The Ambulatory Care Network (ACN) has started the new ICHP year out strong by adding Matthew Biszewski, PharmD. BCACP from NorthShore University HealthSystem to the leadership team as the Vice Chair. We have a great mix of members from all over the state representing ambulatory care pharmacy. We have members in ambulatory care administrative roles from large health systems, the IPhA Director of Clinical Programs and Population Health, an executive medical liaison from a pharmaceutical company, faculty from different colleges of pharmacy, published pharmacists, pharmacy residents and students, the director of medication safety and quality from ASHP, and many clinic pharmacists specializing in diabetes, cardiology, and specialty medicine.  This diverse group brings a wide variety of experiences and knowledge. We have started to unify our work and define what we do. We realized we have to unite as a group in order to progress as professionals and providers for our patients. This is a work in progress, but we created an elevator pitch with the goal of making sure any audience would understand our role as ambulatory care pharmacists. “Optimize medication regimens by the evaluation of therapy to ensure and enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes.” We will reinforce our elevator pitch by giving personal experiences and testimonials from patients and providers explaining how we have helped and how we will continue to help our patients, coworkers, and the health system.

In the upcoming year, we look forward to discussing ideas for improvement in areas like billing for services, tips and tricks to starting an ambulatory care practice within Illinois, and how to engage the community and stakeholders through different marketing techniques.  We would like to create a forum where ICHP ACN members can share counseling tips, pain points within practice, and any other ambulatory care hot topics that may arise. We will also be creating a roster of the ACN members with contact information.

Matt and I appreciate the group’s active participation and enjoy the monthly discussions. We welcome anyone interested to join; meetings are the first Thursday of every month from 12- 1 pm. E-mail me if you are interested or have any questions: Bridget.dolan@nm.org.