Gift Nweke

Gift’s Story

Gift Nweke, Pharm.D., M.S., BCPS, graduated from Texas Southern University in 2011 and completed a combined PGY1/PGY2 residency program and graduate studies in Health Systems Pharmacy Administration at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center and the University of Houston. She obtained board certification as a pharmacotherapy specialist in 2016 and has been a system manager at Novant Health since 2013. In her current role as manager of residency programs she is responsible for strategic growth of pharmacy residency programs that ensures alignment with and support of pharmacy practice models. She also oversees the integration of pharmacy students as extenders of pharmacy services in partnership with area schools of pharmacy.

Dr. Nweke is a member of the Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners Section Advisory Group on Pharmacy Practice Experiences and a member of New Practitioner Forum.

Overview of Facility/Health System

Novant Health is an integrated network of physician clinics, outpatient facilities and hospitals that delivers a seamless and convenient healthcare experience to communities in Virginia, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. Named in 2016 by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of the nation’s 150 best places to work in healthcare, Novant Health network consists of more than 1,500 physicians and over 26,000 employees that provide care at over 470 locations, including 14 medical centers and hundreds of outpatient facilities and physician clinics. In 2016, the health system provided more than $725.5 million in community benefit, including charity care and services.

Significant Projects

While Dr. Nweke's current role is focused on pharmacy residency and student programs management she has also had ample occasions to contribute to other global pharmacy initiatives. Notable projects include redesigning the resident staffing model to support expanded pharmacy services, implementing process improvements to ensure optimal use of high-cost formulary medications associated with variable clinical and quality outcomes, and developing a business case for a centralized model for pharmacy charge review and maintenance of all pharmacy charges including high dollar items associated with Oncology and Infusion service line products.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

“I've been a member of ASHP for 10 years, dating back to my first year of pharmacy school. My reasons for joining the organization namely, to gain a broader perspective of the pharmacy profession and engage in continuous professional development, have not changed but certainly have become more focused and intentional over the years. I hope to expand my involvement in the organization and will endeavor to pursue opportunities for additional committee membership where I can contribute a unique perspective to goals and initiatives of the group.“

Advice for Someone New to Your Specialty Area

“Focus on building relationships with internal pharmacy educational program participants and leaders that can serve as strong foundations or leverage points to attract and establish crucial external partnerships interested in achieving mutual goals. Also, student and resident learners frequently offer vital feedback that informs and improves program structure and content; ask for feedback and ask often.”

Value of ASHP

“ASHP provides the opportunity to engage in professional development activities, while expanding your professional network and offers the chance to connect with experts and thought leaders in pharmacy thereby gleaning best practices and innovative insights that can be applied to your specific area of practice.”

“ASHP has certainly been a tremendous forerunner in defining and evolving the pharmacy profession. The organization simultaneously advocates and validates advanced roles for its current and future members, thereby ensuring longevity of the profession as a whole.”