New Practitioner Network Chair-Elect

Northwestern Memorial Hospital (NMH) – ID/ASP Clinical Pharmacist  

During my ID residency, Sheila Wang, my program director, and I realized the limited public awareness of pharmacists' value to the healthcare team, particularly those working in clinic or inpatient settings. We sought to educate our community on the role of pharmacists within hospitals and how we impact each medication to ensure its safety for every patient. We developed an educational series and focus group sessions spanning several months and included former patients to demonstrate pharmacists' benefits to patients and other clinicians. Patients were amazed to learn what pharmacists did and how much we influence individual patient care, despite not always being in the spotlight. For me, this was such an important lesson to understand. Our profession is often undervalued due to a lack of general understanding, and with a bit of education and promotion, this could change. Our value is clear, and our impact will continue to expand as we show our communities the positive impact pharmacists provide to every team. 

Equitable access to medications, awareness of clinical pharmacists, and the risk of antimicrobial resistance keep me up at night. I think all of these things can be improved with effective communication and advocacy at the individual and organizational level to better champion for ourselves as clinicians and the health and safety of the patients we serve.  

The people make ICHP tick - from the amazingly dedicated staff to the influential members - these folks drive ICHP and the field of pharmacy forward in the state of Illinois. I’ve learned so much from those I’ve met in ICHP and can’t wait to continue working with ICHP to improve the profession and advance patient care. As you become more involved, you realize that ICHP feels more like a family than a professional organization. 

I was fortunate to have wonderful mentors through my residency program at NMH who encouraged me to become involved in ICHP. Desi Kotis and Noelle Chapman shared stories of past meetings and lifelong friendships that blossomed through ICHP. Since then, I have found so much value within the organization in terms of professional development, professional advocacy (including educating the general public about the role of pharmacists!), and meeting friends and colleagues around the state. 

For me, my relationships with Desi, Noelle, and Sheila have been the most impactful. They have shown me various leadership styles with the central themes of connection, communication, and empathy. I’ve seen the impact they have made in their careers, and it inspires me to be outspoken for the profession and lift others as we all climb to improve the lives of those around us. 

Get involved! It’s awkward at first (you may not know anyone), but take the first step and join an organization at your college as well as state or national organizations, like ICHP and ASHP. I joined local chapters at my pharmacy school. I realized the benefits of involvement early, particularly getting connected with great mentors, which motivated me to stay engaged as I moved to the Midwest for residency. If you don’t know where to start or how to get involved, turn to a faculty mentor at your college for tips on getting started. 

I am spending far too much time pretending to be a voice-over actor for my dog Lemon’s inner monologue. She’s going to write a tell-all one day. 

Smyth in West Loop, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere can’t be beat. You feel like you’re dining in your friend’s living room with the open kitchen visible from every table. There’s a record player and impressive wines, so it always makes for a great evening out. I’m originally from Virginia, and the restaurant's origin has VA roots, so I’m drawn to it for a reminder of home.