While reading a recent ISMP publication, I learned today of the death of someone I came to know as a friend and colleague, Larry Trissel.
I first met Larry at MD Anderson during my first tour of duty at Baxa when I met with him to ask about an idea for a new product (I really don’t remember now what it was). What I remember was the speed and acuity with which he dove to the fundamental weaknesses in the concept without making me feel like the village idiot.
We subsequently continued what was mostly a correspondence relationship, with occasional meetings at national conferences. I came to be more and more amazed at the depth of his knowledge, the speed with which he could identify and explore key issues, his commitment to safe and rational pharmacy compounding and his love of the profession of Pharmacy.
I felt fortunate to be his friend. It didn’t hurt that we were about the same age, had kids we adored, and loved what we did for a living. He felt like a kindred soul. But, most of all, he was a conscience for our profession in general, and for me in particular.
I remember the last time we met, how he was looking forward to retirement. I knew then that I would miss him.
I want to express my condolences to his family. I know they miss him most of all.
As always, the comments in this blog reflect my thoughts and not necessarily those of ASHP or of my employer.
Dennis A. Tribble, PharmD, FASHP