Debby Cowan, Pharm.D., FASHP

Debby Cowan, Pharm.D., FASHP, realized early in her career that being a pharmacist was a powerful way to be a patient advocate. “Pharmacists make sure the patient’s medication regimen is the best for them, that patients understand how to properly follow that regimen, and that the processes we follow in our hospitals are primarily driven by watching out for patients,” said Debby, who is Pharmacy Director at Angel Medical Center in the small town of Franklin, N.C.

She has been an ASHP member for more than 30 years. “ASHP was an important resource that helped me feel like I was not alone out in my small remote hospital trying to make changes. I had an ally,” said Debby. “I didn’t have easy access to new information, and reading AJHP was the link to how hospital pharmacy should be practiced.”

Over the years, Debby has developed friendships and supportive networks of fellow pharmacists thanks to her ASHP membership. “This sustains my desire to learn and excel. ASHP also allowed me to experience leadership growth opportunities,” said Debby.

Debby served on the ASHP House of Delegates (2009–2011), was a Telepharmacy Task Force Member (2011–2012), and has been a member of the Small and Rural Hospitals Section Advisory Group since its inception in 2007.