Dear SOPIT Members,
As summer reaches its height, we have come to the close of another section year. It is a natural time to reflect on what we accomplished, recognize those who made it possible, and prepare SOPIT for its next season of leadership and growth.
Our focus this year was simple: build on what is working. With the support of our Executive Committee, we strengthened several of SOPIT's most impactful recent changes and continued to solidify our section structure. We also aligned project planning more closely with ASHP's Strategic Plan and member feedback so volunteer efforts remain focused on the issues that matter most to our section and profession.
Stabilization did not mean slowing down. Across our Section Advisory Groups, members completed 27 projects, including publications, professional statements, webinars, blog posts, Resource Center updates, and virtual networking events. Congratulations to our volunteers and leaders on all they accomplished.
We also invested in the future of our specialty. This summer, the Informatics Pharmacy Resident Network will relaunch within the Education and Professional Development Section Advisory Group, connecting the next generation of pharmacy informaticists with mentors, colleagues, and opportunities for growth.
Our charge remains unchanged: to build and share knowledge that improves pharmacy practice. Technologies will evolve, but that purpose remains constant.
More than a decade ago, Dennis Tribble used the boiling frog analogy to describe the risk of gradually adapting to inadequate technology until its limitations feel normal. Artificial intelligence changes the pace. AI can rapidly transform ideas into tools, but without strong design and governance, it can just as quickly normalize opaque, fragile technology.
The skills and curiosity that have made informaticists valuable throughout our profession's history will make us indispensable in the future. Humans remain uniquely capable of imagining what better medication use could look like and leading where innovation should be applied. AI will expand what is possible, and pharmacy informatics professionals will help ensure those possibilities translate into safer, more effective, and more equitable medication use.
Like the moon on a clear summer evening, the future of our specialty shines brightly.
Before closing, I would like to thank our SAG chairs, project leads, contributors, and members for the countless volunteer hours invested in advancing this section. I would also like to recognize Casey Olsen, Jeff Chalmers, Emmanuel Enwere, Kendall Gross, and Bryan Shaw for their service on the SOPIT Executive Committee. Their judgment, partnership, and willingness to tackle difficult questions kept our priorities focused and our momentum steady.
Finally, thank you for the opportunity to serve as your chair. It has been a privilege to learn from you, advocate for our members, and contribute to this section. I look forward to continuing to support SOPIT and seeing what this community accomplishes in the years ahead.
David Agüero, PharmD, MSTL, FASHP, FAMIA
Chair, Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology
sections@ashp.org
