Congratulations to Michiko Hunter, Chloe Miranda, Howard Nguyen and Kathryn Versteeg for placing among the top five teams in the AMCP Foundation’s 25th Annual National Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Competition – a major achievement!
Hosted by the Academy o
f Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), this prestigious competition invites student pharmacists to take on the role of formulary decision-makers, tackling complex clinical and economic data to make evidence-based recommendations – just like the professionals shaping real-world healthcare policies.
This year, six teams of UW PharmD candidates entered the local competition, analyzing Velsipity (etrasimod) – a new small molecule therapy for ulcerative colitis – using a comprehensive product dossier provided by Pfizer.
Over winter break, students dug into the research, synthesized data and developed a full formulary monograph and strategic presentation for a mock health plan’s P&T committee.
Kathryn, Chloe, Michiko and Howard won the UW round and advanced through two highly competitive national phases. Out of 43 participating pharmacy schools, they were one of just five teams invited to present live at the AMCP Annual Meeting in Houston – a top-five national finish that reflects both academic excellence and outstanding professionalism.
Dr. John Watkins – affiliate professor and residency program director for the UW School of Pharmacy – served as the team’s faculty advisor. “Kathryn, Chloe, Michiko and Howard delivered a polished presentation, clearly the result of much study and practice,” reflects Watkins. “Together, they handled the judges’ questions with ease, indicating in-depth knowledge of the drug and disease state. I’m pleased that the Foundation is honoring their achievement.”
Before their national success, the team earned first place at the local level, where a team of first-year PharmD candidates – Zoe Friedman, Jackson Gilmour, Jamie Paik and Jackson Yu – also impressed the judges, earning second place. Under the mentorship of third-year pharmacy student Jenna Wildeman, the team sharpened their skills and grew their confidence through the venture.
“We were thrilled to place second,” Paik says. “More importantly, the experience deepened our understanding of formulary decision-making and the critical evaluation of clinical and economic data.”
With more than 4,800 members nationwide, AMCP plays a key role in shaping the future of managed care pharmacy – and UW student pharmacists are making their mark. As the healthcare landscape grows increasingly complex, opportunities like the P&T Competition equip Husky Pharmacists with the skills to lead with insight, precision and purpose.
We’re proud of all the Huskies who stepped up to the challenge this year – and especially proud to see our students earning national recognition on one of pharmacy’s most competitive stages.