Denise M. Schluterman Clayton has been selected as a Fellow of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) as part of the 2021 APhA Awards and Honors Program.
The APhA Awards and Honors Program is the most comprehensive recognition program in the profession.
Denise, a clinical pharmacist on Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Commercial Pharmacy Operations team, was one of only 14 pharmacists in the nation to receive this honor for 2021. She was selected for her advocacy for medication management services and serving as a sustained member volunteer of APhA and the Arkansas Pharmacists Association (APA). Denise is originally from Paris, Arkansas, and graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville.
“Pharmacists can play a key role in improving patients’ health,” said Alicia Berkemeyer, senior vice president of Provider Network Services at Arkansas Blue Cross. “And we are proud that the APhA has recognized that quality in Denise. Her work to improve collaboration among Arkansas pharmacists in the best interests of our members – and the people of Arkansas as a whole – has been exceptional.”
As part of the company’s clinical team, Denise plays a pivotal role in managing the Arkansas Blue Cross formulary (a list that details which medicines may be prescribed) for commercial clients. She also counsels Collaborative Health Initiative hospital/physician groups on pharmacy issues. Denise works with self-funded health plans (those who pay claims from their own resources) in a strategic consulting role and was instrumental in establishing a pharmacy quality program to serve Arkansas Blue Cross Medicare and Arkansas Works (Medicaid) members.
Denise is an active member of the APhA. She most recently served on the Academy of Pharmacy Practice Management Executive Committee as a member at large. She is also a member of the Arkansas Pharmacists Association and serves on the Arkansas Tech University Alumni Board. Denise holds a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Pharmacy. She also serves as a preceptor for student pharmacists at UAMS.
“The APhA has recognized in Denise what we see every day,” said Wendy See, vice president of Primary Care & Pharmacy Programs for Arkansas Blue Cross. “She is an exemplary pharmacist, a leader in our company and a passionate advocate for our members.”