PULLMAN, WA – Washington State University pharmacy faculty are bringing their expertise to Medicare patients across the country through a new collaboration with Praventa Health. More than a dozen faculty members from the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences will serve in Praventa Health’s telehealth platform, providing counseling and comprehensive medication management for patients who often struggle to access consistent health care.
Through this partnership, WSU pharmacist faculty will be on the front lines of care, speaking with Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. They will focus on managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions where proper medication use, and adherence are essential for quality of life. By working directly with patients and alongside other health care providers, WSU pharmacist faculty will ensure that individuals not only have access to their medications but also ensure that those medications are appropriate, effective, and affordable.
“Our faculty are some of the most knowledgeable and compassionate professionals in pharmacy,” said Interim Dean Julie Akers. “This collaboration allows them to share their expertise with thousands of patients who would otherwise have limited or no access to this level of care. It reflects our deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations while advancing the role of the pharmacist in today’s health care system.”
The collaboration represents a significant step in addressing the nation’s health care gaps. Many Medicare patients live in areas without nearby providers, or face barriers such as transportation, cost, or mobility challenges. By connecting directly with WSU pharmacist faculty through telehealth, patients will receive timely, professional guidance from experienced clinicians who specialize in optimizing medication use and improving long-term outcomes.
Praventa Health leaders noted the unique impact of bringing academic pharmacist faculty into a national telehealth program.
“Washington State University faculty brings decades of clinical knowledge and teaching experience,” said Praventa Health Chief Clinical Officer, Stacy Ramirez. “Their ability to communicate complex information clearly and empathetically makes them ideal providers for patients who need trusted guidance. In addition to educating patients, they play a critical role in identifying gaps in care during their comprehensive medication management process, ensuring no issues go unnoticed. Together, we are expanding access to care while improving patient outcomes and reducing unnecessary costs for the health care system.”
In addition to immediate patient benefits, the collaboration will strengthen WSU’s role in preparing the next generation of pharmacists. Over time, the program will become a clinical learning site where pharmacy students can gain firsthand experience in telehealth practice, working alongside faculty mentors and interprofessional care teams. Training will also include the use of artificial intelligence tools that support medication adherence follow-up, giving both faculty and students access to cutting-edge technologies that enhance patient care.
For WSU, the partnership underscores a long-standing mission of public service and a commitment to innovation in health care delivery. Faculty participation in Praventa Health’s platform illustrates how academic expertise can directly impact patients nationwide while shaping the evolving future of pharmacy education.
“This partnership is a perfect example of how WSU is leading with innovation and compassion,” said Akers. “By combining our faculty’s clinical expertise with modern telehealth technology, we are making care accessible to people who need it most, and in doing so, training future pharmacists to meet patients wherever they are.”
