Columbus, Ohio Celebrates Community Pharmacy Innovation
Last month, Columbus, Ohio, was buzzing with excitement as the annual meeting of the National Community Pharmacy Association took place. This gathering brought together passionate pharmacists and pharmacy professionals dedicated to improving healthcare in their communities, and there was a standout moment that stole the show. The Greater Appalachian Transformation Effort (GATE) was honored with the highly coveted 2024 Flip the Pharmacy (FtP) Team of the Year Award.
A Recognition of Transformation
GATE’s achievement is particularly significant as it highlights the invaluable work done by the East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Since the launch of GATE, the college has played a pivotal role in transforming how community pharmacies operate, shifting from traditional, transaction-based practices to a more comprehensive, patient-centered care model.
Established in 2019, the Flip the Pharmacy initiative was designed to equip community pharmacies with necessary tools, resources, and coaching to enhance their services. As the initiative progressed, it became clear that GATE was leading the charge in making positive changes.
Despite the grant funding for Flip the Pharmacy concluding in 2024, the positive transformations initiated through GATE will undoubtedly continue to resonate across the region for years to come.
A Team Effort
The recognition is a result of the collaborative efforts of the pharmacy faculty at ETSU. Key contributors included:
- Dr. Jessica Robinson – assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice and lead coach
- Dr. Katelyn Alexander – director of Experiential Education and coach
- Dr. KariLynn Dowling-McClay – assistant professor of Pharmacy Practice and program consultant
- Jeff Gray – associate professor of Pharmacy Practice and program administrator
Together, they worked hand-in-hand with various organizations, including the Community Pharmacy Foundation and local pharmacy networks, to implement transformative practices in over 200 pharmacies situated in South Central Appalachia.
A Record of Success
GATE’s journey has been nothing short of impressive. It stands out not just as a multi-state team but as the only team to secure funding in all four cycles of the initiative. This achievement translates to a remarkable outreach to community pharmacies and creating alternative revenue opportunities for them.
According to Robinson, the success of this program hinges on the commitment of partner pharmacies that embrace the shift to innovative healthcare delivery. “Their willingness to challenge the status quo of health care is opening new doors for pharmacist-provided patient care services,” she noted.
Preparing Future Pharmacists
The impact of GATE is wide-ranging, extending beyond current practices to enriching the education of pharmacy students. Robinson emphasizes that students are now being trained to “operate at the top of their license.” The pharmacy curriculum at ETSU has been designed to ensure that students are both practice and business-ready.
“We want to be a resource for our preceptors and alumni,” said Robinson, highlighting ETSU’s ongoing commitment to supporting community pharmacists. “It’s important that they don’t feel isolated in this journey.”
A Future-Focused Institution
With a commitment to addressing pharmacist shortages in rural and underserved areas, ETSU has established itself as a leader in pharmacy practice transformation within the Southeast U.S. As Robinson put it, “I think ETSU has become synonymous with community pharmacy practice transformation.”
With continued dedication, collaboration, and innovative training, GATE and ETSU are paving the way for a new era in community pharmacy — one that prioritizes patient outcomes and healthcare excellence.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that this award-winning team will foster transformations that will greatly benefit patients, pharmacies, and the health of communities across the region. For those interested in exploring opportunities in community pharmacy, the ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy offers tailored training options, including a focus on independent pharmacy ownership.
