Our Awards
MPA, its practice settings, affiliated chapters and other related organizations have the distinct honor of presenting a variety of awards to recognize pharmacy professionals and organizations.
Scroll down to access information on awards for MPA, practice sections, affiliated chapters and affiliated organizations.
Congratulations to our 2026 MPA Pharmacist of the Year,
Hai Mi Choe
MPA President Michelle Kelly presented the Pharmacist of the Year Award to Hae Mi Choe's husband, Yong, far right, at the 2026 Annual Convention & Exposition.
Hai Mi Choe, Pharm.D., of Ann Arbor, was named the Pharmacist of the Year at the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition April 18, 2026. The award is presented annually to an MPA member as the highest honor in Michigan pharmacy. Hae Mi Choe was a visionary leader, innovator and tireless advocate for patients and pharmacy practice. Over the course of her distinguished career, she redefined the role of pharmacists in patient care, pioneering new models of ambulatory pharmacy practice and ensuring that pharmacists became essential members of the health care team. As chief population health officer at Michigan Medicine and executive director of the Michigan Institute for Care Management and Transformation, Choe led transformative initiatives that integrated pharmacists into primary care and specialty care across Michigan Medicine and the state. Her leadership brought lasting improvements in medication management, chronic disease care and patient outcomes.
Earlier in her career, she also held influential positions at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, where she advanced pharmacy’s role in health care delivery. Her excellence was recognized nationally, receiving numerous accolades including the ASHP Board of Directors Distinguished Leadership Award, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Crystal APPLE Award, the Pinnacle Award from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, and multiple honors from MPA, including the MSHP President's Award and the Excellence in Innovation Award.
A long-time member of MPA, Choe sadly passed away last year after a battle with leukemia. She inspired all who knew her with her grace, generosity and unwavering commitment to making healthcare more accessible and equitable. She consistently led with empathy, always reminding her colleagues: “We need to make this easier for patients. Help me, help others.”
MPA Awards
The following MPA awards are presented during the Annual Convention & Exposition, which will take place during the month of April beginning in 2025. Nominations are due Aug. 29 each year. Click here to access the online nomination form for MPA awards.
To view previous MPA and section award winners, click the button below.
MPA Award Winners Archive
It takes into consideration:
- Long-term, consistent dedication and outstanding achievements that have led to the advancement of the profession of pharmacy, public health and MPA.
- A large variety of skills, attributes and accomplishments are combined to determine who is most qualified to win this award.
- An individual strong in character, cumulative professional accomplishments and the ability to properly represent and model what pharmacy as a profession encompasses.
- Understanding the goals of pharmacy, and significantly contributes to how these goals may be accomplished.
The Bowl of Hygeia Award is presented annually to a pharmacist who has made outstanding professional contributions and has participated in community or governmental activities that reflect well on the pharmacy profession. The Bowl of Hygeia derives its name from the Greek goddess, Hygeia, who was the guardian over the healing potion contained in the bowl.
It takes into consideration:
- Recognized activities that contribute to building stronger or more successful communities.
- The amount of time given and difference that the individual makes within the community (or government).
- Service activities that do not necessarily promote the profession of pharmacy, such as involvement in food banks, community parks and recreation, youth activities, efforts to support the needy in the community, schools, etc.
- Governmental activities such as contributions to policy and decision-making within the political arena, increasing pharmacy’s visibility by working with various government representatives or legislators, or focusing attention on the health and well-being of the public in public policy, etc.
2026 Winner
Thomas Rolands, Troy
It takes into consideration:
- Cumulative service over the span of the individual’s advisory period.
- Contributions that help advance the profession of pharmacy.
- Leadership qualities such as vision for the advancement of the profession, problem-solving, strategic planning and implementation, ability to motivate, adaptability and perseverance, ability to oversee and manage projects, and selflessness and cooperation.
2026 Winner
Mary Beth O'Connell, Waterford
The Hae Mi Choe Excellence in Innovation Award is presented annually to an individual or team who has demonstrated an innovative pharmacy practice program, resulting in improved patient care or safety, advancement of the profession, enhanced pharmacy systems or other professional development. In 2026, the award was renamed after Hae Mi Choe, a pioneer in the pharmacy field and two-time recipient of the award.
It takes into consideration:
- Activities that may involve pioneering new models or systems that improve pharmacists’ impact as members of the health care team; patient safety and outcomes; patient care in general; pharmacy systems or processes; and other professional development.
- A system or tool for pharmacy professionals that will directly or immediately impact care or the profession and/or serve as an example or template for other pharmacy professionals to follow.
- Cumulative achievements or a single, outstanding program/project completed or conducted over time.
2026 Winner
YesRx
Accepting on behalf of YesRx: CEO Siobhan Norman and Chief Medical Officer Emily Mackler
Pharmacists Mutual™ Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award
Sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual
The Pharmacists Mutual™ Distinguished Young Pharmacist Award (formerly the Distinguished New Pharmacist Practitioner Award) is presented annually to an MPA member pharmacist who has been licensed to practice for less than 10 years and participates in local, state and national pharmacy associations, professional programs and/or community service.
It takes into consideration:
- Licensure for less than 10 years.
- Cumulative contributions over the course of one’s early pharmacy career (10 years or less) or a significant achievement (within 10 years or less of licensure).
- Any area of practice, such as research, long-term care, health systems, community, nuclear pharmacy, home infusion, hospice, etc.
- Accomplishments or participation in local, state or national pharmacy associations, including involvement in Committees, Boards, projects, etc.
- Involvement in professional programs.
- Contributions in the workplace that improve patient care and/or safety, pharmacy systems, increasing or enhancing the pharmacist’s role(s) in providing health care.
- An apparent desire and dedication to the advancement of the profession of pharmacy.
2026 Winner
Sara Brown, Lowell
The Fred W. Arnold Public Relations Award is presented annually to an MPA member or team of MPA members who have shown outstanding achievement and dedication to the pharmacy profession through community education and awareness.
It takes into consideration:
- Cumulative events throughout the course of a career or for specific activity(s) that promotes the profession of pharmacy to the community and increases the visibility of pharmacy professionals.
- Education and awareness activities that convey information with the goal of positively impacting a person’s health and/or decision-making through information, screening, improved prevention or treatment.
- Reaching out to positively influence health and lifestyle by acting as the patient’s partner or mentor.
- Community education and awareness involving public speaking, presentations, ad campaigns, health screenings, various drives and fundraisers, etc.
- Smaller endeavors that have a high impact on a specific segment of the population. Examples include, but are not limited to, assisting small groups with understanding Medicare Part D, focused specialty counseling for diabetics in Asheville-like programs, etc.
- Qualities such as originality, creativity, the ability to assess and address the most pressing health issues currently facing a given population or group, effectiveness in connecting and relating health care information to the audience, and excellent public speaking and group facilitating abilities.
2026 Winner
Valerie Kelley-Bonner, Belleville
It takes into consideration:
- Three areas: professional actions in practice, public service and pharmacy association participation, all of which help define a well-rounded pharmacist.
- Student MPA and/or MPA membership for a minimum of five years.
- A minimum of 25 points in each of three categories, with a total of 100 points needed overall, to earn the fellowship (points may be retroactively added from the beginning of an applicant’s pharmacy career).
2026 Winners
Hope Broxterman, Daniel Lobb, Brittany Stewart, Farah Jalloul-Rizk, Ashley Builta and Eric Roath (not pictured: David Miller)
Criteria for points is as follows:
- Serving on an organizational unit (Board, Committee, Task Force, etc.) – 10 points per meeting
- Serving as a delegate on behalf of an MPA organizational unit – 10 points per session
- Contributing an article in a MPA publication – 25 points per article
- Giving a continuing education presentation – 25 points per presentation
- Enrolling in Pharmacy PAC – 10 points per year
- Serving as an officer or chair of an organizational unit (Chairman, President, President-elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chair, etc.) – 25 points per year
Hall of Honor points are tracked and maintained by MPA staff.
2025 Inductees: Courtney Biehl, Gary Blake, Ashley Blanchette, Tara McAlpine, Mara Young
Practice Section and Affiliated Chapter Awards
Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM)
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Practice in long-term care, home infusion or an alternate pharmacy site for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Must be a current member of MPA and CSPM.
- May be nominated by component organizations or individual members.
- May not be a current member of the CSPM Board of Directors.
2026 Winner
John Mohler, Marengo
Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP)
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Active member of MSHP who has not received the award within the last 10 years.
- May not be a current member of the MSHP Board of Directors.
- Outstanding achievements and leadership that embodies a model for other health care professionals to follow outstanding service and continued commitment to the profession of pharmacy, especially hospital pharmacy.
- Active participation in functions and activities of local, state or national organizations of hospital pharmacy. Outstanding service to the community, such as participation in nonpharmaceutical organizations.
- Demonstrates innovative practice to improve the profession of pharmacy.
- Demonstrates interest in advancing the profession of pharmacy through publication, presentations, research or active involvement in educational activities.
- An individual with highest integrity and professional ethics.
2025 Winner
Edward Szandzik, Grosse Pointe Woods
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Is currently an MSHP member.
- Has been actively involved with MSHP.
- Has displayed consistent leadership in health-system pharmacy practice
- Has been a role model in health-system pharmacy practice.
2025 Winner
Rox Gatia, Rochester Hills
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Applicant is a Michigan pharmacist, pharmacy services program or pharmacy practice site.
- Pharmacist(s) is/are the principal participant(s) in the project, poster presentation or program.
- Candidate has not received the MSHP Professional Practice Award in the last five years.
- Project has been undertaken within the last two years.
- Recipient will agree to submit their project for announcement in the MSHP Monitor.
- Project must produce results that contribute to professional pharmacy practice.
- Document that outlines the project, if unpublished, should follow the current ASHP manuscript or poster presentation guidelines.
2025 Winner
Cole Orlikowski, Sparta
The MSHP Excellence in Wellness Practice Award is presented to an individual (pharmacist, resident, student, technician), department or group for their involvement in a wellness practice initiative. Whether through promoting mental health awareness, advocating for physical well-being, or supporting work-life balance, the Excellence in Wellness Practice Award celebrates those who make a meaningful impact on the wellness culture within the health care sector.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Applicant(s) is a Michigan pharmacist, student pharmacist, resident, technician, pharmacy department, or group of pharmacists/students/residents/technicians.
- Project has been undertaken/modified/expanded within the last five years.
- Project must demonstrate impact on wellness culture in a pharmacy or health care setting.
2025 Winner
Bronson Methodist Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Team
Considerations for this award include:
- The applicant is a Michigan pharmacist or group of pharmacists.
- The applicant is not a current Board member.
- The pharmacist or group of pharmacists has participated in an activity, project or service that advanced the theme of the President during the Society year.
2025 Winner
University of Michigan Hypertension Pharmacists Program
Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP)
The following MSCP awards are presented at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon during the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition.
The MSCP Pharmacist of the Year Award is presented annually to a member who displays professional excellence and/or exemplary service to the profession toward advancing patient care in the community setting.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Practice in community pharmacy for a minimum of five (5) years.
- Individual displays professional excellence and/or exemplary service to the community.
- Must be a current member of MPA and MSCP.
- May not be a current member of the MSCP Board of Directors.
2026 Winner
Jordan Marchetti, Iron Mountain
Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT)
The following MSPT awards are presented at the Annual Meeting and Luncheon during the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Must be employed as a pharmacy technician in a professional practice setting.
- Must not have received this award in the past five years.
- May be nominated by a co-worker, manager or pharmacist.
2025 Winner
Anthony Codrean, Lake Orion
Michigan Pharmacy PAC Awards
The following Pharmacy PAC awards are presented at the PAC Luncheon during the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Recipient is not currently serving, nor has he/she served within the immediately preceding two years, as an officer of the Association other than in an ex-officio capacity or on its Awards Committee.
- Recipient does not currently have a family member serving as an officer, Board member, employee or Awards Committee member of MPA or PAC.
- Recipient must have demonstrated an extended effort to promote the enrichment of public health policy, the betterment of pharmacy interest or the profession of pharmacy.
- Demonstrated outstanding work for pharmacy goals and political agenda.
- Winning a particular award does not make that individual ineligible for that award in the future.
2026 Winners
Sen. Kevin Hertel and Rep. Tom Kunse
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Recipient is not currently serving, nor has he/she served within the immediately preceding two years, as an officer of the Association other than in an ex-officio capacity or on its Awards Committee.
- Recipient does not currently have a family member serving as an officer, Board member, employee or Awards Committee member of MPA or PAC.
- Recipient must have demonstrated an extended effort to promote the enrichment of public health policy, the betterment of pharmacy interest or the profession of pharmacy.
- Worked for the advancement of public health for the citizens of Michigan.
- Winning a particular award does not make that individual ineligible for that award in the future.
2026 Winner
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian
The Hank Fuhs Good Government Award is presented annually to pharmacy professionals in recognition of continued public service and political action on behalf of pharmacy in Michigan. This award is named in honor of Hank Fuhs, the long-time chairman of the Michigan Pharmacy Political Action Council.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Recipient is not currently serving, nor has he/she served within the immediately preceding two years, as an officer of the Association other than in an ex-officio capacity or on its Awards Committee.
- Recipient does not currently have a family member serving as an officer, Board member, employee or Awards Committee member of MPA or PAC.
- Recipient must have demonstrated an extended effort to promote the enrichment of public health policy, the betterment of pharmacy interest or the profession of pharmacy.
- Worked to advance pharmacy on a state and/or federal level and initiated grassroots efforts on local, state or federal levels.
- Must be a member of MPA.
- Must be a licensed pharmacist, a pharmacy technician or a student pharmacist.
- Winning a particular award does not make that individual ineligible for that award in the future.
2026 Winner
Local Association Awards
The following local association awards are presented at the House of Delegates Session during the MPA Annual Convention & Exposition.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- Successful and significant activity or body of work over a period of time on behalf of a local association.
- Must be a member of a local association and MPA.
2025 winner
Greg Baise, Detroit
The Distinguished Local Association Achievement Award is presented annually to honor one local association in Michigan who has demonstrated exemplary or innovative activities through their efforts or accomplishments.
The criteria for the award is as follows:
- must be an active local association, but the award is not dependent upon accumulation of points.
- determined by the Local Association Development Committee based on submission of local reporting forms and other supplementary documentation.
- not mandatory to be awarded annually.
2026 Winner
Oakland County Pharmacists Association
The Local Association Achievement Award is presented annually to local associations in Michigan that have completed an outstanding number of functions on behalf of their membership, and motivate local association members to improve their effectiveness and efficiency through the completion of additional activities. It is bestowed upon any local that submits its annual report by the Nov. 30 deadline, completes all mandatory activities and accumulates at least 50 points in supplemental activities, as determined by the Local Association Development Committee.
2025 Winners
Capital Area Pharmacists Association, Genesee County Pharmacists Association, Great Lakes Bay Pharmacy Association, Kent County Pharmacists Association, MPA Upper Peninsula Division, Oakland County Pharmacists Association, Southwest Michigan Pharmacists Association, Wayne County Pharmacists Association, Western Michigan Pharmacy Association