The NDSHP Mission is to elevate health-system pharmacy practice and patient care in our region through advocacy, innovation and member support. I am honored to serve as the President of NDSHP this year and excited to collaborate in these efforts!

The past two years have been exhausting to say the least. At last fall’s NDSHP Virtual Expo and Summit we discussed the pressing topic of burnout. These discussions were much needed and those takeaways are invaluable; however, I think it is time to change our tune.

After two years of virtual meetings we were finally able to meet in person at the ND Annual Pharmacy Convention this March. It was refreshing to reconnect with some old faces I hadn’t seen in a while as well as meeting new colleagues. In discussion with fellow NDSHP members and other pharmacists from North Dakota it became apparent to me that we are seeking more connection to inspire and promote professional development and advancement of our health-system pharmacy practice in North Dakota.

At the conference we brainstormed some exciting ideas for increasing engagement and collaboration within NDSHP including re-initiation and use of our NDSHP sections to allow for quarterly meetings among members with specific interests, including Ambulatory Care/ARIES, Residency Programs, and Pediatrics. Look for a survey from NDSHP to sign up in areas of interest as well as other volunteer opportunities.

Another exciting feature at the ND Annual Pharmacy Convention was the first ever in-person NDSHP Poster Session held conjointly with the NDSU Student Poster Session. It was inspiring to see research occurring throughout the state and we look forward to this again next year. Start thinking about topics you want to share with others!

There are always ways to stay involved within NDSHP. We continue to offer our members the opportunity to connect monthly with other pharmacists, residents and pharmacy students every second Tuesday for continuing education and networking meetings. The past year we have had valuable discussions amongst colleagues related to antimicrobial stewardship, critical care/emergency medicine, critical access, medical/surgical practice. Visit our Events page to see our upcoming schedule and if you have a topic you would like to present or discuss please reach out to any board member!

I am excited to work with a talented and energetic NDSHP Board this year, including Megan Moore (Past-President), Katrina Rehak (President-elect), Nicole Musterman (Treasurer), Maari Loy (Member at-large). We look forward to serving you and for a great year of engagement and collaboration!

Best wishes,

Elizabeth Monson, PharmD

NDSHP President