Amanda Popko

Amanda's Story

Dr. Popko completed her B.S degree in Biology from the University of Scranton, Scranton, PA in 2009. She then received her Pharm.D. from Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre, PA in 2014. Dr. Popko obtained her BCACP certification in 2019. Following completion of her Pharm.D. in 2014, she joined the ambulatory clinical pharmacy team at Geisinger Health System in Wilkes-Barre, PA, specializing in chronic disease management and anticoagulation. Recently, she began a new role as Eastern Region Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator for Family Practice with the Geisinger Ambulatory Clinical Pharmacy Program.

Facility

Geisinger Health System has a significant ambulatory care program that houses a clinical pharmacist in many of its outpatient family practice sites. Dr. Popko’s practice site is a two-pharmacist run chronic disease management and anticoagulation clinic. Her site is situated in a Geisinger outpatient clinic that holds eight providers, including three mid-level, in addition to numerous medical residents. She currently manages approximately 900 patients under a collaborative practice agreement with the providers. This collaborative practice agreement allows Dr. Popko to provide direct patient care for anticoagulation, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD, asthma, and heart failure. 

Recent Significant Projects

Dr. Popko is currently leading the roll out of clinical pharmacist COPD management in patients within the Geisinger outpatient clinics in her region. The goal is to allow for reduced hospital admissions and to verify patients are on appropriate inhaler therapy. Upon completion, this process will be expanded to all Geisinger family practice clinics with clinical pharmacists. 

Initial Involvement in ASHP

The last two years, I have participated as a CV reviewer for ASHP. I am excited to become a contributing member of the new Section Advisory Group (SAG) on Ambulatory Care Pharmacotherapy.

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

I decided to become more involved in ASHP while working as a clinical pharmacist because I am also the ambulatory care residency preceptor for our PGY1 residency program. I did not do a residency, so being more involved with ASHP helped me increase my skills as a preceptor and learn more about the requirements for residency. 

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

Being a pharmacist working at the top of your license can be very stressful, especially in a high-volume clinic. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Use collaboration with the providers, nurses, dieticians, specialists, to your advantage.

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

ASHP offers numerous opportunities for career development and advancement, such as providing continuing education credits and prepping students for residency. These opportunities are invaluable.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP promotes the advancement of pharmacy practice by providing resources for professional development and advocating at all levels for the pharmacy profession.