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Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists

Leadership Profile
Meet Abby A. Kahaleh, BPharm, MS, PhD, MPH

ICHP Spotlight Interview

Abby Kahaleh, BS Pharm, MS, PhD, MPH

What is your current leadership position in ICHP?

Volunteer activities on Divisions, Committees and Networks:

Marketing Affairs Division Member in 2016 and 2017
Ambulatory Care Network Member in 2016 and 2017
Annual Meeting Planning Committee in 2014, 2015, 2017
Spring Meeting Planning Committee in 2016

Volunteer activities on individual projects:

Best Practice Judge in 2015
Poster abstract reviewer
Poster judge

Volunteer contributions or offers to assist:

Submitted posters either alone or encouraged students to submit
Speaker or facilitator for the ICHP Annual Meeting 2014-2017
Moderator at the Annual Meeting 2017
Offers to assist with any needs during the state meetings
Diligent in speaking to vendors in exhibit hall to thank them for attending
Submitted articles for publication in KeePosted
Regularly attend Legislative day and serves as a group leader – frequently securing appointments to meet with legislators

What benefits do you see in being active in a professional association such as ICHP?

Since 2011, I’ve enjoyed being an active member of ICHP for the following main reasons:

Networking with my colleagues in academia and various practice settings
Advocacy for advancing pharmacy practice in Illinois
“Keeposted” on current topics that impact our profession
Being a good role model for current and future pharmacists
“Giving back” by paying it forward as a thank you all my mentors

What initially motivated you to get involved in ICHP?

In 2010, I received an offer from the Founding Dean at the Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy to join the college as the Associate Dean for Experiential Education. I participated in the initial Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) site visit. At that time, Scott Meyers was serving on the College Professional Council. I successfully collaborated with Scott to establish the ASHP-SSHP Chapter for the Roosevelt College of Pharmacy.

Where did you go to school?

After I completed my BS degree at the University of Damascus, I obtained a Masters in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Toledo in Ohio. Afterward, I completed a Masters in Health Management and Policy degree from the School of Public Health and a Doctorate in Philosophy (Pharmacy) from the College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.

Where have you trained or worked?

I completed six training certifications from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) in immunizations, diabetes management, dyslipidemia, OTC, MTM, and advanced motivational interviewing.

I worked as an Assistant Dean of Experiential Education at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine COP prior to joining Roosevelt University. I am currently a tenured faculty at RUCOP.

What special accomplishments have you achieved?

I served as a presidential officer at the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) for the Experiential Education Section, Chair of the Public Health SIG Development Committee, Chair of the Curriculum SIG, and the Chair of Communications and Collaborations of the Global Pharmacy Education SIG. Also, I had the privilege to serve as an ACPE Site-Evaluating Team for national and global pharmacy programs.

At ASHP, I served as a national chapter advisor for SSHP. In addition, I served as a reviewer and judge for the managers, practitioners, and residents sections.

At ICHP, I received the “Shining Start Award”. Recently, I received the “2017 ICHP Outstanding Volunteer Award.“

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:

I teach, conduct research, and provide professional service at the Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy. I also present and publish at global, national, regional, and local pharmacy meetings.

Is there an individual you admire or look up to, or a mentor that has influenced your career?

I respect, admire, and look up to our 2017 ICHP award winners -- Pharmacist of the Year, Desi Kotis and Professor Mary Lee

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

Get involved in pharmacy organizations like ICHP/IPhA to advocate for your pharmacy profession. Otherwise, someone else will be making decisions that will impact your future career.

What pharmacy related issues keep you up at night?

The lack of “provider status” and sustainable reimbursement model for Pharmacist Patient Care process that will ultimately impact public health in IL.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?