Congratulations to Emilyn Chee, Mallory Cruz, Mir Hosseini, Nicole Lu, Yim Suwanphattana and Leonard Valdez for passing the exam for Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist!! BCPS certification is a voluntary process by which a pharmacist's education, experience, knowledge and skills in a particular practice area are confirmed as well beyond what is required for licensure. That ought to make all of us proud!

Four of our six new board certified pharmacotherapy specialists (from left) Leonard Valdez, Emilyn Chee, Nicole Lu and Mir Hosseini.

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties functions across the pharmacy profession to provide specialty certification of pharmacists. It documents practitioners' readiness for expanding their roles in the 21st century, and it recognizes, sets standards for, and provides certification in specific clinical specialties.

We are proud of all of our pharmacists that have voluntarily taken the BCPS exam by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Current Community Regional pharmacists who have BCPS certification are: Staci Anderson, Harlan Husted, George Lien, Linda Ly, Marisa Mendez, Gillian Pineda, Melissa Reger, Alice Robbins, Amy Royston, and Bee Thao.

The distinction between certification and certificate training is palpable. Some certificates may indicate participation in a targeted educational program but does not assess a practitioner's competence. Community Regional is proud to have six more employees with their specialized certifications from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
Currently, there are six recognized specialty practice areas, with two more pending in critical care and pediatric pharmacy. Here are the specialties:

• Ambulatory Care Pharmacy, recognized in 2011, includes the provision of integrated, accessible healthcare services by pharmacists who are accountable for addressing medication needs, developing sustained partnerships with patients, and participating in the context of family and community.
• Nuclear Pharmacy, recognized in 1978, relate to specialists who seek to improve and promote the public's health through the safe and effective use of radioactive drugs for diagnosis and therapy.
• Nutrition Support Pharmacy, recognized in 1988, relate to specialists who promote the maintenance and restoration of optimal nutritional status, designing and modifying treatment according to the needs of the patient.
• Oncology Pharmacy, recognized in 1996, relates to specialists who recommend, design, implement, monitor and modify pharmacotherapeutic plans to optimize outcomes in patients with malignant diseases.
• Pharmacotherapy, recognized in 1988, relates to specialists who are responsible for ensuring the safe, appropriate, and economical use of drugs in patient care. They frequently serve as a primary source of drug information for other health care organizations.
• Psychiatric Pharmacy, recognized in 1992, relates to specialists who address the pharmaceutical care of patients with psychiatric disorders.
    

If you are interested in learning more about BCPS, please visit the website at: http://www.bpsweb.org. Make sure to congratulate our newest board certified pharmacotherapy specialists!

Alice H. Robbins, PharmD, BCPS
PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Director
Professional Development Specialist
Community Regional Medical Center