Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA

(#162) APhA Pres: 2017-18

Academic Journey

Nancy obtained a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and is Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist. She is also a Certified Co-Active Coach.

Career Journey

Nancy started in community practice at Walgreens and after 5 years transitioned to caring for patients at the end of life with hospice pharmacia (later known as excelleRx). Afterward, she joined the Medical Affairs Department and led the medical information team at Endo Pharmaceuticals. Twelve years later, she became a founding leader and faculty at Chapman University School of Pharmacy. Following achievement of full accreditation, she joined the leadership team and faculty at RKCCOP.

APhA Journey

As a student pharmacist, Nancy served as a Chapter President, Regional Delegate, and National Member-at-Large. Early in her career, she was appointed to the Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management Section on Community and Ambulatory Practice and the New Practitioner (NP) Advisory Committee (served as a co-chair). She consistently served in the House of Delegates, and on policy committees and other House groups culminating in recognition as an APhA Fellow. She served on the Board of Trustees for one term and then was an unsuccessful candidate for APhA President. After a second Trustee term, she became the 162nd president.

Personal Story

Nancy is a native of Phoenix, AZ and returned after 20 years of living in Oxford, PA and Lake Forest, CA. She enjoys reading, playing train dominos, attending theater productions at the Hale Theater in Gilbert, AZ, and singing karaoke despite not being able to sing. She is involved in leader development and coaching and enjoys helping others discover what is meaningful to them and supports their development.

Mentor?

Likely unaware of this anointed role, Arnold Gammaitoni helped Nancy develop pain management skills and the ability to educate others. He created a psychologically safe place for her to learn and contribute long before it was a mainstream topic. He modeled humility, inclusion, loyalty, courageous optimism, and laughter.

Tips for the path toward APhA Leadership/Presidency?

Nancy never had sights on being APhA President – it simply didn’t occur to her. Looking back, she can see that she consistently contributed and amassed an array of experiences that prepared her to meet the opportunity when it arose. If aspirations do exist, she says to step back and consider what is important to you, what you do well, what brings you joy and any personal needs to meet and how all this aligns to the responsibilities and opportunities of leading the oldest U.S. pharmacy organization. She suggests that this is the foundation of a plan to drive you forward.