Access, Ability & the Future of Pharmacy

Access, Ability & the Future of Pharmacy

Presented by Dedicated Programs and Assessments, College of Pharmacy

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Location: Zoom webinar

Did you know? More than 20% of the American population lives with a disability, but this is not reflected in the healthcare workforce, and specifically within pharmacy where less than ~1% of pharmacists formally declare a disability. Join us for a timely conversation on why disability inclusion matters and how supporting pharmacists with disabilities leads to better outcomes for patients and the profession. Guest speakers include Dr. Lisa Meeks, Dr. Jennifer Williams and Dr. Laura Nellen.

Speaker Bios:

Lisa Meeks, PhD, is a Professor of Medical Education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and a global leader in disability inclusion. As founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative, she has driven policy and practice advancements that reshape health professions education. Her research, published in journals like JAMA and Academic Medicine, focuses on equity and dismantling ableism in training. Dr. Meeks is deeply committed to creating inclusive environments where all trainees can thrive.

Jennifer Williams, PharmD, BCPS, is a member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacy (ASHP) and adjunct faculty member at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Her primary area of practice is focused on inpatient and outpatient oncology, and with complex inpatient surgical patients. Jennifer seeks regular opportunities to engage in education in Inclusion, as a person living with a disability herself, which has led to opportunities in policy writing, webinars, podcasts, and a ‘forever’ drive to engage in furthering the conversation related to accessibility.

Dr. Laura Evelyn Nellen is a specialty pharmacist at Accredo Specialty Pharmacy, a division of Evernorth Health Services (The Cigna Group). She specializes in providing personalized care for patients with complex conditions. Living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type III – a genetic neuromuscular condition causing progressive muscle weakness and mobility challenges – Dr. Nellen offers unique insights into healthcare accessibility as both a clinician and a person with physical disabilities. She advocates for inclusive practices, health equity and patient-centered solutions to reduce disparities for disabled and chronically ill individuals.