CPHAR Fellows Biographical Information

Aaron Katz, PharmD

Aaron Katz, PharmD, is a doctoral student in Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in Chapel Hill. He received his B.S. in Psychology at the University of South Dakota, and his PharmD at Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy in Glendale, AZ. Aaron is also a licensed pharmacist in the state of North Carolina.

Aaron’s research focus includes understanding medication safety and effectiveness concerns within the older adult population. In particular, Aaron is interested in assessing how patient characteristics (e.g., mental health and health literacy) and health system features influence patient access to and utilization of medications. For his dissertation research, Aaron plans on examining the impact of depression on adherence to oral chemotherapy regimens and survival among Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries with non-small cell lung cancer. Results from the study may help to identify attributes of individuals who require additional services in order to receive the full benefits intended from treatment. Through research, Aaron’s ultimate goal is to inform health services and policy in order to improve the health outcomes of older adults and maximize the safety and effectiveness of medications prescribed to them.

Aaron’s mentoring committee for the training program includes Betsy Sleath, PhD and Peggye Dilworth-Anderson, PhD.

Selected Publications

Branham A, Moose J, Ferreri S, Katz A, Marciniak M. Analysis of economic outcomes following pharmacist-provided medication therapy management services. Poster presentation at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting, Washington DC, March 12-15, 2010.

Dawson S, Heidrick J, Katz A, Murray M, Ferreri S, Marciniak M. Evaluating the impact of community pharmacist–provided education on A1C levels. Poster presentation at the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting, Washington DC, March 12-15, 2010.

Katz AJ, Morrow D, Tu W, Wu J, Murray MD. Effect of health literacy on adherence in heart failure patients. Poster presentation at the 25th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology  & Therapeutic Risk Management, Providence, RI, August 16-19, 2009.

Katz AJ, Ryan PB, Farley JF. Impact of state Medicaid preferred drug list policies on total medical expenditures and patient outcomes. Poster presentation at the Drug Information Association 45th Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA, June 21-25, 2009.