2025 Reed Conference for Pharmacy

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Participants of the 2025 Reed Conference will receive 5 contact hours (0.5 CEU), including one hour of pharmacy law. An additional hour of law credit will be available via home study (0.1 CEU).

Requirements for Credit

In order to receive credit, the participant must be present the entirety of each presentation and complete the post-tests, and evaluation form for each session. Upon completion, participant credit will be reported to CPE Monitor. Transcripts may be printed from the CPE Monitor.

Statement of Disclosure

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences adheres to the ACPE Standards for Integrity and Independence in Continuing Education. It is the policy of MCPHS that the speakers and planning committee members disclose all financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months, and that relevant conflicts of interest are mitigated. Speakers will disclose any off-label/unapproved use of drugs or devices during their presentation.

Disclosures

Snehal Bhatt has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Judy Cheng has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Elisabeth Cox has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Erika Felix-Getzik has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Timothy Fensky has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Maria Lowe has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Samar Nicolas has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Phung C. On has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences continuing education staff members have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

No funding from industry provided for this event. No exhibitors will be present.

Putnam Club - Gillette Stadium
2nd Floor
1 Patriot Place
Foxborough, MA 02035

Google Map Directions

Directions from 95

Take Interstate 95 to Exit 19 onto Route 1 South. Merge onto Route 1 South and follow for approximately 3 miles until you see Gillette Stadium at Patriot Place on your left. Once you reach the stadium, take a left at the second set of lights (CVS Pharmacy on corner) and take your first right onto P6 Drive in from of the Renaissance Hotel. Take your first left after the Renaissance Hotel and stay straight to the West parking lots of the stadium. Lighted electronic boards and directional signs will direct you to your event.

Directions from 495

Take Interstate 495 to Exit 36A onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North approximately 4 miles to Gillette Stadium at Patriot Place on your right. Once you reach the Stadium, go through one set of lights and at the second set take a right onto P6 Drive. This road will lead you to the West stadium parking lots behind the Renaissance Hotel. Lighted electronic boards and directional signs will direct you to your event.

Parking and Entrance Details

Please park in in the West parking lots near the water tower and Renaissance Hotel. You will then enter through the W4 gate on the west side of the stadium, to get into the Putnam Club West.

Snehal Bhatt, PharmD, BCPS, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Judy Cheng, PharmD, MPH, FCCP, BCPS, RPh, Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Elisabeth Cox, PharmD, Post-Doctoral fellow, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences/Novartis

Erika Felix-Getzik, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Tim Fensky, BS in Pharmacy, Director of Pharmacy Operations, Advanced Wellness Pharmacy

Maria Lowe, PharmD, BCPS, Associate Vice Present of Pharmaceutical Intelligence, Institute for Clinical and Economic Review

Samar Nicolas, PharmD, CPPS, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Phung C. On, PharmD, RPh, BCPS, Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, DEI Coordinator, and Academic Fellowship Coordinator in the School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Codman Square Health Center

Prescription drug spending has a significant impact on the U.S. healthcare system, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries. National health expenditure data show that prescription drug spending rose by 11.4% to $449.7 billion in 2023, with nearly $60 billion attributed to out-of-pocket costs, according to GoodRx data. These high out-of-pocket expenses contribute to financial strain, medication non-adherence, and adverse health outcomes. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) seeks to address these challenges by reducing prescription drug costs for Medicare beneficiaries. This presentation will explore the key provisions of the IRA, its implications for patient care, and opportunities for pharmacist involvement.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Understand the Key Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act
• Discuss the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on patient care
• Identify Opportunities for Pharmacist Involvement and Intervention
  

Presenters

Phung C. On, PharmD, RPh, BCPS, is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator for the School of Pharmacy – Boston. She also maintains a clinical practice at Codman Square Health Center in Boston, MA, where she serves as a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, working collaboratively with the primary care team to manage patients with chronic diseases. Dr. On's professional background spans diverse pharmacy settings, including community pharmacy, long-term care, and hospital practice. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from MCPHS and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and AccessCare, a network of Community Care of North Carolina, focusing on ambulatory care, managed care, and transitions of care.

Elisabeth Cox, PharmD, graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy in 2024. Dr. Cox is now in her first year of a postdoctoral fellowship in Early-Stage Clinical Development at Novartis Biomedical Research in partnership with the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Her current focus is on immunology and nephrology clinical trials from First-in-Human to Phase II.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-006-L04-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Pharmacy Administration
Contact Hours: 1.0

This presentation will provide a non-biased overview of the pharmaceutical pipeline. Within any specific pharmacy practice it is particularly important to understand the mechanism and role of new drugs as soon as they enter the market. By learning about products prior to their entry to the market, pharmacists are able to prepare for future developments that directly affect their daily practice.

The session will provide information about drugs in the later stages of clinical development to prepare pharmacists for potential changes in available treatment options. This presentation will also highlight anticipated approvals for generic equivalents from commonly used brand name products to help illustrate the market that the new drugs may enter.At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Describe recent trends related to FDA approvals and drug regulation in the US 
• Identify agents in late stages of development across select therapeutic areas  
• List the first-time generics expected to hit the market within the next two years  

Presenter

Maria Lowe, PharmD, BCPS, joined the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review, also known as ICER, as the Director of Pharmaceutical Intelligence in May 2019 and was promoted to Associate Vice President of Pharmaceutical Intelligence in 2024. In this role, she is responsible for tracking developments in the drug pipeline and overseeing all horizon scanning activities to advise the ICER team on potential topics worthy of considering for future comparative and cost-effectiveness evaluation. Maria received her PharmD from Northeastern University, completed a two-year fellowship in health outcomes research and pharmacoeconomics, and is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist. Since 2009 she has been invited to serve as an annual guest speaker about drugs in development at a variety of local and national meetings.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-007-L01-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1.0

This continuing education explores the intersection of pharmacy law, digital health, and medication safety. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in leveraging digital health innovations to optimize patient care while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This program will provide participants with the foundational knowledge and evaluative skills necessary to navigate this evolving landscape.

Participants will learn about FDA-cleared technologies that can aid in managing specific medical conditions. The session will highlight the integration of clinical decision support systems and telepharmacy in reducing medication errors and enhancing patient care. Through case studies and practical examples, this program equips pharmacists to evaluate and recommend digital health solutions effectively, ensuring their safe application in diverse healthcare settings.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the relationship between medication safety, digital health, and pharmacy law in ensuring safe and effective patient care
• Identify examples of FDA-cleared digital health tools that pharmacists can recommend for the treatment of specific medical conditions
• Evaluate the impact of digital health innovations, such as clinical decision support systems and telepharmacy on minimizing medication errors
• Describe the role of the only FDA-approved digital health app, EndeavorRx®, in managing ADHD, its FDA regulation as digital therapeutic, and its impact on medication safety

Presenter

Samar Nicolas, PharmD, CPPS, is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Nicolas completed a fellowship in Medication Safety, Quality, and Informatics at Saint Vincent Hospital/ Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). Dr. Nicolas is the recipient of the Academic of The Year Award 2020 – 2021.

Passionate about education and innovation, Dr. Nicolas teaches medication safety, informatics, artificial intelligence, and digital health within the pharmacy curriculum, equipping future pharmacists to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems. Dr. Nicolas also serves as a co-coordinator for the Medication Safety Certificate at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-004-L03-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Pharmacy Law
Contact Hours: 1.0

This presentation will also be available as a complimentary online module for home study credit following the conference.

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Expiration Date: March 6, 2026
Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-004-H03-P | Knowledge-based
Contact Hours: 1.0 (Home Study)

Pharmacists provide a wide array of clinical services to patients. This program will discuss the concept of Standards of Care in pharmacy practice from a regulatory model perspective. The pharmacist training is not only clinical but requires a regulatory understanding of pharmacy practice.

The pharmacist’s regulatory competency has been assessed through the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). However, the recent development of the Uniform Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (UPJE) has given states an alternative. This session will explore the differences between each exam, and review the regulatory landscape and the most recently updated regulations and policies.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Define the five steps for implementing Standards of Care in Pharmacy Regulations
• Explain the differences between the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) and the Uniform Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination
• Interpret the most recent pharmacy regulation and policy changes within the New England Area

Presenter

Timothy Fensky, BS in Pharmacy, is the present Director of Pharmacy Operations at Advanced Wellness Pharmacy. Previously, he was the Chief Pharmacy Officer at Sullivan’s Health Care for over 25 years.

Timothy has held several leadership positions in the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, where he was President and Chairperson. He is a former President and Board Member of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy and Massachusetts Independent Pharmacist Association. Currently, he is a member on the National Council of Prescription Drug Programs Board of Trustees. He has been recognized for his contributions to pharmacy and the community he's served, receiving the Nathan Goldberg Award and the Bowl of Hygeia from the Massachusetts Pharmacist Association.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-005-L03-P | Knowledge-based
Topic Designator: Pharmacy Law
Contact Hours: 1.0

Heart failure, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation are three cardiac diseases that pharmacists play important roles in patient management. Research continues to explore the use of new medications and different optimization strategies of standard regimens to improve mortality and morbidity in these patients. It is important that pharmacists taking care of patients with cardiovascular diseases be up-to-date with the latest clinical evidence in order to provide the most optimal care for these patients.

This presentation provides know the latest guidelines and clinical trial data regarding new or unique pharmacological approaches in the management of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, post intervention of coronary artery disease, and anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Assess if Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) would be an appropriate therapy for improving cardiovascular outcomes for a patient with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
• Evaluate if mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist would be an appropriate therapy for improving cardiovascular outcomes for a patient with HFpEF
• Assess thrombosis and bleeding risk in patients who receive coronary artery stents
• Design an antiplatelet therapy regimen that balances thrombosis and bleeding risk in a patient who receives coronary artery stent placement
• Identify patients with atrial fibrillation requiring anticoagulation therapy based on the current atrial fibrillation guidelines
• Determine appropriate anticoagulation therapy for AFib patients with obesity and/or status post bariatric surgery using the guidelines and available literature

Presenters

Snehal Bhatt, PharmD, BCPS, is a Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Clinical Pharmacist at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he practices in cardiovascular medicine. He has maintained his Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) credential since 2003. Dr. Bhatt was awarded Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) in 2017. As an active member of ASHP, Dr. Bhatt is a content matter expert and faculty member in ASHP’s BCPS recertification and preparatory course, a position he has held since 2015.

Dr. Bhatt is also actively involved in the American College of Cardiology (ACC) where his leadership roles include serving on the Cardiovascular Team (CVT) Leadership Council, CV Team Regional Director, and the CV Team Education Committee. He was awarded Associate of the American College of Cardiology (AACC) in 2018.

Judy W.M. Cheng, Pharm.D., MPH, FCCP, BCPS (AQ in Cardiology), is Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Chair of Department of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy - Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, Boston. Professor Cheng received her BS in Pharmacy Degree from University of Toronto and her PharmD from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, also receiving a Master of Public Health Degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine – New York University. She completed a clinical pharmacy residency at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and a Fellowship in Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy at the University of Sciences in Philadelphia.

Professor Cheng’s area of clinical practice and research interest is cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. She maintains an active clinical pharmacy practice in this area at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. In 2004, she was named Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy recognizing her contribution to the pharmacy profession.

Erika Felix Getzik, PharmD, is Professor of Pharmacy Practice in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the School of Pharmacy - Boston, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Professor Getzik received her Pharm D from the University of Pittsburgh. She completed her PGY-1 pharmacy practice residency at New England Medical Center (now Tufts Medical Center), and her PGY-2 in adult cardiology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center - Presbyterian Hospital.

Professor Getzik's area of clinical practice and research interest is adult ambulatory cardiovascular pharmacotherapy. She maintains an active clinical pharmacy practice in this area at MGB Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-003-L01-P | Application-based
Topic Designator: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1.0

Medication Safety in the Digital Age: Legal Considerations for Pharmacists

This continuing education explores the intersection of pharmacy law, digital health, and medication safety. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in leveraging digital health innovations to optimize patient care while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. This program will provide participants with the foundational knowledge and evaluative skills necessary to navigate this evolving landscape.

Participants will learn about FDA-cleared technologies that can aid in managing specific medical conditions. The session will highlight the benefits of clinical decision support systems and telepharmacy in reducing medication errors and enhancing patient care. Through case studies and practical examples, this program equips pharmacists to evaluate and recommend digital health solutions effectively, ensuring their safe application in diverse healthcare settings.

At the completion of this activity, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the relationship between medication safety, digital health, and pharmacy law in ensuring safe and effective patient care
• Identify examples of FDA-cleared digital health tools that pharmacists can recommend for the management of specific medical conditions
• Evaluate the impact of digital health innovations, such as clinical decision support systems and telepharmacy on minimizing medication errors
• Describe the role of the only FDA-authorized digital health app, EndeavorRx®, in managing ADHD, its FDA regulation as digital therapeutic, and its impact on medication safety

Presenter

Samar Nicolas, PharmD, CPPS, is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Nicolas completed a fellowship in Medication Safety, Quality, and Informatics at Saint Vincent Hospital/ Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University and is a Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS). Dr. Nicolas is the recipient of the Academic of The Year Award 2020 – 2021.

Passionate about education and innovation, Dr. Nicolas teaches medication safety, informatics, artificial intelligence, and digital health within the pharmacy curriculum, equipping future pharmacists to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare systems. Dr. Nicolas also serves as a co-coordinator for the Medication Safety Certificate at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences University.

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Expiration Date: March 6, 2026
Activity Number: 0026-0000-25-004-H03-P | Knowledge-based
Contact Hours: 1.0 (Home Study)