves a disservice by not using our degrees to the fullest.
To the professionals in our organization, I thank you for welcoming students with open arms. And to the students, I implore you to get behind the wheel in this new year. I know that it could be intimidating, but it starts with showing up. Go to a house of delegates meeting, attend the leadership conference, or simply start a conversation on your campus. When we took the oath of a pharmacist, we devoted ourselves to a lifetime of service. In this service we will advocate for our patients, but in order to do the most for them, we must also advocate for ourselves. We have a long road ahead, but the future is bright!
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South Carolina Pharmacy Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Statements of continuing education credit will be distributed to participants who complete the program and submit the online program evaluation. Grievances regarding the education program must be submitted in writing to the SCPhA ACPE Administrator immediately following the program.
Universal Activity Number (UAN): 0171-0000-24-101-H01-P and 0171-0000-24-101-H01-T
Activity Type: Knowledge
Target Audience: Pharmacists and Technicians
Learning Objectives:
1. Recall modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors associated with Alzheimer Disease, related dementias, and cardiovacular disease.
2. Describe the relation between the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of dementia and potential meuroprotective pharmacologic mechanisms of cardio vascular medications.
3. Apply guideline directed medical therapies (GDMT) for hypertension and dyslipidemia management to select appropriate medications that may also provide neuroprotective benefits.
4. Evaluate findings from evidence-based literature regarding the impact of lipid lowering therapies on cognitive function with regard to APOE4 status.
5. Summarize the limitations of available data regarding the impact of pharmacologic management of cardiovascular disease on cognitive function and future opportunities for research.
Authors: Kathryn Peacock, PharmD, Audra Butler, PharmD Candidate, and Kendall Taylor, PharmD Candidate
Initial Release Date: October 7, 2024
Planned Expiration Date: October 7, 2027
Hours: 1 hour
A passing score of 70% is required to receive credit, and you are allowed two attempts to pass the quiz. Credit will be automatically processed following the CE once you complete the evaluation through Lecture Panda. Please note the journal article will be posted on this platform. Please contact SCPhA at info@scrx.org for additional questions.
Visit https://lecturepanda.com/r/SCPhAWinter24CE to register and submit the Home Study Quiz: Please note you will be prompted to create a profile.
Cardiovascular disease is a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. Evidence suggests that pharmacologic management of hypertension and dyslipidemia may decrease both the incidence and progression of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s Disease, and related dementias. Emerging evidence suggests that guideline-directed medical therapy for the management of hypertension and dyslipidemia may delay the onset and progression of cognitive impairment. Current evidence is not without limitations. This review underscores the need for long-term, prospective studies to better understand the impact of cardiovascular therapies on cognitive health and the importance of personalized treatment plans considering both cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes.
Dementia diagnoses are divided into two broad categories: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and non-Alzheimer’s related dementias, which include vascular, Lewy Body, frontotemporal, and mixed dementia. An estimated 6.7 million Americans 65 and older live with AD, which is the most common type of dementia and fifth leading cause of death among this population. This number is expected to rise to 13.8 million by 2060. In 2023, direct expenses for the management of AD totaled more than $345 billion and unpaid caregiving expenses accounted for an additional $339.5 billion.¹ An estimated 40% of dementia cases globally are theoretically preventable, and total case numbers in the western world are declining secondary to cardiovascular risk management, therapeutic lifestyle modification, and education.²
Cardiovascular disease and dementia share a number of modifiable risk factors, including but not limited to: cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, limited physical activity, and obesity.³ It remains unclear whether vascular risk factors contribute directly to AD pathology or exacerbate symptoms of AD based on changes to cerebral pathology. A study on cognitively healthy adults was performed to assess the association of cardiovascular risk factors and subsequent cognitive impairment. Vasculardominant (hypertension and hypercholesterolemia) and vascularmetabolic (with additional risk factors, ie diabetes, high body mass index) both showed increased incidence of AD, with the vasculardominant being more significant.⁴ Nonmodifiable risk factors can include increasing age, head injury, decreased reserve of brain capacity, and down syndrome.⁵
AD is known for the accumulation of amyloid-beta (AB) plaques and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT). The aggregation of AB peptides that result from the cleavage of precursors by β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) contribute to cerebrovascular damage. NFTs are made of hyperphosphorylated tau protein; these dysfunctional tau proteins are unable to effectively bind microtubules within the cell and result in cell death.⁵⁶ Generally, NFT density is related to the severity of dementia in AD and other cognitive illnesses. Proposed mechanisms of potential destruction related to AD symptoms include the misfolding of proteins, synaptic failure and depletion of neurotrophin, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The buildup of plaque and destruction of neuronal pathways may lead to neurotransmitter and cholinergic deficits. The reduction of cholinergic neurons leads to reduced neuronal receptors and subsequent release of neurotransmitters including glutamate, serotonin, and norepinephrine. However, loss of cholinergic neurons is secondary to an already present AD diagnosis and is not considered disease causing. ⁵
Formation of AB plaques is accompanied by inflammation and elevated levels of inflammatory mediators. An increase of inflammatory mediators may be an indirect consequence of an immune response to AB plaques by astrocytes and microglia. Recruitment of astrocytes and microglia may be an attempt to reduce amyloid beta, but the subsequent release of cytokines and other radical species leads to continuous inflammation.⁵ Cholesterol may influence the development of AD by exacerbating the pathophysiologic changes that lead to development as well as induce cerebral vessel dysfunction through arteriosclerosis.
SCPhA invites you or someone you know within your network to participate in enhancing the educational content for the Palmetto Pharmacist! We are currently accepting articles for publication consideration. We accept a diverse scope of articles including but not limited to: original research, medication safety, case reports, reviews, clinical pearls, technology, and opinions.
The Palmetto Pharmacist is a peer-reviewed publication intended to inform, educate, and motivate pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians in all areas of the profession.
Articles written by students, residents, and new practitioners are welcome. Mentors and preceptors - please consider advising your mentees and students to submit their appropriate written work to SCPhA for publication.
Don't miss this opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with the South Carolina pharmacy community by publishing an article in the Palmetto Pharmacist!
For questions, please contact Sondra Gettys, Manager of Education and Events, at sondra@scrx.org
Author: Kelly W. Jones, Pharm.D.
Contact Information: kelly.jones@mcleodhealth.org
Disclosure: The author declares no relevant conflicts of interest or financial relationships. This work has not been presented in any form. No artificial intelligence was used to generate this paper.
Historically the foundation of community pharmacy practice has been built on the paper prescription. As the technological world has infiltrated medical practice, we have an opportunity to expand the prescription process. The famous Remington’s book of pharmacy practice reminds us that a prescription is an order. This literal definition has been lost over the years. Community pharmacy practice has limited this definition to medications only. Orders do not have to be limited to medications. It is time for community pharmacy to similarly view orders as those in the hospital or hospital pharmacy. The prescriber could now collaborate with the community pharmacist for the care needs of the patient. This could be a practice changer for pharmacy. This places the pharmacist in the center of the care transition and a vital part of the patient’s well-being. Prescribers could order the pharmacist to provide other services for the patient beyond the dispensed medication. Pharmacist should be paid for these cognitive services. This paper does not resolve all the issues surrounding this expanded practice change but does serve as a framework for debate on the issue.
Mr. Transition is a 59-year-old male that comes into the office for follow-up care. The prescriber is following up on the patient’s new-onset diabetes that was diagnosed 3 weeks ago. At the time of diagnosis, Mr. Transition was placed on metformin 500 mg twice daily with meals and given a one-time dose of insulin glargine 10 units in the office. His record of sugars looks as if he is running around 220 mg/dL, but there is concern that these are not done correctly. His point of care HbA1c today is 10.5%. The prescriber decides to increase his metformin dose to 1000 mg twice daily with meals and add a weekly GLP-1 injection. The patient’s problem list includes type 2 diabetes, hypertension, asthma, GERD, palpitations, and hypokalemia. The prescriber sits down to enter prescriptions into the electronic prescription platform.
Prescriptions are orders
Sometimes in life it is simply how you see things that make all the difference in the world. Rethinking the pathology of diseases like asthma and congestive heart failure has led to improved diagnosis and treatment.¹ Patients have benefitted. For centuries medications of all variety have been given to patients to treat a diverse range of ailments. The first prescriptions were generally recipes written on a piece of paper from doctors, instructing the pharmacist to “make thou”. Many of the current prescription patterns date back to the 1950’s when many medications were mass manufactured.² The written prescription has been the framework by which those medications were processed and dispensed to patients. Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences defines a prescription as “an order for medication issued by a physician, dentist, veterinarian, or other properly licensed medical practitioner. Prescriptions designate a specific medication and dosage to be administered to a particular patient at a specific time.”³ Not that many years ago, the patient would see the prescriber and receive a prescription written for a treatment. Typically, one medication was written per prescription blank but sometimes two, three or more were written on one prescription blank, leading to confusion and errors.⁴ It is time to be reminded of the formal Remington definition; a prescription is an order. As pharmacy practice has expanded so does the need for this definition. Orders can be more than medications; they can be a form of communication to drive patient care needs.
The prescriber and pharmacist have a relationship through the prescription. The center of that relationship is the patient. Pharmacy practice is evolving from product-centered care to patient-centered care, hopefully never divorcing pharmacy practice from the product. Medication therapy management (MTM) is at the forefront of pharmacy practice today utilizing the pharmacist for cognitive services to improve pharmaceutical care, enhance communication between patient and prescriber, and optimizing medication use that leads to improved patient outcomes.⁵ MTM programs provide additional opportunities for the pharmacist to expand their practice. This service is now provided at multiple levels by hospital pharmacists, community pharmacists (both independent and chain), and long-term care consulting pharmacists.
We live in a day where continuity of care is now being defined as transition of care.⁶ The patient may have multiple physicians and practitioners as well as pharmacies. This adds complexity to overall patient care and safety. In hospitals, research has shown that medication errors seem to be discovered more during the medication reconciliation process rather than during the prescription-filling process.⁷ Communication is needed now more than ever. It seems the pharmacist could benefit from having a grasp of the whole patient and direct communication with the prescriber. This form of communication is well suited for the expanded order definition.
