James Kortus

I am a Clinical Pharmacist with Kaiser Permanente Colorado, where I provide comprehensive medication management and collaborative patient care within outpatient clinic settings. My practice focuses on optimizing outcomes for patients with chronic disease states through evidence-based medication management, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I earned my Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Business Administration degrees from Regis University, which helped cultivate my interests in both clinical excellence and healthcare leadership.

In my free time, I love to travel, play video games, go to concerts, and relax with my cats and husband. Additionally, I have hobbies in building LEGO and making crafts.

Reasons for selecting this career path:
I chose pharmacy because it combines science, patient care, and problem-solving while providing opportunities to make a meaningful impact on patients' lives. I am passionate about helping patients achieve better health outcomes through medication optimization, education, and collaborative care. What continues to inspire me is the ability to improve care both at the individual patient level and through broader initiatives that advance pharmacy practice. The profession also offers opportunities for lifelong learning, leadership, and service to others.

Professional Interests:

• Ambulatory care pharmacy
• Cardiovascular disease management
• Quality improvement
• Pharmacy leadership
• Pharmacist provider status initiatives 

Interest in serving on the NPF Executive Committee:
Serving on the ASHP New Practitioners Forum Executive Committee allows me to contribute to the development and success of pharmacists during a critical stage of their careers. I am passionate about helping new practitioners build leadership skills, expand their professional networks, and become engaged in organized pharmacy. Through this role, I hope to represent the perspectives of early-career pharmacists while supporting initiatives that strengthen the profession and improve patient care. The opportunity to collaborate with pharmacy leaders from across the country is both rewarding and inspiring.

Benefits of being involved in ASHP as a New Practitioner:
My involvement with ASHP has provided valuable opportunities for leadership development, mentorship, networking, and professional growth. Through ASHP, I have connected with pharmacists from diverse practice settings, gained exposure to national initiatives, and developed skills that extend beyond clinical practice. ASHP has helped me build meaningful professional relationships while providing opportunities to contribute to the advancement of pharmacy. For new practitioners, involvement in ASHP offers a strong foundation for career development and lifelong professional engagement.