February 2024
Dear friends and colleagues,
As we reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the past year, it is with great appreciation that I extend my gratitude to each of you for your service, time, and dedication to advancing pharmacy practice and patient care. Each person brings their own perspectives and contributions to the growth of our profession and each other.
Key to the tapestry of our profession, diversity of thought serves as a cornerstone, enriching our collective experience and propelling us forward. As leaders we recognize the immense value diverse perspectives bring to our work. Embracing different viewpoints, backgrounds, and ideas not only enhances our problem-solving capabilities but also fosters innovation in pharmacy practice. Let us continue to champion inclusivity, ensuring that every voice is heard, and every perspective is respected. By cultivating a culture of belonging within our organizations, we strengthen the bonds that unite us and create an environment where each member feels valued and empowered. Together, we can build a future where our diversity becomes our greatest asset in advancing patient care and the pharmacy profession as a whole.
In the spirit of advancing patient care, I am excited to recognize the outstanding recipient of the 2024 John W. Webb Lecture Award: Deborah Hunt Simonson, PharmD, CPEL. This distinguished honor is a testament to Debbie’s exceptional contributions to pharmacy practice and her impact on broader emergency preparedness efforts. Her leadership is highlighted by her advocacy and community response as she worked tirelessly to deliver care to all who needed it during both Hurricane Katrina and COVID-19 pandemic response. As a person with family in Louisiana, I am personally grateful for her leadership and ask you to join me in congratulating Dr. Simonson for this significant achievement.
I’d also like to recognize this year’s Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders (SPPL) Distinguished Service Award, Kristi K. Gullickson, PharmD, MBA, DPLA, FASHP, FMSHP. This honor acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication within their respective sections, significantly influencing the advancement of pharmacy practice. Dr. Gullickson also serves as a member of the ASHP Board of Directors.
Congratulations Debbie and Kristi!
Reflective of the service celebrated above, I also want to call attention to the ongoing work of the Section. Specifically,
- A very successful MCM2023 with a number of section members’ education sessions and Section networking roundtables.
- An incredible 2023 Conference for Pharmacy Leaders including multiple networking events in collaboration with the terrific resident leaders of the Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residents’ Collaborative.
- The launch of an advocacy campaign on pharmacy technician final verification with the goal of all states with these capabilities.
- Completion of a manuscript and planned session at 2024 Conference for Pharmacy Leaders addressing sexual harassment.
- Continued focus on pharmacy technicians and the development of new roles in the pharmacy enterprise.
- Support of advocacy on 340b and site neutrality issues.
- New podcasts including:
Our Executive Committee and volunteers continue our commitment to creating community, networking, and resources with our work as part of the ASHP Leadership Center. If you haven’t had a chance to review the different opportunities to engage you can review these efforts to learn more about ASHP’s:
- Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders
- Pharmacy Executive Leadership Alliance
- Pharmacists in C-Suites
- Pharmacy Administration and Leadership Residents’ Collaborative
As we look forward to the coming year and warmer weather, I would like to remind you to mark your calendars for the upcoming ASHP Pharmacy Futures Meeting to debut in Summer 2024 which will include ASHP’s first-ever AI Summit and more! This event serves as an invaluable opportunity to connect with colleagues, stay updated on the latest developments in pharmacy practice, and participate in enriching educational sessions. I look forward to connecting at this important gathering.
Be on the look out in the next 30 days as ASHP opens the appointment processes for Section appointments for our advisory groups and committees! For more information see: Section Appointments.
In closing, thank you for all the work you are doing to support the Section, our profession, and most importantly our patients. We want to know what issues you are facing and how we can better meet your needs, so please email us at [email protected] at any time.
Yours in pharmacy,
Lindsey R. Kelley, PharmD, MS, FASHP
Chair, Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders (2023-2024)
Associate Chief of Pharmacy
University of Michigan Health, Michigan Medicine
