We are putting the final touches on the highly anticipated launch of the Oncology Pharmacotherapy and Applications of Biosimilars (OPAB) Program, and, also devising a stellar program for ISOPP’s 2022 International Symposium, which will take place virtually on March 4 – 5. Find out more information within the newsletter on both these initiatives and be sure to register for OPAB (if you haven’t already done so). Also, save the dates for ISOPP Virtual 2022!
As our routine moves into the latter quarter of the year, you are invited to consider nominating yourself or a colleague for one of ISOPP’s awards and/or to serve in a leadership role by putting your name forward for the 2022 Secretariat elections. Various sections within the newsletter provide more details on these career advancing opportunities.
As you may know, an upcoming task for ISOPP’s leadership is the review of ISOPP’s strategic plan. So much has been accomplished and changed since it was first drafted in 2016 and now new objectives are needed to continue our journey in achieving our strategic priorities of advancing global engagement, advocacy, and developing education for you, our members. We are so appreciative of all those who participated in membership survey seeking your input to inform this work, and also, on how we can add more value to your membership and improve our services. Congratulations to Varunee Sararaks for winning the draw of a complimentary 2022 ISOPP membership!
We are also very much appreciative of the work of the Task Forces. The Credentialing/Specialization/Scope of Practice Task Force, led by co-chairs Barry Goldspiel and Lisa Holle, and including 23 ISOPP members representing 10 countries, successfully completed their work with the publication of its “Position Statement: Role of the oncology pharmacy team in cancer care” in the Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice (JOPP). Read below for more information on what the position states and why it was developed. Please share it far and wide.
The Biosimilars and Immunotherpy Task Forces, lead by Emma Foreman and Lynne Nakashima respectively, continue their work in developing resources to fill education gaps and create position statements.
The Advocacy Task Force is now a Committee as the work of advocating for our profession is ongoing. John Wiernikowski, who has served as Chair since the creation of the Task Force is being joined in the position by Esin Aysel Kandemir. Esin is well qualified for the task. She is currently a pharmacist at the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency and is responsible for regulatory work regarding off-label and off-license use of oncology drugs and reimbursement issues. Welcome Esin and thank you to all our incredible volunteers for their time and expertise!
Please, enjoy reading the remainder of the newsletter, including the “Oncology Around the World” articles, and be sure to share the benefits and value of membership with your colleagues and encourage them to join ISOPP.
Lastly, give us your feedback on the enewsletter - at the very end. We want to hear from you. Stay safe and see you online!
Shaun O’Connor
ISOPP President