Kelsey Echelbarger

Kelsey’s Story

Dr. Echelbarger received her doctor of pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University. She has practiced in many different aspects of pharmacy including community pharmacy, inpatient hospital pharmacy, and ambulatory care pharmacy. Her recent transition from an ambulatory care pharmacist with a focus on anticoagulation management, to a pharmacy manager of an inpatient surgical pharmacy has given her diverse perspective into the role of the pharmacist in the ever changing health systems setting. Dr. Echelbarger is a member of the Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners and Pharmacy Practice Managers.

Facility

ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine hospital is a state-of-the-art 42-bed inpatient hospital that is part of ProMedica Health System.  It was designed to specifically serve surgical patients undergoing orthopedic or spine procedures.

Recent Significant Projects

The pharmacy department at Wildwood seeks to not just be a vital part of the hospital operations, but also an active part of patient care throughout their stay at our facility. From taking medication histories, ensuring accurate medication reconciliation, providing patient counseling, and optimizing medication therapies for multimodal pain management, we work closely with other members of the interdisciplinary team to provide the best care possible. We have recently expanded our involvement with local colleges of pharmacy in the education of pharmacy students throughout their tenure, thereby helping us expand our clinical services and research opportunities.

Becoming Involved in ASHP

 "After being a member of ASHP as a new practitioner and attending the Midyear Clinical Meeting, I was excited to become more involved with the advancement of the profession. In particular, seeing pharmacists take on a more prominent role in a multidisciplinary healthcare team, and helping make primary decisions with other practitioners in the selection and management of patient's medication therapies." 

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area

"Being an advocate for your patients in all aspects of their care is a huge opportunity for pharmacists. Whenever possible, take the opportunity to get out of the pharmacy and spend time with your patients face-to-face. Whether it is starting a pharmacy-led medication history program or discharge counseling program, you as the pharmacist can often find out about patient’s limitations and road blocks to all aspects of their care, and can provide creative solutions whenever possible. Always be an open and attentive listener, which will help you build a strong and trusting relationship with your patients."

Value of ASHP

 "Having a collective voice to help further the values of your profession is the best way to ensure that your profession not only stays relevant but also advances in an ever changing field. Being a member of a professional organization ensures that you can add to that voice."

"ASHP continuously advocates for the advancement of the role of the pharmacist in healthcare not only in Washington, D.C. but in many other ways. It also helps pharmacists stay informed and educated about changes in our field and clinical practice advancements."