Michael A. Burleson, RPh, Begins Term as NABP President During the Association’s 108th Annual Meeting

Michael A. Burleson, RPh, began his term as president of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy^® (NABP^®) during the Final Business Session of the Association’s 108^th Annual Meeting, May 19-22, 2012, in Philadelphia, PA. During his presidency, Mr Burleson is committed to continuing outreach to members to ensure that each board is connected with the appropriate NABP resources to address their unique needs and challenges. Further, Mr Burleson will focus on efforts to educate stakeholders and decision makers in pharmacy regulation about NABP’s mission and activities. In addition, Mr Burleson will focus on continued support of existing NABP programs and services, especially for newer efforts such as the NABP PMP InterConnect^SM, CPE Monitor™, international pharmacy initiatives, community pharmacy accreditation, and the AWAR_XE^® consumer protection program.

Mr Burleson was sworn in as the 108^th NABP president after serving a one-year term as the Association’s president-elect and one year as treasurer. Prior to that, Mr Burleson served as a member of the NABP Executive Committee representing District 3 for two years. After his presidency concludes, he will serve a one-year term as chairperson of the Association’s Executive Committee.

An active member of NABP, Mr Burleson has served on several Association committees including the Teller Committee for the 2007 NABP Annual Meeting. He also served as chair of the 2007 to 2008 NABP Committee on Law Enforcement/Legislation, and he was chair of the Committee on Resolutions for the 2006 NABP Annual Meeting.

Mr Burleson has also been actively involved with local and national pharmacy associations. A member of the Kentucky Pharmacists Association since 1974, he served two terms as a board member, and also served on various committees. He was also a member of the Tri-County Pharmacists Association, and served the organization as its treasurer for 12 years. Mr Burleson is currently a member of the Kentucky Society of Health System Pharmacists, the Bluegrass Pharmacists Association, the American Pharmacists Association, and the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators.

In recognition of his contributions benefitting the practice of pharmacy, Mr Burleson was honored as the Bluegrass Pharmacist of year 2010 by the Bluegrass Pharmacists Association. He has also received a Bowl of Hygeia award in 1991.

Mr Burleson is very active in pharmacy education and local community service, including projects promoting public health. He has been a guest lecturer to college nursing classes, and supervised an externship rotation for the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. He has also delivered numerous presentations to local and state pharmacy associations concerning continuing education programs on pharmacy law. He has also presented to senior citizen groups, educating them on proper use and avoiding misuse of medications.

Mr Burleson earned his bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. In 1995, he received the Outstanding Alumnus University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy award. Mr Burleson and his wife, Cheryl, reside in Lexington, KY.

NABP is the independent, international, and impartial Association that assists its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health.