We recently spoke with Katelyn Steele, associate director of clinical pharmacy programs for Optum Health. Katelyn is also on our medical advisory committee; she is always quick to help us with any pharmaceutical questions or topics we need assistance on! The MGA is incredibly fortunate to have her a part of the team so we decided to pick her brain a bit when it comes to being a pharmacist. Check out our conversation below:
Katelyn--remind me, where are you from?
KS: I’m originally from Fairfield, Iowa and have been in the Kansas City area since 2006.
That's right-- thanks for sharing. I understand you are an associate director of clinical pharmacy programs for Optum Health. What does your role entail?
KS: I get to help launch programs where pharmacists help prevent unnecessary emergency department visits and hospitalizations through optimizing medication therapy, counseling patients, and educating the care team.
That is incredibly interesting. I'm sure it keeps you busy! Speaking of counseling patients, "National Check Your Meds Day" is coming up on October 21st. Can you tell us a little bit about the day and what it actually means?
KS: “National Check Your Meds Day” is a reminder about the importance of having a pharmacist review a patient’s full medication regimen for safety purposes. Pharmacists can review for any potential drug-drug interactions (when two or more drugs should not be taken together) or for drug-disease interactions (when a drug can exacerbate a patient’s condition). I encourage patients to do this any time they have changes made to their medication regimen.
That's a great point. It's always nice to have another tool in the toolbox. So how can pharmacists help specifically with myasthenia gravis patients?
KS: While therapeutic decisions should be made by a physician trained in treating MG, pharmacists are an important piece of the interdisciplinary care team. Asking a pharmacist’s opinion is an excellent way to learn about the risks and benefits of medications, including the potential to exacerbate myasthenia gravis.
Well said. What are some important takeaways myasthenia gravis patients should remember about prescription medication?
KS: All prescription medications have benefits and risks. Some medications, including some common antibiotics and over-the-counter products, may exacerbate myasthenia gravis. In these cases, the benefits and risks must be weighed carefully.
True. So, because there are many drugs to use with caution when it comes to myasthenia gravis patients, what can they do to ensure their health and safety?
KS: The most important piece of advice I can offer to patients with myasthenia gravis is to ask questions about your medications so you can be your own advocate. Any time a new medication is prescribed or a dose is changed, it is important to ask BOTH the provider and the pharmacist if it can exacerbate your condition. Additionally, I recommend all patients ask if there are any drug interactions or potential adverse effects associated with their medications.
We are all in favor of being your own advocate! Now, what are your favorite aspects of being a pharmacist?
KS: As a pharmacist, I am most passionate about empowering patients with knowledge. I want patients to be able to be their own advocates when it comes to the medications they are prescribed. Helping people take control of their own health care is immensely rewarding.
Couldn't agree more; we are grateful for your expertise! What have you learned as a result of being involved with the MGA? Has myasthenia gravis, the MGA, and/or MG patients impacted your own life?
KS: My connection to myasthenia gravis is a hometown connection. Allison Foss and the Foss family have been good friends with my family for a long time. I remember Allison’s personable demeanor even from when I was a child. Her resiliency and honesty are continually teaching me about what it means to be a human. We can live meaningful lives through hardship and also can be open about the difficulties along the way. I’m grateful to Allison for that lesson.
A lesson we can all take to heart, for sure. Is there anything else you would like to add?
KS: See you at next year’s Triple Crown 5k!