Introduction

Dr. Gina Moore, PharmD, MBA, serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Operations and Regulatory Affairs at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific and an MBA from the University of Colorado. Dr. Moore coordinates and teaches the Pharmacy Law course and is president-elect of the American Society for Pharmacy Law. Her research interests include the establishment and documentation of clinical pharmacy services, pharmacy law, and drug utilization review. Learn more about her here.

Why Pharmacy

I had a passion for chemistry and physiology. Pharmacy was a natural fit for understanding how medications work and helping individuals improve their health.

Career Journey

I wanted to be a pharmacist since the age of 16. I wasn't sure of all the options available with a pharmacy degree until after graduation. I first worked in the area of critical care and loved the fast paced environment and the important contributions pharmacists make with managing medications in critically ill patients. I later went back to pursue an MBA. After joining the faculty of the University of Colorado, I had an opportunity to work on legislation related to pharmacist provider status. After successful legislation, I realized what a difference we can make in advocating for practicing at the top of our license and increasing patient access to pharmacist care services.

Current Role and Responsibilities

During the five months the legislature is in session in our state, I often spend a half-day or day at the Capitol meeting with legislators or providing testimony on one of the bills for which we are providing advocacy (both for and against). I work closely with our state pharmacists association and often talk or meet with our association's executive director on a daily basis. I am currently serving as President of the American Society for Pharmacy Law and work closely with pharmacists and attorneys across the US on legal issues impacting our profession.

Luckily, I have some flexibility with my job and am able to leave early on some days if I have a personal or family obligation and am able to work in the evenings and weekends if needed.

Challenges

Continuing to educate the public on all of the training, education, and care pharmacists can provide.

Rewards

Passing legislation that allows pharmacists to practice at the top of their licensure and increasing patient access to pharmacist services. We've had really big legislative victories such as obtaining pharmacist provider status under our state Medicaid program to obtain reimbursement for non-dispensing services, but also small wins that make a big difference in pharmacy efficiencies.

Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals

Be open to opportunities you are presented. Legislators are often very anxious to learn more about the pharmacy profession and want to serve their constituents.