In celebration of Women’s History Month 2024, @ASHP Official is highlighting three pharmacist member leaders who volunteered to serve our Nation through federal service. In this episode, we speak with Rear Admiral (retired) Pamela Schweitzer, Captain Kailee Fretland, and Lieutenant Colonel Margaret (Maggie) Felix about their personal experiences and perspectives on opportunities for women in leadership.
Rear Admiral Pamela Schweitzer, PharmD, (she/her) was assistant surgeon general and 10th chief pharmacist officer of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps (2014-2018). Of her 29-year career in federal service, she served at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and varied assignments in the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Schweitzer continues to support the pharmacy profession and national public health initiatives, especially in rural and underserved communities- emergency preparedness, interoperability, payment for services.
CAPT Kailee Fretland, PharmD, BCPS, (she/hers) is direct descendent of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2002, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 2006, she completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency in 2007 and is completing her master's in health service administration at the University of Wyoming. She is board certified in pharmacotherapy, and has served as a clinical pharmacist, Pharmacy Director, Pharmacy Residency Director and is currently the Principal Pharmacy Consultant for IHS and an officer with the United States Public Health Service.
Lieutenant Colonel Maggie Felix, PharmD, MOS, BCPS, (she/her) is a PGY2 HSPAL resident at University of Kentucky Healthcare. Graduating with a PharmD from the University of Washington in 2007 and a Master of Operational Studies from the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College in 2020, LTC Felix served on active duty from 2012-2015. As a Reserve Officer, she deployed as the USCENTCOM Pharmacy Consultant during the COVID-19 vaccine launch in 2021 and will take Battalion Command in Spring 2024.
Eric Maroyka, PharmD, BCPS, (he/him/his) is senior director, practice advancement and policy development at ASHP. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy and PharmD from Rutgers University and completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Previously, he was the director of pharmacy at Fauquier Health in Warrenton, Virginia and served over 22 years in the United States Army working in a variety of pharmacy and senior healthcare leadership roles.
