Introduction
Dr. Mohanad Znbaqa earned his PharmD from Midwestern University College of Pharmacy. He is an ambulatory care pharmacist at Walgreens, and played a pivotal role in enhancing patient care through a partnership with Village Medical in Phoenix. By prescribing medications, managing chronic diseases, and offering patient education, Dr. Znbaqa emphasizes team-based care to improve health outcomes. His proactive approach and frequent patient interactions aim to prevent hospitalizations and ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery. For further insights into his impactful work, visit the full article here.
Why Pharmacy
During my PGY-1 pharmacy residency at Yuma Regional Medical Center, I cared for patients hospitalized for various preventive chronic illness and medication complications. This sparked my motivation and passion to play a critical role in chronic disease management and preventive care. I joined the Family Medicine Clinic during my residency to experience Ambulatory care and found my impact and strong fit immediately. Since then, I focused on expanding my ambulatory care experience and knowledge in transition of care and chronic disease management.
Career Journey
I was selected to launch a pilot created by Walgreens Health and Village Medical to embed clinical ambulatory care pharmacist in primary care clinics. In this role, I have collaborative practice agreements with providers to independently manage various chronic diseases. My main focus is diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and dyslipidemia.
Current Role and Responsibilities
I work in a primary care clinic with scheduled patient appointments. My initial patient encounter is 60 minutes in length, and my follow up appointment is 30 minutes in length. I have seven to ten appointments daily for the various chronic diseases managed. The patient encounter is completed in clinic, via telephone, or via Telemedicine. I also conduct curbside consults with patients, medical assistants, and providers for medication-medication interaction, optimal therapy, side effects, and medication coverage.
Challenges
My encounter duration has outstanding advantages, but one major challenge is limiting my number of patient encounters per day. The 30-45 minutes encounter allows me to thoroughly manage various chronic diseases but limit my total daily patient encounters and helping other patients achieve optimal outcomes.
Rewards
The most rewarding aspect of my career is the positive feedback of patients and providers. I ensure to engage the patient in creating individualized optimal therapy plan, and create a roadmap of small goals to achieve. It is exciting and rewarding for the patient and I to accomplish these goals together through our journey of care.
Similarly, providers and I collaborate to discuss and create various therapy plans for optimal patient outcomes. It is rewarding to see and receive the positive feedback of providers in valuing pharmacists recommendations and impact.
Advice for Students and Aspiring Professionals
I would recommend that students interested in a career similar to mine to complete introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE) and advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in an ambulatory care setting. I also encourage students to complete at least one year of residency training to further expand their knowledge and experience in ambulatory care.