Latousha Jackson

Latousha’s Story

Latousha (Tasha) P. Jackson, Pharm.D., BCPS, QP503A , a Virginia native, received her bachelor of science in biology degree from Norfolk State University. She then went on to receive her doctor of pharmacy degree from the Medical College of Virginia (Virginia Commonwealth School of Pharmacy) in 2004. After receiving her degree, she started her career in hospital pharmacy practice at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA. After several years of hospital practice, Dr. Jackson obtained board certification in pharmacotherapy. Her experiences in hospital pharmacy practice and news of the New England Compounding Center tragedy inspired a desire to shift her practice into sterile compounding and patient safety.  With renewed focus and training she relocated to North Carolina to serve as Pharmacist Administrative Coordinator - Sterile Products at the Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro NC. She also went on to earn the Critical Point QP503A certification.  Dr. Jackson currently serves as a Program Manager with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Durham, NC.

Overview of Facility/Health System

The Durham VA Health Care System serves more than 200,000 veterans from a 27-county area in central and eastern North Carolina. In addition to a main medical center in Durham, North Carolina, a number of services are available through four community-based outpatient clinics.

Significant Projects

As the Program Manager for Compounding and Hazardous Medication compliance for the VA, I have the responsibility to oversee implementation of practices to ensure USP chapter compliance. During my tenure at the VA, I've had the opportunity to work with interdisciplinary teams to plan and implement changes for USP Chapter <800> compliance. I have created system level education and training courses on USP Chapter <800> standards. Due to the impact of COVID-19, I have played a crucial role in the formation of a multidisciplinary pharmacy shortage workgroup that includes clinical, distribution, formulary and procurement pharmacy staff members. I also serve on the VA MidAtlantic Health Care Network - VISN 6 Compounded Sterile Products Advisory Committee.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

I've been involved with ASHP since I started my career in 2004. I have recently been appointed to the Section of Inpatient Practitioners Advisory Group for Medication Safety.

Why did you become involved in ASHP?

I feel that ASHP provides many valuable resources to pharmacists for every stage of their career. Also, I admire the organization's commitment to policy change to benefit both our patients and our profession.

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

ASHP provides a wealth of resources to you in formats that suit your needs and learning style. ASHP also frequently requests feedback to ensure that they are consistently exceeding members' expectations. The organization serves to provide education, advancement opportunities, networking opportunities and even a place for members to connect and share ideas.

What kind of advice would you provide for someone new to your specialty area?

I would suggest that a commitment to patient safety is paramount to be successful in sterile compounding. Unfortunately, a tragedy that affected the lives of hundreds of patients heightened our industry's awareness of the importance of sterile compounding practices and its influence on patient safety. Now that we are armed with standards to regulate our practices, it's not only good enough to read and understand the standards, practitioners must also be able to perform the tasks and demonstrate aseptic competency as well. In order to educate and train on practice standards, you must have a thorough understanding of the concepts and practical application of those standards as well.

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP has been a value to pharmacy practices for years. It serves as a place where practitioners with a common goal can meet to work together to advance the profession. It challenges pharmacy professionals to think differently and become better pharmacists, educators, and leaders.