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Interested in geriatric ce?
Medicines are a key part of the lives of many older adults – they are used to manage chronic diseases, prevent adverse health outcomes, and treat pain and other common symptoms. When used properly, medicines can improve quality of life and help prolong it. Medications can also cause problems. In treating the older adult, it is not enough for the health professional to know about drugs and diseases. It is also important to know how multiple chronic conditions, polypharmacy, and the aging process affect medication use in the elderly.
Many older adults have complex medication regimens, involving multiple medications from multiple prescribers. In many cases, a caregiver or relative may be providing assistance with managing the medications. In these situations, pharmacists experienced in drug therapy for older adults can be a valuable addition to the team. As a partner in the health care team, they can help facilitate appropriate use of medications, evaluate benefits and risks of medications, and answer any questions about the medications that the caregiver may have.
Professional development opportunities can help pharmacists build up their expertise and knowledge of drug therapy principles in older adults and the improve quality of care they are able to provide. For those interested in geriatric focused CE, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists is hosting its first ever international Geriatric Pharmacist Boot Camp in Toronto on April 29-30, 2017.
The Boot Camp is a 2-day workshop based on the exam outline of the Board of Pharmacy Specialties certification examination in geriatric pharmacy practice. In addition to helping those preparing for the exam, it allows pharmacists to review geriatric principles by working through practice skills and clinical case topics with other pharmacists and our subject matter experts. An application for accreditation has been made to the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP). Space is limited, so register now to ensure your spot.
Frank L. Grosso, RPh
Executive Director and CEO
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
Frank L. Grosso, RPh, has been executive director and chief operating officer of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists since 2014. Grosso has 35 years of long-term care pharmacy experience, most recently as corporate vice president of pharmacy services at Genesis HealthCare, LLC, one of the nation’s largest long-term care providers. His responsibilities included oversight of operational and contracted pharmacy services for 411 nursing facilities and assisted living communities in more than 35 states that are owned and managed by Genesis. Previously, he served as senior vice president of pharmacy operations for NeighborCare Pharmacy and director of long-term care pharmacy at Fay’s Drugs.
A graduate of Albany College of Pharmacy, Grosso has been an ASCP member since 1981 and has served on numerous ASCP committees including the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and the Advocacy Council. He has been involved in key issues such as short-cycle dispensing, implementation of Medicare Part D, and controlled drugs.
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