February 2024
Dear Colleagues,
I hope everyone had a pleasant holiday season, filled with joy and good spirits. Concluding the year with our Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in December was quite exciting. We were treated to outstanding speakers and a wealth of innovative ideas that will energize us for the upcoming year as we continue our pursuit of excellence. The healthcare sector is continually changing, presenting numerous opportunities to leverage technology in enhancing the care we deliver to our patients.
Spotlight on Our Section Director
I am very excited to highlight Scott V. Anderson, PharmD, MS, CPHIMS, FASHP, who recently embarked on his new role as the Director of Member Relations for ASHP, overseeing our Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology (SOPIT). Scott stepped into this position around the time of the Midyear Clinical Meeting. His deep engagement with our section, through roles such as member, Vice Chair, and Chair of the SOPIT Advisory Group on Operations and Automation, as well as his participation in the SOPIT Educational Steering Committee, showcases his extensive experience and dedication.
Anaheim Adventures: Insights from the ASHP Midyear Meeting
I'm delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Maritza Lew, PharmD, PMP, CPHIMS, on receiving the prestigious 2023 ASHP Distinguished Service Award for the Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology. Maritza's long-standing dedication and significant contributions to our Section are truly commendable. Having had the opportunity to collaborate with her within the Section I can attest to her remarkable passion and commitment towards enhancing the pharmacy informatics field, and tirelessly educating our members and others for many years. Maritza, your efforts have greatly impacted us all, and we are profoundly grateful for your dedication!
Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the exceptional roundtable facilitators and attendees of our networking sessions during the Midyear Clinical Meeting. The networking sessions for SOPIT were a tremendous success, fostering numerous valuable and insightful discussions. A special thank you to all who participated and contributed their perspectives on the various topics discussed.
Reflecting on Leadership and Legacy
As we continue our journey within the ASHP Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology, it's important to pause and reflect on the remarkable legacy left by our former Section Director, Amey Hugg, who passed away in January. Amey was known for her approachable demeanor and consistent positivity, making collaborations enjoyable and productive. Her dedication to SOPIT was evident in her work and her ability to mentor and inspire. Amey's contributions have profoundly shaped our Section, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to work with her. As we honor her memory, we are reminded of the importance of her values—clarity, positivity, and dedication—in our ongoing endeavors within SOPIT.
What Else is New and Upcoming?
Dr. Paul Abramowitz announced in his recent blog post a new member engagement event and educational conference, ASHP Pharmacy Futures 2024. This conference represents an exciting initiative to help support pharmacy professionals leading and providing patient care in our ever-evolving healthcare landscape. The meeting will include ASHP’s first-ever AI summit. The summit will provide two days of focused content on the impact of AI in pharmacy practice and healthcare, featuring high-profile keynote addresses, engaging educational content, interactive discussion, and contemporary exhibit programs.
Involvement Opportunities
A big thank you to all who participated in our "Fun Facts about Functionality" session, which focused on the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is dedicated to continuing its work in promoting and educating about the various opportunities our section offers. Additionally, I want to give a special acknowledgment to those members who applied for positions on the SOPIT Executive Committee. Our Committee on Nominations will be diligently working in the upcoming months to select nominees from an impressively qualified group of candidates.
Also, can you believe it, it’s time for appointment (and reappointment) to the SAGs! If you are looking to be more involved, or wish to continue your volunteer effort, the application window will be open mid-February through early May. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email if you are thinking about getting involved but would like more information.
In closing, I want to express my deep gratitude for the time and effort each of you invests in our shared mission. Every one of you is crucial in creating a strong, inclusive, and thriving Section and community. Your contributions are invaluable, and I sincerely thank you for your dedication and commitment.
With much respect,
Hesham Mourad, PharmD, EMBA, FASHP
Chair, Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology (2023-2024)
[email protected]
