March 2, 2023
Dr. Diez accepts her award at the 2023 Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual Convention & Exposition in Detroit, Michigan
Heidi Diez and her family at the 2023 Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual Convention & Exposition in Detroit, Michigan.

Heidi Diez, PharmD’04, clinical assistant professor of pharmacy and clinical pharmacist specialist at Domino’s Farms Family Medicine, Michigan Medicine, received the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award during the 2023 Michigan Pharmacists Association Annual Convention & Exposition in Detroit, Michigan. 

The Bowl of Hygeia Award, presented in cooperation with the American Pharmacists Association Foundation and the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations, is given to one pharmacist in each state annually, 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 of health, Hygeia, who was the guardian over the healing potion contained in the bowl.

“I am honored by this recognition from my fellow peers across our state,” says Dr. Diez. “I pride myself on being a fierce advocate for my patients, demonstrating the importance of building trust with patients and physician colleagues, and strive to serve as a resilient role model for the profession of pharmacy. This award solidifies my evolution over the last 13 years as an ambulatory clinical pharmacist and diabetes champion.”  

Dr. Diez received her PharmD degree from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy in 2004. She completed a Community Practice Residency at the University of Washington/Kelley-Ross. In 2007, Dr. Diez was recruited back to the University of Michigan as the first community pharmacy-based faculty. Three years later, she transitioned into ambulatory care practice by establishing clinical practices at four primary care sites across Michigan Medicine. In 2012, Dr. Diez became board certified in ambulatory care pharmacy. 

In her current family medicine site, she is considered by her physician peers as the clinic’s diabetes expert and is mainly referred patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). She serves on the Michigan Medicine Diabetes Quality Improvement Committee, representing her Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) colleagues. Dr. Diez is a leader and advocate for technology use in patients with T2D across primary care at Michigan Medicine. 

Dr. Diez is a sought-after preceptor by College of Pharmacy students for their P4 rotations and serves as rotation experience for both 1st and 2nd year Medical students. She teaches courses in diabetes to Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical students. She co-developed the immunization training bootcamp that all College of Pharmacy students take during their P2 year and has been an immunization trainer for the Michigan Pharmacists Association since 2011. Dr. Diez was awarded the 2020 Department of Clinical Pharmacy Preceptor of the Year Award and in 2021, she received the Phi Delta Chi Faculty Appreciation Award for her diabetes course redevelopment. Last year, she was invited to give an annual lecture to the Health Sciences Scholar Program, University of Michigan LSA about ambulatory care pharmacy.  

In 2021, Dr. Diez was selected as the lead pharmacist for the Michigan Collaborative for Type 2 Diabetes (MCT2D), a Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network supported coalition, which brings together over 1000 physicians across primary care, endocrinology, and nephrology, representing 28 physician organizations across the state of Michigan. In August 2022, she was appointed Program Co-Director of MCT2D. 

“From her student interactions to increasing access to life-changing therapies for Michiganders, Dr. Diez exemplifies the qualities of this award,” says Vicki L. Ellingrod, PharmD, FCCP, FACNP, Dean, College of Pharmacy. “She is without a doubt a passionate educator, strong patient advocate, and leader in the field of diabetes management, especially for those with T2D. I can attest to Dr. Diez’s skills as a clinician, as I have referred my own mother to her for care.” 

“I have worked closely with Dr. Diez for over a decade,” adds Pamela G. Rockwell, DO, professor, Department of Family Medicine University of Michigan, and Medical Director, Domino's Farms Family Medicine. “She has been an invaluable asset to our clinic’s team-based care, lending her strong knowledge of pharmaceuticals, engaging clinical style and strong work ethic to help improve the lives of many patients.” 

Congratulations to Dr. Diez on this well-deserved honor.