John Muchka

His Story

John Muchka, PharmD, BCPS, received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from South University (Savannah, GA) in 2011. He then went on to complete a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Muchka is involved in community service having started Pharm to Tables Charitable Organization with the mission to improve community health by decreasing food insecurity. For his service to the community, Dr. Muchka was awarded the Bowl of Hygeia in 2019 and a United Way Philanthropic 5 Award in 2020.

Dr. Muchka is the PGY1 residency program director and a clinical pharmacist at Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital with the primary practice area in internal medicine. He serves as an internal medicine preceptor for PGY1 residents and precepts multiple APPE students annually for their acute care rotations.

Describe the facility where you work (eg. Is it a teaching hospital? Health Center?) 

Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital is a 200-bed community teaching hospital located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. It was founded in 1964 by the citizens of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and surrounding communities. It is a full-service hospital that specializes in cancer care, heart and vascular care, orthopedics, women’s health, and advanced surgical procedures. Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital is part of the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin health care network, which also includes 10 hospitals and more than 45 health centers and clinics in Wisconsin.

Recent Significant Projects

Dr. Muchka’s involvement with the residency program allows him to collaborate with residents for their yearlong projects. One significant project recently reviewed the impact on pharmacist intervention on duration of antimicrobial therapy post discharge. The purpose of this project was to improve adherence to guideline-recommended durations of therapy and promote optimal use of antibiotics at discharge from the hospital.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Dr. Muchka is currently a member of the Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners Educational Steering Committee and also serves as a Wisconsin Delegate in the ASHP House of Delegates.

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

I became involved in ASHP to share ideas and collaborate with other pharmacists, residents, pharmacy technicians and learners across the country. Shared ideas allow us to advance the profession and ultimately improve patient care.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

Never stop learning! Seek out a mentor to help you develop personally and professionally. Give back to the profession by precepting and mentoring pharmacy learners. Join a committee in your hospital or health system to build relationships with other healthcare professionals you work with. 

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

ASHP is incredibly valuable. The continuing education provided on relevant topics allows pharmacist to stay up to date clinically and continue to grow professionally. Joining a committee or section advisory group builds your network and encourages the sharing of ideas to improve medication use and ultimately improve patient care. Attending the Midyear Clinical Meeting, the Annual Meeting and the Leadership Meeting allow you to connect with mentors and reinvigorates our passion for the profession.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP’s value for the profession comes through the sharing of ideas and continued education. Being the largest organization for health system pharmacists, it acts as a global think tank for ideas to improve medication management and drive improvements in patient care.