Meet Julie Mantzouranis-Barthuly, Pain Management Specialty Pharmacist. As an IWP Pain Management Specialty Pharmacist, Julie’s day consists of attending to our patient’s wide variety of prescription needs, overseeing pharmacy operations and ensuring compliance with each state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Julie works with injured workers on a variety of concerns, ranging from developing prescription regiments to education on potential side effects.
Julie’s work is instrumental to IWP as she works daily with injured workers, helping them to understand their treatment plan and ensure they are equipped with the tools necessary towards recovery. Get a glimpse into Julie’s life here at IWP and learn what she’s most proud of both professional and personally.
WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN PHARMACY?
There was no single event that led me into pharmacy. In High School, I was asked what I wanted to do. I was significantly interested in Medicine. I enjoyed talking to people and the interaction in the medical field, however, I don’t like blood. My mom suggested I look into pharmacy. In my senior year of high school, I started a pharmacy tech job and that was it, my entrance into the pharmacy world.
WHAT ROLE HAS IWP PLAYED IN YOUR CAREER AS A PHARMACIST?
Working at IWP has been eye-opening. Prior to my time here I, like many other pharmacists, did not truly comprehend how tough patients have it in the workers’ compensation system when it comes to receiving medication. IWP’s unique niche in the workers’ compensation industry, specializing in this area of pharmacy, and the company’s devotion to injured workers is refreshing. We do a great job here of condensing information and servicing our patient’s unique medical needs.
WHAT DOES THE PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST DO COMPARED TO OTHER PHARMACISTS?
In addition to regular pharmacist duties, I take on a clinical role following patients with chronic pain management closely and attentively as they progress through their prescription treatment. In my role, I along with my team, conduct additional outreach and work consistently with patients to help them understand their regimens and ensure they get the services they need. We are here to assist our patients however we can, whether that be informing our patients on potential side effects, general questions, or providing our expertise on varying subjects, we are there for them. Our pain management team also manages are high-risk opioid patients. We want to ensure that our patients are equipped with quality education and that they understand their health risks. I am also proud that IWP is committed to offering and providing opioid antagonists to our high-risk patients, going that extra mile for their safety.
HAS THERE BEEN AN INSTANCE WHERE YOU FELT YOUR ROLE AT IWP MADE A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE?
Absolutely! I think our team of pharmacists is receptive, empathetic, and helpful to patients facing difficult times. We understand how hard it can be for our patients and that’s why we are ready and willing to assist them through the process. In the pharmacy we are always eager to help whether that be coordinating refills, working with the enrollment team, or providing our patients with dedicated prior authorization representatives to ensure they receive their medication in a timely manner. I am also grateful that IWP provides opioid antagonists to our patients at no cost to them. Many of our patients express gratitude for this, since otherwise, they may not have access to this potentially life-saving medication. At IWP I feel like patients feel comfortable knowing there is no cost to them and our team of pharmacists being on hand to answer questions puts their minds at ease.
WHERE DID YOU ATTEND COLLEGE AND WHAT CLUBS/ACTIVITIES DID YOU ENGAGE IN?
Northeastern (Go Huskies!). In college, I thoroughly enjoyed participating in the co-op program. I loved the ability to work in different areas of pharmacy. The programs there really gave me a great scope of pharmacy and the interests I had in the field. I would have never had those experiences if it weren’t for the school’s co-op program.
FAVORITE THING OUTSIDE OF WORK?
When the weather’s nice I along with my family enjoy long walks, playing tennis, and we’re looking forward to starting some hiking this spring. It’s always a great time in the summer traveling to the great number of beaches we have in the area. I am looking forward to traveling again soon as well. I want to return to Hawaii and Greece and finally make it to Italy. We have a (growing) list of places we want to venture to!
IS IT APPROPRIATE TO DRINK ICED COFFEE YEAR-ROUND? FAVORITE COFFEE DRINK?
I’ll answer this as I am drinking an iced coffee right now. YES. I prefer iced coffee in the afternoon, and in the morning hot coffee. But I think it’s all about personal preference! However, I will say I draw the line at ordering iced coffee when it hits negative temperatures. I enjoy espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes, but my favorite coffee is probably a Greek-style frappe. My family is Greek, and I enjoy the nostalgia.
MOVIES OR BOOKS?
Both! I’m a huge movie buff and equally love to read. I’m one of those people that enjoys reading the book before the movie. Some of my favorites include Les Miserables, the Count of Monte Cristo, and anything by Dennis Lehane.