Gov. Mike Parson recently appointed Dr. Lisa Pierce, of Fulton, to the Drug Utilization Review Board.
The board oversees drug use, prescribing and dispensing practices in MO HealthNet, which is Missouri's Medicaid program.
"It looks at the medications that will be included on Missouri's Medicaid," Pierce said. "Having patients that have Medicaid, I realize how important it is that they get what they need."
On the drug utilization review board, Pierce hopes to represent rural Missouri. She applied for the position about a year and a half ago after a patient first told her about it.
In her application, Pierce noted her practice was an early adopter of electronic health records and technology has been used to improve immunization rates, blood pressure control and health screenings. The practice also participated in research projects involving medication safety.
"Having practiced in rural Missouri for nearly 30 years, I have a unique perspective on the challenges to and opportunities for providing quality, affordable health care that improves health outcomes," Pierce wrote when applying for a position on the board.
Pierce is the medical director of Family Medicine-Fulton Family Health. She's been practicing as a family physician in Missouri since 1988.
Pierce and her husband, Dr. Robert Pierce, moved to Missouri to complete their medical residency with University of Missouri Health Care. Previously, she attended the University of Michigan Integrated Premedical-Medical Program.
After her residency, she was asked to stay on with the university as clinical faculty at their rural practice in Fulton.
Eventually, Pierce joined her husband at a local private practice where she served patients of all ages and backgrounds.
During her career, Pierce has also worked as an assistant professor of clinical family and community medicine.
She is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a current member of the American Academy of Family Practice and the American Medical Women's Association.
Pierce served on the Fulton Public Schools Board of Education from 2008-11 and in 2013 was recognized by the district with an award for outstanding service.
The Missouri Senate is set to confirm Pierce's appointment Wednesday.