PROGRAM Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – 1-4pm EST and Friday, September 25, 2026 – 8am-4pm EST
PROGRAM Wednesday, September 16, 2026 and Friday, September 25, 2026
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Program Hosts
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Continuing Education Information
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Welcome
08-09
Schedule
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Bootcamp 101 Wednesday, September 16, 2026 / 1:00PM—4:00PM EST
12-27
Midwest Medication Safety Symposium Friday, September 25, 2026 / 8:00AM—4:00PM EST
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PROGRAM HOSTS
The Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety (ICPS) provides a forum for Indianapolis-area hospitals to share information about best practices and work together to solve patient safety issues. A free-standing nonprofit, ICPS is comprised of chief executive, medical, nursing, quality/safety and pharmacy leaders as well as frontline staff from the major health systems located in Indianapolis: Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Eskenazi Health, Franciscan Health Indianapolis, Indiana University Health, Roudebush VA Medical Center, and Suburban Health Organization. While competitors in the marketplace, hospital leaders have come together and agreed to not compete on safety. Coalition Hospitals pool their expert resources to accelerate patient safety improvements through community-wide efforts. ICPS members have a shared vision and challenge of making Indianapolis and the surrounding area the safest place for healthcare. The ICPS has historically achieved accelerated outcomes by sharing resources, performance targets, accountability, and lessons learned. ICPS members undertake projects that focus on patient-centered strategies to improve safety. Using subject matter experts from Coalition hospitals, Coalition-wide multidisciplinary teams are formed to address a variety of patient safety issues including projects in medication safety, perioperative safety, infection prevention, ethics, organ donation, substance use disorders, IT/Informatics, and maternity to name a few.
The St. Louis Area Medication Safety (SLAMS) Collaborative was founded in 2014 as a grassroots effort to discover and share medication safety best practices freely and efficiently to any interested parties in the St. Louis area. Its members represent more than 50 hospitals, not including Ascension Health, and our academic partner, St. Louis College of Pharmacy. We work together to solve medication safety issues and foster a shared vision and challenge of making St. Louis area hospitals the safest hospitals to receive medications! We believe we can achieve accelerated outcomes by sharing resources, performance targets, accountability, and experience.
CONTINUING EDUCATION INFORMATION M2S2 Continuing Education Accreditation In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Indiana University School of Medicine and Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, Inc. Indiana University School of Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Nurses Indiana University School of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 6.5 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Indiana University School of Medicine designates this activity for 6.5 ACPE contact hours. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Credit will be provided to NABP CPE Monitor within 60 days after the activity completion.
Physicians Indiana University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Bootcamp Continuing Education Accreditation In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Indiana University School of Medicine and Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, Inc. Indiana University School of Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Nurses Indiana University School of Medicine designates this activity for a maximum of 3.0 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Indiana University School of Medicine designates this activity for 3.0 ACPE contact hours. Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. Credit will be provided to NABP CPE Monitor within 60 days after the activity completion.
Physicians Indiana University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
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Welcome to the 10th Annual Midwest Medication Safety Symposium (M2S2) and Bootcamp 101. Our M2S2 Steering Committee has been hard at work securing top-tier programming. There’s something for everyone: from students and residents to new practitioners to more experienced clinicians. We’re kicking off the series of events with Bootcamp 101, followed by a full day of programming focused on a variety of safety-related topics. Medication Safety Bootcamp 101 is a terrific primer that covers: Med Safety Overview: Importance and Roles, Definitions and Terminology, Medication/Reporting/Trigger Tools, Focus/Prevention (Human Factors, High Alert Medications, Sound-Alike Look-Alike Drugs, Mitigation Strategies, Safety Behaviors), and Just Culture/Second Victim. Ideal for learners, new practitioners, or anyone who wants a refresher or updates on the most current medication safety strategies. Midwest Medication Safety Symposium (M2S2) is an annual interdisciplinary regional event with a focus on improving medication safety practices and patient outcomes through education of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, physicians and the whole interprofessional health care team.
We’re glad you are joining us to celebrate the 10th Annual Midwest Medication Safety Symposium! STEERING COMMITTEE Rachel Calvert, PharmD, Franciscan Health Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ, Ascension St Vincent Jim Fuller, PharmD, Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety Joanna Kingery, PharmD, FACHE, Indiana University Health Caroline Lurker, Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate, Butler University Miranda Lynch, PharmD, Riverview Health Jennifer Meyer, PharmD, BJC Health (St. Louis) Julie Painter, MSN, RN, AOCNS, Community Health Network Daniel E Rusyniak, MD, Eskenazi Health Elizabeth (Betsy) Vance, MSN, RN, NI-BC, CEN, Eskenazi Health Ethan Wahl, PharmD, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans' Administration Medical Center Nathan Walleser, PharmD, MS, BCPPS, Community Health Network Jessa White, PharmD, Medication Safety Content Expert
Thank you also to all of our presenters and participants!
M2S2 2026 Program All Session times are Eastern Standard Time
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Time
Presentation
1:00-4:00pm
BOOTCAMP 101
10 Minutes
Introductions, Housekeeping, Pre-Assessment Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ, Ascension St Vincent Jessa White, PharmD, Medication Safety Content Expert
30 Minutes
Med Safety Overview / Definitions / Terminology Denise Kerley, MSN, RN, CNRN, AG-CNS, Indiana University Health
30 Minutes
Trigger Tools / Event Reporting Ethan Wahl, PharmD, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans' Administration Medical Center
5 Minutes 35 Minutes
Q&A / Break Medication Use Process Nathan Walleser, PharmD, MS, BCPPS, Community Health Network
30 Minutes
Reducing Risk of Med Errors Miranda Lynch, PharmD, Riverview Health
30 Minutes
Second Victim / Just Culture Elizabeth (Betsy) Vance, MSN, RN, NI-BC, CEN, Eskenazi Health
10 Minutes
Wrap-Up / Post-Assessment / Q&A / CE Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ, Ascension St Vincent Jessa White, PharmD, Medication Safety Content Expert
Friday, September 25, 2026 Time
Presentation
8:00-8:15am
Opening Remarks – ICPS / SLAMS and Round-Robin Introductions
8:15-9:45am
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medication Safety Alan Zillich, Pharm.D., FCCP, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy Kyle Hultgren, PharmD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy
9:45-10:00am
Break
10:00-10:30am
Pearl Sessions Expanding Smart Pump Interoperability: Investigational Medications and Desensitization Melissa Young, PharmD, Informatics Pharmacist, Community Health Network Julie Painter, MSN, RN, AOCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Health Network
Reducing Variability, Enhancing Safety: Respiratory Care Initiative in Epoprostenol Management Ryan Morton, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care, Eskenazi Health Stephanie Collins, RRT, Respiratory Care Education Coordinator, Eskenazi Health
End Clinic Guesswork: How AMP Governance Standardizes Ambulatory Medication Safety Allison Giesting, MSN, RN, PMP, Project Manager-Clinical Practice, Indiana University Health
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M2S2 2026 Program All Session times are Eastern Standard Time
Friday, September 25, 2026 Time
Presentation
10:30-11:45am
Opioid Stewardship – Bridging the Gaps: Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Safe Use of Opioids and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Across the Continuum of Care Michelle Brown, PharmD, BCPS, BCPMP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain and Opioid Stewardship, Eskenazi Health Todd A. Walroth, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM, FASHP, Pharmacy Manager - Acute Care Services, Eskenazi Health
11:45am-12:30pm 12:30-2:00pm
Lunch Over-Reliance on Technology - Panel Discussion Jennifer Meyer, PharmD, Medication Safety Specialist, BJC Health Katie DuFresne, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Clinical Risk Management, Indiana University Health Ephrem Abebe, BPharm, MPharm, M.S, PhD, Associate Professor, Purdue University College of Pharmacy Rachel Calvert, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager, Franciscan Health Moderator: Jim Fuller, PharmD, Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety
2:00-2:30pm
Unintended Highs: Patterns of Pediatric Cannabis Ingestion in a State Without Legal Use Caroline Lurker, PharmD Candidate, Butler University Kierstyn Duffy, PharmD Candidate, Butler University
2:30-2:45pm
Break
2:45-3:30pm
Beyond Administration: Navigating Ethical Tensions, Conversations, and Psychological Safety Through the Lens of Tube Feeding Miranda Lynch, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist, Riverview Health Kellen McCormack, BSN, RN, CCRN, Regional Ethicist: IU Health South Region, Indiana University Health
3:30-4:00pm
Pearl Sessions Close to the Dose: Sharing Information Where It Matters Most Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ Medication Safety Pharmacist, Ascension St Vincent
Tech-Driven Safety Amanda Delashmit, CPhT-Adv, CSPT System Medication Safety Specialist, Indiana University Health
Pharmacogenomics Laura MacLafferty, PharmD PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident, Roudebush VA Medical Center
4:00pm
Wrap-Up / CE / Thank You
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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 / 1PM—4PM EST
Bootcamp 101 Introductions, Housekeeping, Pre-Assessment - 10 Minutes Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ - Medication Safety Pharmacist - Ascension Heather.Dossett@ascension.org
Jessa White, PharmD, Medication Safety Content Expert jessalynnwhite@gmail.com
Med Safety Overview / Definitions / Terminology - 30 Minutes Denise Kerley, MSN, RN, CNRN, AG-CNS, Indiana University Health kkerley@iuhealth.org
Trigger Tools / Event Reporting - 30 Minutes Ethan Wahl, PharmD, Richard L. Roudebush Veterans' Administration Medical Center ethan.wahl@va.gov
Q&A / Break - 5 Minutes
Medication Use Process - 35 Minutes Nathan Walleser, PharmD, MS, BCPPS, Community Health Network NWalleser@ecommunity.com
Reducing Risk of Med Errors - 30 Minutes Miranda Lynch, PharmD, Riverview Health miblynch24@gmail.com
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Second Victim / Just Culture - 30 Minutes Elizabeth (Betsy) Vance, MSN, RN, NI-BC, CEN, Eskenazi Health Elizabeth.Vance@eskenazihealth.edu
Wrap-Up / Post-Assessment / Q&A / CE - 10 Minutes Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ - Medication Safety Pharmacist - Ascension Heather.Dossett@ascension.org
Jessa White, PharmD, Medication Safety Content Expert jessalynnwhite@gmail.com
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 8:15am—9:45am EST
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medication Safety Objectives: 1. Describe current and emerging applications of AI in healthcare relevant to pharmacy practice. 2. Discuss applications and limitations of AI use in pharmacy practice including patient care, pharmacy operations, and drug discovery. 3. Identify core principles that can guide pharmacists in the ethical and effective use of AI. 4. Identify practical considerations pharmacists should use when assessing AI tools for use in their practice setting.
Presented by
Alan Zillich, PharmD, FCCP, Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy azillich@purdue.edu Dr. Zillich graduated with a BS and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Purdue University. Then, he completed four years of post-graduate training. First, at the University of Kentucky, he completed a general practice (PGY1) residency and a specialty residency in ambulatory care (PGY2). Then, he completed a health outcomes research fellowship at the University of Iowa Colleges of Pharmacy and Medicine. Currently, Dr. Zillich holds an academic appointment as Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Purdue University College of Pharmacy where he previously served as Head of the Department for 10 years. He also has a Research Scientist appointment at the Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Zillich’s research interests involve (1) the roles of professional collaborative relationships between pharmacists and other health care providers; (2) the effectiveness of pharmacy-based services on improved medication prescribing, patient safety, and patient health outcomes, (3) methods to improve prescribing and utilization of medications through artificial intelligence, health informatics and data science approaches. He has served on NIH and VA grant review panels and provided leadership on the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Research Institute Board of Trustees. Currently, he is Associate Editor for the Journal of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and been awarded more than 4 million dollars in research grants.
Kyle Hultgren, PharmD, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Purdue University College of Pharmacy khultgre@purdue.edu Kyle E. Hultgren, PharmD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University. He received his PharmD degree from Purdue University. Dr. Hultgren’s current research includes work on artificial intelligence and the development of large language models for the evaluation and integration of publicly available social media data as potential surveillance signals. As a result of this work, he guided the creation of SafeRx, a large, curated, relational database containing millions of adverse drug events gathered using AI tools. Dr. Hultgren is responsible for the creation and dissemination of innovative online education programming for medical professionals targeted at expanding professional competency using non-traditional methods. In addition to his research, he has worked extensively to bring new safety concepts to medical professionals and holds three patents on medical devices designed to improve patient safety. Dr. Hultgren founded a two-year post-PharmD fellowship in medication safety and regulatory affairs. He lectures nationally and internationally on safe medication use practices, is a co-editor of an upcoming book on Artificial Intelligence and Pharmacy Practice, and is the recipient of the Purdue University College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Aziz Teaching Award.
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Learn about the evolution of AI in healthcare through a discussion about healthcare application examples encompassing: Drug Information, Ambulatory Practice, Community Practice, Administration, Patient Safety, and Institutional Practice.
Key Takeaways 1. AI applications for pharmacy are growing rapidly 2. Slowly being implemented but poorly evaluated 3. Adoption primarily focused on administrative tasks and “back end” applications 4. Thoughtful, collaborative development and evaluations are needed for “patient facing” applications to mitigate risks
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 10:00am—10:30am EST
PEARL SESSIONS Expanding Smart Pump Interoperability: Investigational Medications and Desensitization Objectives: Discuss the benefits and challenges of using pump interoperability for investigational medications
Presented by
Melissa Young, PharmD, Informatics Pharmacist, Community Health Network myoung8@ecommunity.com Bio
Julie Painter, MSN, RN, AOCNS, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Community Health Network jpainter@ecommunity.com Bio
This presentation will discuss the rationale for expanding scope of pump interoperability for investigational medications. We will also discuss challenges with this process.
Key Takeaways Though not using traditional smart pump guardrails protections, allowing interoperability for investigational medications still increases patient safety and improves nursing workflow. Collaboration with nurse stakeholders and vendor representatives was vital to the success of this endeavor.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 10:00am—10:30am EST
PEARL SESSIONS Reducing Variability, Enhancing Safety: Respiratory Care Initiative in Epoprostenol Management Objectives: Describe the patient safety hazards of disjointed medication administration and the steps taken to align patient safety with workflows for respiratory care practitioners.
Presented by
Ryan Morton, RRT, Director of Respiratory Care, Eskenazi Health Ryan.Morton@EskenaziHealth.edu Ryan Morton, BS, RRT, started at Eskenazi Health as a student and has remained with the organization for 21 years. During this time, he has served in the roles of staff respiratory therapist, clinical specialist, manager, and currently serves as the Director of the Respiratory Care Department.
Stephanie Collins, RRT, Respiratory Care Education Coordinator, Eskenazi Health Stephanie.Collins@EskenaziHealth.edu Stephanie Collins, BS, RRT, began her respiratory career here at Eskenazi almost 17 years ago. Earlier this year, she transitioned into the role of Respiratory Care Education Coordinator.
This presentation will present identification of a medication administration problem which impacts the safety of patients due to the disjointed workflow created by silos of nursing and respiratory care. The solution required multidisciplinary agreement, and cooperation for implementation. Topics include collaborative interdisciplinary practices, strategies to enhance patient safety, and process improvements designed to increase efficiency for frontline personnel.
Key Takeaways 1. Importance of recognizing potential patient safety issues 2. Impact on patient safety of complete ownership of medication administration 3. Importance and impact of implementation of process improvement to patient safety and frontline staff workflow
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 10:00am—10:30am EST
PEARL SESSIONS End Clinic Guesswork: How AMP Governance Standardizes Ambulatory Medication Safety Objectives: 1. Explain the purpose of the Ambulatory Medications and Procedures (AMP) Governance Process. 2. Identify the different phases within the process. 3. Examine how each phase builds upon another to support clinical evidence-based practice. 4. Appraise the value of a standardized process to evaluate new medications and procedures prior to implementation to improve patient safety and mitigate risks for the organization and team members.
Presented by
Allison Giesting, MSN, RN, PMP, Project Manager-Clinical Practice, Indiana University Health agiestin@iuhealth.org Allison Giesting earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University and obtained an MSN with a focus on Nursing Management and Leadership from Walden University. Since earning her MSN, she has developed a strong passion for project management and holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute. Allison has a passion for bringing people together so that we can create a better tomorrow.
The overall goal of this abstract is to introduce the Ambulatory Medications and Procedures (AMP) Governance Program as a standardized, interdisciplinary approach for reviewing and implementing new medications and procedures across ambulatory clinics. It aims to show how this governance model reduces unwarranted variation in practice, strengthens medication safety, and improves efficiency and care delivery outcomes for both patients and clinical team members.
Key Takeaways 1. Consider if medications are being implemented into practice without addressing all the considerations first. Would a standardized process be helpful to reduce the unwarranted variation? 2. Consider how the AMP Governance Program phases can help support medication safety in your organization.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 10:30am—11:45am EST
Opioid Stewardship – Bridging the Gaps: Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Safe Use of Opioids and Medications for Opioid Use Disorder Across the Continuum of Care Objectives: 1. Incorporate opioid stewardship principles and interventions across the healthcare continuum of care (emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient) 2. Collaborate with interdisciplinary peers to improve medication safety related to opioids and medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) 3. Analyze safe use of opioids through evaluation of real-world patient outcomes data, prescribing practices, and medication dosing in a variety of settings
Presented by
Michelle Brown, PharmD, BCPS, BCPMP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Pain and Opioid Stewardship, Eskenazi Health michelle.brown@eskenazihealth.edu Michelle E. Brown, PharmD, BCPS, BCPMP, is the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for Pain and Opioid Stewardship at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, Indiana. Following graduation from Butler University in 2012, she completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency with Eskenazi Health. Michelle spent several years as an inpatient pharmacist and residency preceptor before transitioning to and developing the pain and opioid stewardship clinical position in 2019. She currently serves as the co-chair for the Opioid and Pain Management Oversight Committee and co-lead for the Opioid Stewardship Team for the health system. Michelle has been honored as the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Excellence in Health Care pharmacist honoree, received Mentor of the Year award from the Eskenazi Health residency program, and has been recognized for her contributions to patient safety with the Patient Safety Hero award from the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety. Michelle serves as affiliate faculty for Purdue University. On a state level, she serves on Indiana’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee as the pharmacotherapy specialist. She also serves on the Opioid Stewardship Subcommittee and the Pipelines and Pathways Taskforce for the Society of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacists on a national level. Professional interests involve diversion surveillance, opioid use disorder, policy development, and medication safety. Michelle spends her free time with her husband of 6 years, Nick, and two daughters, Magnolia (4) and Ophelia (2).
Todd A. Walroth, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM, FASHP Pharmacy Manager - Acute Care Services, Eskenazi Health todd.walroth@eskenazihealth.edu Todd A. Walroth, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM, FASHP is Pharmacy Manager for Acute Care Services at Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis, IN. Todd also serves as adjunct faculty for Purdue and Butler Universities, where he teaches over 20 hours of didactic lectures annually and coordinates a course. Professional interests include serving as a member (and incoming Vice Chair) of the Commission on Credentialing and a practitioner surveyor for ASHP, recent two-term member of the Specialty Council on Critical Care Pharmacy with BPS, and previous Chair of the Smart Pump Safety Workgroup with the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, as well as a certified Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt.
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Clinical research interests include medication use in critically ill/burn populations, medication safety, smart infusion pumps, developing clinical services, health equity, and social determinants of health. Todd is happily married to his loving wife of 20 years, Sara, a second-grade teacher. The couple has two daughters, Allie (15) and Brynn (13).
This presentation will focus on how to apply and evaluate varying opioid stewardship principles across the continuum of care. Healthcare professionals will gain insight into improving safety around opioids and MOUD by collaborating with interdisciplinary team members and analyzing outcomes data. Content will include real-life examples of opioid stewardship initiatives and outcomes (e.g., minimizing opioid prescribing in the ED, evaluating ethnoracial disparities in pain and OUD management during hospital admission, and addressing stigma around MOUD in primary care).
Key Takeaways Audience members will be empowered to implement and evaluate opioid stewardship interventions in the emergency department, inpatient, and outpatient settings. This course will highlight potential health disparities and how to approach safe opioid prescribing with interdisciplinary team members to achieve positive impact.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 12:30pm—2:00pm EST
Over-Reliance on Technology - Panel Discussion Objectives: 1. Define key concepts for understanding over-reliance on technology in healthcare 2. Identify how over-reliance affects clinical decision-making, critical thinking, and patient outcomes 3. Define automation bias and explore associated risks 4. Discuss best practices and design principles as strategies for healthcare leaders and clinicians to address over-reliance, including training, policy changes, and incorporation of human factors engineering principles
Presented by
Jennifer Meyer, PharmD, Medication Safety Specialist, BJC Health Jennifer.Meyer5@bjc.org Jennifer Meyer is a Medication Safety Specialist at BJC HealthCare with more than 20 years of experience in acute care pharmacy across multiple health systems. Following completion of a pharmacy practice residency and Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy, Jennifer developed expertise in critical care pharmacy practice, where she cultivated a passion for multidisciplinary collaboration, just culture, and process improvement. In her current role, Jennifer partners with clinicians, pharmacists, nursing leaders, and operational teams to advance medication-use safety across a large nonprofit healthcare organization. Her recent work has focused on the design, implementation, and maintenance of interoperable large-volume and syringe pump libraries that support both adult and pediatric patients across diverse care settings. Jennifer is passionate about leveraging technology, standardization, and collaborative problem-solving to improve patient safety and support high-reliability healthcare practices.
Katie DuFresne, MSN, RN, Executive Director, Clinical Risk Management, Indiana University Health kdufresne@IUHealth.org Katie has been a registered nurse for nearly 30 years, graduated from Ferris State University School of Nursing, and gained her clinical experience in inpatient hematology/oncology nursing. In 2003 Katie began working in healthcare risk management at Methodist Hospital, a large academic medical center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Katie currently serves as the Executive Director of Clinical Risk Management at Indiana University Health. Katie has earned a Master of Nursing and Health Systems Leadership from the University of Indianapolis and has earned the CPHRM and FASHRM designations from the American Hospital Association and ASHRM. Katie currently serves as the President of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management. Katie volunteers as a board member on the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety, serves as volunteer co-chair of the Indiana Hospital Association’s Workforce Safety Workgroup, and is a volunteer member of the Central Indiana Nursing Honor Guard.
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Ephrem Abebe, BPharm, MPharm, M.S, PhD, Associate Professor, Purdue University College of Pharmacy eabebe@purdue.edu Bio
Rachel Calvert, PharmD, Pharmacy Manager, Franciscan Health rachel.calvert@franciscanalliance.org Rachel Calvert is the Manager of Pharmacy Services at Franciscan Health Mooresville. She brings 15 years of dedicated pharmacy leadership experience to the field, including over a decade of service on Franciscan Health’s multidisciplinary Medication Safety Committee. Dr. Calvert graduated from Purdue University in 2006, earning her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Her core professional areas of focus include pharmacy operations, logistics, and drug diversion prevention and mitigation. At this year's Midwest Medication Safety Symposium, she is a featured panelist discussing Human Over-Reliance on Technology in pharmacy workflows.
Moderator: Jim Fuller, PharmD, Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety JFuller@indypatientsafety.org Jim Fuller, PharmD, currently serves as President of The Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety (ICPS). In this role, he oversees operations for the non-profit public charity organization that works with local hospitals and health-systems to decrease harm and improve patient safety in area hospitals.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 2:00pm—2:30pm EST
Unintended Highs: Patterns of Pediatric Cannabis Ingestion in a State Without Legal Use Objectives: 1. Describe the incidence and associated medical outcomes of pediatric cannabis ingestion over a six-year period in a state where recreational and medicinal cannabis use is illegal. 2. Analyze the trends of pediatric cannabis exposures over a six-year period in a state where recreational and medicinal cannabis use is illegal. 3. Propose ideas—including packaging, reporting, and education—to improve safety around pediatric cannabis access and ingestion. 4. Recognize common clinical presentations and management approaches associated with pediatric cannabis ingestion in acute care settings.
Presented by
Caroline Lurker, PharmD Candidate, Butler University clurker@butler.edu Caroline Lurker is a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences with a passion for medication safety and improving patient outcomes. On campus, she is involved in a Medication Safety research group and Phi Delta Chi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Throughout her time at Butler, she has also been a part of the Butler University Cheerleading Team and served as Director of Philanthropy for Alpha Phi. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys trying new coffee shops and reading.
Kierstyn Duffy, PharmD Candidate, Butler University keduffy@butler.edu Kierstyn Duffy is currently a third-year Doctor of Pharmacy candidate at Butler University with a minor in Chemistry. She is passionate about connecting data, science, and patient care to improve health outcomes. On campus, she is involved in Phi Delta Chi Pharmacy Fraternity, Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society, and Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO). Outside of pharmacy school, she is also a member of Butler University’s Esports team!
This presentation aims to illustrate trends in pediatric cannabis exposures in Indiana utilizing data from the Indiana Poison Center. Major topics will include identification of vulnerable age categories, common cannabis product types, and medical outcomes. Opportunities for improving pediatric safety, packaging requirements, reporting measures, and education for healthcare professionals and caregivers will be discussed.
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Key Takeaways 1. Understand how cannabis products and packaging contribute to pediatric exposures. 2. Increase awareness of the potential severity of pediatric cannabis exposures. 3. Understand how trends in pediatric cannabis ingestion can inform future public health policy, packaging standards, and poison prevention efforts. 4. Identify opportunities for pharmacists to contribute to overdose prevention, public health education, and interdisciplinary collaboration related to substance use and toxicology. 5. Encourage proactive counseling on safe storage and the risks associated with edible cannabis products.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 2:45pm—3:30pm EST
Beyond Administration: Navigating Ethical Tensions, Conversations, and Psychological Safety Through the Lens of Tube Feeding Objectives: 1. Describe the four principles of medical ethics as described by Beauchamp and Childress. 2. Define moral distress. 3. Explain one strategy or tool that could be used to combat moral distress.
Presented by
Miranda Lynch, PharmD, Clinical Pharmacist, Riverview Health miblynch24@gmail.com Miranda Lynch, PharmD, has over 20 years of experience in acute care pharmacy, serving in several operational, clinical, and precepting roles and a variety of committees including Therapeutic Drug Monitoring, Automated Dispensing Cabinet, Ethics, Medication Safety as Co-Chairperson, and Donor Council as Co-Chairperson. She has been active in local and national workgroups aimed at discussing and improving the organ, eye, and tissue donation space. She has also served as a judge at the collegiate-level Regional Ethics Bowl. In 2024, she completed a clinical ethics fellowship with the Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics (FCME). She is an active member of the IPA (Indiana Pharmacy Association) serving as co-chair for the Membership Council. She participates with the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety (ICPS) in the Organ Donation Workgroup and in the Midwest Medication Safety Symposium Bootcamp and Steering Committees. She serves on FCME's Continuing Education Planning Committee and as a Small Group Facilitator for the Indiana University School of Medicine Ethics Session to Enhance Physician Success (STEPS). She also serves on Indiana's Drug Utilization Review Board. She is currently a clinical pharmacist at Riverview Health, a substitute teacher, a patient actor, and a land manager.
Kellen McCormack, BSN, RN, CCRN, Regional Ethicist: IU Health South Region, Indiana University Health kmccormack@IUHealth.org Kellen McCormack is a lifelong Hoosier who holds nursing degrees from Ivy Tech Bloomington and WGU. He is a Fellow of Medical Ethics from the Charles Warren Fairbanks Center for Medical Ethics in Indianapolis and Certified Healthcare Ethics Consultant. Kellen has more than a decade of experience in nursing, spending most of his career in a variety of critical care settings including Neuro/Trauma and CVICU. He has been a Clinical Operations Manager for CVICU as well as an Operational Excellence Improvement Leader at IU Health.
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Kellen is the Regional Ethicist of IU Health’s South Region, supporting patients, families and team members with ethical dilemmas and morally complex care since 2025. He has a passion for the whole spectrum of applied and clinical ethics with areas of interest in moral distress navigation and staff support, as well as ethical frameworks for leader and organizational decision-making. Kellen lives in Bloomington with his wife, Ashlie, and enjoys his time running, hiking, cycling, and supporting local roller derby across Indiana.
Healthcare providers often face ethical dilemmas and experience emotional distress. This presentation aims to educate the learner on basic ethical principles, moral and emotional distress, and tools to help guide themselves, the team, and patients and family members through this tension, using a feeding tube case as an example.
Key Takeaways The core principles are an important guideline and framework when navigating and discussing ethical dilemmas in healthcare. Moral and emotional distress is real and should be acknowledged. Tools to help navigate emotional distress include education, communication, and empathy.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 3:30pm—4:00pm EST
PEARL SESSIONS Close to the Dose: Sharing Information Where It Matters Most Objectives: Identify key information to be shared with the nurse closest to medication administration to promote medication safety.
Presented by
Heather Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ Medication Safety Pharmacist, Ascension St Vincent Heather.Dossett@ascension.org Heather A. (Jackson) Dossett, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPHQ graduated from Purdue University in 2004. Following graduation, she completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency in Huntsville, Alabama and PGY2 Drug Information/Drug Use Policy Specialty Residency with Purdue University/Clarian Health Partners (now IU Health). After residency, Heather accepted a job in 2006 with Wishard Health Services (now Eskenazi Health) as their Drug Information Clinical Pharmacist. Responsibilities included managing the Drug Information Center, Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee and subcommittee coordination, precepting Pharm.D. clerkship students, adverse drug evaluation and reporting, medication safety, drug use policy and regulatory activities. In the spring of 2019, Heather transitioned to Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis in the role of Medication Safety Pharmacist. Her current responsibilities align with her professional interests of medication safety, quality assurance, regulatory preparedness and teaching. Additional interests include participating as a member of the Medication Safety Workgroup with the Indianapolis Coalition for Patient Safety (ICPS) and Chair of the Midwest Medication Safety Symposium Executive Steering Committee (Indianapolis/Virtual), as well as certified Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt. Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her loving husband, George, and their two fearless daughters.
Key Takeaways Reminding the nurse of key patient and medication information at the point of administration can impact patient safety.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 3:30pm—4:00pm EST
PEARL SESSIONS Tech-Driven Safety Objectives: 1. Describe how pharmacy technicians contribute to system-level medication safety and improved patient outcomes. 2. Recognize how technician-led initiatives strengthen medication safety processes and support a culture of safety. 3. Explain how leveraging advanced technician expertise enhances pharmacist clinical capacity and improves healthcare system performance.
Presented by
Amanda Delashmit, CPhT-Adv, CSPT System Medication Safety Specialist, Indiana University Health adelashmit@iuhealth.org Amanda M. Delashmit, CPhT-Adv, CSPT is a System Medication Safety Specialist with Indiana University Health and a military veteran with more than 19 years of experience in pharmacy and healthcare where she’s held leadership, operational, and quality-focused roles, building expertise in sterile and hazardous drug compounding, regulatory compliance, quality improvement, and pharmacy operations. She has also led pharmacy teams, developed compliance and competency programs, and supported system-wide patient safety initiatives. Her work has included advancing USP 797 and USP 800 compliance, improving medication-use processes, and developing pharmacy professionals. She has also served as an instructor for Purdue University's School of Pharmacy Sterile Preparations Lab and remains passionate about advancing safe medication practices.
Pharmacy technicians in system-level medication safety roles help support the safe use of medications across the entire healthcare system. They may assist with error reporting, quality improvement projects, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. Their work helps identify patterns of errors, improve processes, and support safer medication practices at an organizational level.
Key Takeaways 1. Pharmacy technicians help identify and prevent medication errors by supporting reporting systems and safety checks. 2. They contribute to system-wide improvements by participating in quality assurance and safety initiatives. 3. Their role helps improve workflow efficiency and consistency across departments. 4. Their involvement strengthens patient safety outcomes by addressing issues at both individual and system levels.
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Friday, September 25, 2026 / 3:30pm—4:00pm EST
PEARL SESSIONS Pharmacogenomics Objectives: Identify the utility of pharmacogenomics in managing pharmacotherapy for both cardiology and oncology patient populations.
Presented by
Laura MacLafferty, PharmD PGY2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident, Roudebush VA Medical Center laura.maclafferty@va.gov Laura MacLafferty, PharmD, is originally from Fishers, Indiana and went to Purdue University for pharmacy school where she graduated in 2025. She completed her PGY1 at Veteran Health Indiana, where she is currently completing her PGY2 in Ambulatory Care/Academia.
This presentation will provide an overview of the pharmacogenomics program at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center, with a focus on its implementation and significance for patient safety, particularly in optimizing medication management for cardiology and/or oncology patient populations. Results from a recent research project will demonstrate how the program helps tailor medication therapy.
Key Takeaways Attendees should consider incorporating pharmacogenomic information into their clinical decision-making, when possible, to enhance medication safety and optimize medication choices.
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