Inside the Synergy Between HOPA and OPC’s Evolving Educational Impact

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Jolynn Sessions, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, clinical pharmacist and former president of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, reflects on her diverse clinical experiences, including work at academic centers, private practice groups, and the VA, highlighting the growth of clinical pharmacy roles. She also discusses HOPA and its partnership with Pharmacy Times in providing cutting-edge information, expressing admiration for the Oncology Pharmacist Connect (OPC) conference's rapid dissemination of relevant information and high-quality presentations.

Pharmacy Times: Can you discuss your career experience as an oncology pharmacist?

Jolynn Sessions, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA: I really feel like I've been blessed with a variety of different clinical scenarios and situations that I've worked with over time. I've had the opportunity to work at large academic teaching centers and train there. I've been able to work in private practice groups, as well as in my current role at the VA. Coming to meetings and hearing these great presenters in different areas really connects with different parts of my history of patient care. It's always been fascinating to listen to what's going on in stem cell transplant and cellular therapy. Although cellular therapy came after my experience in the stem cell transplant area, it's always so interesting. The science is fantastic, and the advances have been exciting to hear about.

When I was at Emory, I was fortunate to have a variety of experiences, even within that one setting—seeing different patient populations ranging from solid tumors to chronic leukemias to stem cell transplants. That program has continued to grow and expand the opportunities for clinical pharmacists. It's been really rewarding to see how that has developed over time.

My VA experience has been fantastic as well. I appreciate having had those earlier experiences at other places because they really set me up for the role I have now. It allows me, and some of my colleagues, to operate at the top of our licenses. We're seeing patients in follow-up, building rapport, and truly engaging in team-based care. Ideally, patients are seen by the oncologist, then maybe a pharmacist, and then an advanced practice provider—either an NP or PA. We rotate and work to ensure that patients benefit from all the expertise and perspectives within their medical team.

Pharmacy Times: What is your experience with HOPA?

Sessions: My experience with HOPA goes back to its beginning. It's always been my professional home—the heart and soul of what our organization and profession bring to the table. It's been exciting to see all that HOPA is doing. I think back to what it was like 20 or 21 years ago at the beginning of HOPA, PTC, and Pharmacy Times. The various programs and products you’ve put on have been amazing. It’s been a great partnership and collaboration with HOPA, and I’d like to think it helps elevate both of us—delivering cutting-edge, nimble, and important information to the field.

Pharmacy Times: Can you share your experience at OPC 2025 and the significance of these meetings for pharmacists?

Sessions: Oncology Pharmacists Connect—this is the third year, right? I've had the fortune to attend all 3 years, and I continue to be impressed by the speakers and their professionalism. We're about halfway through the programming now, and the leukemia and lymphoma presentation was phenomenal. There’s also a great one on precision oncology going on. I'm blown away by how quickly new information is brought to this conference and how well the teams break it into actionable insights you can bring back to your patient care.