Women Pharmacist Day Shines Spotlight on Achievements of ‘Superstar’ Women Pharmacy Leaders

On Women Pharmacist Day on October 12, a panel discussion webcast consisting of leading women in pharmacy, hosted by Pharmacy Times® in partnership with the Pharmacist Moms Group, discussed the importance of recognizing the impact of women on the pharmacy landscape and the history of women in the field.

Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS, is the founder of the Pharmacist Moms Group and established Women Pharmacist Day in 2018. On her group’s Facebook page, she hosted an event to announce the winners of the Woman Pharmacist of the Year award and the Independent Woman Pharmacist of the Year award, sponsored by First Financial Bank.

Soliman announced that the winner of the Woman Pharmacist of the Year award was Krista D. Capehart, PharmD, BCACP, the clinical associate professor and director of the Wigner Institute for Advanced Pharmacy Practice, Education, and Research at West Virginia University and director of professional and regulatory affairs at the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy. Capehart received both a plaque and a donation of $250 to a charity of her choice, which was the Hospice of Huntington.

Capehart explained that receiving the award was one of the most exciting events of her life, as it was a real-time acknowledgement from peers that what she does matters, makes a difference, and is appreciated.

“To be celebrating all of the women in pharmacy and get the award made the day one to remember. As moms, we are all running to work, taking care of kids, fixing supper, taking care of others, and the tons of other things I know I'm forgetting right now,” Capehart said. “This recognition prompted me to stop, breath, and reflect on all I've done. Whether you get an award or not, pharmacy moms are wonderful and need to take a moment to congratulate ourselves on all we do.”

For the Independent Woman Pharmacist of the Year award, sponsored by First Financial Bank, Soliman announced that the winner was Jennifer Shannon, PharmD, BCPS, a clinical pharmacist and owner of Lily's Pharmacy of Johns Creek in Georgia. Shannon will also be receiving a plaque and a donation of $250 to her charity of choice.

Shannon noted that in light of the crazy year that 2020 has been, receiving the award was a welcome surprise and an honor.

“I call thousands of women pharmacists and moms my colleague across the country, so to be chosen for this award was simply amazing,” Shannon said. “My most favorite title in the world is ‘mom,’ so to be recognized by other moms and for my children to see it was an incredible honor on Women Pharmacist Day.”

Additionally, during this event on October 13, there were giveaways on the Pharmacist Moms Group page for participants of the Women Pharmacist Day panel discussion, which included a professional development course, a gift card, vitamins, books, skin care products, keychains, coasters. In total, there were about 50 winners of these prizes during the event.

The sponsors of Women Pharmacist Day who helped to make the day’s events possible were Cardinal Health, Florajen, First Financial Bank, and Neuriva.

Beth Weldon, the vice president of marketing at First Financial Bank explained that First Financial Bank was proud to participate in the day and support women in pharmacy in order to raise awareness regarding their countless contributions.

“Sponsoring the Independent Woman Pharmacist of the Year award to help recognize the Women Pharmacist Day allows us to further elevate the role of women in pharmacy,” Weldon said. “We congratulate all those being recognized and those who’ve worked so hard to make this event a success.”

Capehart also noted that the women pharmacy leaders who participated in the day’s events made Women Pharmacist Day the success that it was for everyone involved.

“When you participate and read the activity within the Pharmacist Moms Group it is clear to see how many superstar women pharmacy leaders there are who balance patient care, mom and home life, and advancing the profession,” Capehart said. “To be selected and recognized by this group is overwhelming!”