Lisa M. Gersema, BSPharm, PharmD, MHA, BCPS, CPEL, FASHP, FMSHP (lisa.gersema@allina.com) is the system director of clinical pharmacy services for Allina Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota. She completed her BSPharm, PharmD., and a one-year fellowship in clinical pharmacology at the University of Iowa. She received her MHA from Simmons College located in Boston. She has maintained her BCPS since 1993 and became a Certified Pharmacy Executive Leader in 2022.
In her current role, she provides leadership of clinical pharmacy services to develop, advance, and optimize system practice standards. This is inclusive of formulary management, cost-savings initiatives, policy harmonization, EMR clinical decision support, development of practice standards and outcomes, and clinical workload metrics for use at 10 hospitals in the health system. Prior to this position, Gersema was director of pharmacy and clinical manager at United Hospital, part of Allina Health, for more than 25 years. As director, she advanced a decentralized and integrated pharmacy practice model emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and team-based care.
Gersema’s service to ASHP includes serving as president and on the board of directors, chair of the International Accreditation Commission, chair of the Council on Pharmacy Practice, member of the Commission on Therapeutics, chair of the ASHP Task Force on Opioids, served in the House of Delegates representing Minnesota, and was a member of several other ASHP committees and advisory groups. She also served as president and treasurer of the Minnesota ASHP affiliate (MSHP). She received MSHP’s Hallie Bruce Award (highest honor bestowed by MSHP) and the Hugh F. Kabot Award (leadership and innovation).
We live in a chaotic and challenging time. It can be daunting to demonstrate positive outcomes and the value of our professional services while evaluating practice advancements, implementing innovative technologies, and managing unprecedented financial challenges in this environment. Collaboration between ASHP leadership, staff, and members is essential to remain nimble and effectively engaged, and to capture and disseminate the extensive knowledge, wisdom, creativity, and aspirations of ASHP members. These efforts must include:
- Providing leadership and developing best practices on the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence and other innovations to advance efficient pharmacy practice
- Assertively advocating with legislators and regulatory bodies to recognize pharmacists as providers, advance the role of technicians, and ensure safe medication use and supply
- Supporting research and programs that enhance well-being in our pharmacy environments and workforce
- Promoting collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to quantify pharmacists’ unique and irreplaceable contributions to positive clinical and fiscal outcomes
I have witnessed the vital role of the ASHP treasurer in providing oversight and communication regarding ASHP’s financial status to the board and ASHP members. The treasurer’s role to ensure resources are available to sustain ASHP’s rich history to advance pharmacy initiatives is a critical one. The treasurer’s previous board experience also positions them to provide insight, context, and mentorship regarding historical Board activities or decisions.
Through our collective wisdom, I am confident we can be successful in advancing our agenda in these challenging times. I would be honored to serve as treasurer to contribute to this success.