Several hours have been reserved for discussions on current issues in practice on Sunday, 4/27 through Tuesday, 4/29. These sessions are hosted by AAPP Communities and allow for peer-to-peer collaboration and information sharing between attendees who share a special interest or practice setting and involve exchange and dialogue on issues of common interest.
All attendees are welcome to attend! Note: Idea Exchanges will not be live-streamed, and the times indicated below are in regional Mountain time.
Sunday, April 27
10:00 - 11:00 AM
- Time for a Change? The Antidepressant Black Box Warning in Youth | presented by Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (CAP) Community
- Since 2003, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that antidepressants may be associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among youth, with the subsequent placement of a black box warning in 2005 and extension to young adults in 2007. Evaluation of the black box warning in the past 20 years has raised important questions regarding the intended and unintended consequences of this warning. A recent systematic review by Soumerai, et al in October 2024 has reinvigorated discussion regarding the appropriateness of the black box warning, with many leaders in child and adolescent psychiatry calling for the FDA to consider removal of the warning. In the setting of the ongoing pediatric mental health crisis, with suicide as the ongoing second leading cause of death nationally in this age group, it is critical that BCPP in CAP are at the forefront of this discussion. The moderators will present landmark trials, current literature, and encourage discussion through a review of “myths and facts” as it pertains to this important warning. The goal is for participants to consider important applications to antidepressant prescribing in youth.
- Speakers/Moderators
- Janie Ferren, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist; Complex Care Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; Cincinnati, OH
- Danielle Stutzman, PharmD, BCPP; Psychiatric Pharmacist; Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado; Aurora, CO
- Management of Substance Use Disorders in Older Adults | co-presented by Substance Use Disorder Strategies (SUDS) and Geriatric Psychopharmacotherapy Communities
- Substance use disorders in older adults is becoming an increasing concern. There is limited literature available in older adults which makes it difficult to guide evidence-based recommendations for this vulnerable patient population. The speakers will provide recommendations based on practice experience in the absence of robust evidence on how to screen, treat, and triage older adults with substance use disorders.
- Speakers
- Michael Mandarino, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP; PGY2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Residency Program Director, Clinical Psychiatric Pharmacist, Inpatient Geriatric Services, McLean Hospital; Belmont, MA
- Jade Abudia, PharmD, BCPP; Mental Health Clinical Pharmacist; Augusta, GA
- Gayle Callahan, PharmD, BCPP; Director of Pharmacy Services, Operation PAR, Inc., Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders; Pinellas Park, FL
- Moderator
- Elayne Ansara, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner – Mental Health, VISN 23 Clinical Resource Hub
The Evolving Role of Neurology Clinical Pharmacists: How Psychiatric Pharmacists Can Help Address the Gap | presented by Neurology Community - In nearly every U.S. state, there is a significant gap between the growing need for neurologists and their availability. As neurological disorders increase, patients require specialized care and chronic neuropsychiatric pharmacotherapy care to reduce disability. This mismatch limits access, worsens outcomes, and places an undue burden on neurology clinics. Addressing this gap urgently and sustainably is crucial for the future health of our patients and many medical institutions have noticed the integral role a Neurology Pharmacist can have on access and outcomes. This session will discuss the expansion of Neurology Clinical Pharmacist positions and brainstorm ways for BCPPs to help fill this gap.
Speaker/Moderator
Alissa Scalise, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS; Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner - Neurology and Pain Management, Clinical Resource Hub - VA New England Health Care System; West Haven, CT
Monday, April 28
7:15-8:15 AM - Virtual Residency Recruitment: Is This the New Reality? | presented by Residency Program Director Community
- Residency program recruitment has continued with a strong virtual basis. Recently, funding for in person conference attendance has been tighter for some workplaces as well and so networking and recruiting in person via those avenues may be lessening for some as well. Residency interviews are another area in which programs have been encouraged to offer virtual options plus or minus in person options depending on programs. This session will discuss pros and cons of virtual recruitment as well as other issues impacting RPD's and residency programs in the post-pandemic landscape.
- Speaker
- Moderator
Andrew Zwack, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical pharmacist & PGY2 Residency Program Director at Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Anoka, MN
1:00-2:00 PM - Expanding Cultural Competency in Pharmacy | AAPPF Grant Supported Idea Exchange
- Join the DEI Community in highlighting the implementation of 2 real-world initiatives focused on growing the cultural competency and knowledge of pharmacy learners. The 2025 DEI Grant Recipients Esther Moon and Casey Tiefenthaler will introduce their initiatives titled Health Inequities and Structural Competency Longitudinal Experience in Pharmacy Residency and Enhancing Gender-Affirming Care Education in Pharmacy School, respectively. In addition to the initiatives themselves, learn how to replicate and grow support for similar initiatives at your institution
- Speakers
- Esther Moon, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Psychiatric Pharmacist, Riverside University Health System; Riverside, CA
- Casey Tiefenthaler, PharmD, BCPP; Psychiatric Pharmacy Specialist - Inpatient, UC San Diego Health, UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; San Diego, CA
- Moderators
- Carolanne (CC) Wartman, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP; Assistant Clinical Professor, Pharmacy Practice & Science, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy the University of Arizona; Tucson, AZ
- Jeremy Daniel, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP, FAAPP; Psychiatric Clinical Pharmacist, Avera Behavioral Health Center, Associate Professor, Pharmacy Practice
2:10-3:10 PM - To Be Announced
3:30-4:30 PM - Incorporating Non-Pharmacologic Approaches to Mental Health in Group Education | presented by Patient Medication Education Group (PMEG) Community
- Group education is a cornerstone of mental health treatment, offering patients a supportive environment to address their challenges collaboratively. While pharmacologic interventions are essential, non-pharmacologic approaches such as physical activity, nutritional guidance, sleep hygiene, and stress management are equally important in promoting overall wellness. Notably, research indicates that exercise has antidepressant effects comparable to those of antidepressant medications. This idea exchange aims to explore practical ways for pharmacists to incorporate these wellness-focused interventions into group medication education. By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to describe evidence-based non-pharmacologic strategies, identify patients who would benefit from these interventions, and implement actionable steps to integrate wellness concepts into medication groups. The session will also provide an opportunity to share real-world experiences, discuss potential challenges, and address ethical considerations when introducing lifestyle modifications in a group setting. This session hopes to reframe mental health care to emphasize not only symptom management but also the broader goal of supporting patients in achieving balanced and fulfilling lives.
- Speakers/Moderators
- Aaron Salwan, PharmD, MPH, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Behavioral Health, Montefiore Nyack; Nyack, NY
- Amanda Smith, PharmD, BCPS; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Psychiatry, Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital; Roanoke, Virginia
Tuesday, April 29
7:15-8:15 AM - Optimizing Care: Best Practices for Pharmacists in Administering Long-Acting Psychotropics | presented by Patient Care Practice Management (PCPM) Community
- Pharmacists can be instrumental in the management of long-acting injectable (LAI) psychotropics (i.e., antipsychotics, naltrexone, buprenorphine). This session will provide attendees with information regarding the use of LAI psychotropics, including place in therapy, guideline-recommended use, and the potential role of pharmacists in managing LAI psychotropics. This session will offer a forum for those with any level of experience in managing LAIs (none to expert!), and brainstorm solutions to challenges encountered in clinical practice. Finally, this session will provide attendees with a venue to collaborate with their colleagues to plan for creating a new LAI service or refining a service that they have already established.
- Speakers/Moderators
- Caitlin McCarthy, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Piscataway, NJ
- Ashley Maister, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner, Psychiatry, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center; Philadelphia, PA
1:00-2:00 PM - Guiding Early Career Transitions | presented by Residency and New Practitioner (RNP) Committee
- The target audience for this idea exchange is first residents and new practitioners but also hope to capture the interest and attention of mentors, supervisors, and RPDs who may play a role in assisting residents and new practitioners through the evolution of their careers. This session aims to create a dynamic and interactive session for folks to engage with one another to discuss various topics of career transition from preparing and modifying one’s CV to building rapport and integrating into a new clinical care team. This session hopes to highlight existing resources through AAP, including WIWIK, education portal, and job listings, as well as emphasize how networking and engagement with AAPP and other communities can aid in career transitions. The objective is to provide the audience with a few key takeaway “tools” they can use throughout their career transitions.
- Speakers/Moderators
- Mackenzie Pierce, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP; Senior Pharmacist, Behavioral Health, UC Davis Medical Center; Sacramento, CA
- Miranda Stratton, PharmD, BCPP; Pharmacist Coordinator, UNC Hospitals Youth Behavioral Health; Butner, NC
2:10-3:10 PM - Psyched to Talk: Enhancing Student Communication in Psychiatric Pharmacy | presented by Teaching Community
- While most students in pharmacy curriculums are well-equipped in didactic classes, soft skills such as communicating in psychiatric settings present as novel experiences and may be challenging to budding pharmacists. Pharmacy students who are just beginning their APPE rotations may struggle with properly communicating medication recommendations or have hesitancy speaking with patients with a mental health history. This session will address strategies to help students prepare for communicating with patients and psychiatric professionals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own experiences to discuss with peers in this interactive environment.
- Speakers
- Tiffany Myrlee Hopkins, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, Inpatient Mental Health, South Texas Veterans Health Care System; San Antonio, TX
- Raeschell “Shelly” Williams, PharmD, MPH, BCPS, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, South Texas Veterans Health Care System; San Antonio, TX
- Moderators
- Ingrid Chou, PharmD; Clinical Assistant Professor, Pollak Center for Behavioral Wellness; Long Branch, NJ
- Mei Liu, PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Assistant Professor, Penn Medicine Princeton House Behavioral Health; Princeton, NJ
3:30-4:30 PM - From Practice to Publication: Building Research in your Role | presented by Research Community
- A comprehensive framework for discussing the role of research in professional practice, highlighting its importance, practical applications, and strategies for successful implementation will be discussed with a panel of relevant experience. The panelists will represent interest for those in areas of academia, inpatient and outpatient practice.
- Speakers
- M. Lynn Crismon; PharmD, FCCP, FASCP, DABCP, BCPP; Behrens Centennial Professor Emeritus of Pharmacy & Professor of Psychiatry; Austin, TX
- Michelle Colvard; PharmD, BCPP; Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Mental Health; Nashville, TN
- Farah Khorassani; PharmD, BCPP; Health Sciences Associate Clinical Professor; Irvine, CA
- Moderator
Julie Cunningham, PharmD, BCPP; Associate Chief Pharmacy Officer of Clinical Practice & Research; Rochester, MN
