Dr. Jeffrey Drazen, editor-in-chief of the New England Journal of Medicine, spoke recently to Vanderbilt Physical Science Development and Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation students. (photo by Dana Johnson)
Knight honored for work
Jim Knight, D.Ph., director of Pharmacy, has been named a Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the society’s lifetime achievement award for excellence in pharmacy practice. Knight accepted the award on June 3 at ASHP’s annual meeting in Los Angeles.
ASHP is a national professional association that represents pharmacists who practice in health care settings. The primary objective of this 30,000-member organization is to aid pharmacists in “helping people make the best use of medicines.”
For consideration as a Fellow, nominees must have at least 10 years of practice in a concentrated area of pharmacy, demonstrate sustained practice excellence, and contribute to the total body of knowledge through research and publication.
In his 22 years as director of VUMC’s pharmacy, Knight has guided the department through various stages of development. “Over the course of his career at VUMC, numerous and very different challenges have been addressed with persistent and steady leadership,” Steve Huffines, assistant director of Pharmacy, said.
From his initial project in 1978 – moving the pharmacy into the new hospital building – to his most recent project of educating asthma patients about their condition and the necessary drug therapy, Knight has been at the head.
“My goal is to lead when I need to lead, but in most cases I motivate, facilitate, and coach to develop an outstanding team,” he said.
Shortly after learning of his acceptance as a Fellow, Knight was appointed to two national positions by ASHP.
In the first, Knight, while representing the ASHP, will assist the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education in accrediting colleges of pharmacy and national pharmacy continuing education programs.
Knight’s second appointment places him on the ASHP Pharmacy Practice Management Advisory Group for three years. According to Knight, this group represents the national leaders in hospital pharmacy and deals with “the tough issues involved in pharmacy administration,” such as the dwindling numbers of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses.
Knight is the first VUMC faculty member to be named a Fellow of ASHP.