He is also a Center Investigator for the Center for Health Outcomes and Pharmacoeconomics Research and a co-director for the Arizona Clinical and Translational Research Graduate Certificate Program. He was a member of the FDA’s Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee from 2011 to 2015 with subsequent service as an ad hoc committee member. Dr. Erstad has been the program director for 25 critical care residents and fellows at the Arizona Health Sciences Center. Dr. Erstad’s research interests pertain to critical care medicine with an emphasis on patient safety and related outcomes’ research - he has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and book chapters. Additionally, he is sole editor of the text Critical Care Pharmacotherapy and co-editor of the text Basic Skills in Interpreting Laboratory Data. He has volunteered his time for numerous organizations including APhA, AACP, ASHP, ACCP, BPS, AHRQ, USP, Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Surgeons, and American Thoracic Society
Category 1 Award:
Individual Award for Career Achievement
Brian L. Erstad
Brian L. Erstad, PharmD, MCCM, FCCP, FASHP, BCPS is currently a tenured Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy.
Category 2 Award:
Group Practice–Health System–Health Care Corporation
Houston Methodist Hospital
For more than 100 years, Houston Methodist has provided the best — and safest — clinical care, advanced technology and patient experience. That is our promise of leading medicine.
Recognizing our dedication to excellence, U.S. News & World Report has once again named Houston Methodist Hospital to its prestigious Honor Roll. We are nationally ranked in 10 specialties, the most in the state. We are proud to be the No. 1 hospital in Texas and No. 15 in the nation.
Our teams of surgeons, physicians, researchers and other experts collaborate to solve medicine’s biggest challenges and turn discoveries into new therapies and treatments. Our drive for innovation is rooted in the legacy created by world-renowned cardiac surgeon Dr. Michael E. DeBakey. He performed the first coronary artery bypass surgery in Texas, and pioneered surgical advances, which have become universal practices.
These days, Houston Methodist is not only is well established as a leader in heart and vascular treatments, research and education based on DeBakey’s achievements and reputation, but also is known for spearheading breakthroughs in organ transplantation, orthopedics, cancer treatment and neurology and neuroscience
The Department of Pharmacy collaborates within the health care team to provide innovative, personalized, cost-effective pharmaceutical care in a culture dedicated to quality and safety. Houston Methodist Pharmacy's vision is to be recognized as a global leader of pharmaceutical care in the health-care setting. To that end, we strive to:
Continuously improve the quality and safety of patient care and the medication management process
Cultivate an environment of collaboration and teamwork
Provide high-quality training and education to our technicians, student pharmacists, residents, and pharmacists
Maximize the use of automation and information technology
Maximize cost efficiencies and resource utilization
Category 3 Award:
Nonprofit Organization–Association–Public/Private Partnerships
Daily Planet Health Services
Established in 1969, Daily Planet Health Services (DPHS) is a federally qualified health center providing health and human services to individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in Richmond, Virginia and surrounding counties.
Comprehensive care services including medical, mental health, oral health and case management are provided via an integrated team model. DPHS’ medical team consists of physicians, NPs, PAs, pharmacists, and health educators. The mental health team includes a psychiatrist, mental health NPs, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, LCSWs, peer recovery specialists and LPCS who treat serious mental illness and substance use disorder. The case management and outreach teams address social determinants of health within our clinics and during street outreach. All services are offered on a sliding-fee schedule based on income, ensuring patients can receive care regardless of their ability to pay. DPHS works to connect patients to stable benefits with Medicaid, Medicare and the Ryan White program.
Currently, DPHS provides services at ten locations, including partnerships at two CARITAS locations, Henrico Area Mental Health East and West, two residential programs at Safe Haven and Medical Respite, and one mobile medical unit. DPHS’ three permanent sites are in federally designated Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) for medical care and a Health Professional Shortage Area for the City of Richmond for medical, dental and mental health. DPHS is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home.
In 2021, DPHS served 9,277 unique patients across 45,274 encounters. Among patients who chose to disclose their income, 92% live at or below 200% of the federal poverty level; 42% are uninsured; 43% of insured are Medicare or Medicaid recipients; and 13% private insurance. Twenty-eight percent identify as Hispanic and 40% identify as black, indigenous and people of color. The majority of DPHS patients have multiple chronic health conditions, co-occurring behavioral health disorders, and poor oral health, all of which require extensive care and follow up to improve outcomes. They also face numerous barriers to care including transportation, lack of access to nutritious foods, and the inability to adhere to treatment protocols.
DPHS established an academic-community partnership with the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Pharmacy in 2005. Two VCU faculty members maintain a practice at DPHS and train student pharmacists and community-based pharmacy residents. Pharmacist services have greatly expanded and are comprehensive and innovative to assist patients and caregivers in achieving better outcomes from medications.
Together we are connecting the dots for those in need.
The Innovations in Pharmacy Practice Lecture, which is part of the Pinnacle Awards Program, was delivered by CATEGORY III award recipients, Patricia Cook, MD, FACP, FAAP and Jean-Venable "Kelly" R. Goode, PharmD, BCPS,FAPhA, FCCP. Cook is Chief Medical Office and Goode is Chief Pharmacist for Daily Planet Health Services, Inc. in Richmond, VA.