Addressing the Opioid Crisis: Prevention for Providers

Dr. Karen Farris is a prominent figure in the field of pharmacy, serving as the Charles R. Walgreen III Professor of Pharmacy Administration at the University of Michigan. Her research focuses on the intersection of social theories and medication management, particularly how pharmacists can influence medication adherence among patients in both oncology and primary care settings. Dr. Farris investigates factors that affect medication adherence, including patients' beliefs about the necessity of their medications and their concerns regarding side effects. She has made significant contributions to understanding how pharmacist-led care impacts health outcomes and has received numerous accolades for her research efforts, including the 2023 Tyler Prize for Recognition of Research from the American Pharmacists Association.In addition to her research, Dr. Farris is actively involved in teaching and mentoring students, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare. She leads projects aimed at improving medication adherence through innovative approaches, such as an artificial intelligence-based text-messaging system for patients with uncontrolled hypertension. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications and extensive grant funding, Dr. Farris continues to shape pharmacy practice and education, making a lasting impact on patient care and health outcomes

Dr. John Ayanian is a distinguished professor at the University of Michigan, where he serves as the Director of the Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation (IHPI). His research primarily focuses on health policy and health services, particularly concerning access to care, quality of care, and healthcare disparities linked to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic factors, and insurance coverage. Dr. Ayanian has played a pivotal role in advising state and federal governments on health policy matters and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine. His leadership at IHPI involves collaboration with over 700 faculty members from various disciplines, working to address pressing healthcare challenges.In addition to his administrative and research roles, Dr. Ayanian is the founding Editor-in-Chief of JAMA Health Forum, a journal dedicated to health policy and systems. His extensive educational background includes an MD from Harvard Medical School and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School. With numerous accolades for his contributions to healthcare research, Dr. Ayanian continues to influence health policy discussions and initiatives aimed at improving health equity and access to care across diverse populations.