2016 Specialty Pharmacist of the Year Finalists

2016 Specialty Pharmacist of the Year Finalists

As pharmacy director/VP of operations of CareMed Specialty Pharmacy, Bincy Varghese does her best to institute best-in-class disease management programs that have a direct impact on patient outcome and satisfaction, thereby reducing administrative costs and improving overall patient health.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

To help meet the tremendous need for patient/caretaker education and support system expansion, I initiated a disease management program, with the goal of providing ways to care for our patients throughout the course of their therapies.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

I am continually awed and inspired by my patients. My passion for being a pharmacist stems from them.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

There no such thing as impossible: anything can be done if you are passionate enough. Grab ahold of every opportunity: you never know where it will take you.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

In the future, I see pharmacists working in collaboration with physicians in the assessment, evaluation, and management of patients’ diseases and conditions. As in California, other states will begin to see pharmacists as crucial health care providers on the frontlines.

As an advanced clinic pharmacist, Zachery Halford has helped to establish and implement clinical practice changes that have furthered the role of the pharmacist in his hospital. Halford also serves as an assistant professor of pharmacy practice, a role that enables him to pass his knowledge on to the next generation of pharmacists.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Providing sound pharmacy education to the future of the profession has been one of my greatest joys and accomplishments.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

Darkness certainly exists within the walls of our ward, but it pales in comparison to the light we receive from the patients and parents who are fighting against the shadows of cancer.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

C.S. Lewis describes my personal philosophy in a few short quotes: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less,” and “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

VISION FOR PHARMACY

I see pharmacists becoming health care providers, with an increasing role in medication therapy management.

As the pharmacist in charge for Lumicera Health Services, Sharon Faust strives to maintain a culture of patient assistance and care by developing clinical programs that incorporate a relationship-centered care model.

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

I find pride and great achievement in the day-to-day impact of having a great conversation with a patient. Hearing that I’ve made a difference to just 1 person, let alone many, is all the achievement I could ever ask for.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

My biggest source of inspiration is my family. I want to be the kind of person who creates a flourishing space for my infant son while having a positive impact on lives in need of a caring hand.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

Be mindful of the struggles and challenges of those around you, as the gifts and talents you have been given are just that, gifts.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

I believe that pharmacists will continue to increase their role in the health system and become an increasingly large part of the care team.