Laura Carpenter
Laura Carpenter
Biography Statement:
After working as a pharmacist for seven years, Laura saw the need for advocacy in the profession and decided to go to law school to gain a greater understanding of law and its impact on the practice of pharmacy. Upon graduation she was invited to join a large, national law firm where she practiced for many years as a healthcare attorney. In 2007, Laura founded her own law firm which has been recognized in US News and World Report in “Best Healthcare Law Firms” in Phoenix. Laura herself has received the distinction of “Best Lawyers in America” in healthcare for several years. In 2010, Laura founded Bula, an entrepreneurial company that helps pharmacies stay up to date on the constantly changing regulatory laws in all 50 states. Laura has been a member of the APhA since 2002 including serving as a member of the policy committee, an Arizona delegate and a member of the Remington Medal Selection Committee. She has also served as Past President of the American Society for Pharmacy Law, a Board Member of the Arizona Association of Healthcare Lawyers, and the Legislative Committee Chair of the Arizona Pharmacy Association. Laura also volunteers her time as a Board Member of Waste Not Inc., a non-profit food rescue organization that delivers perishable food to fight against hunger in Arizona. Laura received her B.S. in Pharmacy cum laude and her J.D. with honors from The Ohio State University. In 2010, she earned her L.LM in Biotechnology and Genomics from Arizona State University. She continues to be a registered pharmacist.
Candidate Statement:
As a third generation pharmacist, lawyer and businesswoman, I am devoted to supporting the pharmacy industry and expanding the role of pharmacists in providing patients with quality healthcare, improving health outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs.
I am deeply dedicated to the advancement of pharmacy and I believe the role of the APhA Foundation is critical. Pharmacists play a critical role in the “first line of defense” for the public in providing affordable and accessible healthcare. I would like to help guide and support the Foundation, as it continues to transform the healthcare industry.
The goals of the APhA Foundation resonate profoundly with me as a pharmacist. I am keenly aware of the unique role we play in empowering people to become successful at managing their own health. I admire and affirm the work that the Foundation has done with diabetes research and believe wholeheartedly that pharmacy has a role to play in assisting patients in managing other chronic health problems.
Now more than ever we have an opportunity to educate pharmacists, the public, and legislators about the ways in which pharmacists and pharmacies can support healthcare needs to positively impact public health.
As a lawyer, I understand the challenges that pharmacies and pharmacists encounter from a regulatory perspective, as well as the opportunities that are available to us when laws change. I believe the combination of my pharmacy and legal experience would be an asset to the work of the APhA Foundation. Thank you for your consideration.