AVAHO NEWS  |  NOVEMBER 2022

In this season of gratitude, we extend ours to you for the efforts you make on behalf of veterans.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES

We need 3 volunteers!

If you are attending the American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference in-person or virtually, please help AVAHO with a special project. We are seeking attendees who are willing to record a 5-minute video sharing what you learned at the conference with AVAHO members. This is a great opportunity for AVAHO from our partners at Medscape. To volunteer, please contact Julie Lawson at julie@avaho.org. 

5 minutes...$5 for AVAHO!

Our partners at Federal Practitioner are donating $5 for every survey our members complete. Take this brief survey and help benefit AVAHO today.

FROM THE EDITOR

Recently your AVAHO Board had the opportunity to meet face-to-face in Chicago for a board retreat. The purpose of this retreat was to develop a strategic plan for the organization for the next three years. It was great to be able to work with everyone live, and leave the world of ZOOM meetings behind, and we accomplished a lot in a short amount of time working
together.

Over the next several months you will be hearing and reading more about our strategic plan, but I’d like to share with you know some of the things we accomplished and set as our goals in this three-year plan.

AVAHO Mission statement: AVAHO exists to increase the skills and abilities of veteran-centered cancer care professionals across all disciplines so they can provide the best possible care.

Development of Three Strategic Goals:

1. Member engagement- AVAHO will be an organization of engaged, active, and informed members representing all disciplines of veteran-centered cancer care across all 50 states.
2. Strong Committees & Special Interest Groups (SIGs)- AVAHO will build meaningful experiences for members to develop knowledge, skills, and a supportive network of peers to provide the best care for veterans. This is only possible through the involvement of members (like you!) in committees and special interest groups throughout the year.
3. Advocacy (A voice for veteran care)- AVAHO will increase its role as a representative for professionals caring for veterans with cancer, advocating for policies and practices that positively impact VA employees and programs. We will work with members, legislators,
   policy makers, and communities to ensure members have the best resources and opportunities to provide exceptional veteran care.

I ask that you find an opportunity to add additional value to the organization with your contributions that will help us achieve these strategic goals. You will find it to be rewarding both professionally and personally I believe, and it will make you a better steward for the organization as well.

Rusty Crawford, B Pharm (retired)
Education Committee Co-chair and Newsletter Editor

Congratulations to AVAHO's newest
Board Members!

Members recently voted for the following individuals to join the AVAHO Board of Directors: 

We also welcome our newly appointed Advisory (Ex-Oficio) Board Members

AVAHO 2022 by the numbers

AVAHO 2022 was one for the books! With a record number of attendees, great networking opportunities (ahem, the USS Midway), and excellent learning, it was a great annual meeting. Click here to see the full summary by the numbers. 

My Breast Cancer Journey from
the "Other" Side: Part 4

Read the latest and last article in this gripping 4-part piece from AVAHO member Kourtney LaPlant as she documents her journey with breast cancer as both patient and pharmacist. In this post, Kourtney shares her experience with side effects, returning to work, and what the future holds.

Click here to read

ARTICLES OF INTEREST

For AVAHO Members, By AVAHO Members

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Care 

Authors: Linh Nguyen, PharmD, MHSc, MPH. Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner at Carl T. Hayden Phoenix VA

A Brief Overview: National PBM Clinical Pharmacy Program Managers and the VA National Formulary

Authors: Bernadette B. Heron, Pharm.D, BCOP, National PBM Clinical Pharmacy Program Manager, AVAHO Past President (2021-22); Mark C. Geraci, Pharm.D., BCOP, National PBM Clinical Pharmacy Program Manager; Maria Ribeiro, MD, Associate Professor, Hem/Onc Winship Cancer Institute, AVAHO Past President (2012-13)

Fasting for Cancer Patients- Food for Thought

Authors: Taylor Scialo MS, RD, CSO, CDN and James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York

The Definition of Member Engagement 

From the AVAHO Board of Directors

VA ARTICLES OF INTEREST

Click here for the latest articles of interest regarding the VA and VA authors.