Christy M. Norman, PharmD, MS, BCPS, CPEL, FASHP (Christy.norman@emoryhealthcare.org) serves as senior vice president of pharmacy at Emory Healthcare. In her role as the senior executive, she leads the strategic direction for practice across the continuum of care, promoting best practices and innovative solutions. Norman is also committed to pharmaceutical education, acting as a preceptor and mentor to pharmacy students and residents, as well as contributing as a guest lecturer on medication effectiveness and safety.
Norman earned her PharmD from the University of Georgia and obtained an MS degree in health system pharmacy administration during her PGY1/PGY2 health-system pharmacy administration residency at The Ohio State University/Wexner Medical Center. She furthered her professional development in leadership through participation in the Emory University Woodruff Leadership Academy.
An active member of the ASHP state affiliate, Norman holds the position of past-president and currently co-chairs the legislative committee. Her engagement with ASHP includes various leadership roles, including chair of the Pharmacy Executive Leadership Alliance (PELA) advisory committee, member of the Pharmacy Practice Accreditation Commission, past chair of the Council on Pharmacy Practice Management, past chair of the Multi-Hospital Pharmacy Executives Committee, and Georgia representative to the House of Delegates. Norman has been recognized as a fellow and earned the designation of Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader.
Norman has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the pharmacy profession, including being named a UGA College of Pharmacy Distinguished Alumni and recipient of the William T. Robie Inclusive Excellence Award.
The landscape and dynamics for healthcare delivery are continually evolving, with pharmacy playing an essential role in developing adaptive solutions. Addressing current challenges while anticipating future opportunities requires leadership, agility, and a proactive approach. A pharmacy colleague once described the profession as being “multilingual” because we must possess expertise in operations, finance, technology, care delivery, and quality/safety, among other areas. Furthermore, pharmacists collaborate with patients, providers, nurses, clinical support professionals, administrative/financial teams, and payors across the continuum of care, always prioritizing patient-centered outcomes. This multidisciplinary perspective has consistently earned the pharmacy profession a trusted position within healthcare.
The moment demands an invigorated and connected workforce that values contributions from all team members, including students, residents, technicians, pharmacists, and support staff. The experience of seasoned practitioners combined with the fresh perspectives of eager new practitioners creates an ideal balance to reconcile past successful practices with future needs.
National statistics predict a shortfall of over 17,000 pharmacists by 2037. ASHP launched the “We’re Your Pharmacist” campaign to spread awareness about the crucial role of pharmacists in delivering safe, effective, and accessible medications. Additionally, the quality of care we provide is strengthened by the positive contributions of a well-trained pharmacy technician workforce. Whether it be navigating costly novel therapeutics, drug shortages, new healthcare policies, or advancements in technology, our patients and communities will be seeking the expertise of our teams. They are counting on us. This is our calling, our mission, and our time.