RxA’s Trusted Partners in Health Fall Professional Development Virtual Conference

Through the lens of 3 patient presentations, Dr. Coderre will outline differential diagnoses for common GI diseases that pharmacists might see. Dr. Coderre will also help you to recognize the salient clinical features of Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative colitis and will discuss the current state of biological and non-biological treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

In this session, dermatologist Dr. Perry Grewal, will discuss topical janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, their pharmacology, clinical characteristics, efficacy, safety, and their place in therapy in the treatment landscape. Dr. Grewal will focus on the pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis and vitiligo and discuss the patient burden of disease. He will also discuss the cultural implications for patients with vitiligo.

In a time when digital technology dominates nearly every aspect of our lives, pharmacies are not exempt from its influence. As pharmacies embrace technological advancements to enhance efficiency and streamline operations, they concurrently expose themselves to an escalating threat: Cyberattacks. The rapid adoption of digital tools, coupled with the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals, underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity in the pharmacy sector.

The convergence of healthcare and technology brings forth unparalleled opportunities for innovation, yet it also amplifies vulnerabilities. From small independent pharmacies to large chains and health systems, every player in the pharmacy landscape is a potential target for cyber threats. The ramifications of a successful breach extend far beyond financial implications, touching upon patient care, reputation, and the integrity of the healthcare system itself.

In this session, Brett will outline how safeguarding patient data isn’t solely a legal or ethical obligation—it’s a cornerstone of maintaining trust and integrity within the healthcare ecosystem. As pharmacies navigate the complexities of the digital age, they must remain vigilant, continuously evolving their security protocols, fostering a culture of awareness among staff, and collaborating with industry peers to fortify their defenses against cyber threats. Only through concerted efforts and unwavering dedication to data privacy can pharmacies uphold their commitment to patient care and emerge resilient in the face of ever-evolving cyber challenges.

In this session, Associate Professor and academic geriatrician Dr. Zahra Goodarzi will discuss the prevalence and detection of depression, anxiety and agitation in older adults and those with dementia. Dr. Goodarzi will also review the drug and non-drug management of depression, anxiety and agitation in older adults and those with dementia.

This lively session will highlight aspects of the PEER Simplified Lipid Guidelines 2023 Update that are most relevant to primary care pharmacists.  Topics covered will include the latest recommendations on cholesterol targets, testing frequency, and ancillary testing.

In this lived experience session, Brad Smoliak will tell his story of a lifetime of cardiac care. He will describe aspects of his cardiac care and outline how a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improves health outcomes. He will discuss how he garnered important support from relationships with family, friends and his healthcare team and how that support helped him deal with his health challenges.