2025 Spring Webinar Series for Pharmacists

1-2 p.m. EST

This CE program focuses on optimizing diabetes management in hospitalized patients through evidence-based practices. Key topics include the role of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in improving glycemic control and identifying patient populations that can benefit from its use. The session will also address the safety and clinical considerations for continuing oral diabetes medications during hospitalization, emphasizing individualized care based on patient-specific factors such as renal function, gastrointestinal status, and overall clinical stability.

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

• Explain the rationale for holding oral antidiabetic medications in hospitalized patients and transitioning them to insulin therapy
• Assess patient-specific factors to determine eligibility for resuming oral antidiabetic medications during hospitalization
• Discuss the potential benefits and limitations of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices in managing diabetes for hospitalized patients

Abdualrhman Alsulmi, PharmD, is a recent graduate of the MCPHS. While in pharmacy school, he was an active member of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and Rho Chi Honor Society. He is currently a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, MA. His current areas of interest include Cardiology and Critical Care.

ACPE UAN: 0026-0000-25-009-L01-P | Knowledge
Topic Designator: Disease State Management / Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1 (0.1 CEU)

1-2 p.m. EST

This CE presentation will review the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of ischemic stroke, focusing on two common etiologies: cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic. It will emphasize the importance of differentiating these etiologies to guide the selection of appropriate antithrombotic therapy based on guideline recommendations.

Additionally, the session will highlight the latest guideline-recommended antiplatelet and anticoagulation regimens for managing stroke in the outpatient setting. Finally, it will provide a comprehensive overview of the appropriate indications for aspirin use in primary prevention and offer strategies to identify candidates for deprescribing.

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

• Describe the pathogenesis, and clinical presentation of ischemic stroke, focusing on cardioembolic and noncardioembolic subtypes.
• Summarize evidence-based antithrombotic strategies for primary and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke
• Identify appropriate indications for aspirin therapy for primary prevention and establish criteria for deprescribing

Chau Hoang, PharmD, is the 2024-2025 Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences/Atrius Health PGY-1 pharmacy resident. Chau is originally from Viet Nam, and immigrated to the United States in 2018 to pursue an education in pharmacy.

Chau earned her PharmD at MCPHS. While there, she served as a Peer Mentor at the Center for Academic Success and Enrichment, an event coordinator of the Faculty and Student Community Outreach organization, and President of the Vietnamese Student Association. She also worked part-time as a pharmacy intern at Walgreens pharmacy to provide immunization and counseling to the diverse population of Dorchester. Chau’s professional interests include ambulatory care and anticoagulation.

ACPE UAN: 0026-0000-25-010-L01-P | Knowledge
Topic Designator: Disease State Management / Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1 (0.1 CEU)

1-2 p.m. EST

This presentation provides a review of the clinical management of obesity for healthcare professionals, focusing on evidence-based approaches to treatment. The content explores the pathophysiology of obesity, highlighting the role of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors that contribute to weight gain and maintenance challenges. Participants will gain insight into current diagnostic criteria, the use of body mass index (BMI), and the importance of assessing comorbid conditions associated with obesity.

The CE also addresses lifestyle interventions as the cornerstone of treatment, including guidance on dietary modifications, physical activity, and behavioral therapy. Additionally, pharmacologic options are reviewed, detailing indications, mechanisms of action, efficacy data, and potential adverse effects. Emerging therapies and their place in treatment plans are discussed to prepare healthcare professionals for future advancements. By the end of the CE, participants will be able to make informed clinical decisions that improve patient outcomes and promote long-term weight management.

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

• Describe the pathophysiology of obesity and its role in chronic diseases like diabetes
• Identify pharmacological options for obesity management and their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles
• Apply recent updates to obesity management to develop patient-specific weight management strategies, including pharmacotherapy and lifestyle interventions
  
  

Gabriella Caruso, PharmD, is a PGY-1 pharmacy resident at Mount Auburn Hospital and an adjunct professor at MCPHS. She graduated from MCPHS with a Doctor of Pharmacy and holds a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience from Concordia University. Her professional interests include internal medicine and ambulatory care. Gabriella’s passion lies in advancing patient care through evidence-based practice and education.

ACPE UAN: 0026-0000-25-011-L01-P | Knowledge
Topic Designator: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1 (0.1 CEU)

1-2 p.m. EST

This continuing education session will provide pharmacists with a comprehensive understanding of current strategies in managing migraines. The session will explore the pathophysiology of migraines and the various pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment modalities available. Attendees will learn how to apply evidence-based approaches to both acute and preventive migraine care, focusing on the effective use of medications such as triptans, CGRP inhibitors, and preventive agents, while also integrating non-pharmacologic interventions like lifestyle modifications and cognitive therapies. By the end of the session, pharmacists will be able to identify appropriate treatment strategies and develop comprehensive migraine management plans.

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

• Describe the pathophysiology of migraines and their common triggers
• Explain the mechanisms of action of pharmacologic agents used in both acute and preventive migraine treatment
• Identify appropriate first-line and adjunctive therapies for migraine management based on patient-specific factors
• Develop an individualized multimodal treatment plan for a patient with migraines, incorporating both pharmacologic therapies and lifestyle modifications

Vi Nguyen, PharmD, is a PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident at Shields Health Solution with a focus on specialty pharmacy. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from MCPHS in 2024. Vi's expertise lies in medication therapy management and improving patient outcomes by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. She has a strong background in specialty pharmacy, where she develops and implements clinical protocols to enhance operational efficiency and patient care. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Vi is involved in research and quality improvement projects aimed at advancing pharmacy services. Her dedication to optimizing patient care and driving improvements in the specialty pharmacy field is evident through her work.

ACPE UAN: 0026-0000-25-012-L01-P | Knowledge
Topic Designator: Disease State Management/Drug Therapy
Contact Hours: 1 (0.1 CEU)

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Participants will receive 1 contact hours (0.1 CEU) per session.

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

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

Abdualrhman Alsulmi has no financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Chau Hoang has no financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Gabriella Caruso has no financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

Vi Nguyen has no 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 financial relationships with ineligible companies within the last 24 months to disclose.

No funding from industry provided for this event.