Jenna Sewell

Her Story

 Dr. Jenna Sewell is from New Orleans, LA. She received her B.S. degree in biology from Xavier University College of Arts and Sciences, M.S. degree in Biological Sciences/Molecular Biology from the University of New Orleans, and Pharm.D. degree from Xavier University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy. Dr. Sewell then completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System in Biloxi, MS. Following PGY1 clinical training, she completed a PGY2 in Medication-Use Safety and Policy at Ochsner Health in New Orleans, LA.

Dr. Sewell is a drug information specialist in the current role of Policy Management Pharmacist. In this role, Jenna is responsible for using knowledge of medication safety, the medication use process, clinical pharmacy, and local and federal law in the management of system pharmacy policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational standards, including collaboration with all relevant stakeholders. She is also involved with providing system guidance on the development of SOPs for Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) medications. Additionally, Jenna collaborates with pharmacy supply chain, pharmacy operations teams, clinical teams, and other MUSE team members to provide system support and education on drug shortage mitigation strategies. She is a preceptor to PGY1 and PGY2 pharmacy residents.

Overview of Facility/Health System

Ochsner Health is a not-for-profit health system that operates approximately 47 hospitals and more than 300 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and the Gulf South. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries.

Significant Projects

Recently I have worked on projects that included developing system wide standard operating procedures and system-wide drug shortage mitigation plans. I also completed a long term project involving evaluation of selected therapeutic interchanges implemented within a large healthcare system. 

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

I would recommend to develop a great organization system, continue to learn how to communicate more efficiently and effectively, and always remember that if you do not know the answer to a question, look it up!

What is your current involvement with ASHP?

I am currently a committee member on the ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists, Section Advisory Group (SAG) on Emerging Sciences.

Why did you become involved in ASHP?

After attending the massive ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting as a fourth year pharmacy student, I further realized the importance of networking with other pharmacists to continue to advance the field of pharmacy. The better we are, the greater our role can be in improving patient care. 

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague? 

ASHP is an valuable source of practice resources, professional development, and advocacy for those in or interested in the profession of health-system pharmacy.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession? 

ASHP provides resources that assist with strengthening pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students so they may provide the best patient-centered and evidence-based care.