National Pharmacy Week: Celebrating UNM College of Pharmacy’s Commitment to Community

UNM Pharmacy students will administer free flu vaccinations at three locations across Albuquerque. They will also provide blood pressure tests, glucose checks and other health screenings, as well as answer any health-related questions patients may have. Bachyrycz said events like this are just as beneficial to pharmacy students as they are to patients.

“It is good for the pharmacy students to realize that this profession really does impact the community, and it makes a better relationship, a more trusting relationship,” Bachyrycz said. “Pharmacies can fill a lot of gaps in care, and they are going to have to fill those gaps in care, as we have more and more provider shortages or it becomes more difficult to get in for a provider visit.”

Test to Treat

The UNM College of Pharmacy is equipping future graduating pharmacists with a new tool—  “Test to Treat” certification. Dodd, who is also the House of Delegates chair for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, has been pushing to expand pharmacy services at the legislative level. She said “Test to Treat” is a game changer.

“Recently passed in 2023 is exciting new legislation, which will allow New Mexico pharmacists, with additional training, to become certified to have independent prescriptive authority,” Dodd said. “As a result of that training, the pharmacist would be able to assess symptoms that you may be experiencing, and then potentially prescribe a medication that would be appropriate for you to manage the infection.”

During the pandemic, pharmacies were used as COVID testing locations to take pressure off urgent care and primary care clinics. Health care leaders noted the efficacy of the change and determined pharmacists could alleviate even more pressure with training to test for other illnesses and treat them.

“So, for example, if you tested positive for flu, then I can prescribe you Tamiflu,” Bachyrycz said.

Pharmacists will also be qualified to test and treat for strep throat, uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI) and pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Bachyrycz said patients can expect results by phone shortly after the test, then may return to pick-up any necessary medication.

Since “Test to Treat” was only recently passed, few New Mexico pharmacists have received certification. Dodd and Bachyrycz said that will change in 2024 with UNM College of Pharmacy graduates receiving the training.

“The hope is that we will get all the testing equipment, the billing infrastructure and the training completed, such that community pharmacies will be able to provide those services soon,” Dodd said.

She added that these services will further strengthen patient/pharmacist relationships, and provide more options to those who may not have a primary care provider or access to medical care.

“We know that nationally, 90% of Americans live within five miles of a pharmacy,” Dodd said. “You have doctorate level-trained pharmacists, who are working in those environments, and truly are the member of the health care team with the most training in medications.”

Both Dodd and Bachyrycz encourage anyone who is interested to join that health care team themselves and make a difference in their communities. They also said New Mexico is a wonderful state to practice as a pharmacist. 

“New Mexico has always been on the forefront of advancing our careers and our profession as pharmacists,” Dodd said. “I would highly encourage any young person that is considering a career in health care to apply to the UNM College of Pharmacy and come experience what we have to offer right here in Albuquerque.”