The Kansas Pharmacists Association recognized some of the best and brightest in Kansas pharmacy during the 2024 KPhA Annual Meeting and Trade Show Awards Gala on Aug. 24 in Manhattan.

Renee Price, Co-Owner and Director of Clinical Pharmacy of Price Pharmacies Inc., Winfield, was surprised when her sons presented her with the Bowl of Hygeia, a national award given to pharmacists who have shown exemplary leadership within their communities as well as within the pharmacy profession. Price is no stranger to the long hours required of pharmacists who are dedicated to serving their patients and their communities. While pharmacy was in her blood, so to speak, it wasn’t a profession she seriously considered because of the long hours she watched her parents undertake as pharmacy leaders while growing up. But the call was too strong. In her community, Price has served as a contract pharmacist for the Cowley County Health Department and served on the boards of Union State Bank (eight years and counting), Winfield Chamber of Commerce, Cowley First Advisory Council, Rotary Club of Arkansas City, Mosaic Partner in Possibilities, Young Professionals of Cowley County, and Soroptimist Club of Arkansas City. As a pharmacist, their primary objective is to create a comprehensive patient care experience for their customers. In the pharmacy, Price devotes many hours to furthering the profession and assisting other pharmacists, patients, care team members, and payers to better understand the benefits of involving pharmacists in patient care management. In nominating Price, Julie Keeton, owner of Kiowa County Pharmacy, Greensburg, said: “Renee has always been and continues to be an inspiration to me as a pharmacist-owner-mom and to find the time and energy to push for greater things within our profession while also not sacrificing the things that are important outside of work, like family and community.” The Bowl of Hygeia is sponsored by the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. It is presented annually in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In Kansas, anyone can be nominated for the award, but the winner is chosen by previous Bowl of Hygeia recipients.

Nate Wiehl, a pharmacist at AuBurn Pharmacy in Garnett, was named the Pharmacist of the Year. Wiehl serves his community as Director of Clinical Services for AuBurn Pharmacy and Pharmacist-in-Charge for Anderson County Hospital. He established an innovative ambulatory care relationship with the providers in his community to improve the health of his patients by working together as an interprofessional team and partnering with Camp Discover. Wiehl has had significant contributions to the advancement of the profession, and the reputation of Kansas Pharmacy.

Abigail Hoefling of Hesston Pharmacy/Harvey Drug was named Outstanding Pharmacy Technician. In nominating her, Sandie Kueker, owner of Hesston Pharmacy/Harvey Drug, said Hoefling goes above and beyond in all she does. She became a Certified Immunizer during the early days of COVID-19; is a certified diabetic shoe fitter; a certified community health worker; took a local Mental Health First Aid course; took part in the inaugural Kansas Pharmacy Foundation Leadership class; and attends local chamber breakfasts each month. Hoefling has a true passion for all she does to care for her patients and her team. She exemplifies all the ways a pharmacy technician can excel in today’s modern pharmacy.

Madison Livengood of B&K Prescription Shop in Salina was the winner of the Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award presented by Pharmacists Mutual. Selection is based on participation in state and national pharmacy association activities and community service. Livengood was an engaged member of APhA-ASP during her time as a pharmacy student where she served in many leadership roles and participated in community outreach and has continued to be an engaged member of KPhA following graduation. She serves as the KPhA representative on the K-TRACS Advisory Committee with the Board of Pharmacy and recently was appointed to the Kansas Committee on Impaired Pharmacy Practice where her contributions support pharmacy staff in active recovery. Her circle of influence doesn’t end with pharmacy. She is just as engaged in her community as a member of the Salina Sirens Women’s Roller Derby team.

The Excellence in Innovation award went to Paul Schiferl, a pharmacist at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. Coordinated by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations and sponsored by Upsher-Smith Laboratories, the award recognized Paul as an innovator and champion for 340B consulting. He understands the challenges that hospitals and contract pharmacies are facing and works with both entities to leverage the program positively This award recognizes and honor a qualified pharmacist who has demonstrated significant innovation in their respective practice. 

The KsPRN Bill Bays Award was presented to the University of Kansas APHA-ASP Student Chapter for demonstrating outstanding commitment to raising awareness of the dangers of prescription drug abuse, substance use disorder, and/or mental health issues. Their dedication to better patient care shows through continuous efforts to educate not only student pharmacists but other peers at the university as well. Some of last year’s community engagement included: Partnering with DCCCA for a naloxone training course for student pharmacists; Providing naloxone training for members of a fraternity house; Partnering with a local pharmacist to present information on opioid stewardship and red flags for filling-controlled substances in community pharmacies; and working with KsPRN to educate student pharmacists on resources available to help pharmacy professionals who may be struggling with substance use or other disorders.

Mallory Zweygardt was named the Sunflower Health Plan MTM Champion for being a true advocate for MTM services in the pharmacy. In 2023, Mallory completed over 80% of the 1,270 MTM cases that were handled by Salina Family Healthcare Center. Derek Pihl, chief pharmacy officer, noted that “Anything Mallory does, she does well.” Zweygardt also recently helped precept the pharmacy’s first resident.

KPhA’s Government Affairs Committee recognized Alexandra Blasi, executive secretary of the Kansas Board of Pharmacy, as the Champion of Pharmacy for her direct impact on pharmacy by handling a white bagging issue in a fair manner that brought many people together to form a compromise on the issue.

Several service awards also were presented, including:

• Board of Directors Award presented to Savanna Anschutz, B&K Prescription Shop in Salina, for giving exemplary service for one or more years to the Kansas Pharmacists Association.
• Outstanding Student Service Award presented to Nathan Bales at graduation in May. He was a big help during his APPE rotation last year and was able to keep KPhA staff sane during the most insane month they’ve ever experienced.
• Board Member of the Year presented to Nick Schulte, who has represented the Health Systems Academy since 2023. He brings enthusiasm for the organization and the capacity to reach all levels of membership while being active and engaged in KPhA activities.
• President’s Award presented to Tessa Schnelle, a tireless force for the profession as she serves KPhA, APhA, and Phi Lambda Sigma while also fulfilling duties as director of pharmacy at Cass Regional Medical Center.
• NCPA Leadership Award presented to Sloane Freeman, co-owner of Mid-Kansas Management and the association’s newly elected president.

Additionally, KPhA and Kansas Pharmacy Foundation were happy to recognize pharmacists Marlin Buchholz, Brad Eustace, Lindy Josserand, Partick Ryan, Jerry Scott, and Fred Taylor for celebrating 50 Years of service to the pharmacy profession in Kansas. They have distinguished themselves through a lifetime of outstanding service.