Meredith Lopez

Meredith's Story

Dr. Lopez completed her Pharm.D. at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy in 2014, received a certificate in anticoagulation management from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 2016, and a teaching certificate from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy in 2019. After graduation, Dr. Lopez worked as a pharmacy manager for CVS/Pharmacy in Augusta, GA. In 2016, she transitioned to Augusta University Medical Center, where she implemented and now oversees the Patient Assistance Program. Dr. Lopez is also an ambulatory care practitioner in the Anticoagulation Clinic and staffs the Outpatient Clinics and Georgia Cancer Center pharmacies. She is a guest lecturer for pharmacology and geriatrics courses at the Dental College of Georgia. She is a member of several organizations including GSHP, where she serves on the Education Committee. Dr. Lopez's interests include transitions of care and population health management. Dr. Lopez is currently pursuing a Master in Public Health with a concentration in healthcare administration through Augusta University.

Facility

Augusta University Health is an academic medical center with a 478 bed acute care adult hospital and level 1 trauma center. AU Health also includes the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, a 154 bed children’s hospital with the region’s only level 4 NICU, Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation and Specialty Hospitals, and Georgia War Veterans Nursing Home. AU Health has over 80 ambulatory primary care and subspeciality clinics, including the Georgia Cancer Center. In addition, AU Health is the primary teaching institution for the Medical College of Georgia and provides care for over 60 correctional facilities within the state.

Recent Significant Projects

Dr. Lopez has implemented a patient assistance program at AU Health for under-insured/uninsured, low to no income patients. Dr. Lopez and her team have completed more than 1,800 medication access applications within the last year through manufacturer free drug programs, commercial copay cards, and foundation grants. Dr. Lopez's team of Medication Assistance Coordinators (MACs) are CPhTs and offer their services to more than 25 clinics within the health system. The program is constantly expanding services offered and has undergone tremendous growth since its implementation in 2016.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

I am serving on the ASHP Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners Section Advisory Group (SAG) on Medication Management Services for 2019-2020.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

Build relationships with other members of the healthcare team. Pharmacists have valuable skills to contribute to high quality patient care. Patient care can only improve when we work together to address all aspects of the patient's health.

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague? 

ASHP can connect you with people across the country with similar goals and initiatives, which allows you to collaborate with other pharmacy teams. ASHP is an excellent resource for pharmacists in a variety of settings through discussion boards, certificate programs, and CE options.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

I believe that ASHP promotes pharmacy practice and growth, which allows pharmacists to function at the top of their license. It’s imperative to work together to grow the profession of pharmacy, and ASHP advocates on our behalf.