The Georgia Society of Health-System Pharmacists (GSHP) Summer Meeting was held July 12th-14th at the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Amelia Island, FL. This annual event featured continuing education, a large exhibit program, a reverse expo, and dedicated student programming, all attracting health-system pharmacists from across the region. The College of Pharmacy proudly celebrated numerous award recipients and contributed to a distinguished lineup of speakers and presentations.

Award Recipients

• Recipients of the designation Fellows of GSHP (FGSHP): This year, the designation was awarded to Susan Wright, PharmD ’06; Sonny Rader, BS Pharm ’77; Maura Hall, PharmD ’90, BS Pharm ’89; Anthony Hawkins, PharmD ’12.
• Outstanding Pharmaceutical Publication: Christopher M. Bland, PharmD, BCPS, FIDSA, FCCP, Albert W. Jowdy Professor in Pharmacy Care, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, Delabeling for the duration? β-Lactam prescribing in hospitalized patients after penicillin skin testing.
• Outstanding Pharmacy Student Award: This accolade was presented to Binh Bui, PharmD Class of 2024, and Reese Howell, PharmD Class of 2025, in recognition of their exemplary academic achievements and professional promise.
• Outstanding New Practitioner Award: Aubrey Slaughter, PharmD ’20, BCPPS, Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist at Wellstar MCG Health, was celebrated for her impactful work as an emerging leader in the field.
• Outstanding Pharmacy Practitioner Award: Chelsea A. Keedy, PharmD, BCACP, Clinical Assistant Professor in Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, was acknowledged for her dedication to excellence in pharmacy practice.
• 2024 Pharmacist of the Year: Susan Wright, PharmD ’06, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at WellStar Health, received this prestigious award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the profession.

Keynote Speakers and Presentations

1. Aubrey Slaughter, PharmD ’20, BCPPS, Pediatric Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, Wellstar MCG Health, and Hanna Azimi, PharmD ’21, Ambulatory Population Health Pharmacist, Wellstar MCG Health, delivered an insightful presentation titled “RSV Vaccines: From Diapers to Depends, We’ve Got You Covered!” This session explored the latest advancements and practices in RSV vaccination across different age groups.
2. Anthony Hawkins, PharmD ’12, FCCM, Clinical Associate Professor and ICU Attending Pharmacist at UGA CoP and Medical College of Georgia at AU, presented “Connecting the Dots: How Preceptors Can Cultivate Reasoning Skills,” emphasizing the role of preceptors in developing critical thinking and reasoning skills in pharmacy students.
3. Michelle McElhannon, PharmD, Public Service Assistant Division of Experience Programs, and Russ Palmer, PhD, Director of Instructional Innovation & Research, co-presented “AI for Preceptors: To ChatGPT or Not to ChatGPT, That Is the Question!” This session examined the potential applications and ethical considerations of using AI in pharmacy education.
4. Michael Brinson, BS Pharm ’74, Pharmacy Board Member, and Dennis Troughton, GDNA, presented “Medication errors from a Board of Pharmacy GDNA perspective.”
5. Mindi Miller, B.S. Pharm ’90, BCPS, Clinical Associate Professor in Experience Programs, and Christopher M. Bland, PharmD, FCCP, FIDSA, BCPS, Clinical Professor at UGA College of Pharmacy, contributed their expertise in various other sessions throughout the meeting.

The GSHP Summer Meeting 2024 was a resounding success, providing a platform for pharmacists to engage in continuing education, share innovative practices, and celebrate achievements within the profession. “The event underscored the commitment of GSHP in advancing the field of health-system pharmacy through education, collaboration, and recognition of excellence,” said Dean Kelly Smith