Residency application content and considerations based on residency director review of a fictitious CV: What really matters?

PURPOSE: This research was conducted to evaluate the influence of a pharmacy residency candidate's prior work or research experience on the potential for selection for an interview. Additionally, residency program directors (RPDs) were asked to evaluate the importance of letters of intent and recommendation, rank the importance of typical curriculum vitae (CV) items along with general preferences, and provide advice for a standout CV. METHODS: This cross-sectional, survey-based study recruited RPDs to review a work-focused or research-focused fictitious residency candidate CV and complete a 33-question survey regarding interest in interviewing the fictitious candidate and their general perceptions of significant factors in interview candidate selection. RESULTS: A total of 456 RPDs responded to the survey, with 229 respondents assigned to evaluate the work-focused CV and 227 assigned to review the research-focused CV. Among RPDs who provided CV evaluations, 81.2% (147/181) of those who reviewed the research-focused CV and 78.3% (137/175) of those who reviewed the work-focused CV gave a positive evaluation (P > 0.05). Work experience and extracurricular activities were considered the most important CV sections, and high-quality advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotations and pharmacy work experience were perceived to have the highest correlation with success in residency. CONCLUSION: This work supports the importance of candidates creating a well-rounded CV in preparing themselves for residency. Pharmacy-related work experience and high-quality APPE rotations seem to be key in an RPD's opinions of predicted success in a residency program. The CV remains a vital document in the residency candidate review process, and it deserves a high degree of effort in ensuring it adequately reflects professional experiences.

Development and Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Driven Vitamin D Protocol for a Cystic Fibrosis Clinic.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly found in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and can have a negative effect on patients who are not at target goal according to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Vitamin D Deficiency Clinical Care Guidelines. The objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a pharmacist-driven vitamin D protocol (PDVDP) in improving, achieving, and maintaining 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of patients in a pediatric CF clinic. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for pediatric patients with CF from August 2018 to March 2020 to determine the percent of patients with improvement in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to target goal (≥ 30 ng/mL). Patients' 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at 6, 12, and 18 months after automatic enrollment into the PDVDP were compared to determine if improvement occurred, and to calculate relative percent increase of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels for these patients. RESULTS: The mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of the patients at baseline before the protocol and 6, 12, and 18 months after enrollment in the protocol were 23.2, 33.3, 32.7, and 34.6 ng/mL, respectively. These results demonstrate mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at all follow-up time points were significantly greater than baseline (p < 0.001). At 6 months, 50% (n = 20) of pediatric patients reached the target 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS: The PDVDP was effective in increasing the number of patients able to reach target 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Our PDVDP process may also be used at other CF clinics to improve vitamin D outcomes collaboratively with the interprofessional CF team.

Impact of Communication Method and Timeliness on Student and Faculty Perception of Professionalism and Value.

Objective. This study sought to evaluate the impact of faculty, preceptor, and student preferences for type of communication received and timeliness of communication on their perceptions of professionalism and personal value.Methods. An anonymous questionnaire was designed to assess pharmacy faculty, preceptor, and students' preferred method of communication, response time expectations, impact on their perception of the sender's professionalism, and personal perception of being valued. The questionnaire was sent to 924 faculty, preceptors, and students.Results. Of the 253 responses received, 27 (11%) were from full-time faculty, 94 (37%) from part-time faculty preceptors, and 132 (52%) from students. Overall, email was the preferred communication method for receiving information that was not time sensitive (98%), with a majority of faculty, preceptors, and students indicating that 48 hours was a reasonable response time. Most participants felt that less than 24 hours was a reasonable response time for texts or phone calls. Most students indicated that response time was somewhat or not impactful (58%) on their view of the faculty or preceptor's professionalism, while faculty and preceptors indicated that response time was neutral or somewhat impactful on their view of the student's professionalism (60%). Most students (77%) indicated that a faculty or preceptor's response time to their text or phone call impacted their perceptions of feeling valued and important.Conclusion. Communication preferences among faculty, preceptors, and students differ. Professionalism related to communication was important to all groups, and timeliness of communication between faculty, preceptors, and students impacted their perception of their value and self-worth.

Determining student-level characteristics predictive of successful matching in PGY1 community-based residency programs: A curriculum vitae analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this analysis was to determine which characteristics increase a candidate's likelihood of matching with a post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) community-based residency program (CBRP). METHODS: Current and former CBRP residents' curriculum vitae (CVs) were collected and reviewed utilizing a survey and standardized rubric. Eligible participants were current PGY1 CBRP residents or had completed a PGY1 program no earlier than 2015. Primary endpoints included number of participants with extensive leadership experience, relevant experiential rotations, presentation history, and involvement in pharmacy organizations. Descriptive statistics were performed to identify the most common characteristics and their relative quantities. RESULTS: A total of 50 eligible CVs were submitted and reviewed. The majority of participants had extensive (defined as four or more) presentation experiences, at least three mid- to high-level leadership experiences, multiple ambulatory/outpatient pharmacy experiential rotations, and involvement in pharmacy organizations. Few participants (26%) had previous teaching experience. CONCLUSIONS: Residency candidates who matched with CBRPs tended to have extensive mid- to high-level leadership experiences and presentation experience. Based on these findings, additional studies are warranted to compare existing and/or redesigned postgraduate training preparation curricula and their impact on residency match rates.

Ultra-long-acting insulins: A review of efficacy, safety, and implications for practice.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In the past decade, there has been much advancement in oral antidiabetic agents, but few changes in insulin therapy. With the addition of the ultra-long-acting insulins, insulin glargine U300 (IGlar 300) and insulin degludec (IDeg 100 and IDeg 200), it is important to understand key aspects in the agents' clinical properties, efficacy, safety, dosing, packaging, and place in therapy. METHODS: A literature review was conducted using PubMed database and was limited to English, full-text articles published from January 2000 to January 2018. The following search terms were used: insulin glargine 300, insulin degludec, Toujeo, Tresiba, and ultra-long-acting insulin. CONCLUSIONS: These agents are longer acting with sustained insulin coverage as compared with other basal insulins while having a low potential for hypoglycemia. Efficacy and safety profiles are quite good, and potential for weight gain was similar to IGlar 100. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Depending on the patient's needs, these newer agents may offer some advantages. Insulin glargine U300 and IDeg 200 are concentrated, allowing for administration of large doses by less volume, thereby theoretically improving absorption. For patients needing flexible dosing, IDeg may be beneficial. The ultra-long-acting agents may also be useful if it is suspected that the basal insulin is not lasting the entire day.

The impact of participation in a Research/Writing Group on scholarly pursuits by non-tenure track clinical faculty.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of a faculty Research/Writing Group (RWG) by quantifying the amount of scholarly productivity from participants in the group compared with that of a matched cohort. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: The RWG meets monthly to discuss current projects, providing an assessment of their scholarly activity. Participants offer ideas on improvement, resources and possible platforms for presentations and/or publications. FINDINGS: To evaluate the success of this model, scholarly production from the participants in the RWG was compared to a matched group of clinical non-tenure track faculty not participating in the group over a three year period. Faculty perception of RWG participation was evaluated by data collected through a survey using Qualtrics. SUMMARY: Participation in the RWG provided these junior faculty the support system to feel confident in their pursuit of scholarly activities; and therefore, they outpaced their counterparts in dissemination of their research.

Comparison of Pharmacist and Physician Managed Annual Medicare Wellness Services.

BACKGROUND: Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWV) are a benefit provided for Medicare beneficiaries to increase focus on wellness and preventive measures. Pharmacists can conduct AWVs, which offers a potential avenue for outpatient revenue generation. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: To compare a composite of interventions and screenings and revenue generated by a pharmacist with those made by a physician during a subsequent AWV. A report generated through the electronic health record was used to determine AWVs conducted by a pharmacist or 3 participating physicians from December 2013 to March 2016, including revenue generated. Through electronic chart review, documentation was accessed to quantify and categorize the number and types of referrals, health advice, laboratory tests, procedures, vaccinations, and screenings that were recommended during each patient's AWV. OBSERVATIONS: The pharmacist performed 19 subsequent visits, and the 3 physicians performed 89 subsequent visits. Overall, the composite of interventions and screenings was significantly higher in the pharmacist group than the physician group (P = 0.03). More interventions were made in the areas of health advice (P = 0.020), vaccine recommendations (P = 0.009), and screenings in the pharmacist group (P < 0.001). The physicians ordered significantly more laboratory tests per visit (P < 0.001). The pharmacist was reimbursed on average $105 per visit versus $99 per visit for the physicians. IMPLICATIONS: Pharmacist-provided AWVs are at least comparable to those provided by physicians and offer an additional access point for valuable services for Medicare beneficiaries. DISCLOSURES: There was no financial contribution to this study. Riche reports participation in the Speaker's Bureau for Merck and the Speaker's Bureau and Advisory Board for Novo Nordisk. The authors have no other conflicts of interest to report pertinent to this research. This data has not been previously published in any other location. Richie, Sewell, Malinowski, Jackson, and Fleming were involved in study design and manuscript preparation/approval. Jackson was involved in data collection, and Richie and Sewell were involved in data collection and data analysis. Sewell and Richie had full access to all the data in the study and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

The role of Toujeo®, insulin glargine U-300, in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to educate nurse practitioners about the role of Toujeo®, insulin glargine U-300 (Gla-300), which is a new option for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE with the key terms: insulin glargine 300, Toujeo, Gla-300, and EDITION for clinical trial data. Other resources included package inserts, drug information websites, and the World Health Organization (WHO). CONCLUSIONS: Gla-300 appears to be a safe and effective option for basal insulin therapy. In clinical trials, it was shown to be equally efficacious as Gla-100 with fewer episodes of hypoglycemia and slightly less weight gain, and subjects receiving Gla-300 required approximately 10 units more basal insulin to obtain the same hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as subjects receiving Gla-100. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This new basal therapy option represents a potential advantage for patients who require higher doses of insulin because of the higher concentration of Gla-300. The lower incidence of hypoglycemia and more predictable pharmacokinetics could offer a significant therapeutic benefit in difficult-to-control patients with diabetes mellitus. The biggest disadvantage of this product is the slightly higher insulin dosage that is required to improve and/or maintain patients' HbA1c.

Fixed-dose combinations in type 2 diabetes - role of the canagliflozin metformin combination.

Canagliflozin-metformin is one of the newest combination therapies available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Canagliflozin is an inhibitor of the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 which causes an increase in the urinary excretion of glucose. In the present article, we review the safety and efficacy of canagliflozin and metformin from data obtained from Phase III metformin add-on therapy clinical trials as there are no studies to date that specifically evaluate the combination of metformin and canagliflozin. Trials included in this review were dual-therapy trials of subjects who were already taking background metformin and were assigned to receive canagliflozin, glimepiride, or sitagliptin. The addition of canagliflozin to metformin resulted in a decrease in HbA1c of 0.73%-0.93%. Canagliflozin 100 mg was considered to be non-inferior to glimepiride and sitagliptin 100 mg with the canagliflozin 300 mg dose being statistically superior to sitagliptin and glimepiride. Other advantages of the use of canagliflozin are reduction in weight (3.3-4.0 kg) and systolic blood pressure (3.3-4.7 mmHg). The primary disadvantages are potential genital mycotic infections, hypotension, and gastrointestinal side effects from metformin. All things considered, this combination appears to be safe and effective in clinical trials and represents a promising option for the treatment of T2DM.

Afrezza: An inhaled approach to insulin delivery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to educate nurse practitioners about Afrezza. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE for clinical trial data. Information from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, clinical guidelines, Food and Drug Administration labeling, briefings, and press releases was also utilized. CONCLUSIONS: Afrezza represents a promising noninjectable insulin delivery option for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. According to clinical trial evidence, it appears to be efficacious and comparable to currently available prandial insulin options, and based on current data, it appears to be a safe alternative to injectable insulin with high treatment satisfaction. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Afrezza may offer an alternative for insulin naïve patients who are hesitant about initiating traditional insulin. It may cause less weight gain when compared to subcutaneous mealtime insulin with a more rapid absorption and elimination profile, but more long-term studies are needed. Afrezza is limited in type 1 diabetes to use in combination with basal insulin. It is not recommended in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis or for patients who smoke. It is contraindicated during hypoglycemic episodes, in chronic lung diseases, or in those with hypersensitivity to regular human insulin or any of the excipients in Afrezza.

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors: a novel approach to the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to educate nurse practitioners about the newest class of oral medications developed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This article will review dapagliflozin and canagliflozin, the two Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and discuss their place in therapy. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE with the key terms: dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, SGLT2 inhibitors, and SGLT2 inhibitors. Other resources included the World Health Organization (WHO), U.S. FDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), clinical guidelines, FDA labeling, briefings, and press releases. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin and canagliflozin appear to be safe and moderately effective. SGLT2 inhibitors provide an alternative for dual and triple therapy for T2DM or can be used as monotherapy in patients who cannot tolerate other first-line options. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: SGLT2 inhibitors have a unique, insulin-independent mechanism of action, targeting the kidneys. They have a low incidence of hypoglycemia and result in a moderate reduction in HbA1C. Improvements in weight, blood pressure, and lipid parameters have been demonstrated. Dosing considerations are required for the elderly, renally impaired, and patients at risk for hypotension.

Resistant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease amelioration with rosuvastatin and pioglitazone combination therapy in a patient with metabolic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case describing resolution of persistently elevated aminotransferases in a patient with severe, resistant nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using combination therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old obese male patient presented with a history of elevated aminotransferases and numerous statin intolerances. In addition to worsening control of diabetes and dyslipidemia, severe NAFLD was confirmed. Rosuvastatin was started, which induced short-term elevations in aminotransferases resulting in patient discontinuation. Biochemical markers of NAFLD worsened over time. Therefore, both rosuvastatin 20 mg daily and pioglitazone 15 mg daily were started simultaneously to potentially blunt the early increase in transaminases seen with rosuvastatin. At 2 weeks, the patient's alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) had decreased 57% and 56% from baseline, respectively. By 9 months, the patient's ALT and AST serum concentrations had normalized. Repeat liver ultrasound demonstrated improvement in steatosis grading and reduction in liver size. These improvements occurred despite a 4.5-kg weight gain since starting rosuvastatin and pioglitazone. DISCUSSION: Pharmacotherapy in NAFLD is not well validated, particularly combination therapy. Medications that target obesity-related consequences are commonly used, although evidence regarding biochemical and histological improvement is inconclusive. Consideration should be given to the use of combination of thiazolidinediones and statins for rapid biochemical improvement and long-term histological impact. CONCLUSIONS: The improvement in this patient's biochemical and ultrasonographic markers of resistant, severe NAFLD was rapid and sustained with combination therapy. This case represents a potential solution for initiating or maintaining statin therapy in patients with NAFLD who are at high cardiovascular risk.

New obesity agents: lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the evidence for lorcaserin and phentermine/topiramate in the treatment of obesity. DATA SOURCES: Literature was accessed through PubMed (June 1975-March 2013) using the search terms lorcaserin, phentermine, topiramate, or phenter mine/topiramate. Additionally, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. Additional information was obtained from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescribing information and FDA briefing documents. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: English-language articles focusing on Phase 3 clinical trials for obesity were critiqued. Data from preclinical and Phase 1 and/or 2 trials are reported when appropriate. Six prospective Phase 3 trials were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Obesity has reached epidemic proportions, affecting more than one third of adults in the US. Two medication products, lorcaserin and phenter mine/topiramate, have recently received FDA approval as adjuncts to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity among individuals with a body mass index greater than or equal to 30 kg/m(2) or greater than or equal to 27 kg/m(2) with an obesity-related comorbidity, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes. Lorcaserin is a selective serotonin 5-HT2C agonist that regulates food intake, while the combination of phentermine/topiramate causes appetite suppression and enhanced satiety. Three Phase 3 randomized, placebo-controlled trials reported approximately 75% and 45% of patients achieved greater than or equal to 5% weight loss with phentermine/topiramate and lorcaserin, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With lifestyle modification, phentermine/topiramate appears most effective in terms of weight loss. Lorcaserin demonstrates moderate efficacy. Long-term cardiovascular outcomes studies are needed to confirm the safety and benefit of these new obesity agents.