Get Ready for the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum

The 2024 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting & Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, will feature the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum, welcoming active and former federal pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The federal forum, named in honor of retired U.S. Army Colonel W. Mike Heath, takes place Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. The event starts with a patriotic opening ceremony, including a presentation of the colors by a color guard from U.S. Coast Guard Base New Orleans, the singing of the National Anthem by Misti Spann, principal scientist at the US Pharmacopeia, and opening remarks by ASHP President Leigh A. Briscoe-Dwyer.

This year’s federal forum will be moderated by U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Sherry Kwon.

Following the opening ceremony, two educational sessions geared toward the needs of federal pharmacy professionals will be presented. The first session, Federal Pharmacy Practice: The Future of Clinical Pharmacy Practice and Federal Services, features Rear Admiral Kelly J. Battese, chief professional officer for pharmacy and chief executive officer for the USPHS Haskell Indian Health Center. Battese will discuss emerging trends in federal clinical pharmacy practice, the importance of developing leadership skills, and leadership transition strategies that are important in federal pharmacy.

The second session, Gems for Federal Pharmacy Practice 2024, features M. Shawn McFarland, national program manager for the Clinical Pharmacy Practice Office at the Veterans Health Administration, and Sara E. Stallworth, clinical float pharmacist for University of Kentucky HealthCare. McFarland will discuss recent survey data on provider/team satisfaction and how that relates to clinical pharmacist practitioners. Stallworth will address the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, digital health, and technology in pharmacy education and precepting.

A meet-the-researchers federal forum poster session immediately follows the education session. The posters focus on a variety of clinical, leadership, and educational topics.

Visit ASHP's 2024 Midyear special events schedule to find out more about the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum. For up-to-date information about Midyear session times and locations, download the ASHP LIVE! App or visit the online session schedule.