Featured Preceptor
Michelle E. Smith, RPh 1984, UW School of Pharmacy, is a preceptor and Pharmacist-in-Charge
of the Community Pharmacy at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE.
Michelle grew up in Scottsbluff and graduated from high school in 1979. She always had an interest in Pharmacy. Her father is also a pharmacist, graduating from North Dakota State University in 1960. While Michelle was still in high school she visited UW with a friend and loved the campus.
Michelle's favorite memories of UW School of Pharmacy include the long lasting friendships that grew from attending classes and studying together. Michelle says "at that time, class sizes were limited to 30-35 students which allowed us to know each other very well. In addition, we were also able to interact with our professors. I have fond memories of Pharmacy Preparations with Mrs. Noble, Pharmacognosy with Dr. Julian, Pharmacy Law with Dr. Abood, OMP with Dr. Ken Nelson, Pharmacology with Dr. Robert Nelson, and Dispensing with Dr. Brunette. (If I left anyone out I am truly sorry!) Each and every one of those instructors prepared us not only for Pharmacy Boards, but for a long career in the practice of Pharmacy."
Michelle has always worked as a Retail/Outpatient Pharmacist. She says ""I like the interaction with patients that I have each day and I especially enjoy counseling." Michelle also enjoys interacting with students in her practice. She says "I love being able to precept students from the University of Wyoming, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Creighton University. It is very rewarding to me to see young people excited about Pharmacy and the direction that Pharmacy is going. I have always felt that we learn just as much from the students as they do from us."
Michelle notes that there are also challenges that we face on a day-to-day basis. Among these are decreased reimbursement by CMS and Insurance companies. On this issue, Michelle says ""Pharmacy has had to evolve in order to make up for payment deficiencies. APhA has been lobbying for several years to have Pharmacists recognized as Providers by CMS. We are getting closer, but still have work to do."
When asked about her favorite experiences as a pharmacist, Michelle points to her interprofessional involvement with Prairie Haven Hospice. She attends interdisciplinary team meetings every other week, and enjoys being able to have students attend with her. She is also on the Advisory Board for Prairie Haven Hospice.
On the future of Pharmacy, Michelle says "we are entering a time in which Pharmacy will continue to change dramatically. The fee-for-service model that we have been used to is changing to payment-for-outcome. STAR ratings that have been used in hospitals are now becoming important for retail pharmacy. Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services such as Diabetes Clinics, Anticoagulation Clinics, and Lipid Clinics are where pharmacists can excel. These services are needed in rural communities as well as large cities, and make pharmacists an integral part of the healthcare team." Her advice for students is to "be involved with Local, State, and National Pharmacy organizations. Stay on top of the newest developments in healthcare and know guidelines for best practices." She concludes "the most important role of being a pharmacist is to be a diligent advocate for patient safety."
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