HOPA Publications Committee
Christan M. Thomas, PharmD BCOP, Editor
Renee McAlister, PharmD BCOP, Associate Editor
Lisa Cordes, PharmD BCOP BCACP, Associate Editor
Andrea Clarke, PharmD BCOP
Jeff Engle, PharmD MS
Ashley E. Glode, PharmD BCOP
Sidney V. Keisner, PharmD BCOP
Chung-Shien Lee, PharmD BCOP BCPS
Heather N. Moore, PharmD BCOP
Gregory Sneed, PharmD
Diana Tamer, PharmD BCOP
Jennifer Zhao, PharmD BCOP
View PDF of HOPA News, Vol. 18, no. 1
Board Update: Spring Forward
David DeRemer, PharmD BCOP FCCP FHOPA
HOPA President (2020–2021)
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Assistant Director, Experimental Therapeutics, University of Florida Health Cancer Center
Gainesville, FL
John F. Kennedy profoundly wrote, “Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past and present are certain to miss the future.” As we look back over the past year, COVID-19 has significantly impacted our daily lives and has led to substantial changes that may persist well into our futures.
In this issue of HOPA News, member contributors share their experiences and insight on how COVID-19 has disrupted pharmacy practices. Among other changes, telehealth services emerged in the management of oral chemotherapy, as discussed in the cover story.
The need to adapt has led to substantial change for many within our organization. Is the practice transformation toward telehealth cemented in our professional futures? What other changes may persist long after the pandemic? For additional insight, I encourage you to attend our Annual Conference 2021 (AC21) where there are Clinical Pearls dedicated to this topic.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
As a society, the narrative has shifted from diversity and inclusion toward equity; as an organization, we are committed to adapting to these changes. HOPA continues to be engaged with other pharmacy organizations within Joint Commission of Pharmacy Practitioners (JCPP) to prioritize strategies to combat racial injustice.
In January, all HOPA Board members and staff virtually attended a DEI retreat led by Priya Jindal from Nextpat. I know I speak for everyone when I say this experience was valuable for us as individuals and collectively as a cohesive group. The retreat incorporated a comprehensive review of the DEI membership survey that you completed (n=168 member responses). Thank you for your participation in this important assessment. I look forward to presenting this data, along with our organizational activities of the past year, during AC21.
There are several other opportunities to participate in DEI initiatives at AC21, too. There will be a panel discussion on health disparities in cancer care during one of the BCOP sessions and the John G. Kuhn Keynote Lecture is entitled, “Dismantling Structural Racism in Pharmacy.” The keynote will be given by Lakesha M. Butler, PharmD, BCPS, Clinical Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice; Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, Southern Illinois University College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Butler was selected by our Annual Conference Planning Committee based on her national reputation. She is the immediate Past-President of the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA) and a national leader in promoting diversity initiatives.
Annual Conference 2021
By now, many of us are experiencing virtual fatigue and with the conference just weeks away, I wanted to highlight how our online meeting will come to life.
You will still get the historically excellent hematology/oncology education and professional networking you’ve come to expect. And, there will be plenty of industry collaboration and member research, along with social connectivity – in every sense of the word.
A 3D virtual platform called 6Connex will foster engagement and minimize virtual fatigue. With gamification, social networking and connection, and real-time meeting analytics, we hope to create the same environment Portland would have provided (minus the rain).
I’m personally very excited about the Patient Advocacy Town Hall, which will be facilitated by the Patient Outreach Committee led by Jennifer Powers and James Connelly. Special acknowledgement goes out to everyone making the patient town hall possible. I look forward to seeing my “old” professional colleagues, as well as many of our new trainees, clinical specialists, administrators, and industry partners.
Transitioning to a HOPA Ambassador
This is my final HOPA News Board Update as President. It has been an honor to serve this wonderful organization. While serving in this capacity during a year when we changed management companies (during a pandemic), wasn’t always easy, I do feel fortunate.
I have been surrounded by a great team, including the HOPA Board, staff, committees, and many members whose support I have felt and appreciated. I want to personally thank outgoing Board members, Susie Liewer, Sally Barbour, and Jeremy Whalen for their insight, activity, and commitment to our organization.
Soon, I will assume the role of Past-President but specifically will engage as a HOPA Ambassador. I am looking forward to this new role and will continue to strive to advance our organizational mission, advocate for cancer patients, engage in committee activities, mentor members as needed, and most importantly promote positivity.
At the Annual Conference, Larry Buie will assume the role of HOPA President and I am eagerly looking forward to his leadership. For now, your “virtual” President is signing off.