A professional development presentation for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians on managing medication shortages in pediatric patients and exploring alternative dosage forms for antibiotic liquid shortages has been developed by pharmacists Michael Armas and Derek McCreath, in partnership with the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM). This 40-minute learning activity was recorded in April 2023 and can be claimed as 0.75 accredited CEU in the online PD Log.
Click here to view the presentation recording: https://youtu.be/lvLaL0mgZ6s
Discussion points and learning objectives in this presentation include:
- Drug shortages affecting children;
- Drug administration in children, including individualized dosing, adverse effects/drug safety, and improving compliance;
- Options for dispensing medications when liquid formulation is unavailable;
- Review a drug shortage algorithm and apply to patient case; and
- Liquid antibiotics commonly used in children, dosing for various indications, and dosage form alternatives.
Presenter bios are as follows:
Michael Armas
Michael Armas, BSc.Pharm., is an experienced Clinical Resource Pharmacist with over 20 years of expertise in the specialized field of Pediatric Pharmacy. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Manitoba in 1996 and has been working in the hospital pharmacy field since then.
Currently, Mr. Armas holds the position of Clinical Resource Pharmacist for Pediatrics and Neonatology at the Children’s Hospital Health Sciences Centre. He has previously worked as a student preceptor, mentoring and guiding aspiring pharmacists in their academic pursuits.
Mr. Armas is a highly regarded expert in his field and has presented numerous lectures and seminars to healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, physicians, and other specialists. His contributions to the field of pharmacy have been recognized through various awards, including the prestigious Bonnie Schultz Memorial Award in 2017.
Derek McCreath
Derek McCreath, BSc.Pharm., ACPR, EPPh, is a distinguished Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist with an extensive range of expertise. He has a wealth of experience in General Pediatrics, Oncology/BMT, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and NICU.
Mr. McCreath completed his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Toronto in 2012. He then completed an Accredited Canadian Hospital Pharmacy residency at the Hospital for Sick Children in 2013, where he specialized in pediatric pharmacy. Since then, he has accumulated a diverse range of pediatric experience in General Pediatrics, Solid Organ Transplant, Hematology/Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Neonatology.
Mr. McCreath is a valuable member of the Canadian Pediatric Society Drug Therapy and Hazardous Substance committee. He is also a dedicated student preceptor, actively mentoring and guiding future pharmacists in their academic pursuits. Mr. McCreath has presented numerous lectures and seminars to pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, sharing his knowledge and insights.
CPhM thanks Michael and Derek for sharing their expertise in creating this resource for pharmacy professionals.