The annual Pharm.D. Enrichment and Professionalism Program (PEPP) series kicked off the year with a presentation from alum Hans Wiik, RPh., MPH, MHA, FACHE, Class of 1968. On Friday afternoon, October 14th, Hans graciously made the trip from Denver, CO, where he serves as the President and CEO of integrated Physician Network (iPN) Centura Health, to present on the topic “New Career Opportunities in Pharmacy Under Healthcare Reform – It’s ALL about the DATA”. His audience consisted of eager first and second year students, as well as celebrated alum William “Frosty” Comer (’68), one of the College’s Icons of Pharmacy and a former classmate of Hans.
During his presentation, Hans used his own experience at iPN to highlight the important role that data plays in improving the quality of patient care while reducing health care costs. iPN is one of the first large clinically integrated multi-specialty networks in the nation on one common EMR with 200 providers and 26 independent practices at 45 different locations across the entire North Denver market. According to Hans, iPN is structured and positioned to become an accountable care organization working with payers – insurers and employers in their market, to provide safer, better, coordinated and more efficient health care that is patient centered. This results in increased value for all stakeholders. Hans also highlighted how pharmacy will be an integral piece in the value equation for the payers, employers, and patients as both physician and pharmacy leadership is needed to produce better outcomes and value for patients.
PEPP events are an extracurricular activity that is provided by the College for student professional enrichment and development. They are an important augmentation to the curricular component of Pharm.D. education and a unique opportunity for students to gather information on new topics in Pharmacy as well as the many possible career paths offered in the Pharmacy profession.