Stephen F. Eckel
Stephen F. Eckel is the Associate Dean for Global Engagement at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. He is also an associate professor in the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education (PACE). In addition, he is director of the two-year Master of Science in pharmaceutical sciences with a specialization in health-system pharmacy administration. This degree is hosted at various sites across the country. At UNC Medical Center, he is residency program director of the 2-year program in health-system pharmacy administration. He has worked with almost 250 residents over the years.
As an innovator and entrepreneur Eckel spearheaded the development of UNC Pharmacy Grand Rounds with ASHP and launched ChemoGLO, LLC with Bill Zamboni, PharmD, PhD. He also founded Assure Technologies, LLC, which is developing the Precynge medical device and Aseptique. He is the previous editor of the health-system edition of Pharmacy Times and a passionate supporter of the role of the pharmacist and the use of technology in patient care. He conducts and publishes his research and is frequently asked to speak around the world on these issues.
Eckel has been very active in the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists, serving in the past as President. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. In 2012, he was presented by APhA the Distinguished Achievement Award in Hospital and Institutional Practice and in 2013, he was awarded the Excellence in Innovation award by NCAP. In 2015, the ASHP Foundation awarded him the Pharmacy Residency Excellence Preceptor Award. He is a Fellow of ASHP, APhA, ACCP, NCAP, and the National Academies of Practice in Pharmacy
"I am very humbled to receive the 2023 APhA Foundation Pinnacle Award. I have focused my practice, education, and research on improving the medication use process in various settings. As a long-time member of APhA, it is always gratifying to be recognized by your peers and this honor provides energy to keep fighting on improving the use of medicines in all practice sites."
The APhA Foundation celebrated the 26th Annual Pinnacle Awards Program at APhA Headquarters on September 10, 2023.