2017 Rising Star of the Year Finalists

2017 Rising Star of the Year Finalists

Lourdes Cross, PharmD, BCACP, CDE

Assistant Professor

Sullivan University College of Pharmacy

Louisville, Kentucky

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

My greatest achievements have involved improving patient care by establishing or enhancing clinical services, mentoring students and residents, and educating those in the community about health promotion and chronic disease prevention.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

As an undergraduate, I volunteered weekly at a free clinic at the local pharmacy and was inspired by the team’s impact on the patients’ quality of life.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

No act of generosity or compassion is ever wasted. As Maya Angelou stated, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

VISION FOR PHARMACY

Increased collaboration among pharmacists and other health care professionals will optimize medication outcomes and promote the highest level of patient-centered care.

Capt. Andrea Russell, PharmD

Pharmacy Flight Commander

United States Air Force

Cheyenne, Wyoming

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Although I have been proud to direct multiple public health initiatives and process improvements, my greatest achievement has been building positive relationships with my patients and my health care teammates. These relationships are built when everyone focuses on providing the best care and achieving the best outcomes for patients.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

I chose to study pharmacy because of all the opportunities pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have to work in different fields—research, quality, direct patient care, health care leadership, and many more. I chose military pharmacy for the opportunity to serve our country’s veterans and their families.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

My personal philosophy is to never take no for an answer, not in a defiant way, but in the way in which you keep trying to find a solution even when you’ve been told it’s not possible. Always keep innovating!

VISION FOR PHARMACY

My vision is to have more pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in health care leadership roles. Having worked on the front lines of health care, pharmacists and technicians understand patient needs and know how to improve health care delivery for patients.

Capt. Brian Welch, PharmD

Pharmacist

United States Air Force

San Angelo, Texas

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENTS

Harnessing my background in computer science, I’ve developed multiple programs that enhance military pharmacy practices. Moreover, I get to pursue this passion while serving the heroes who protect our freedom each day.

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

I was working at my local grocery store when I was given the opportunity to become a pharmacy technician. After a few months, I was blown away by the complexity of pharmacy and fell in love. The 4 pharmacists I worked with were amazing mentors and encouraged me to pursue pharmacy.

PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY

Establish your faith and fully commit. Understand that life will throw you challenges but that the Lord didn’t intend for you to face them alone. Challenges are blessings that help us grow stronger in our faith. Anyone who finds success leaves a hardened path behind.

VISION FOR PHARMACY

Pharmacist roles in health care are ever changing; therefore, the systems we use should enhance our skill set rather than hinder it. We’ve only scratched the surface in realizing the full potential of pharmacist involvement in patient health care.