February 2026
Happy February, friends!
I sincerely hope this note finds you well during one of specialty’s busiest seasons. January is typically rough, and I know that many of you were also impacted personally and professionally by the weather variability so far in 2026. Bitterly cold days, ice storms, snow where it shouldn’t be, and the subsequent logistical nightmares have resulted in many of us leveling up in ability to manage during times of adversity. Thank you for showing up for your patients. Wishful thinking: maybe this work can fulfill some disaster planning accreditation requirements.
Reflecting on the past couple of months, I had a great time at the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting learning and connecting with colleagues from all over the country, including many members of the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners (SSPP). I love the positive energy when we get together and daydream about elevating care for patients. I was so proud that Kristel Geyer from our section was recognized with the Distinguished Service Award, and I am grateful that Kristel led us in a moment of silence for Tara Kelley – who was awarded the SSPP’s 2024 DSA - during her acceptance speech. We had illuminating discussions during the section advisory group (SAG) networking sessions and excellent representation by our peers during continuing education sessions.
Things I am looking forward to this year include:
- The Resident Research Gems CE webinar in early June. Please encourage your residents with specialty-pharmacy focused projects to apply so we can learn along with them.
- The opportunity to serve as the SSPP Delegate in the ASHP House of Delegates. If you have advocacy issues to raise, please let me know and I will do my best to represent them.
- Reviewing the nominations for the 2026 Distinguished Service Award. Nominations are now open, please recognize your colleagues who advance the practice of specialty pharmacy and support the mission and vision of our section.
- Welcoming a new SAG! For the 2026-2027 SAG year we will be introducing a new SAG as part of SSPP: Infusion Services. If you practice in infusion, please consider applying for the inaugural year of the Infusion Services SAG when applications open this month.
- In fact, applications for all the SAGs will open soon. Please apply for this excellent opportunity to network, learn, and contribute to our profession.
- The ASHP Pharmacy Futures meeting this summer in St. Louis, Missouri. By that time, the days will be long, and this cold weather will be a distant memory – I hope to see you there.
I am grateful for the honor of leading this section of colleagues and friends. Please care for yourself as you care for your communities, and I hope our paths cross soon.