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Nicki Hilliard: Recognizing Pharmacists as Providers Would Sweeten the Pill

3 min read

Nicki Hilliard is a professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and is currently president of the American Pharmacists Association. She was the first board-certified pharmacist in Arkansas and has received a number of awards, including the 2016 American Pharmacists Association Good Government Pharmacist-of-the-Year Award. Hilliard also has experience as a practicing pharmacist.

Hilliard received her Bachelor of Science from UAMS, a master’s in health services administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a doctorate in pharmacy from UAMS. She also created the nuclear pharmacy program at UAMS.

What are some of the top issues facing the American Pharmacists Association?
Many people do not realize that pharmacists have a professional doctorate with four years of education beyond college, with many obtaining additional residency training. Pharmacists are underutilized as a primary health care provider, and the APhA works to advance pharmacists’ optimal roles in patient care by providing information, education and advocacy.

The nation’s opioid crisis highlights the need for pharmacists, as the medication expert, to take an important role in mitigating the risk of overprescribing, misuse and overdose. Pharmacists have training in both pain management and the disease of addiction and can work with prescribers to ensure best prescribing practices and that the best medication choices are made, as well as provide naloxone, an emergency treatment for opioid overdose, to at-risk patients or family members.

Health care is a complex industry. It is important that we provide patient-centered care and not stockholder-centered care. Transparency and patient choice are critical to ensure a good system of care.


You have advocated for pharmacists to receive compensation for patient care. Please explain why that’s important and what the status of that effort is.
Pharmacists are the most accessible health care professional, with a wealth of knowledge in caring for patients, especially patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma, hypertension and others. These conditions are not well managed in most patients and lead to poor health outcomes and are a huge cost to society.

Unfortunately, pharmacists are not listed as a health care provider in the Social Security Act and are not allowed to bill Medicare and Medicaid for clinical services. Pharmacists find it hard to take the time to care for patients if they are not paid for that time. Proposed legislation in Congress would recognize pharmacists as health care providers. Studies have estimated that at least $7 in health care savings are realized for every dollar spent on pharmacists’ care. It is time to engage pharmacists as the medication experts in patient-centered, team-based care.


You’ve been recognized for your work as a mentor. Were mentors important to you?
Yes, I believe that the most defining aspects of our lives involve the relationships that we have with others. Parents, teachers, friends and colleagues (including my students) have all been important in building my value and self-worth. I have mentors in many areas of my life, including teaching, leadership, technology and faith. Mentors provide good counsel and, most of all, encouragement.


What was your biggest career mistake and what did you learn from it?
I’ve been very fortunate in my career choices, but I would say that discounting myself kept me from reaching out for a leadership position at an earlier time. The mindset of “I’m just a …” often keeps us from moving forward and trying new things. Having a passion and willingness to make a difference will trump a resume full of credentials.

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