April 25, 2024 | Taylor Graves - UConn School of Pharmacy

School of Pharmacy Team Wins National AMCP Competition for the Second Year in a Row

A team of four UConn School of Pharmacy students showcased their expertise and emerged winners for the second year in a row at the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) National Student Pharmacist Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Competition.

Ryan Shan, Gianni Contrera, Huiqiao (Melinda) Fan, and Janette Wadolowski

The competition, held during the AMCP Annual Meeting in New Orleans on April 16th, brought together the top 5 pharmacy school teams to present their case to a simulated P&T Committee and answer questions.

The competition, known for its innovative approach to developing essential skills in managed care pharmacy, saw teams from across the nation delve into the intricacies of formulary review and management. UConn’s team, comprising Gianni Contrera, Ryan Shan (UConn AMCP Chapter President and P&T Competition Coordinator), Huiqiao (Melinda) Fan, and Janette Wadolowski, demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of clinical and economic evidence analysis, cost-benefit assessments, and business insights in the pharmacy field.

“This is hands-down the most valuable experience I’ve had in pharmacy school,” says Ryan Shan, a second year Pharm.D. student. “Being able to apply what we’ve learned at UConn to tackle a real-world case as a team has been a wonderful opportunity.”

The students’ journey to victory involved rigorous preparation to draft a detailed monograph—a lengthy document encompassing literature search, economic analysis, and conclusive recommendations. They were challenged with articulating how the designated drug should be included in an insurance formulary plan, showcasing not just their clinical knowledge but also their ability to navigate complex healthcare landscapes.

UConn competed among 47 schools and emerged back-to-back champions. This achievement underscores the School of Pharmacy’s commitment to excellence in pharmacy education and its dedication to training well-rounded professionals equipped to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare.

“Watching the student team passionately showcase their work live in front of the judges was incredible,” says Christina Polomoff, faculty liaison for UConn’s AMCP chapter.  “This has been one of the most rewarding things to be part of us a faculty member. A special acknowledgement goes to the managed care advisors who have provided support and encouragement for this growing chapter: Jeffrey Casberg, Andrew Cournoyer, Joseph Honcz, Daniel Shan, and Glen Smyth. And a thank you to UConn School of Pharmacy, Dean Philip Hritcko, Associate Dean Nathaniel Rickles, and Department Head Dr. Michael White for their unwavering support.”