JULIA M. MYERS, PHARMD, MBA, AAHIVP ([email protected]) is the Manager of Ambulatory Pharmacy Operations at University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, Missouri. Dr. Myers received the Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Wyoming in 2007 and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 2018. Dr. Myers pursued a hybrid retail/clinical path in Phoenix, Arizona from 2007 to 2012 where she worked as a clinical pharmacist and pharmacy manager specializing in HIV and medication therapy management. She was a contributing author and subject matter expert for the American Academy of HIV Credentialing Exam for Pharmacists (AAHIVP) inaugural exam.
In 2012, Dr. Myers joined the University of Missouri Health Care leadership team as the Outpatient Pharmacy Manager. Dr. Myers implemented the Mizzou Specialty Pharmacy in 2015 and received two CEO Awards for program outcomes. In 2018, Dr. Myers implemented Ambulatory Pharmacy practice and justified creation of PGY1 Community Residency. In 2020, she was recognized as a 20 under 40 Award recipient by COMO Magazine.
Dr. Myers is currently Chair of the Section Advisory Group for Workforce Development and served in the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners for the three previous years. Her work has been featured by leading national organizations (Advisory Board, McKesson, Vizient) and given numerous poster and podium presentations at ASHP meetings. Dr. Myers coauthored the 2021 AJHP article on Specialized Roles in Specialty Pharmacy and participated as a panelist for Specialty Pharmacy Summit in 2021 and ASHP Cold Chain Forum in 2022. Dr. Myers is also recognized for advocacy of pharmacy technician career advancement and development of a charitable care program to address medication affordability.
Healthcare is rapidly evolving and specialty pharmacy is at the forefront of the changes. Since emerging on the scene over a decade ago, specialty pharmacy transformed from a niche to the diamond of the season and is securely positioned as an essential element of the health system enterprise.
My career is dedicated to advancing the practice of pharmacy in outpatient settings. In the early 2000's, before anyone called it "specialty," I provided innovative and specialized care to patients living with HIV. In 2015, I implemented the Mizzou Specialty Pharmacy program and celebrated when the first HCV patient achieved a cure with an all oral regimen.
Through involvement with ASHP, I found that my reach can go beyond direct patient care, the health system or even the state. Participating in and ultimately leading a Section Advisory Group in the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners has shown me that health system specialty pharmacies are not only capable but are the best equipped to address the entire continuum of specialty patient care needs. From supply chain considerations and unique accreditations to value based contracting and superior patient outcomes, specialty pharmacy is truly a business within a business.
As chair of the Section, I promise to remain committed to keeping the patient at the center of our work and will bring a voice to the most vulnerable and rare of patients. I demonstrate the innovation and creativity needed to address the immediate problems at hand as well as those that don't yet exist.