The stage is set for a powerful convergence of patriotism, innovation, and leadership at the 2025 ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting and Exhibition in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year's event, on Sunday, Dec. 7, shines a spotlight on federal pharmacy with the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum — a can’t-miss gathering for current and former federal pharmacists and pharmacy technicians from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Public Health Service, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Named in honor of retired U.S. Army Colonel W. Mike Heath, a trailblazer in federal pharmacy, the forum kicks off with a patriotic opening ceremony that sets the tone for a day of high-impact dialogue and learning. Highlights include the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard from Nevada, the national anthem performed by Misti Spann, principal scientist for the US Pharmacopeia, and inspiring opening remarks by ASHP President Melanie A. Dodd. Lieutenant Colonel Sherry Kwon of the U.S. Army will serve as the forum’s moderator, guiding attendees through a rich lineup of programming designed to address the distinct challenges and opportunities of federal pharmacy practice.
Following the opening ceremony, two educational sessions geared toward the needs of federal pharmacy professionals will be presented. The first session, Pioneering Advanced Therapeutics in Federal Healthcare, will feature Amanda McQuillan, VISN 4 pharmacogenomic program manager for the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. McQuillan will discuss how advanced therapeutics can be integrated into clinical practice within the federal healthcare system.
The second session, Federal Burnout: Why It Happens and What We Can Do, will feature Kate Cozart, clinical pharmacist practitioner in primary care and postgraduate year 1 residency program director for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Cozart will dive into the timely and relevant issue of burnout in the federal healthcare sector and strategies to prevent it to ensure a ready and resilient workforce in support of our nation’s military, veteran, and public health populations.
Capping off the forum is an engaging poster session that puts research front and center, showcasing federal innovations in clinical care, leadership development, and pharmacy education.
The W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum takes place from 1 to 5 p.m., with events as follows.
- 1–1:15 p.m. W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum Welcome Event
- 1:15–2:15 p.m. Pioneering Advanced Therapeutics in Federal Healthcare
- 2:15–3:15 p.m. Federal Burnout: Why It Happens and What We Can Do
- 3:30–5 p.m. W. Mike Health ASHP Federal Forum Poster Session
Whether you’re shaping policy, delivering frontline care, or pioneering new technologies, the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum invites you to spark brilliance – in yourself, in others, and in the future of pharmacy. Don’t miss this electrifying kickoff to ASHP Midyear 2025. Visit ASHP’s 2025 Midyear session schedule for more about the W. Mike Heath ASHP Federal Forum and the full roster of educational sessions and special events.
