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College of Pharmacy New Drug Update by Chris West Public Relations In the ever-changing world of pharmacotherapy, what do you do to keep practitioners abreast of new information in the field? You update them.  From May 24-26, the New Drug Update is scheduled to do just that, in an effort to keep primary care providers informed of the changes, new drugs and guidelines within the world of pharmacy. “It’s about information, drugs and practices that can be implemented today,” said Wayne Weart, Pharm.D., conference co-director. “And with the mix of disciplines that attend the conference, it is a opportune chance for constructive networking within multiple practices.” The program began 20 years ago by William Simpson, M.D., and was directed to family medicine practitioners. Realizing its potential for a variety of practices, the conference began to take a more multidisciplinary approach. Weart puts together topics for upcoming conferences on a needs assessment basis and then speakers and presenters are chosen. Sponsorship comes next and the Update is complete. Aside from the valuable information it has to offer, the conference also offers attendees a chance to obtain those much needed continuing education hours, with recognition coming from the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Nurses Credentialing Commission and the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education. “With the United States averaging nearly 50 new drugs every year, the conference disseminates the important information released about them to those who need it most,” Weart said. “But it's not only new information about new drugs but also updates on older medications based on new findings and research.” So what does the conference bring to the table for those who attend? Aside from credit hours and networking opportunities, “It is useful, practical, evidence-based information on medications that practitioners should have access to.” For information regarding the conference, contact Pamela Benjamin at fax number 876-1931 or email benjamin@musc.edu.    ‘The Drug Lady’ answers prescription questions by Chris West Public Relations The only thing more important than a prescription, is the information that goes along with it. At least that’s how “The Drug Lady” sees it. From Web-based question-and-answer forums, to over-the-counter advice, Lisa Chavis, a registered pharmacist and alumnus of MUSC’s College of Pharmacy (COP), uses every avenue available to ensure that her patients have access to vital prescription information.  Chavis’ latest information granting endeavor, “Ask Your Pharmacist: A Leading Pharmacist Answers Your Most Common Health Questions,” due out in July, offers answers to 250 of the most common ailments and symptoms through the character of The Drug Lady, “a feisty, funny pharmacist who isn’t afraid to tell someone what to do to take good care of themselves.” So what sets this apart from other sources of pharmaceutical information? “The difference between the book and scores of other health encyclopedias is this gives the reader options and actual recommendations,” Chavis said. “And while giving serious recommendations, the book maintains a humorous side to show the lighter side of medicine.” Dispersing information regarding prescriptions and medicine, having been reinforced by her own education in the COP, “is not just a facet of the job. It's a way to empower the patient.” “It is so much more than sticking a label on a medicine bottle,” Chavis said. “The pharmacist is that last all-important step to educating and informing the patient. This plays a vital role in patient compliance.” So with patient access to information regarding their medication(s) being so paramount, where does the responsibility lie in disseminating this information, the pharmacist or the practitioner? “A combination of both,” Chavis said. “ Doctors are the experts on what’s going on inside the body. Pharmacists are the drug experts, offering the patient information on what to expect from the drug(s). But both parties need to be aware of this and try to be certain that the important questions are asked and the proper answers given. Both doctors and pharmacists are here to ensure that you understand the best way to take your medicine and how it might affect your body.” Always the avid writer, Chavis applied this to her practice when she noticed the same questions being asked over and over. “I realized there wasn’t a reference anywhere out there that answered the specific questions that pharmacy customers were asking, and in 1994 I was approached by a Florida news magazine to answer questions from readers, this inspired the ‘Ask Your Pharmacist’ series.” What followed were a fleet of print contributions to “Business Week,” “Forbes,” “Truly Yours” and the “Journal of the American Pharmaceutical Association.” It was only natural that a collective print reference be compiled and made available to patients. “In regards to information on medication the key is access, access, access,” Chavis said. “So many people take a medication because they received a prescription for it many years ago. They aren’t sure exactly what it does or if it is even important, but since it’s a prescription, it must be something that is going to help them. Well, that isn't good enough. Educating a patient about his/her health is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.” Chavis received her BS in Pharmacy from MUSC in 1989 and is a registered pharmacist in the New York Metro area and operates the pharmacy-based, question and answer Web site, <http://www.webayp.com>.