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Three pharmacy team members win awards at MPhA Annual Learning Event in October
Congratulations to three exceptional pharmacy team members from Welia Health. The Minnesota Pharmacy Association (MPhA) recognized Patty Lind, Julie Schumacher and Joe Dvorak at the 2019 MPhA Annual Learning Networking Event that was held on October 3rd and 4th, 2019.
It is extremely rare for three members from one healthcare system to win awards within the same year, but given the strength of the pharmacy team, we are not surprised. Welia Health thanks them for their hard work and for the outstanding service that is always provided to our patients and communities.
Patty Lind received the Harold R. Popp Award. This award recognizes one pharmacist annually for their outstanding service to the profession of pharmacy—it’s the highest honor bestowed by the MPhA.
For over 30 years, Patty has been deeply involved in pharmacy practice and professional affairs within Minnesota. Her mix of pharmacy expertise, leadership, mentoring and community service is unmatched in both her work and home life. During her twenty plus years with the University of Minnesota, College of Pharmacy, Patty was named Teacher of the Year (2003) and Teacher of the Semester (1998). She also won the Innovations in Teaching Award from American Association of College of Pharmacy (APhA) in 2002 and is a past recipient of the MPhA Bowl of Hygeia Award and for her innovations in medical coding.
Because of her extensive experience and passion in the pharmacy field, Patty has chaired a workgroup in Washington DC for the Pharmacy HIT Collaborative. That work drives the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine (SNOMED) which sets codes for the electronic exchange of clinical health information between providers and pharmacists.
As her nominator states, “she is one of the most selfless people I know. She works extremely hard, is patient, earnest and a born teacher. She has impacted the lives of countless patients, students, residents and pharmacists and I feel honored to work with her every day.”
Julie Schumacher received MPhA Pharmacy Technician of the Year Award. This award recognizes an outstanding pharmacy technician who demonstrates leadership in their work and in their community.
For twenty years, Julie has worked as a pharmacy technician in her hometown of Pine City. She is well known and respected by community members both for her pharmacy expertise and her passion for youth sports by volunteering her time to guide young athletes. When the Community pharmacy opened in Pine City, Julie was essential to its growth and delivers exceptional care to the patients she serves.
Julie sets an extremely high bar for everyone around her; she exhausts every option to ensure patient safety and overall well-being.
Her nominator states “she holds the profession to a high standard few can compete with and does this willingly without expectation of recognition.”
Joe Dvorak received the Excellence in Innovation Award. This national award is coordinated by the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations. It recognizes and honors a qualified pharmacist who has demonstrated significant innovation resulting in improved patient care and/or advancement of the pharmacy profession.
Joe was recognized for his commitment to building reputable community pharmacies in East Central Minnesota. He is considered an expert in the federal 340B program, by completing the Apexus Advanced 340B Operations Certificate. His innovative ideas ensure that valuable pharmaceutical resources and medications are going to patients in need by creating avenues for underserved patients. Joe is well-known and a notable community leader. Welia Health is honored to have Joe at the helm of the community pharmacies.