Speakers

Kyle Turner, PharmD, BCACP

Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Dr. Turner is associate professor (clinical) and assistant dean of student affairs at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist in primary care. He earned his PharmD degree at the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and then completed the Pharmaceutical Care Leadership residency at the University of Minnesota. Currently, he is directing the Utah Pharmacist Payer Provider Patient Alliance, dedicated to creating partnership between health care stakeholders to improve outcomes, lower cost, and improve the patient experience. Turner is a consultant and trainer for Intend Health Strategies, a nonprofit organization specializing in leadership development for health care professionals. His scholarly and teaching interests center on fostering leadership, interprofessional education, team-based practice development, and health care innovation.

Michelle Jeon, PharmD, BCACP, AAHIVP

Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy – St. Joseph’s University

Michelle Jeon is an associate professor of clinical pharmacy at Philadelphia College of Pharmacy - St. Joseph's University. Her clinical practice site is at Sunray Drugs, a group of independent community pharmacies serving the greater Philadelphia area.

As a faculty member, Jeon educates PharmD students in the areas of HIV, immunizations, dermatologic conditions, medication management, and self-care topics. She currently serves as an advisor for the American Pharmacists Association - Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter and coordinates the delivery of APhA's Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery certificate training program for students and pharmacists.

Jeon is a Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties and holds AAHIVP certification through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. Her research areas of interest include expansion of advanced patient care services in the community pharmacy setting, enhancing access to HIV care, and diabetes management.

Divya Varkey, PharmD, MS

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Translational Research, University of Houston College of Pharmacy

Divya Varkey, PharmD, MS, is passionate about shaping the future of pharmacy through focusing on people development. In her current role as a clinical associate professor at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, she actively translates previous Health-System Pharmacy Administration practical experience to the classroom focusing on Health-System Pharmacy concepts. Additionally, she fosters professional development to ensure all students are able recognize their leadership skills.

Varkey serves as the graduate program director for the MS in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration, mentoring the Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership (HSPAL) residents concurrently working toward this degree as part of The Houston Program. She coordinates the collaborative efforts of The Houston Program, which includes 8 Texas Medical Center HSPAL residency sites and UHCOP.

She remains active in professional organizations and serves as a co advisor for the UHCOP Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP) as well as Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS).

She received her PharmD from Purdue University, then completed a PGY1/2 HSPA residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and received a MS in Health-System Pharmacy Administration from The Ohio State University.

Aayna Shamsi, PharmD

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Houston College of Pharmacy

Aayna Shamsi, PharmD, is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy with a focus in skills-based learning. She completed her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy in May 2017 and practiced in the community setting for 5 years. With a strong passion for teaching and mentorship, she completed a postdoctoral academic fellowship at her alma mater in July 2023.

During her fellowship, Shamsi developed an interest in emotional intelligence as a tool for personal and professional success. She has delivered a number of workshops and seminars on the topic of emotional intelligence at the local, state, and national level. Aayna is certified in the Emotional Quotient Inventory version 2.0 and is currently conducting research on the role of emotional intelligence on student outcomes.

Joel Thornbury, RPh

Pharmacist/Vice President, Levisa Pharmacies, Inc.

Thornbury is a third-generation pharmacist with over 30 years of professional experience in Kentucky and Virginia. As an operator of multiple independent pharmacies with his brother and wife, Joel is dedicated to improving rural community health through patient-centered care, innovative pharmacy practices, and extensive community involvement.

He holds a BS in pharmacy from the University of Kentucky and an AAS in chemistry from Southwest Virginia Community College. His commitment to the pharmacy profession is reflected in his leadership roles, including serving as President of both the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy and the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. He has also contributed significantly to pharmacy regulation and policy, particularly in areas such as immunization, colorectal screening, long-term care, and PBM reform.

A passionate advocate for health care and community well-being, Joel has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Award and Pharmacist of the Year from the Kentucky Pharmacists Association. He is also an active community leader, serving on various boards and committees, and is a dedicated marathoner (6-star holder) and triathlete.

Joel's vision for the future of pharmacy involves expanding point-of-care services and enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes. Many colleagues in Kentucky know him as their largest cheerleader for The Practice and The Profession. GO FUN!!! GO PHARMACISTS!!! are two of his often-used signature terms.