Air Force pharmacist receives award for excellence

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Kimberly Spencer
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  An Air Force pharmacist was honored by the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States with their 2006 Award for Excellence in Clinical Pharmacy Practice during their 112th annual meeting held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.

Competing for the award were clinical pharmacist from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Veterans Affairs and the civilian public health service sector.

The award was accepted on behalf of Maj. (Dr.) Barbara Hoeben, 59th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron Clinical Pharmacy Flight commander at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, by Brig. Gen. (Dr.) David G. Young III, the 59th Medical Wing commander. Major Hoeben was unable to attend the event due to a family emergency.

Major Hoeben is a leader in clinical pharmacy practice within the Air Force pharmacy community and a member of the San Antonio combined Air Force/Army Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

"Major Hoeben has been nationally recognized for her expertise," General Young said. "She has been a mentor, teacher and advocate for the highest standards in pharmaceutical and patient care to all eligible beneficiaries. Her dedication to the profession of pharmacy is unparalleled."

"No one is more qualified to receive this honor than Dr. Hoeben," said Col. Wayne Cheatum, 59th Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron commander. "She is a stupendous clinical pharmacist and is relentless in her pursuit of high quality pharmaceutical care. She strives every day to improve the health and lives of her patients. I'm truly proud to have her on my team."

Major Hoeben mentors Doctor of Pharmacy students from four colleges of pharmacy, and is a respected author who is currently working on two chapters of the seventh edition of "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." She is also collaborating with other professionals on the first edition of a pharmacology textbook for primary care providers.

"Major Hoeben has tackled a myriad of complex issues with absolutely dazzling results," said Colonel Cheatum. "Her adroit management skills have enabled the committee here to maintain the delicate balance between the fiscal responsibility of a $161 million budget and sterling pharmaceutical care."

"Her immeasurable contributions to the professional development of all our pharmacy officers will leave an enduring legacy," said General Young.

"It's a great honor to be recognized by this prestigious organization," said Major Hoeben. "It's a testament to the exceptional quality of pharmaceutical care provided by the entire WHMC pharmacy team."

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