HOPA 2019–2020 Publications Committee
Megan Dillaman, PharmD BCOP, Editor
Lisa M. Cordes, PharmD BCOP BCACP, Associate Editor
Christan M. Thomas, PharmD BCOP, Associate Editor
LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD BCOP CPP FHOPA, Board Liaison
Jessica Auten, PharmD BCOP BCPS
Andrea Clarke, PharmD
Jeff Engle, PharmD MS
Sarah E. Hoffman, PharmD BCOP
Sidney V. Keisner, PharmD BCOP
Bonnie A. Labdi, PharmD BCOP
Chung-Shien Lee, PharmD BCOP BCPS
Renee K. McAlister, PharmD BCOP
Heather N. Moore, PharmD BCOP
Jennifer S. Philippon, PharmD candidate
Kendall Shultes, PharmD BCOP
Andrew Tiemann, PharmD candidate
Candice M. Wenzell, PharmD BCOP
Michael J. Williams, PharmD
View PDF of HOPA News, Vol. 17, no. 1
Board Update: Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Susanne Liewer, PharmD BCOP FHOPA
HOPA President (2019–2020)
Clinical Associate Professor, PGY-2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency Director
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy
Omaha, NE
The members of HOPA’s board of directors hope you had a restful and enjoyable holiday season full of good times with family and friends, as well as some time to relax after a busy year. At the start of each new year, it is common to reflect on our past endeavors, and 2019 was a busy and productive year for HOPA and our members!
HOPA had many significant accomplishments during the past year. In 2019 our membership increased to more than 3,200! That membership includes pharmacists and technicians who are involved in all phases of oncology pharmacy. It is made up of students; residents; inpatient, outpatient, infusion center, and specialty pharmacists; and those who work in the pharmaceutical industry. HOPA’s diverse membership allows us to provide a variety of educational and professional opportunities, whether a person is just starting out in oncology pharmacy or is a seasoned practitioner.
HOPA’s educational offerings in 2019 were superb! Our annual conference, held in Fort Worth, TX, provided outstanding education for the more than 1,000 members who attended the live conference and those who attended virtually. HOPA also collaborated with the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy to host a Value in Cancer Care Forum, “Pharmacy’s Call to Action,” in Washington, DC, in June 2019. Experts representing all phases of health care came together to discuss the ever challenging task of defining value in the treatment of cancer. In September, HOPA’s Practice Management program, held in Charlotte, NC, was well attended and provided real-world education for our members who work in the field of pharmacy administration. In addition to our live educational offerings, HOPA continues to provide members with webinars, on-demand education, and opportunities for Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP) credit. In 2019 HOPA was proud to offer sessions totaling 38 BCOP credits for members seeking continuing education or advanced clinical education.
HOPA members were incredibly productive in 2019 in various aspects of oncology pharmacy. Whether they were asking questions or sharing their experiences in HOPA’s e-mail discussion groups, completing committee charges, or participating in collaborations with allied organizations, our members were promoting the role of the oncology pharmacist. HOPA, in collaboration with the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS), published the position statement “Ensuring Healthcare Worker Safety When Handling Hazardous Drugs.” HOPA and ONS highlighted the changes in U.S. Pharmacopeia General Chapter 800 and the ways to best protect our members from exposure to hazardous agents. In addition, HOPA also published a Women in Leadership white paper highlighting the challenges that women may face in leadership roles and issuing a call to action to address inequities. We thank each HOPA member who worked on our committees and task forces or served as writers, reviewers, or educational speakers. Your work is inspiring, and your contributions are truly appreciated.
As grateful as we are for HOPA’s remarkable accomplishments in 2019, we are looking ahead to the many things lined up for a wonderful 2020! Our 2020 annual conference will be held in Tampa, FL, and our Annual Conference Committee has an exceptional roster of clinical experts in their fields who are looking forward to sharing their experiences with attendees. In the John G. Kuhn Keynote Lecture, Leigh Boehmer, PharmD BCOP, will share his personal experiences as a survivor of metastatic testicular cancer. We look forward to learning from Dr. Boehmer and our clinical faculty at the conference. In 2020 HOPA will also offer a BCOP Preparatory and Recertification Course for those members wishing to prepare for the BCOP exam or take a review course for their continuing education. HOPA looks forward to continued collaborations with Medscape Oncology to provide oncology education to a broader pharmacy audience. Check out the shared webpage by registering for free at www.medscape.org/sites/advances/hopa. Finally, be on the lookout for our first podcast and the launch of our core competency certificate program. The year ahead promises to be fruitful indeed!