February 2026
Dear Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists Members,
As we move into spring and continue to witness a changing landscape of health care oversight, I would like to first thank you for your continued engagement and contributions to our work.
I am proud of our profession. Our relentless commitment to provide exceptional patient care which includes evidence-based recommendations and using information that truly improves the lives of the people who put their trust in us.
On a lighter, but just as important, note, I would like to share some updates on recent Section activities and priorities.
The Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists had a strong and visible presence (and a lot of fun) at the Midyear Clinical Meeting. We hosted 15 networking events, including four networking and poster sessions that highlighted the scholarly and practice‑based work of our members. In addition, many Section members contributed as presenters, facilitators, and subject matter experts, reinforcing the Section’s role as a professional home for clinical specialists and scientists and as a trusted source of expertise within ASHP.
Also at the Midyear meeting, our section recognized Martha Roberts as this year’s Distinguished Service Award (DSA) recipient. Her sustained commitment to ASHP and to advancing clinical pharmacy practice exemplifies the values of our Section. If hearing this makes you think of someone you’ve worked with in the Section or beyond it, please consider nominating that person for future awards, such as the DSA, Best Practices Award or John W. Webb Lecture Award, as recognition of service and leadership remains a priority for the Section.
As you are aware, the work of our Section is driven by member involvement through our Section Advisory Groups and committees. These groups support the development of educational programming, contribute to practice initiatives, identify emerging issues relevant to our membership, and serve as a fantastic way to get to know others across the Section. I encourage every one of you to consider volunteering for a Section Advisory Group or committee – it truly is a great way to contribute to the Section’s work while developing leadership skills and professional connections. You’re also in luck! The time is now to submit your application to serve as a member on one the Section’s Advisory Groups and Committees. The application process is open now and closes April 15th: Advisory Group and Committee Appointments
I am also excited to share that this year, the Section continues to work closely with the ASHP Foundation on initiatives that support research, education, and practice advancement. This collaboration has included engagement on the development of a formal, published statement that will illustrate and support pharmacists’ participation in research as well as partnering with Foundation for a second year with the Pharmacist Nutrition Support Patient-Care Impact Program.
As Chair, I serve as the Section’s representative to the ASHP House of Delegates. The virtual HOD is just around the corner, and the live-action HOD will be held at the forthcoming ASHP Futures meeting which is hosted in St. Louis this June. The Executive Committee has been actively engaged in policy development and review, including a new policy to support the role of the pharmacy workforce in research. As your representative, I am committed to ensuring our Section’s voices are heard when policies impacting our practice are reviewed. By engaging in ASHP policy deliberations, our Section can shape pharmacy practice, ensure our evolving roles are supported, and impact patient care
Finally, education remains a core focus of the Section. Current ASHP offerings by our Section include live webinars, podcasts, and Recorded Pharmacist Series (REPs). Check out the full range of programs on ASHP’s website. The ASHP Pharmacy Futures meeting is also a great venue for earning those CME credits, observing the House of Delegates make policy, and it’s a fun, less-hectic-than-Midyear, way to connect with your colleagues.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists and to advancing pharmacy practice. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Chair and look forward to continued collaboration throughout the year.
Sincerely,
Angela Colella, PharmD, BCPS
Chair, ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists
