In honor of Veterans Day 2022, Rear Admiral (RDML) Pam Schweitzer, PharmD is my guest.   She is a pharmacist, and she was the first female Assistant Surgeon General of the United States.  She retired in 2018.  You will hear me address her as “Pam” throughout the interview as we discuss 

• Her career in the Public Health Service (PHS),
• The PHS Women's Leadership Support Group (WLSG),
• Her vision for interoperable medication lists,
• Her appearance in an upcoming PBS Documentary called the Invisible Corps,
• And more! 

 

Bio

Rear Admiral (RDML) Pamela Schweitzer retired in September 2018 from a four-year term as the Assistant Surgeon General and 10th Chief Pharmacist Officer of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps. As Chief Pharmacist Officer (first female in this role), RDML Schweitzer was responsible for providing leadership and coordination of more than 1,300 PHS pharmacy officers in 13 agencies with the Office of the Surgeon General and the Department of Health & Human Services.

 

Of her 29-year career in federal service, she most recently served at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Previously, she served in varied assignments in the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Since retiring, she continues working on a number of public health related projects, improving health and access to healthcare, interoperability and reimbursement for clinical services.

 

RDML (ret) Schweitzer was recently honored as part of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Campaign, “Next 10 Women in Pharmacy,” representing the many women who serve in federal pharmacy, both uniformed service and civilians.   

Thank you for listening to episode 185 of The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast!

To read the full show notes, visit https://www.thepharmacistsvoice.com.  Click on the podcast tab, and search for episode 185.

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