October 2025
As I step into the role of Chair for this incredible group of pharmacy leaders, supporters, and colleagues, I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to our immediate past Chair, Megan Musselman, and outgoing Director-at-Large, Andrew Mays. Their leadership and dedication provided a strong foundation and the resources to continue supporting a diverse, enthusiastic, and talented community.
I’m also thrilled to welcome Chair-Elect Brian Potoski and Director-at-Large-Elect Zahra Nasrazadani, along with all our new and returning section members. I hope each of you finds that this Section enriches your practice, sparks new ideas, and serves as an invaluable resource of expertise and collaboration.
Looking ahead to this year, I see much uncertainty – both externally and within our profession. Yet, I am grounded by the dedication of fellow pharmacists who step up to actively support and advance our work by contributing to the SCSS. Despite our varied political and personal opinions, we are all dedicated, at our very core, to exceptional patient care and advancing health system pharmacy practice as outlined in the recently updated ASHP Strategic Plan.
In today’s climate of heightened health care scrutiny, at-risk funding and research support, and reduced centralized resources for our most vulnerable populations, my focus for our Section this year will be on addressing medication misinformation. As clinical specialists and scientists, we will acutely feel the challenge to defend science; to effectively communicate accurate, evidence-based information; and maintain – or earn back – the trust of our patients, their families, lawmakers and our communities. Through the activities and camaraderie of the SCSS, you will have the support and access to the resources to face these challenges head on.
Our strategic priorities for our Section this year include:
- Combating medication misinformation through identification and education
- Enhancing and broadening the roles of the pharmacy workforce in healthcare, with a focus on accountability
- Develop and leverage resources to demonstrate the indispensable role of pharmacists and pharmacy services throughout the continuum of care and across diverse communities
- Serve as subject matter experts when pharmacist input is needed
- Support and facilitate innovative approaches to pharmacy practice resource
This is a Section of members who practice on the cusp of health system pharmacy, and I encourage you to continue challenging how and what we do. Speak up. Share your ideas. Contribute to your Section Advisory Group projects. Know that as individuals you will have impact and as a community, we will make meaningful change.
Visit our section’s resource centers and encourage your colleagues to as well. Take advantage (and create even more!) of the rich content available through podcasts and webinars. Share lessons learned and lean on one another when you need the support.
This year will likely bring big challenges, but I invite you to make SCSS your professional where you can connect, grow and be inspired.
With gratitude,
Angela M. Colella
