SOP’s Devabhakthuni Begins Term as President of Maryland Society of Health-System Pharmacy
Dr. Sandeep Devabhakthuni will lead the organization in its mission to improve patient outcomes by promoting optimal medication use, professional development, and public health in health-systems.
By Malissa Carroll
August 31, 2020
Sandeep Devabhakthuni, PharmD, BCCP, associate professor and director of post-graduate training in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science (PPS) at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, began his term as president of the Maryland Society of Health-System Pharmacy (MSHP) in July. In 2019, Devabhakthuni was elected to a three-year leadership appointment with the organization, during which he first served president-elect from 2019-2020.
His term will conclude in 2022, with his service as immediate past president to the organization.
“The pharmacy profession has been fundamentally affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic, creating a number of unique challenges for any practitioner currently tasked with leading the profession,” says Jill A. Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, professor and chair of PPS. “Dr. Devabhakthuni is a dedicated pharmacist and educator who regularly inspires both his colleagues and students to go above and beyond in their service to the pharmacy profession. He understands these challenges and possesses the expertise and skill that well-position him to lead MSHP during this unprecedented time.”
MSHP is a statewide professional association for pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians who currently work or plan to work in acute and ambulatory health care settings. The organization strives to lead the health-system pharmacy community in improving patient outcomes by promoting optimal medication use, professional development, and public health in health systems.
As president of MSHP, Devabhakthuni – who has been a member of the organization since 2011 – chairs the Board of Directors, oversees the execution of the 2020-2021 strategic plan, and appoints chairs for all standing committees. He also presides over all of the major events that the organization hosts for its members, including fall and spring seminars and continuing education programs.
“This is a unique time to serve as president of MSHP,” says Devabhakthuni. “As a profession, pharmacy has experienced several challenges this year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. During my term, I aim to provide resources for practitioners to help patients during this challenging time.”
He adds, “In addition, we have seen how racism and discrimination continues to pervade our country with the tragic loss of too many Black Americans. As president of MSHP, I plan to take measures that will help eliminate disparities in health care due to racism and discrimination, including educating our pharmacy workforce.”
Devabhakthuni received his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 2009. He completed a PGY1 pharmacy residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center, later returning to Pittsburgh to complete a PGY2 cardiology/critical care pharmacy residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He joined the faculty at the School of Pharmacy in 2011, and is a founding member of its ATRIUM Cardiology Collaborative. He also maintains a clinical practice on an inpatient cardiology service and an ambulatory care heart transplant unit at the University of Maryland Heart Center.
Prior to being elected president of MSHP, Devabhakthuni served on the organization’s Board as director-at-large from 2014-2017, and was awarded the MSHP Health-System Pharmacist of the Year in 2013.
“When I first joined MSHP, I never imagined that I would someday serve as president of the organization,” says Devabhakthuni. “The pharmacy profession is transforming. We are expanding our scope of practice, and it is more crucial than ever that we as pharmacists demonstrate our value to patient care as we continue to advocate for provider status. I am deeply honored to serve as president of MSHP, and excited for the opportunity to help lead this important work.”
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