SPOKANE, Wash.—Two Washington State University faculty members received Awards of Distinction from the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA). The WSPA is the professional trade association representing pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in all practice settings across Washington state.
Kimberly McKeirnan and Linda Garrelts MacLean were recognized during an awards luncheon at the WSPA Annual Meeting on Saturday, November 10, at the Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington.
Kimberly McKeirnan received the Distinguished Young Pharmacist of the Year Award, which recognizes pharmacists who have been licensed in the profession less than 10 years and who have been innovators in pharmacy practice and enthusiastic participants in association activities.
“Dr. McKeirnan is a rising star,” said Leon Alzola, who presented her award and is the current WSPA treasurer-secretary. “In her first 10 years of practice, Kimberly has already made an amazing impact on our profession.”
McKeirnan is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy at the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. McKeirnan was selected because of her work in improving immunization rates in rural areas, developing a model for implementing chronic disease-state management services in community pharmacies, and developing a pharmacy technician immunization training program.
Linda Garrelts MacLean received the Bowl of Hygeia Award. The Bowl of Hygeia is the most widely recognized international symbol of pharmacy and derives from Greek mythology. This award recognizes pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in their careers through action.
“Linda is a passionate and active advocate for a future pharmacy practice where community pharmacists assess patients and are responsible for outcomes, communicating with other health care providers to ensure continuity of care,” said WSPA President Beverly Sheridan during the award ceremony.
MacLean is a clinical professor and the vice dean for external relations for the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is a past-president of the WSPA and a past trustee for the American Pharmacists Association. She currently serves as a board member and the vice-president for the Community Pharmacy Foundation, an organization dedicated to maximizing the community pharmacist’s role in improved patient care.
“Thank you for allowing me to share in recognizing the accomplishments of a deserving recipient and one who epitomizes the principles of community service for which this award was developed,” Sheridan said.
The WSPA advocates on behalf of its members to ensure pharmacy professionals are recognized, engaged and valued as essential to the health care team. Awardees are nominated by their peers and selected by a WSPA awards committee.