Amy Potts, PharmD, MMHC, a manager in the pharmacy at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) for recognition of her excellence in pharmacy practice and contributions to the society.
The ASHP Practitioner Recognition Program rewards excellence in pharmacy practice by granting recognition through the FASHP designation. Members who have achieved FASHP status have successfully demonstrated sustained commitment or contributions to excellence in practice for at least 10 years, contributed to the total body of knowledge in the field, demonstrated active involvement and leadership in ASHP, and have been actively involved in and committed to educating practitioners and others. The program has recognized 1,045 fellows since it began in 1988.
“We are very proud of the contributions that Amy has made to pediatric pharmacy over the years. Her commitment to patient safety and quality has had an impact on many thousands of patients’ lives here at Monroe Carell and beyond,” said Elizabeth Humphreys, PharmD, MMHC, executive director of Pharmacy at Monroe Carell.
The 2023 fellows were honored in June during the ASHP Summer Meetings and Exhibition in Baltimore. Potts has been a member of ASHP, helping to standardize medication safety practices.
“I am extremely humbled to be named as a fellow of ASHP alongside many great colleagues and mentors in pharmacy advocating for our profession and serving our patients to receive a milestone award like this. It is a true blessing to have the support from my family and friends who lift me up daily in order to do what I love: to serve children,” said Potts, manager of Quality, Safety and Formulary Management at Monroe Carell.
Potts earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Duquesne University, Mylan School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, followed by pharmacy and specialty pharmacy residencies at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Monroe Carell. She worked as a clinical pharmacist at Dell Children’s Medical Center in Texas and then at Children’s Hospital at Pittsburgh.
She arrived at Monroe Carell in 2006 and has held numerous pharmacy roles, including residency program director, clinical pharmacist, clinical manager, assistant director, program director and manager. In 2020, she earned her Master of Management in Healthcare from Vanderbilt University.
Over the last 20 years, she has been recognized as a clinical expert in medication safety/quality and a leader in pediatric pharmacy practice. Among her many extracurricular activities, Potts was named a fellow of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association in 2022. She also serves on the national and international level as an expert in pediatric medication safety/quality for several groups, including the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA), the Institute of Safe Medication Practices, and the Pediatric Pharmacy Association. She is a current member of CHA’s Medication Safety Leaders Forum Advisory Committee.
Reflecting on her journey, Potts offered guidance for others as they pursue their passions.
“My advice to others is simple, prioritize balance and self-care. Find passion and purpose in everything you do. Your career is a marathon not a sprint. Sometimes the right choice is the unpopular choice. Surround yourself with people that build you up, not tear you down. Lead with grace and forgiveness. Trust in the good intentions of others,” Potts said.