ISOPP and World Pharmacists Day 2024
In celebration of World Pharmacists Day, September 25th, 2024, the theme this year is 'Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs'. As a society of oncology pharmacy, we echo this urgent message and emphasize the work each country has done to improve cancer patient care.
ISOPP is proud to support the campaign by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to raise awareness of World Pharmacists Day. Please visit: www.fip.org/world-pharmacists-day for more information.
Use #ISOPPOncologyPharmacyUnite on social media and at work to spread this message.
We would like to hear about any success stories and innovative work you have done to develop oncology health strategies. You can email us at publication@isopp.org.
Read below some examples from our members on how they support “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs” on World Pharmacists Day on September 25, 2024.
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My name is Tiffany Chan and I’m the Lead Pharmacist in Cancer Services at Great Western Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Swindon, UK and the co-chair of SACT Clinical Advisory Group, Thames Valley Cancer Network, UK.
My passion for haematology and oncology has always been strong, and after spending a significant amount of my career working in cancer, I enjoy the multidisciplinary team working environment at a hospital and in the community, as well as the patient care and advice we can provide to our cancer patients to help them through their treatment journey. Being involved in this industry is ever more exciting when research and innovation are at the forefront of oncology pharmacotherapy, but also considering the long-term outcomes of cancer patients.
Being the Engagement and Communications Chair, I look forward to contributing to the ISOPP strategic plan over the next few years and providing resourceful updates to our members around the world! I look forward to meeting you at the next Joint CAPho and ISOPP Symposium in April 2025, and hearing about your oncology pharmacy journey and how that has impacted you and your patients.
I am Muhammad Nabeel, a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist with a deep passion for cancer care and a specific interest in precision oncology medicine. My journey in Cancer Pharmacy began with a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients battling one of the most complex diseases. Precision oncology, with its focus on tailored treatments based on genetic and molecular profiling, fascinates me as it offers more targeted and effective therapies. This personalized approach allows me to collaborate with oncologists to create individualized treatment plans, optimizing patient outcomes. In addition to my clinical work, I am actively involved with ISOPP (International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners), particularly within the cancer research group. My focus is on improving drug therapies and enhancing patient care protocols through innovative research. Being part of ISOPP has allowed me to collaborate with global experts and stay at the cutting edge of advancements in oncology pharmacy. I remain committed to advancing the field of precision oncology and improving the quality of life for cancer patients.
I am Barry Goldspiel, the Clinical Trials Support Specialist at the National Cancer Institute in the USA. I have been involved with oncology pharmacy practice for nearly 40 years.
I am passionate about developing new medications to prevent and treat cancer. Throughout my career, I have seen significant progress in understanding cancer and developing new therapeutic approaches that make a difference. I am also passionate about advocating for the pharmacist’s role in cancer patient care to make sure that every cancer patient has access to a pharmacist to answer their medication-related questions.
I have been actively involved with many pharmacy organizations and am proud to be part of Celebrating World Pharmacists Day as an example of the much needed collaborations between organizations to tackle major barriers to ensuring that all patients receive state-of-the-art cancer care across the globe.
I am Oluwabusayo Abolarin. I am the current head of Drug Information and Research Unit of the Pharmacy Department at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria and the Chairperson of the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, Kwara State. I am also the current head of Peadiatric Hematology/Oncology/Rheumatology for the Paediatric Pharmacists of Nigeria (PAEDPON), an arm of the Clinical Pharmacists Association of Nigeria (CPAN).
I have a strong passion for paediatric oncology which has grown over the years as patients get better from their care. Also, research in this line has contributed significantly to knowledge and has helped improve the quality of care for patients therapeutic outcomes.
I found out about ISOPP through a senior colleague who also has a strong passion for oncology and my involvement with ISOPP has been nothing short of educative and career-progressing. I look forward to attending the ISOPP conference to meet colleagues from other Nationalities and share experiences.
I am Racha Sabbagh Dit Hawasli, Clinical Pharmacist Researcher and experienced Health Economics and Outcomes Research professional. I specialize in delivering Real-World Evidence, pharmacoeconomic modeling, and market access solutions. I also served as a Clinical Preceptor and Guest Lecturer contributing to the advancement of pharmacy and research skills. My journey in cytotoxic safety began with a deep concern for the hidden dangers faced by healthcare professionals and researchers. I drove the implementation of strict access controls and pre-requisite training in a UK-based academic research lab. I expanded my efforts by conducting a UK national survey on cytotoxic handling in academic labs, resulting in published expert consensus on best practices. I trained Lebanese hospital staff on comprehensive cytotoxic handling protocols. My passion for safety goes beyond duty—it's a commitment to ensuring that those who care for patients are themselves protected, driving my continuous efforts to raise awareness and instill safer work environments. Since 2012, I have been an active member of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP), contributing to the standards review released in 2021. My involvement extends to serving on several steering committees where I have authored consensus recommendations, practice guidelines, and conducted evaluations for official endorsement.
I am Rob Duncombe, Chief Pharmacist at The Royal Marsden Hospital, London. I’ve been a chief pharmacist for approaching 20 years. Of which 12 have been spent managing the pharmacy services at the 2 largest cancer centres in the UK.
Even in this relatively brief period our knowledge and understanding of cancer has increased exponentially.
I cannot think of any cancer that we treat today where there have not been some changes in its treatment in this relatively brief period.
For many patients the way we diagnose and stage their cancer has changed and this influences how we then treat it – which then impacts upon overall outcomes and survival.
Cancer pharmacists and their teams are absolutely crucial in all of this, and it is great that on World Pharmacy Day we can celebrate the not too smaller part we play in improving the lives of patients across the world.
Tara Leslie
I’m Shaun O’Connor and I’m the Senior Cancer Services Pharmacist at St Vincent’s Public Hospital, Melbourne, and Senior Project Officer in Statewide and Specialist Technology at the Department of Health, Victoria, Australia.
I love cancer pharmacy because of the close relationships you can build with colleagues and patients. Cancer pharmacists are truly an integral part of the cancer team and I value the sense of camaraderie with my pharmacy colleagues, as well as medical, nursing and allied health professionals.
I have had the privilege of serving in many positions for ISOPP, including President, Treasurer and Standards Co-chair. I have chaired many Australasian Symposia and assisted with various program task forces over the years.
I love meeting new members and colleagues from across the world and learning about how oncology pharmacy practice differs and how we can all learn how to deliver better care for our patients.
I am Netty Cracknell, the current president of ISOPP and the Lead Cancer Pharmacist for Ramsay Health Care UK.
I am passionate about oncology as a disease area to work within. Over the 20 years of working in this specialist area I can see the real benefit that pharmacists and pharmacy professionals from across the world can make to an individual patient and their family. Everything I work towards, and for, is for that patient. Cancer is a devastating illness for a multitude of reasons, which is personal and specific to each patient. Within oncology pharmacy, whether you are researching for the optimum treatment combinations, writing national guidelines for antiemetic management, training junior members on oncological emergencies or counselling a patient on how to take their cancer medicines, together as the oncology pharmacy profession we are helping that patient and their family and friends cope with their journey though cancer treatment.
I am proud of all my oncology pharmacy colleagues and the work I see happening each day, regardless of the challenges facing them and I am humbled by the dedication, love and passion that I see from all across the globe to meet the health needs of their patients within their scope of influence. Celebrating World Pharmacists Day is one day where we can all come together and celebrate how far we have come as a profession and look forward to the future.
My name is Evelyn Handel, I am the immediate past president of ISOPP and Senior Director, Drugs & Biologics Programs at NCCN in Philadelphia, USA.
I am proud to be a part of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners (ISOPP) leadership team, and proud to support the campaign by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) to raise awareness of World Pharmacists Day on 25th September, highlighting how the role of pharmacists in meeting global health needs remains crucial for building healthier communities everywhere.
It has been a highlight of my career to work with many talented oncology pharmacists alongside our multidisciplinary colleagues to continue to improve cancer care for all patients throughout the world. Oncology is an area where pharmacists can make significant and long-term impact, by serving as medication therapy experts and making crucial treatment plan recommendations that improve patient safety, outcomes, and quality of life. In addition, providing education to patients and caregivers on their medications helps provide clarity, guidance, and support to those navigating complex treatment plans. Integrating oncology pharmacy expertise within the multidisciplinary care team ensures that our patients receive the highest quality comprehensive care, tailored to their unique needs.
I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate World Pharmacists Day and collectively raise awareness about our accomplishments so far, and all the exciting future progress on the horizon that we are collectively working to achieve.
To find out more about FIP and WPD visit: https://www.fip.org/world-pharmacists-day