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A Mantra to Live By: Sí Se Puede! (Yes, You Can!)

Melissa A. Ortega

When thinking of Melissa, words such as passionate, proud, value-centered, and the ultimate professional quickly come to mind. She has focused her career on championing pharmacy practice advancements locally and nationally across the care continuum. She is currently Vice President, Ambulatory Pharmacy Services at Tufts Medicine.

Melissa received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Nova Southeastern University and completed her pharmacy practice and health-system pharmacy administration residencies at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. She has served as President of the Massachusetts Society of Health-System Pharmacists and has made sustained contributions to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Recently she has served as Chair of the ASHP Section of Community Pharmacy Practitioners and on the ASHP Racial Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce.

Melissa’s letter is inspirational to all members of society, including those in the pharmacy profession, as she reflects on her professional journey as a minority in our profession. Honoring her Latin heritage, Melissa shares a mantra to live by: Sí Se Puede!

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My Cancer Experience Taught Me to Put Patients First

Robert J. Weber

Because of his close call with cancer, Bob is very focused on living in the moment, being a better family person, and putting patients first. He shares a patient’s perspective on enduring chemotherapy. He is also very dedicated and passionate about continuing The Ohio State Pharmacy Leadership Training Legacy and is the Director of the Latiolais Leadership Program in the College of Pharmacy. For several years, he has authored and coordinated the monthly Director’s Forum column in Hospital Pharmacy, which is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. Bob brings several decades of leadership experience in two academic medical centers both in the service side and the colleges of pharmacy having begun practice as a critical care clinical pharmacist who maintains his board certification.

Bob received his bachelor of science, master of science, and doctor of pharmacy degrees from The Ohio State University, College of Pharmacy. He completed a residency at Grant Hospital. Bob is a professor of pharmacy and Director of Ohio State’s MS in Hospital Pharmacy Administration and Leadership.

Bob gives this great advice: Please do not let hardships in your life change your course; establish the right course, and you will find out that hardships will be easier.

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Networking Is Not Overrated, It Is Underestimated

Barbara Schlienz Prosser

If you were to ask members of Barb’s team about working with her, you would hear terms such as fairness, caring, supportive, doing the right thing, and networked. Barb is a leader that understands the value of a team, getting things done as a team, and the importance of a network. As you will read, she learned these lessons early in her career and has used them in many aspects of her life.

Barb currently serves as Vice President of Health Economics and Outcomes Research for Soleo Health and has more than 30 years in the home infusion industry. She has helped develop and shape this industry through volunteer leadership positions in organizations such as the National Home Infusion Association, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Joint Commission, including serving as a Surveyor in the Home Care, Ambulatory, and Network Accreditation programs for the Joint Commission. Since her retirement in July of 2022, Barb has worked as a per-diem HEOR Associate at Soleo. She received her pharmacy degree from the University of Florida, College of Pharmacy.

Barb’s letter focuses on the value of networking. Through her personal experiences, you will relate to situations where you will benefit from your professional or personal network for help or support. As Barb states, it’s never too early in your career to network.

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Nurture an Enduring Passion for Patients and the Profession

Billy W. Woodward

During any discussion with Billy about his profession, you will almost certainly hear him say that it is about the people we serve and our genuine love, respect, and concern for them; that you must have a “fire in the belly” to fulfill your professional dreams; and that an enduring passion for the patients and the profession will sustain you in your career. His passion for his work and his profession is about a vision far greater than himself: It is about purpose and a better and safer care of patients.

He is currently President of Renaissance Innovative Pharmacy Services, Ltd., in Temple, Texas, and is also a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas. For 25 years he was Corporate Director of Pharmacy for the Scott & White Health System in Temple, Texas, and also served as Director of Pharmacy and Central Services at Methodist Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.

Billy actively supports the pharmacy profession through his work in professional organizations. He has served in leadership positions in the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the ASHP Foundation, and the International Pharmaceutical Federation. He has received numerous awards including the ASHP Distinguished Leadership Award and the Harvey A.K. Whitney Lecture Award—ASHP’s highest award for health-system pharmacy. Billy received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Billy provides a great insight: Passion and purpose will provide direction for you during those difficult and challenging times in your career.

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Pharmacists Finally Forged Their Place in the World of Public Health

Susan L. Sutter

Susan L. Sutter is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and has spent her entire career caring for patients in her communities and advancing the practice of pharmacy. She is passionate about community pharmacy practice and is a great role model of a pharmacist who has maximized opportunities to serve and improve the health of her communities. Additionally, Susan is a great mentor and inspires others to practice in a manner that improves the health of their communities.

Susan has served her profession through leadership positions in local pharmacy organizations, national pharmacy organizations, the University of Wisconsin Alumni Association, and the Wisconsin Pharmacy Examining Board. She has been honored with the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin Distinguished Service Award and the Bowl of Hygeia Community Service Award, Alumni of the Year, and numerous other awards.

Susan believes there is opportunity and a significant role for pharmacists in caring for and improving the health of their community. She shares her experience and advice in her letter “Pharmacists Finally Forged Their Place in the World of Public Health.”

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Planning for the Future

Sara J. White

Everyone needs a “Sara” in their life! In a very nonjudgmental manner, Sara wants only the best for you. She takes time to understand you and your vision for your career and life, and helps you along the journey to your vision. Her title may be mentor, coach, or friend, but she is always there to support you during the difficult times along the journey and to congratulate you during the good times. In her letter, Sara discusses a portion of life’s journey that everyone should plan for—retirement.

Sara currently serves as a faculty member of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation’s Leadership Academy and a member of the Board of Directors of Omnicell, Inc. Formerly, she served as the Director of Pharmacy at Stanford Hospital and Clinics.

Sara received her bachelor of science degree from Oregon State University and her master of science degree from The Ohio State University, where she also completed her residency. She has served the profession of pharmacy in many leadership positions including President of ASHP. She has been honored as a recipient of many awards including the ASHP Distinguished Leadership Award and the Harvey A.K. Whitney Award, ASHP’s highest award for health-system pharmacy.

Here Sara tells us: there is no “right way” for a career to evolve, and it is never too early to start planning for the future.

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Pursuing Constructive Change in Pharmacy

William A. Zellmer

Guru is a Sanskrit term used to describe a mentor, guide, or expert in a field or movement. If health-system pharmacy had a master guru, it would surely be William A. (Bill) Zellmer. Bill spent four decades of his career as an executive at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). While he retired from his role as ASHP’s Deputy Executive Vice President in 2009, his impact on the pharmacy profession is still felt through his activities as a speaker, writer, and consultant. Bill is perhaps best known for his powerful, visionary writing that continues to inspire generations of pharmacists. As editor-in-chief of AJHP, Bill penned more than 200 editorials addressing contemporary—and sometimes controversial—issues affecting the profession. So powerful were his editorials that a compilation of many of them was published as the popular book, The Conscience of a Pharmacist—Essays on Vision and Leadership for a Profession, in 2002.

Bill received his bachelor of science in pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin and a masters in public health at Johns Hopkins University. He is currently president of Pharmacy Foresight Consulting, which supports clients in the areas of strategic and professional issues in pharmacy practice and education. As founding editor of the annual Pharmacy Forecast report published by the ASHP Foundation, Bill lectures frequently on trends and issues that impact pharmacy, health policy, and our healthcare system. He is passionate about preserving, sharing, and learning from the history of pharmacy and is a past president and engaged member of the American Institute of the History of Pharmacy. In his letter, Bill reminds us that pharmacy history can foster pride in being part of an endeavor that has a grand purpose in society, thereby creating a deeper bond with the profession.

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Serve Your “Every Patient”

Diane B. Ginsburg

Those of us who know Diane might describe her as someone unfazed by the level of stress that would send some right to the cardiologist, easily juggling priorities that would cause many to crack, and doing so in this season’s premier designer shoes. When things start to feel manageable, Diane purposely goes in search of new challenges. As an example, she decided to pursue her doctorate degree at one of the busiest times of her life, a decision prompted by tragedy. Teaching is her passion, and she realized the degree would help her be a better professor and administrator. She finished her PhD coursework at the University of Texas at Austin (UT) with a perfect 4.0, and her dissertation in five months of course.

Pharmacy was not in Diane’s original career plans, but serendipity played a significant role in her career path. As with other aspects of Diane’s life, once she decided to be a pharmacist she was all in, working almost full-time as a pharmacy intern while in pharmacy school.

Diane is currently Clinical Professor & Associate Dean for Healthcare Partnerships at the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. She completed her bachelor of science degree in pharmacy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, a master of science degree in hospital pharmacy at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, a doctor of philosophy in higher education administration and leadership at UT, and a two-year ASHP-accredited residency in hospital pharmacy administration at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. An active American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) member and volunteer, Diane is a past President of ASHP and former Chair of the Board of the ASHP Research and Education Foundation.

Diane’s letter describes the concept of “every patient” taught to her by her mother, a philosophy that has made her a better pharmacist.

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Social Relevance, Purpose, and Legitimacy

Henri R. Manasse Jr.

Many have experienced life-enriching conversations with Henri, and if you enjoy time with people who make you think, Henri will be at the top of your list. He often brings a social, moral, and global perspective to conversations and has a unique ability to connect those perspectives to practical aspects of your life. He is intensely devoted to his family, profession, friends, and his societal purpose. Here he draws from his personal family history through which he powerfully states that a profession must exist in a bigger social context.

Henri retired as the Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). He has served as Vice President for Health Sciences and Professor at the University of Iowa, Interim Vice Chancellor for Health Services University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center, and Dean and Professor at the University of Illinois, College of Pharmacy. He continually worked throughout his career to improve patient care by serving in leadership positions for professional organizations including the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, the Federation International Pharmaceutique, and the National Patient Safety Foundation.

Henri received his bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois, his master of arts degree from Loyola University, and his doctor of philosophy degree from the University of Minnesota. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Harvey A.K. Whitney Lecture Award, ASHP’s highest award for health-system pharmacy, and received several honorary doctor of science degrees from major universities. He was inducted into the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences in 1996.

Here Henri encourages you to consider your role as a professional in a free and democratic society.

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Stay True to Your Values

Ernest R. Anderson Jr.

You will never meet a more values-centered person than Ernie. He has an incredibly strong foundation in his faith, has built a very successful career as a servant leader, and is proud of his success in building supportive cultures allowing individuals to thrive. His faith and values have certainly guided him through challenging times when there were conflicts with his values in his work environment. Such experiences served to strengthen his commitment to his values and through his letter you will benefit from his experiences.

Ernie is the founder of Ernest R. Anderson, Jr. Consulting, Inc., and consults in all aspects of pharmacy practice with health-system pharmacies. He is formerly System Vice President of Pharmacy at Steward Healthcare and has held various leadership positions in hospitals and health systems during his career. He is also Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy at Northeastern University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He is also active in various professional organizations and is an author and national speaker on numerous leadership and pharmacy practice topics. He received his bachelor of science and master of science degrees from Northeastern University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions.

Ernie shares that there will likely be times in your career that your values are challenged and encourages you to carefully consider the values that are important to you and your life and stay true to them.

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There Is No Growth in a Comfort Zone and No Comfort in a Growth Zone

Jennifer L. Riggins

Jennifer is a busy medical affairs professional, association volunteer, avid sports fan, and mother of three young adult sons. She was initially drawn to the profession of pharmacy because it paid well, offered many diverse career options, and provided the flexibility that she valued. She freely admits the factors that first attracted her to pharmacy are different from those that keep her excited about her work now. She has spent her career in the pharmaceutical industry, working in various roles in medical information and medical affairs, and now consults for those same areas. While she is passionate about her work now, her first role as a neuroscience medical information specialist proved to be anything but her dream job. Her letter provides insight into dealing with such a scenario and other challenges that may come your way. She advises you to be courageous and bold, and to look for growth opportunities even if they take you outside your comfort zone.

Jennifer is now retired from Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis and has started a successful medical affairs consulting business. She had been with Lilly since 1993, serving in a number of progressively responsible positions in medical information, medical communications, medical digital, and global medical affairs. Jennifer received her doctor of pharmacy degree with honors from Butler University. Jennifer provides sage advice: stay true to yourself and find the right balance in your professional and personal life.

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Venture Out of Your Comfort Zone

Richard D. Caldwell

Fun and adventuresome are two words that will come to mind when you meet Richard. As you will read, he enjoys new opportunities and is often in search of new knowledge and experiences to satisfy his sense of adventure. International travel is one source of adventure for Richard. In his current role, he travels the globe experiencing and learning new cultures, has firsthand observations of healthcare and pharmacy practice in foreign lands, shares his pharmacy knowledge and experience, and, of course, enjoys the international food.

Richard was Senior Manager for International Markets for Omnicell directing global marketing efforts and providing consultations before he retired. He specializes in patient safety, workflow optimization, and pharmacy and nurse efficiency associated with medication automation. Prior to joining Omnicell, he was Associate Director and subsequent Director of Pharmacy Services at Stanford Hospital & Clinics in Palo Alto, California, and has held leadership and clinical positions in community and university hospitals. He also holds faculty appointments at several Colleges of Pharmacy, including University of California at San Francisco, University of Pacific, Albany College of Pharmacy, and Touro University.

Richard’s education and training journey began in his home state of North Carolina with a bachelor of science degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois; and a master of science degree and residency at the University of Kansas. Richard tells us, don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone.

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We Can Have It All, We Just Can’t Always Do It All

Susan A. Cantrell

You can easily spot Susan across the room at a meeting as she is always one of the best dressed. Her competence is more than appearance, however. She has successfully integrated marriage, family, and her career. While at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), she and her team developed and successfully grew ASHP Advantage as a division specializing in conducting cutting edge continuing education programs. Susan has always been an innovator, adopting new technologies and educational models for healthcare professionals.

Susan is currently Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), where she leads the organization in fulfilling its mission of ensuring patients have access to the medicines they need at a cost they can afford. Before joining AMCP in 2016, she was Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Americas for DIA (Drug Information Association).

Susan received her bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy and completed a residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She received her master’s in healthcare leadership at Western Governors University and a certificate in public health from the University of North Carolina Gillings School of Public Health. Susan’s letter offers the following advice: The best you can do is make sure you give equal consideration to career and personal factors when making career choices and deal with the guilt about missing the dance recital, soccer game, or important budget meeting.

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We Need More Pharmacists Outside of Pharmacy

John Michael O’Brien

Those who follow the national health policy dialogue have likely heard of John Michael O’Brien. “JMOB,” as he is sometimes known, is a pharmacist who has long been on a mission to improve the healthcare system and advance patient care. His pharmacy career has followed a nontraditional path that led him to highly influential positions in the health insurance industry, academia, associations, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services where he served as then Secretary Alex Azar’s expert on pharmaceutical pricing policy. If you had met John right out of pharmacy school, his impressive career would have been no surprise to you; it was clear from the beginning he was destined to do important work in healthcare.

An avid sports fan and licensed pilot, John is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Pharmaceutical Council, a health policy research organization dedicated to the advancement of good evidence and science, and to fostering an environment in the United States that supports medical innovation. His letter provides insight for those young pharmacists who might wish to pursue a nontraditional pharmacy journey while still advancing the profession. Emphasizing the importance of building and nurturing relationships, he explains that you don’t have to work in pharmacy to advance the profession.

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What Are You Going to Do for the Rest of Your Life?

Toby Clark

In addition to being a servant and skilled formal big “L” leader, Toby was committed to educating and training young people and as such was a consummate mentor as his letter outlines. He was an example of being extremely influential as a little “l” leader in professional organizations, having worked to assist informatics practitioners to achieve their own American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Section. What was less obvious as you got to know him was he was an avid sailor who has sailed his boats up and down the East Coast for decades. Toby brought to his mentoring over 45 years of leadership and pharmacy teaching experience in both community and academic medical centers. Toby died in 2015.

Toby received his bachelor of science in pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University and his master of science degree from Wayne State University. He completed a residency at Bronson Methodist Hospital. He served as an ASHP Residency Program Lead Surveyor and Practice Management Consultant.

In his letter he gives the following great advice: One of the things that I learned is that an outward projection with a smile on one’s face as well as a happy hello works well in all human relations.

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You Can Only Control Your Choices

Pamela A. Ploetz

If you know Pam, you know that she cares about you. Pam is a lifelong learner who sees the whole picture and has a unique ability to put it in perspective for you. She is a great coach and mentor focusing not only on successful careers but also on success in life. Pam summarizes a few life lessons in this letter. She draws from her personal experiences, shares her thoughts on the situations life can sometimes hand you, and reminds you that you are only in control of your decisions.

Pam spent most of her career at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics in various roles, progressing from staff pharmacist to Associate Director of Pharmacy Practice, Education, and Research, and Director of Pharmacy Practice Residency. She was also Clinical Associate Professor for the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. She served her profession as President of the Wisconsin Society of Hospitals and the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. Additionally she was Chairperson of the Wisconsin State Pharmacy Examining Board. She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.

Pam teaches you to take time when making core decisions and make sure they are the ones that are important to you.

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You Need the Big E: Enthusiasm

Susan Teil Boyer

Just ask Susan and she will tell you that knowing what you want to accomplish coupled with an enthusiastic drive to make it happen will get you a long way down the path of success. Susan’s natural enthusiasm in her work and throughout her life has certainly been a key to her success.

Her pharmacy practice roots are in hospitals where she advanced the practice of pharmacy in hospitals of various sizes. She has served in several pharmacy and hospital administration leadership roles including Vice President and Director, Pharmacy Services, MultiCare Health System, Tacoma and Puyallup, Washington. She has also provided leadership on regulatory matters as Executive Director of the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. Throughout her career she has positively impacted the pharmacy profession in numerous roles and has always been an inspiration in developing residency programs and mentorship of residents. Susan is currently primary faculty for the ASHP Pharmacy Leadership Academy and is an ASHP Consultant. Susan also enjoys giving back to the pharmacy profession through her leadership in state and national pharmacy organizations including serving on the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Board of Directors.

She received her bachelor of science degree from the University of Washington and her master of science degree from The Ohio State University where she also completed her residency in Pharmacy Practice and Administration. Susan tells us: if you are going to advance your career or your cause you need to have enthusiasm.

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Career Decisions Can Be Life-Changing

Tim S. Fuller

Tim S. Fuller graduated from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy in 1969, and he completed the MS/residency program at The Ohio State University in 1974.

Tim has had a varied career working in hospital pharmacy practice and leadership, as well as in academic pharmacy. He also served as a consultant to Washington State Board of Pharmacy. His pharmacy journey has taken him across the country from the West Coast to the East Coast and the Midwest. He retired to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. He found that career decisions can be life-changing.

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Choices Matter

Daniel M. Ashby

Daniel Ashby is well known within the pharmacy profession as a thoughtful and visionary executive with a great legacy of mentoring others and giving back to his profession. Until his recent retirement, he served as vice president and chief pharmacy officer for the Johns Hopkins Health System. He is also a past president of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and has been recognized with many awards for distinguished service including ASHP’s highest honor, the Harvey A.K. Whitney Award. However, his proudest achievement is serving as preceptor for more than 325 pharmacy residents. Dan received his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy in 1971 and his Master of Science degree in pharmacy administration in 1977 from Wayne State College of Pharmacy.

In his retirement, Dan’s legacy of helping others continues as he provides thoughtful insights on the journey to retirement and reminds us that the choices you make along the journey really do matter.

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Commit to Your Life Choices

Christene Jolowsky

Christene Jolowsky graduated in 1981 with her BS in Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota and completed her MS/residency in 1983, also from the University of Minnesota.

Chris has had a rich career in hospital pharmacy and academia and as President of ASHP. Chris advises looking for opportunities that fit your skills and abilities, and she suggests that once you move down your path, don’t regret your choices.

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A Conversation About Retirement

Bonnie Senst

Bonnie Senst’s passion for patient care was evident throughout a career of leadership in pharmacy practice, professional organizations, and healthcare consulting. Bonnie graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1979 and her Master of Science degree in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1989. She served in many leadership roles, including as health system director of pharmacy and other leadership positions, in senior consulting roles, and on the ASHP Board of Directors.

Sharing her retirement journey in this conversation is an example of Bonnie’s commitment to supporting others and giving back. She speaks to her retirement process, including knowing when the time is right to retire and going from “full speed” to retirement.

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Don’t Stop Playing!

Robert J. Weber

While still working as Administrator, Pharmacy Services, Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Assistant Dean and Professor−Practice, College of Pharmacy, Bob Weber shares his thinking about his next act and/or retirement. He received his pharmacy degrees from The Ohio State University (BS, 1980; MS, 1982; PharmD, 2010) and completed his hospital pharmacy residency at Grant Hospital (now Grant Medical Center) and his critical care pharmacy fellowship at The Ohio State University (now Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center).

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old…we grow old because we stop playing!”

— George Bernard Shaw

Don’t stop playing! Specifically, don’t stop “playing” after you stop working. What Bob means by “playing” is making sure activities from your work or personal life continue into retirement or transition. The “playing” that he refers to should be done daily and must be fun, relaxing, and invigorating.

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Don’t Wait to Retire—Live Now

Christina Adams

Christina Adams grabs your attention with her first sentence: “I never wanted to be a pharmacist.” She traces her career and life to currently serving as the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists Chief Pharmacy Officer. Christina discusses how she maximized opportunities and the learnings and observations from how others are handling retirement. Christina completed pharmacy school at the University of Toronto in 2006.

Don’t wait until you are retired to do all the things you want to do in life. Set yourself up for retirement success, so that if you are one of those unlucky ones who never make it to retirement, then at least you can say, “I lived my life to the fullest,” and if you are blessed with a long life, then you have lots to look forward to in the years to come!

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Five Questions to Consider in Your Retirement Planning

David W. Fuhs

David W. Fuhs has worked his entire career to improve the use of medications in a variety of pharmacy practice settings, including hospital, ambulatory, and the pharmaceutical industry. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin in 1983, David completed a 2-year residency and concurrent Master of Science in Hospital Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in 1985. He then completed a 2-year critical care research fellowship and Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Minnesota in 1987.

Helping others, especially patients, as well as leading and mentoring pharmacists and “giving back” have been hallmarks of David’s career. He demonstrates this value as he shares the five questions he views as important when planning for retirement.

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A Glance in the Rearview Mirror

Philip J. Schneider

Phil Schneider graduated with his BS in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin in 1970 and his MS in Clinical Hospital Pharmacy at the Ohio State University in 1975.

Phil enjoyed a long and successful career in pharmacy practice, leadership, and academic environments. He is now enjoying retirement, and through his glance in the rearview mirror he advises us to find and build values that are important as a foundation during our professional career, upon which we can build when we retire.

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Healthy, Happy Family Plus Meaningful Work = Happy Life

Marianne F. Ivey

Marianne F. Ivey received her pharmacy degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1967, and her PharmD and MPH in 1987 and 1992, respectively, at the University of Washington.

Marianne has had a successful career of service and dedication to patient care, pharmacy services, research, and academic and organizational leadership. Marianne’s advice is to find the balance and resilience in your life, including a healthy, happy family and meaningful work.

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I Could Retire, but Should I?

Lea S. Eiland

Lea Eiland shares her career journey and her learnings, indicating she has realized the most important question—what do I want to do?—is critical. It sounds like an easy question, but have you ever really thought about it? What do you want to do? What brings you joy, excitement, or energy?

Lea graduated from The University of Texas at Austin (2001) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and then completed a pediatric specialty residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Lea wishes she would have spent more time with mentors along her career journey as she questioned what’s next several times. They may have asked questions to broaden her thoughts. Time passed, and new opportunities came about. Goals were added but not as many as she had listed when starting out as a pediatric pharmacist in an academic position.

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I’ll Never Stop Working… or So I Thought!

Stephen Allen

Stephen Allen devoted his entire career to helping others and advancing the profession of pharmacy as an executive in pharmacy practice and association management. Steve’s career included 20 years of experience as a pharmacy executive in leading healthcare systems in the District of Columbia area and nearly 20 years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Research and Education Foundation. He is a 1976 Bachelor of Science graduate of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and received his Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1978.

Steve’s desire to help others continues today as he shares the personal and professional aspects of retirement. Steve shares his lessons learned including perspectives on transitioning from career to retirement and living as what his friends and colleagues call “the Poster-Boy of retirement.”

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Job Eliminated: Next Act or Retirement

Kathleen (Kathy) S. Pawlicki

Kathy Pawlicki traces her career and life, and with her decision to eliminate her position she discusses her decision-making process, such as what is best for her organization, what would happen with her professional career, could her household navigate financially, and what would others think?

Kathy received her pharmacy education at Ferris State (1984) and her MS from Wayne State College of Pharmacy. She completed a residency at Providence Hospital, Southfield, Michigan.

I may retire from an employed job but I will never retire from my career in pharmacy. Enjoy every step of your journey and remember your career doesn’t have to end when you stop receiving a paycheck.

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A Letter to My Younger Self

Jannet M. Carmichael

Jann Carmichael completed her BS in pharmacy at the University of Iowa in 1975 and her PharmD degree at the University of the Pacific in 1981.

Jann’s pharmacy career is devoted to advancing clinical pharmacy and patient care. Her talents and skills tell her story as she grew into her leadership roles and long career in the VA Healthcare System. Jann’s advice is to be grateful for what you have and savor the time you have it. And count among your friends and allies people who support you.

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Cover Letters for Your Next Act

Letters for Your Next Act

Navigating a Purposeful Retirement

Sara J. White, Susan Teil Boyer, and Bruce E. Scott

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Life Choices Can Change Your World

Cindi Brennan

Cindi Brennan completed her PharmD degree in 1980 at the University of Southern California and her MHA in 2000 at the University of Washington.

Cindi has a fascinating life story to tell. She devoted her professional career to patient care, pharmacy services, and academic and organizational leadership, then Cindi retired early to sail the world. Cindi’s advice: create a plan to make your dreams come true.

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Life Is Full of Opportunities

Agatha Nolen

Agatha Nolen graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in 1977, received her MS at the University of Oklahoma in 1986, and her PhD in 2011 at Tennessee State University.

During Agatha’s pharmacy career, she has taken advantage of the many opportunities to advance pharmacy practice and pharmacy health-system leadership, and to pay it forward to those she mentored. Agatha considers service to others as the capstone of her career.

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Life Lessons from a Pharmacist and a Train Fan

Bill Puckett

Bill Puckett earned his BS in Pharmacy degree in 1968 from The Ohio State University (OSU) and his MS in Hospital/Clinical Pharmacy in 1970 also from OSU. Bill completed his MBA in Healthcare Administration in 1977 from Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.

Bill shares his passion for pharmacy and for trains. Through his journey, he has an interesting life story to tell, including his advice from Disney’s “plussing,” that is, always try to exceed expectations.

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Making Career and Retirement Choices

Gregory A. (Gregg) Matsch

Gregg Matsch graduated from Washington State University with his BS Pharmacy in 1981 and earned his PharmD degree from Washington State University in 1998.

Gregg shares his hospital and industry pharmacy career choices and retirement planning as well as his advice to those considering life’s journey. Through your career, do not be afraid to try something new. Put your energy into achieving your goals. Seek out a colleague to become your mentor. Find someone to mentor and find and read a good retirement planning book.

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“Matter to Others”: It Is About Your Legacy

John E. Clark

John Clark has served others for more than 40 years. He has done so as a clinician, educator, preceptor, mentor, researcher, and leader in pharmacy. His proud African American and working class family heritage continue to fuel his passion as a role model, supporting others as they pursue, achieve, and sustain professional excellence.

John is a 1974 alumnus of Texas Southern University, a 1979 Master of Science graduate in pharmaceutical administration from Wayne State University, and a 1983 graduate, with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, from Florida A&M University.

Dr. Clark shares his journey, thoughts of retirement, and links his legacy to his mother’s refrain: Do something meaningful that matters to others.

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Moments of Reflection, Simple Pleasures, Appreciation, and Surprises

Prati Wojtal

Prati Wojtal spent a career leading ambulatory pharmacy services, improving patient care, and advancing the profession of pharmacy. The thoughtful, planned, and purposeful approach displayed in her career continues in her retirement. She is a past president of the Wisconsin Society of Health System Pharmacists and was a board member for the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin. Prati earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987 and a Master of Science degree in 1989 from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.

Prati’s dedication to supporting and helping others also continues as she shares her reflections and lessons learned, including making time or reflecting on and exploring your sense of purpose.

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My Planner Is More Important Than Ever

Lois Ann Murray

Lois Ann Murray’s pharmacy career was spent in institutional, retail, hospital, home infusion, nuclear, specialty, GPO, and PBM pharmacy services. In retrospect, she describes her career in the same manner that Sheryl Sandberg describes it in her book Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead. Careers are not necessarily about climbing a corporate ladder; rather, “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder.” The diversity of Lois Ann’s roles in clinical services, sales leadership, operations, general management, and contract management led to her final position, in which she focused on business development strategy. Additionally, excellence in patient care delivery was a core, nonnegotiable value. In retirement, she continues to focus her time in diverse areas and still has a passion for delivery of care to others. Lois Ann received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy in 1976 from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy.

Lois shares her thoughtful approach to living a really good retirement. The key is planning and the ability to pivot when life throws a curveball.

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Now It’s My Time

Henri R. Manasse Jr.

Henri Manasse devoted his career to service in academic and professional organization leadership positions. He is now living a retirement of family time, skiing, teaching, and volunteering his talents to his church and community.

Henri graduated from the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy (1968) and pursued a Master of Arts degree in education from Loyola University of Chicago (1972) and then a PhD from the University of Minnesota (1974) in the behavioral sciences applied to pharmacy.

There are purpose and rewards in working, but you should look forward to retirement with challenges and dreams of a new future.

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Past Retirement Age—But No Plans to Retire

Patricia (Patti) C. Kienle

When Patti Kienle graduated from pharmacy school, she intended to work in community pharmacy; however, as she was looking for her first pharmacist job, it was clear they didn’t want to hire women. Lucky for us, she found her first job in a hospital where she stayed for 25 years, even as it became a regional health system. However, her system pharmacies then became part of a national pharmacy management company, which opened a corporate Medication Safety Manager position, which enabled her to move into the corporate world where, even though she is beyond her retirement age, she continues to work.

Patti graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (now the University of the Sciences) in 1975 and received her MPA from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1983. She completed an Executive Fellowship in Patient Safety from the Medical College of Virginia in 2003.

The keys to being able to ease gracefully into a new position: Groom others for every facet of your responsibilities; delegate what you can; as you are developing skills, accept delegation from others when appropriate; and, be nimble in how you work.

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Preparing for a Soft Landing in Retirement

Jennifer R. Moore

Jennifer Moore enjoyed a more than 30-year career caring for patients through her pharmacy practice and leadership positions. During her career, careful planning and supporting her team were areas in which she excelled. However, her retirement planning started long before her pharmacy career as she realized that a long and enjoyable retirement required financial resources and the ability to identify and pursue her interests beyond her profession. She prepared for a soft landing in retirement and shares her journey.

Jennifer received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California San Francisco in 1984.

In her letter, Jennifer shares that pre-retirement financial planning is important; and equally important is accepting who you are and discovering your interests and passions.

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Retire Early—Best-Laid Plans—Accident

Richard Caldwell

Richard Caldwell shares his practical experiences in answering for himself whether he was financially ready to retire, mentally ready to retire, and to leave his job. He admits that there was also a negative mental connotation to retirement, as it somehow meant he was old. It meant that he was going to stop doing what he had been doing for 40-plus years and do what with his time.

Richard received his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy education at the University of North Carolina (1979). He completed two residences: one (postgraduate year one [PGY1]) in Chicago and one (PGY2 Administration) with his MS at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Making the decision to retire is life changing for both you and your family, but my advice is to set financial goals for retirement, retire for the right reasons, and retire when you are ready to go to your next chapter in life. Rely on your family for advice and support, and expect the unexpected.

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Retirement Is Not a Chronological Date but a Mission/Vision

Ulfat Usta Shanouha

Ulfat Usta shares her approach and thinking about her “retirement.” For her, retirement is a crucial transition full of challenges in handling psychological, physiologic, and economic changes. How we respond and manage those challenges determines the quality of the life we have afterward. Ulfat obtained her degree in pharmacy education in 1982 from St. Joseph University of Beirut, Lebanon.

Think of retirement as just the end of one chapter of your career and the start of a late-career transition.

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A “Sabbatical” Changed the Trajectory of Our Lives

Christine Berger

The foundation of Christine Berger’s successful career in pharmacy practice and education was always her ability to identify practical solutions to complex problems, a characteristic admired by her colleagues. So, when faced with the complex problem of the first year of retirement being possibly the best year of her life and yet she wanted to return to work, the ability to identify a practical solution was needed when her husband did not share the desire to return to work. Christy graduated from the University of Kansas College of Pharmacy with her Bachelor of Science degree in 1976 and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 1994.

Christy shares how her first retirement became a sabbatical and reshaped her view of retirement. By rethinking retirement, she discovered a unique approach to work while pursuing travel interests and learning many lessons along the way.

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Several Next Acts—Some Not Planned

Bonnie Kirschenbaum

Bonnie Kirschenbaum shares her career and life adventures, which illustrate the “next act” concept with those that were planned and those that were not, tracing her development as she moves along.

Bonnie received her BSc Pharm from the University of Alberta (1971) and completed a residency at Ottawa Civic Hospital (1971-72) (University of Ontario Toronto-affiliated) and her MS and residency at The Ohio State University (1974-76). She received the Latiolais Award in 2015. (The award is presented to a graduate of the hospital-systems pharmacy administration program or an individual involved with the development of these programs who has made significant contributions to institutional pharmacy practice.)

Bonnie firmly believes that it’s so important to find your niche. Hers is the financial side of pharmacy in an institutional healthcare setting and the nuances of reimbursement. She urges you to follow your passion and be happy with what you have chosen to do.

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Too Important a Decision to Put into Someone Else’s Hands

Tracy Furgiuele

Tracy Furgiuele has displayed an unwavering work ethic throughout a career devoted to serving patients and leading others in the care of patients in multiple practice settings, including the Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) and pharmaceutical industries. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in the development and successful deployment of clinical strategies that elevated the care of patients. He is a 1982 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy.

Tracy has always been devoted to the continued development of others and advancement through the sharing of information. Here he offers thoughtful guidance as you consider the important decision of retirement, including remembering why you started to work in the first place and deciding what brings you joy.

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Transition to Retirement Can Be Rewarding

Mick Hunt

Mick Hunt received his BS in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University in 1969, his MS in Clinical Hospital Pharmacy from The Ohio State University in 1971, and his MBA from the Lake Forest Graduate School in 1985.

Mick Hunt is retired after a career advancing the practice of pharmacy. His career spanned pharmacy practice, executive leadership in a group purchasing organization, organizational leadership, and academia. On reflection, Mick shares his journey to retirement, his planning, and his lessons learned.

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When and How to Retire

Michael Mustard

Mike shares his experiences and practical advice with the decision to retire, which isn’t as simple as it sounds. He graduated from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in 1977 acknowledging that retiring someday was the farthest thing from his mind.

Be sure you are not retiring from something, but rather retiring to something, and by age 60 have assessed your current situation.

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Your Second Act Can Be As Good As Your First Act

Bill Campbell

Bill Campbell graduated from Oregon State University School of Pharmacy with his BS in 1965, MS in 1967 and received his PhD from Purdue University in 1971.

Bill Campbell’s career in pharmacy education and academia and his retirement are described in two acts. Bill’s advice is that there is a robust second act in life, available for the taking; it can be as good as the first act.

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Are Your Leadership Skills Transferable?

Bruce E. Scott

Bruce discusses considering leadership positions outside hospitals and health systems. He shares that leadership skills are transferable but that there likely will be new skills to learn.