Michelle Abkarian

Licensed Nevada pharmacist with diverse clinical experience across acute care, transplant, specialty, institutional, rehabilitation, community, and clinical research settings. Skilled in medication therapy evaluation, identifying drug-related problems, optimizing pharmacotherapy, patient counseling, and evidence-based clinical decision-making. Experienced in collaborating with patients, prescribers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to address medication safety, adherence, and therapeutic outcomes.

Strong clinical documentation, communication, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills with additional experience in pharmaceutical quality control and clinical research.

Pharmacist - LV Pharmacy and Medical Supplies - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2026-01)

• Conduct comprehensive drug utilization reviews to identify clinically relevant drug interactions, dosing considerations, therapeutic duplications, and opportunities for medication optimization
• Evaluate patient-specific factors and clinical information to support evidence-based medication recommendations and promote safe, effective pharmacotherapy
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify therapeutic regimens and communicate evidence-based recommendations regarding medication selection, dosing, and optimization
• Translate complex medication-related information into clear, clinically relevant education for patients and healthcare professionals to support appropriate medication use and adherence
• Ensure accurate medication dispensing and regulatory compliance within a high-volume practice environment, consistently managing 150-200 prescriptions daily
• Lead and support pharmacy technicians while managing operations, quality standards, and adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements

Pharmacy Intern - LV Pharmacy and Medical Supplies - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2024-01 - 2026-01)

• Conducted medication reconciliation and prescription reviews to access dosing appropriateness, potential drug-drug interactions, and medication-related concerns under pharmacist supervision
• Communicated medication information to patients and caregivers, including administration, potential adverse effects, and adherence considerations
• Applied clinical knowledge to support identification and resolution of medication-related issues and promote safe and appropriate medication use
• Collaborated with pharmacists and pharmacy staff in a high-volume practice environment to ensure accurate prescription processing and timely medication access

Quality Control Analyst - Repligen Corporation - Waltham, Massachusetts

(2021-01 - 2023-01)

• Operated within ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems, supporting quality control activities, product release, documentation, and compliance within a regulated biopharmaceutical manufacturing environment
• Performed final quality testing and release evaluation of OPUS pre-packed chromatography columns and Repligen resins, including bioburden and endotoxin testing, to support product quality and regulatory requirements
• Conducted environmental and particle monitoring of ISO-controlled environments and analyzed data for trends, supporting ongoing quality and contamination-control initiatives
• Prepared, reviewed, and investigated planned and unplanned deviations, out-of-specification (OOS) results, and final release data to identify potential quality issues and support appropriate resolution
• Compiled and reviewed batch records and manufacturing/QC documentation, ensuring data integrity, accuracy, completeness, and compliance with established quality standards
• Performed and interpreted a range of analytical and laboratory assays, including pH and conductivity testing, FTIR sample preparation, SDS-PAGE, IEF gel analysis, ELISA kit release testing, and UV spectrophotometric in-process concentration analysis
• Evaluated laboratory processes and equipment performance and contributed to recommendations for new-generation analytical equipment to improve laboratory efficiency and testing capabilities
• Conducted data analysis and document review, supported document revisions, and contributed to the development and implementation of Corrective and Preventative Actions (CAPAs)

Licensed Pharmacy Technician - Osco Pharmacy #2569 - Waltham, Massachusetts

(2019-01 - 2021-01)

• Processed prescription orders with a strong emphasis on accuracy, completeness, and timely medication preparation
• Supported prescription fulfillment and medication distribution in high-volume community pharmacy environment
• Communicated with patients to address medication-related questions and facilitate clear, professional service
• Maintained organized medication inventory and supported efficient pharmacy operations and product availability

Clinical Research Coordinator - Atlantic Clinical Trials - Watertown, Massachusetts

(2016-01 - 2018-01)

• Coordinated and supported 20+ Phase II-IV clinical trials in accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Served as a key point of contact with pharmaceutical sponsors, Contract Research Organizations (CROs), Clinical Research Associates (CRAs), investigators, and study team members to facilitate effective trial execution and communication
• Coordinated study start-up and regulatory activities, including submissions and communications with pharmaceutical sponsors/CROs, the FDA, and Institutional Review Boards
• Managed essential source documentation and study records across 20+ clinical trials, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with protocol and regulatory requirements
• Coordinated participant recruitment, enrollment, data collection, and study visits while monitoring subject progression throughout the duration of clinical trials
• Collected, documented, and reported adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) to pharmaceutical sponsors and/or IRBs in accordance with study protocols and applicable reporting requirements
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary research teams to support study execution, address protocol-related issues, and maintain trial quality and timelines

Transplant/Ambulatory Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - University Medical Center Transplant Center - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2026-01 - 2026-02)

• Participated in interdisciplinary transplant clinic rounds with physicians, pharmacists, and transplant coordinators to evaluate complex medication regimens and optimize immunosuppressive therapy
• Reviewed and reconciled medication regimes, with a focus on therapeutic appropriateness, immunosuppressant exposure, drug-drug interactions, and medication-related risks
• Monitored and optimized therapeutic drug levels, including tacrolimus concentrations, in conjunction with laboratory values, graft function, and patient-specific clinical factors
• Contributed to immunosuppressive therapy optimization by evaluating clinical response, laboratory parameters, adverse effects, and potential toxicity under pharmacist supervision
• Identified and evaluated medication-related problems, including nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, infection risk, and clinically significant drug-drug interactions
• Provided individualized education to pre- and post-transplant patients regarding immunosuppressive therapy, infection prophylaxis, medication adherence, drug interactions, and recognition of potential graft rejection
• Collaborated with specialty pharmacies and healthcare providers to support access to transplant-related therapies, including participation in prior authorization process
• Supported coordination of meningococcal vaccination for patients receiving complement inhibitor therapy (Ultomiris/Soliris), reinforcing safe-use requirements associated with targeted biologic therapies

Pharmacy Administration Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - Valley View Hospital - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2025-11 - 2025-12)

• Participated in pharmacy leadership, medication safety, and interdisciplinary meetings, contributing to discussions surrounding quality improvement, medication-use processes, and healthcare delivery
• Collaborated with pharmacy leadership and interdisciplinary teams to evaluate workflow processes, identify operational opportunities, and support quality improvement initiatives
• Conducted leadership patient rounding to assess medication-related needs, gather patient feedback, and identify opportunities to improve pharmacy services and patient care
• Analyzed pharmacy performance metrics, including medication turnaround times, automation reports, and inventory data, to support operational decision-making and process optimization
• Conducted controlled substance audits to evaluate compliance with medication handling, documentation, and diversion-prevention standards
• Developed professional meeting materials, including agendas, minutes, departmental updates, and action-item tracking, to facilitate effective communication and follow-through among pharmacy teams
• Supported administrative projects related to accreditation readiness, regulatory compliance, and continuous quality improvement

Specialty Pharmacy/HIV Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - Genoa Healthcare - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2025-09 - 2025-11)

• Conducted comprehensive medication therapy reviews for patients receiving HIV antiretroviral therapy, evaluating regimen appropriateness, drug-drug interactions, resistance patterns, comorbidities, and opportunities for therapeutic optimization
• Delivered educational presentations to pharmacists and interdisciplinary healthcare teams on HIV pharmacotherapy, PrEP/PEP, hepatitis management, and evolving treatment guidelines, translating current clinical evidence into practice
• Provided individualized education on HIV therapies, adverse-effect management, adherence strategies, and treatment considerations for comorbid conditions
• Evaluated barriers to medication access and prepared prior authorization and appeal documentation for Vemlidy to support timely initiation and continuity of therapy
• Developed and presented a clinical poster on Serostim in HIV-associated wasting, evaluating clinical evidence, approved indications, and key therapeutic considerations

Advanced Community Pharmacy/Compounding Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - 986 Pharmacy - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2025-08 - 2025-09)

• Collaborated with pharmacists to evaluate and verify patient-specific non-sterile compounded formulations based on prescriber specifications, therapeutic requirements, and applicable USP standards
• Prepared a range of non-sterile dosage forms, including capsules, creams, troches, and suppositories, in accordance with established compounding procedures and quality standards
• Provided patient education on the appropriate use, administration, storage, and handling of compounded medications to support safe and effective therapy
• Participated in community immunization clinics, administering influenza and pneumococcal vaccines and providing evidence-based education regarding immunization benefits and recommendations
• Conducted documentation audits to support accurate recordkeeping, prescription documentation, and compliance with pharmacy procedures

Acute Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - Valley View Hospital - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2025-07 - 2025-08)

• Collaborated with multidisciplinary healthcare teams during patient care rounds to evaluate complex clinical cases and provide evidence-based pharmacotherapy recommendations
• Reviewed patient charts, laboratory values, microbiology results, and diagnostic data to assess therapeutic appropriateness and support medication optimization, including renal and hepatic dose considerations
• Conducted comprehensive medication reconciliation and identified medication-related problems to sport safe and effective transitions of care
• Contributed to antimicrobial stewardship initiatives by evaluating culture and susceptibility results and supporting targeted antimicrobial therapy recommendations
• Delivered a formal patient case presentation integrating clinical data, current literature, and therapeutic guidelines to support evidence-based clinical decision-making
• Conducted journal clubs evaluating clinical trial methodology, study outcomes, and clinical applicability, translating published evidence into implications for patient care

Institutional/Rehabilitation Pharmacy Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience - Encompass Health - Las Vegas, Nevada

(2025-05 - 2025-07)

• Conducted medication reconciliation for admitted and discharged patients, evaluating medication profiles for accuracy, therapeutic appropriateness, and potential drug-related problems
• Evaluated medication regimens and disease-state control, identifying potential drug-drug interactions and opportunities to optimize pharmacotherapy
• Provided patient-centered education on medication therapy and disease states, including stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention and management
• Collaborated with prescribing physicians to communicate medication-related recommendations and support continuity of care and adherence following discharge
• Delivered patient case presentations and participated in clinical topic discussions, applying current evidence and therapeutic guidelines to support clinical decision-making

Doctor of Pharmacy - Pharmacy - Roseman University of Health (2026-05)

Bachelor of Science - General Biology - University of Massachusetts Lowell Kennedy College of Sciences (2021-01)