HOPA Publications Committee

Christan M. Thomas, PharmD, BCOP, Editor

Lisa Cordes, PharmD, BCOP, BCACP, Associate Editor

Renee McAlister, PharmD BCOP, Associate Editor

Lydia Benitez, PharmD, BCOP

Alexandra Della Pia, PharmD, MBA, BCOP

Jeff Engle, PharmD, MS

Karen M. Fancher, PharmD, BCOP

Chung-Shien Lee, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS

Robert Steven Mancini, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA

Bernard L. Marini, PharmD, BCOP

Alan L. Myers, PharmD, PhD

Gregory T. Sneed, PharmD

Diana Tamer, PharmD, BCOP

Kristin Held Wheatley, PharmD, BCOP

HOPA News Staff

David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, Board Liaison

Michelle Sieg, Communications Director

Joan Dadian, Marketing Manager

View PDF of HOPA News, Vol. 19, no. 3

Board Update: Summer Review and Autumn Preview

Heidi D. Finnes, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA
HOPA President (2022–2023)
Senior Manager, Pharmacy Cancer Research
Director, Pharmacy Shared Resources, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Rochester, MN

Even though summer is winding down, many HOPA initiatives are picking up. Committees turned over in June and their work, along with the work of several Task Forces, has begun. New this year are the Wellness Task Force, focused on combatting burnout, and HOPAmbassadors Task Force, charged with creating an infrastructure for members to become messengers of hematology oncology pharmacy.

HOPA Welcomes Nicole Watts, PharmD, BCOP
Dr. Nicole Watts was recently appointed to the HOPA staff as Director of Strategic Partnerships. Having a hem/onc pharmacist on staff has already begun to yield strong relationships, which we look forward to telling you more about in the coming months. Nicole Watts most recently held a dual position as Clinical Pharmacist in Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and Residency Program Director at the University of Alabama Birmingham.

HOPA in Washington, DC
Practice Management 2022, themed “The Practice of Perseverance,” will occur around the time you receive this issue of HOPA News. That same week, a number of HOPA volunteers will participate in Hill Day, which is returning to in-person! We continue to educate senators and representatives on issues related to oral chemo parity, drug shortages, biosimilars, and the role of the hematology oncology pharmacist and importances of pharmacist recognition as a provider.

Also this month, the HOPA-ASCO 6-Month Quality Training Program will begin with a cohort of HOPA members getting instruction – and gaining hands-on experience – in designing and implementing their own quality projects. Each of the above takes place in Washington, DC, over the course of just five days.

Time to Think Strategically
Recently, the Board of Directors and other HOPA stakeholders took the time to think strategically about the association. Led by 2b Communications & Strategy Group, we brainstormed how to best fulfill our mission of educating hematology/oncology pharmacists and elevating the profession – all while working toward the day that everyone going through cancer treatment has a pharmacist as an integral member of their care team. Enhancements to our Strategic Plan will be released in early 2023.

When it comes to the future of HOPA, as a member, you have a voice! Please vote when the Annual Board Elections take place in November.

Quarterly Town Hall
We have also created a quarterly HOPA Town Hall, where leaders, members, and staff come together to discuss important topics. During each meeting, information will be shared, followed by a live Q&A. Our first HOPA Town Hall was held July 27, 2022 on the topic of Leadership Development and had more 113 registrants! We are appreciative of your submission of topics for our HOPA Town Hall sessions. The next Town Hall is Tuesday, October 18, 2022 and we will discuss HOPA Advocacy efforts.

Did you Know?

• American Pharmacists Month is right around the corner, beginning on October 1! It recognizes the role pharmacists play in our health, communities, and lives. Watch for HOPA’s month-long celebration, including Women in Pharmacy Day on October 12.
• Oral and IV Chemo Education Sheets, in collaboration with NCODA, ONS, and ACCC, are available for download, with more new releases to come!
• HOPA and Pharmacy Times have partnered to create a 12-month video series, featuring HOPA members. Go to pharmacytimes.com and look for us under Resources and then Partners.