Thank you David Witmer, Stan Kent, and the leadership of the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists. “Service above self” – my mother instilled this is in all of my siblings (there are 10 of us so I heard it often and it had to sink in). However, I gained a deeper understanding of what this meant when I became involved in ASHP. As a “volunteer” of ASHP (I think that is what you call it Sandy), I have received far more rewards than I have given during my service. Included in this list of rewards are the many friendships I have gained by working closely with ASHP staff, and my colleagues on the many committees, SAGS, and educational programs within the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists. I have had the opportunity to learn from all of these individuals and taken their ideas back to my institution to better care for my patients. And that is what our service with ASHP is about, taking better care of our patients because as we struggle to overcome today’s challenges of healthcare, our patients are overwhelmed and they are counting on us to make sense of it all and provide the best care.
Another reward of my service with ASHP are all the people who saw more in me than I did myself - specifically I would like to thank Sandy Oh Clarke for her friendship and insight over all these years.
There are many within the section far more deserving of this award and I feel the award should also go to the Section for providing me so many opportunities. So I encourage everyone to listen to my mother, Service above self, as the rewards are far more than any service you can provide.