Message from Linda Haines, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FTSHP
Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Pharmacy
The Department of Pharmacy at Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) collaborates with the healthcare team to provide innovative, personalized, cost-effective pharmaceutical care in a culture dedicated to quality and safety.
The pharmacy department’s vision is to be recognized as a global leader of pharmaceutical care in the healthcare 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 interns, residents and pharmacists
•Maximize the use of automation and information technology
•Maximize cost efficiencies and resource utilization
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY SERVICES
Linda Haines, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FTSHP Director of Pharmacy Services Houston Methodist Hospital
2025 – A Year of Strategic Growth, Innovation
and Excellence
As we reflect on the changes that occurred throughout 2025, I am extremely grateful to lead our Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) Pharmacy team. This year brought challenges leadership transitions and external factors that continue to shift the healthcare landscape.
Despite all of this, our pharmacy team continually pulls through with strength and resilience. Houston Methodist Hospital continues to maintain its position as the #1 hospital in Texas and is ranked #3 in the Vizient Quality Leadership Rankings.
This past year has also been one of rebuilding, innovation, and meaningful progress for our pharmacy department. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and professionalism shown by our entire team as we navigated change, strengthened our foundation, and positioned ourselves for long-term success.
Operationally, we advanced medication safety and efficiency through major improvements, including implementing the ABB Credits robot, launching the mini-cart fill process, and redesigning Pyxis workflows and outdate tracking. Our third clean-room expansion is nearing completion, expanding sterile compounding capacity and supporting future growth and cost-saving opportunities.
Clinically, we expanded virtual services and strengthened frontline coverage. Our virtual acute care clinical service model continued to develop, the medication history program made significant strides in improving admission accuracy, and OPAT initiatives advanced continuity of care. We’ve also enhanced on-site support by building more robust evening clinical services.
We invested in our people and communication by launching administrative specialist workgroups and implementing pharmacy huddle boards to improve daily transparency, engagement and alignment.
What stands out most is not the number of projects completed, but the collective effort behind them. Through challenges and ambitious goals, our team remained committed to safe medication practices and exceptional patient care.
Looking ahead, we will continue building on this momentum expanding clinical services, optimizing automation and informatics, enhancing training and development, and fully leveraging our expanded sterile compounding spaces. Most importantly, we will continue fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and accountability.
To the pharmacy team: Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our patients and mission. I am proud of what we accomplished together and am excited for what we will achieve in the year ahead.
Pharmacy Leadership
Pharmacy Personnel
Years of Service Recognitions – 2025
20 Years of Service
Michael Ekoh, Kayode Giwa, May Achi, Carla Alford, Salma Dhuka, Yemane Abraha, Katherine Xu
30 Years of Service
Michael Casas, Thuy Doan
New Hires
In 2025, the pharmacy department proudly welcomed an exceptional group of 43 new hires, bringing fresh perspectives, diverse expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence in patient care. Their contributions already have enriched our team and reinforced our dedication to advancing pharmacy.
PEOPLE
Employee Opinion Survey
Our Pharmacy Department recognizes our employees as the foundation of our success. The Annual Employee Opinion Survey provides key insights for team improvement and growth.
Since 2009, the pharmacy department has consistently ranked as a Tier 1 department, achieving scores well above the national healthcare average in nearly every category. In 2025, scores increased in all categories as compared to 2024.
PEOPLE
Pharmacy Personnel
American Pharmacists Month
Throughout October, we proudly celebrated American Pharmacists Month and National Pharmacy Technician Day. These observances highlighted the dedication, expertise, and impact of our pharmacy professionals, whose vital contributions continue to advance patient care, strengthen medication safety, and support excellence across our services.
$2,227 donated to El Centro de Corazón Fundraising 2,575 meals and snacks provided Food 853 gifts distributed across the HM system Gifts
10 game winners and raffle prize winners Activities
Community Outreach
The Department of Pharmacy participated in community outreach through a variety of events. Through Adopt-a-Family, the HMH Pharmacy department supported three families in need during the holiday season, raising $2,400 in addition to purchasing many items off the families’ wish list. Many thanks to our Adopt-a-Family coordinators, Aranzazu Calzado and Niaz Deyhim.
PEOPLE
Community Outreach
Houston Methodist Pharmacy Residents and Program Leaders demonstrated their commitment to service through I CARE in Action by partnering with Project CURE, the world’s largest distributor of donated medical supplies to resource limited communities. Working together as a unified team, participants volunteered at a Project CURE distribution center, where they sorted, inspected and prepared medical supplies for international shipment.
PEOPLE
Awards, Honors and Recognitions
Beyond the Hospital Doors
Aliya Abdulla, PharmD, BCCCP obtained Critical Care Pharmacy Certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties
Laura M. Blackburn, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP, FCCM appointed as Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Texas Chapter – Immediate Past President and to the SCCM Environmental Sustainability in the ICU Task Force
Linda Haines, PharmD, MS, BCPS, FTSHP appointed as American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) – State of Texas Delegate, the ASHP New and Emerging Leader Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Advisory Group and TSHP Public Affairs and Advocacy Council
Michael Sirimaturos, PharmD, BCNSP, BCCCP, FCCM appointed as SCCM Chapters Alliance Chair and to the SCCM Council and SCCM Fundamental Critical Care Support Committee
Niaz Deyhim, PharmD, MS, BCPS appointed as Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacy (TSHP) Management Section Member-at-Large, TSHP Annual Seminar Committee Chair, Gulf Coast Society of Health-System Pharmacists (GCSHP) President, and Texas A&M College of Pharmacy Alumni Association Vice President, and to the ASHP Pharmacy Resident Research Grant Selection Committee, TSHP Board of Directors, and TSHP Strategic Planning Task Force
Phuong Nguyen Liebl, PharmD, BCPS appointed as Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education Surveyor
Sharon Atito, PharmD, MS obtained Epic Willow Certification
Good Catch Awards
Tatiana Tabet, BS
Kajohna Davis, PharmD
Masooma Ghori, PharmD
K.C. May, CPhT
Christoper Nelsen, PharmD
Natalie Finch, PharmD, BCIDP
Brian Parrish, PharmD
Candice Peirce, PharmD
ICARE Gold Badge
Joseph Lopez, CPhT
Culture
of Safety Awards
Team Innovation in Quality and Safety — Medication Education for Patients
Ghalib A. Abbasi, PharmD, MS, MBA
Courtenay R. Bruce, JD, MA
Ashley Kamencik-Wright. MBA, BSN, RN
David Putney, PharmD, MPH
Inovalon Impact Awards
2025 Data Dream Team Award
System Clinical Pharmacy Services
Shivani Patel, PharmD, BCPS
Nicole Alilaen, PharmD, BCIDP, AAHIVP
Natalie A. Finch, PharmD, BCIDP
Punit J. Shah, PharmD, BCPS, BCIDP
Wesley J. Hoffmann, PharmD, BCIDP
Shemual Tsai, PharmD
William L. Musick, PharmD, BCIDP
Christy P. Su, PharmD, BCIDP, BCPS
Joey D. Webb, PharmD
Rustin T Pevehouse, PharmD
Shaila Sheth, PharmD
Yao-Hsuan Patricia Huang, PharmD
Michael G. Liebl, PharmD
PEOPLE
Awards, Honors and Recognitions
2025 Employee of the Year
Joe Mancini, CPhT has been an integral part of our department’s success. He consistently communicates across teams with clarity, respect, and purpose always prioritizing patient safety and frontline needs above competing demands. Leading by example, Joe works shoulder-to-shoulder with colleagues, listens thoughtfully, and elevates concerns in a constructive, solutions-oriented manner. He is never afraid to challenge the status quo when doing so will benefit the organization and strengthen our operations.
Joe’s steady presence, integrity, and often-unseen contributions form a foundation of operational stability. His impact is unmistakable not only in the moments when he is present, guiding and supporting the team, but also in the moments when he is away and the difference is felt throughout the department. His commitment, reliability and dedication make him truly deserving of recognition as the 2025 Employee of the Year.
8
3
1
1
6 Infectious Disease Internal Medicine Investigational Drug Services Administration Critical Care
2 Informatics
Publications
Administration/Investigational Drug Services
• Faridar A, Gamez N, Li D, Wang Y, Boradia R, Thome AD, George M, et al. Low-dose interleukin-2 in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized clinical trial. Alzheimers Res Ther. 2025;17(1):146. doi:10.1186/s13195-025-01791-x.
• Korzec K, Blackburn L, Deyhim N, Beck A, Tang J, Fahey M 2nd, Putney D, Haines L. REcycle Soon-to-Expire Program (RESTEP): Sustainability efforts in hospital pharmacy. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2026;83(4):204-210. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxaf216.
Informatics
• Abdel-Kerem A, Njigha E, Zafar N, Abbasi G. Integration of voice alerts to improve turnaround time for anticoagulation reversal. Am J Health Syst Pharm Published online December 26, 2025. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxaf348
• Soujah C, Bejjani C, Adra N, Blackburn L. Artificial intelligence as a drug information resource: Limitations and strategies to optimize in pharmacy practice. Hosp Pharm. Published online September 25, 2025. doi:10.1177/00185787251372424.
Internal Medicine
• Barakeh D, Donahue KR, Sabawi M, Dreucean D. Use of thrombin time to transition from dabigatran to intravenous unfractionated heparin in patients with acute kidney injury. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2025;82(18):1022-1025. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxaf059.
• Barakeh D, Sirimaturos M, Rizk E, Seo H, Sabawi M. Evaluation of risk factors for supratherapeutic anti-Xa levels with treatment-dose enoxaparin in hospitalized patients without severe renal impairment. J Clin Pharmacol. 2025;65(9):1087-1095. doi:10.1002/jcph.70023
• Tsai S, Wayne A, Erstad BL, Nix DE. Evaluation of clinical factors associated with discordant estimated glomerular filtration rate values determined from creatinine vs cystatin C. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2025;82(19):e812-e818. doi:10.1093/ajhp/zxaf097.
Critical Care
• Abdulla A, Sigala M, Dreucean D, Donahue KR, Voore P, Morton C. Early versus late addition of enteral analgesia and sedation adjuncts in patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Int J Artif Organs. 2025;48(8):581-589. doi:10.1177/03913988251359132.
• Barakeh D, Donahue KR, Dreucean D, Voore P, Morton C. Heart rate control strategies in patients on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Int J Artif Organs. 2025;48(6):399-405. doi:10.1177/03913988251346714.
• Domico M, Meyer MJ, Blackburn L, et al. Environmental sustainability in ICUs: A report from the Society of Critical Care Medicine Sustainability Task Force. Crit Care Med. 2025;53(3):e632-e644. doi:10.1097/CCM.0000000000006581.
• Dreucean D, Harris JE, Halawi H, Granillo A, Cuevas JF .A case of Plasmodium vivax-induced stress cardiomyopathy managed with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Cureus. 2025;17(5):e84412. doi:10.7759/cureus.8441
• Patel PJ, Sigala MI, Dinunno CV, Blackburn LM, Donahue KR. Evaluation of bleeding and thrombotic outcomes of anticoagulation strategies upon intensive care unit admission for patients with atrial fibrillation on direct oral anticoagulants. J Pharm Pract. Published online September 6, 2025. doi:10.1177/08971900251376819.
• Sigala MI, Dinunno CV, Lopez CN, Succar L, Petkova JH, Graviss EA, Nguyen DT, Donahue KR. Direct oral anticoagulant transition strategies using antiXa concentrations upon intensive care unit admission. J Pharm Technol. Published online September 9, 2025. doi:10.1177/87551225251372486.
Infectious Disease
• Hoffmann W, Patel S, Tsai S, Finch N, Alsafadi MY. Implementation of a hospital-wide EHR-integrated antibiotic challenge order set. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025;5(1):e286. doi:10.1017/ash.2025.10215
• Hoffmann WJ, Patel S, Lee EJ, et al. Evaluation of beta-lactam allergy documentation and subsequent antibiotic prescribing in hospitalized patients. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025;5(1):e159. Published July 18, 2025. doi:10.1017/ash.2025.10066.
• Pouya N, Finch NA, Granillo A, Bhimraj A, Tam VH, Miller WR. Pharmacokinetics of sulbactam-durlobactam in patients with Acinetobacter baumannii ventriculitis: A report of two cases. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025;69(11):e00674-25. Published online September 22, 2025. doi:10.1128/aac.00674-25.
• Siddique A, Daoura N, Shah PJ. What’s your C. diff-erential? Evaluating clinical management of discordant Clostridioides difficile two-step testing. Ann Pharmacother. Published online July 12, 2025. doi:10.1177/10600280251357424.
• Eubank TA, Stefanos S, Hobbs ALV, et al. Real-world applications of imipenem-cilastatin-relebactam: Insights from a multicenter observational cohort study Open Forum Infect Dis. 2025;12(4):ofaf112. doi:10.1093/ofid/ofaf112.
• Tsai S, Grimes K. Case commentary: A herculean effort for Mycobacterium heraklionense localized azithromycin bead pharmacokinetics. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2025;69(6):e00305-25. Published online April 23, 2025. doi:10.1128/aac.00305-25.
• Tsai S, Nigo M, Kang D, et al. Cefepime-zidebactam therapy for extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae infection as a bridge to liver transplantation. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2025;7(4):dlaf129. doi:10.1093/jacamr/dlaf129
• Tsai S, Finch N, Hoffmann W, Patel S, Steere E, Shehadeh F, Alsafadi MY. Development of a semi-automated stewardship approach for prescriberspecific antibiotic consumption report cards. Antimicrob Steward Healthc Epidemiol. 2025;5(1):e162. Published July 23, 2025. doi:10.1017/ash.2025.10068.
PEOPLE
Educating Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
Pharmacy Technician Training Program
Through the department’s partnership with Houston Community College, we provided seven students with valuable pharmacy technician training to support their education and the growth of the workforce.
Summer Observership
Two pharmacy students joined us for a six-week experience at Houston Methodist. During this time, they shadowed and participated in patient care, medication management and hospital operations.
Summer Administrative Internship
The administrative internship offers non-pharmacy executive students practical experience in a professional office setting, where they assist with tasks to ensure efficient operations. This year, we thank Sofia Perez Arrubla, OTR/L, BCPR for her hard work and dedication.
Pharmacy Student Training
This year, we hosted 10 IPPE (Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience), 82 APPE (Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience), and 18 Lebanese American University (LAU) learners to gain valuable experience in a hospital pharmacy setting.
Foreign Pharmacist
Graduate Program
The Houston Methodist Foreign Pharmacist Graduate Program trains a select cohort of internationally educated pharmacists, providing hands-on operational and clinical experience in a hospital pharmacy setting. In 2025, two pharmacists graduated from the program, and three new pharmacists enrolled.
LAPPE
In 2025, seven LAPPE (Longitudinal Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience) students joined us for robust clinical and administrative rotational experiences in our hospital pharmacy. They also had the opportunity to work on research projects, all of which were presented at the Midyear Clinical Meeting.
Power Week
Our department hosted HMH Power Week where pharmacy students across the state of Texas joined us for our week-long shadowing program. In 2025, we had 45 amazing students participate, making a total of 338 participants since the start of this program in 2017.
PEOPLE
Educating Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
Methodist Internship Longitudinal Experience (MILE) Program
The MILE Program is an exclusive three-year opportunity available to a select number of highly qualified students in the second semester of their first professional year of pharmacy school. The first two years of the internship focus on learning the intricacies of pharmacy operations and leading longitudinal pharmacy initiatives under the mentorship of department leaders. The final year of the internship transitions into clinically focused activities and longitudinal projects.
Research and Presentations
At the 2026 TSHP Annual Seminar, the Class of 2027 cohort presented their project, “Evaluation of Waste Validation with the Expansion of Raman Spectroscopy.” The team studied how controlled substance waste validation changed after expanding from one to five Raman spectroscopy devices. Their work earned Honorable Mention in the student research category a testament to their dedication and excellence.
The MILE interns participate in several committees, including the Social Committee and the Community Service Committee. Below are some of the events they have helped organize and volunteer at throughout the year!
PEOPLE
Educating Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
Pharmacy Intern Impact on Clinical Excellence and Safety
IRIS Control Check Participation
Starting in 2025, MILE interns began assisting with the IRIS Worklist, a tool that prioritizes individuals using the Individual Risk Identification Score (IRIS). Through this experience, interns developed stronger competencies in identifying diversion-risk trends. This expanded role complemented their routine intern responsibilities and further advanced their quality
PEOPLE
Educating Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders
HMH Pharmacy Residency Programs
Since 1987, Houston Methodist has prepared pharmacy graduates to become leaders in clinical practice and research through its renowned residency and fellowship programs. By integrating rigorous education with real-world experience, these programs empower residents and fellows to advance patient care and drive innovation in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Pharmacy Residency Class of 2024-2025
PGY1
PGY2 Critical Care
PGY2 Health-System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership
PEOPLE
Photo Contests
In 2025, our team shared photos of their beloved pets, adding a personal touch to our workplace community. Congratulations to Barbara, winner of our Pet Photo of the Year!
Holiday Celebrations
This year, the department came together for a vibrant Tacos & Tamales event and festive holiday celebrations, strengthening team connection and creating opportunities for staff to unwind and enjoy time together.
2025 ended with 9,770,660 doses (a 29.1% increase from 2019) sent from our pharmacy teams. This growth highlights how our department has adapted to increasing demands while maintaining a high standard of patient care. 7,565,386
From 2019 to 2025, our dispense volume has continued to rise with our unit of service (equivalent patient days).
Medication Distribution
Medication Dispenses by Location
Since 2015, we have expanded utilization of Pyxis automated dispensing cabinets to improve medication turnaround time for critical patient care initiatives.
In 2025, we saw medication dispenses from Pyxis increase to 75%, compared to 2024. Using drug utilization predictions from units piloted in early Q3 2025, we observed that Pyxis accounted for 82% of dispenses throughout Q4, reinforcing our continued progress in improving nursing and pharmacy workflows.
of 230,000+ compounded sterile products 140,000+ oral syringes prepared using barcoded medication preparation technology 53,000+ calls received by the Central Call Center
electronic prior authorizations approved 200+ environmental assets are monitored across the hospital including refrigerators, freezers and warmers
91% of doses dispensed were marked received via iOS Rover tracking
SERVICE
Operational Areas
Central Pharmacy Operations
Central Pharmacy Day Operations Team
Central Pharmacy Night Operations Team
The central pharmacy operations team ensures the accurate preparation, verification, and distribution of medications to most inpatient patient care areas including the ED.
Our team’s daily responsibilities include compounding sterile and non-sterile medications, managing inventory, and coordinating delivery of medications to automated systems (e.g. Pyxis ).
2025 Accomplishments
Completed a comprehensive redesign of Pyxis operations
Enhanced media fill training and evaluation program
Piloted a unit-dose mini-batch medication distribution model
Implemented a package sharing inventory workflow
Expanded the oral syringe batch workflow to include a wider range of medications
Established a daily huddle board to improve team engagement
Operational Areas Controlled Substance (CS) Vault Team
The CS Vault team ensures the secure management, distribution and compliance of all controlled medications within the hospital.
Operational Areas
Walter Tower ICU Satellite Pharmacy
The ICU satellite pharmacy operates 24/7 and supports five intensive care units — medical, surgical liver, neuro, cardiovascular, and cardiac as well as one intermediate care unit (IMU). Its primary role is to ensure the timely review, preparation, and dispensing of medications for critically ill patients, supporting rapid and safe delivery of care.
Annual Dispense Volume
2025 Accomplishments
Expanded the utilization of ready-to-use products
Enhanced medication accessibility by optimizing Pyxis cabinet loading processes
Achieved a 20% reduction in medication waste
COVID-19 Pandemic
SERVICE
Operational Areas
ED Satellite Pharmacy
The Emergency Department (ED) satellite pharmacy performs medication histories for patients admitted from the HMH Main Emergency Department. This team also provides medication support to three community Emergency Care Centers (Kirby, Voss and Pearland).
Throughout the past year, the ED pharmacy team has also expanded services by conducting virtual medication histories for patients admitted in the Emergency Department at HMH through integrated camera platforms. This program has grown to provide support and complete virtual medication histories at other hospitals within the system including Houston Methodist Cypress and Houston Methodist Baytown.
Pharmacy Completed Medication Histories
HMH Cypress Baytown
Operational Areas
Perioperative Pharmacy Services
The perioperative pharmacy services team operates six different pharmacy satellite locations throughout our seven procedural suites at HMH. The average number of medications administered in HMH procedural spaces in 2025 was over 80,000 per month.
After the 2024 completion of manual to automated dispensing within the operating room and procedural suites, 2025 focused on associated inventory and workflow optimization efforts. All Pyxis Anesthesia Station medications are inventoried and replenished by the OR pharmacy team on a daily basis. The nursing Pyxis MedStation ES machines in our perioperative spaces and housewide had outdate tracking implemented to facilitate more efficient review, removal and replacement of expiring inventory. The goal was to improve patient safety and reduce unnecessary waste and cost.
The oncology operations team, located on the 22nd floor of the Outpatient Center tower, provides comprehensive support for inpatient and outpatient hematology and oncology care.
OPC22 serves as the central site for oncology infusion services and also supports a wide range of non-oncology outpatient infusions, including advanced microbial vector therapies and other highly specialized treatments. With a dedicated and skilled team, OPC22 ensures that every patient receives safe, timely and exceptional care.
2025 Accomplishments
Launched a hazardous dose cross-training initiative
Implemented an electronic shift report
Strengthened operations by expanding the inventory technician role
Initiated a stock dose pilot
Developed an advanced review pharmacist role
Operational Areas
Outpatient Center (OPC) Satellite Pharmacy
Dispense Volume by Area
OP Cancer Center Infusion
IP Oncology Units
IP Non-Oncology Units
OP Non-Oncology Infusion
IP Bone Marrow Transplant
OP Bone Marrow Transplant
OP Transplant
2025 Total Dispense Volume
61,104 total doses dispensed
30,400+ hazardous doses dispensed 26,130, 43%
Loccioni Apoteca Chemo Robot Metrics
Clinical Pharmacy Services Data & Metrics
Clinical Pharmacy Consult Data Summary
In 2025, the clinical pharmacy team completed more than 49,000 pharmacy consults related to patient care. The pharmacy department documented over 13,000 interventions that supported hospital discharges with transitions of care measures such as medication reconciliation and prior authorization.
The pharmacy department completed approximately medication histories for patient encounters. The majority of this activity is performed by the medication history team of pharmacists and technicians in the emergency department.
10 Consulted Pharmacy Services in 2025
•Renal
•Heparin
•Apixaban
•TPN
•Vancomycin
•Medication Reconciliation
•Warfarin
•Medicare Shared Savings (MSSP)
•Rivaroxaban
•IVIG
Discharge Support 2025
Unspecified Subtype
Prior Authorization
Prescription Generation
Meds to Bed
Hospital Supplemented Medication
Discrepancy at discharge
Cost/Insurance/Access
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Diseases
The Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Team delivers comprehensive stewardship services that advance patient outcomes. Recognized by the Infectious Diseases Society of America as a Center of Excellence in Antimicrobial Stewardship, the team supports direct patient care and drives data-informed quality improvement initiatives that enhance patient safety and education.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Cardiology Clinical Pharmacy Services
The Cardiology Clinical Pharmacy Team is integral to managing high-risk medications for patients with complex cardiovascular needs. With expertise in pulmonary hypertension, antiarrhythmics and anticoagulation, the team partners with cardiologists and pulmonologists to ensure optimal therapy and improved outcomes.
Expanded clinical support for the pulmonary hypertension service line
Led an FDA REMS audit and completed multiple policy updates
Demonstrated strong LVAD program performance with a successful DNV audit
Cardiology Clinical Pharmacy Team
Not Pictured: May Achi, Brian Parrish
Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Services
The Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Team delivers specialized medication management that supports the complex needs of critically ill patients. In partnership with ICU intensivists, they fine-tune vasopressor therapy, antibiotic selection and sedation plans. Their essential role on the Code Blue committee ensures pharmacy presence at every in-hospital code. With leadership in policy development, rapid response and interdisciplinary practice, the team drives continuous improvement in critical care outcomes.
ICU Clinical Day Shift Pharmacy Team Not Pictured: Diane Dreucean, Luma Succar
ICU Clinical Night Shift Pharmacy Team
ED Clinical Pharmacy Services
In the HMH Main Emergency Department, clinical pharmacy services are delivered through a rotational model supported by two clinical pharmacy specialists. Additional coverage from ED staff pharmacists ensures consistent clinician presence and extended pharmacy support seven days a week.
Redesigned the evening clinical pharmacist workflow
Implemented a STEMI order panel in the EHR
ED Clinical Pharmacy Team
Internal Medicine Clinical Pharmacy Services
The Internal Medicine Pharmacy Team plays a central role in ensuring safe, effective medication use for the majority of our hospitalized patients. Working closely with hospitalist and primary teams, they optimize therapies to support a seamless transition home. This year, the team has elevated the discharge process by introducing an artificial intelligence–driven approach that enhances patient education, accelerates prior authorizations and strengthens medication reconciliation as patients return to their home setting.
IM Clinical Day Shift Pharmacy Team
Not Pictured: Anh Cung, Michelle Huyen
IM Clinical Night Shift Pharmacy Team
Post-Acute Care Clinical Pharmacy Services
The Post-Acute Care Pharmacy team supports Houston Methodist’s Long-Term Acute Care (LTAC), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), and Rehabilitation settings. The team prioritizes comprehensive medication management for patients requiring extended care, with an emphasis on chronic disease management and safe transitions of care. Through close collaboration with interdisciplinary partners, they ensure the continuation of high-quality pharmacy services across post-acute environments.
Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant
This year, the Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Team expanded its impact through successful creations of collaborative practice agreements. They contribute to developing treatment plans for numerous patients, enhancing personalized patient care. The team focuses on appropriate chemotherapy while strengthening safe and effective care.
Oncology & BMT Clinical Pharmacy Team
2025 Accomplishments
Launched a treatment plan request queue
Introduced a clinical remote workflow model
Established a TOC pharmacist role for oncology services
Palliative Care & Pain Management
Our Palliative Care & Pain Management Clinical Specialist plays an important role in optimizing pain regimens. In 2025, efforts for safe practice use of opioids continue to expand across the Houston Methodist health system.
Tatjana Ramos
Solid Organ Transplant (SOT)
The Solid Organ Transplant Clinical Pharmacy Team delivers expert care to support one of the nation’s highest-volume transplant centers, ensuring safe immunosuppression, infection prevention and comprehensive adherence counseling. As part of the #6 transplant program in the country, the team plays a vital role in expanding services and strengthening outcomes, helping each patient achieve long-term transplant success.
Achieved recognition as the #1 multiorgan transplant center in the nation
Expanded an outpatient anticoagulation service
Launched a transitions of care pilot program
Established an integrated care approach with ICU and post-acute care teams
SOT Clinical Pharmacy Team
Surgery Clinical Pharmacy Services
This pharmacist team plays a vital role in postsurgical care, guiding patients through transitions of care, ensuring outpatient prescription coverage, providing medication education and managing post-operative pain therapies. They actively monitor fall risk associated with pain medications and post-surgery physiological changes, helping to keep patients safe during recovery. The team also partners closely with hospitalists to strengthen discharge medication reconciliation, ensuring a smooth and secure transition home.
QUALITY & SAFETY
Medication Use Safety, Policy and Quality Assurance
• Systemwide Medication History and Reconciliation Process Improvement Project
• Established and co-chaired the HMH Diabetes Action Committee
• Implemented safety improvements for high-risk medications (e.g., tranexamic acid, neuromuscular blocking agents), including storage, access, and safeguards
• Enabled safer care medication administration through implementation of a medication order hold function in Pyxis
• Implemented targeted clinical decision support to prevent inappropriate potassium supplementation in patients with hyperkalemia
Education
• Led targeted medication safety education, including cognitive bias, revised DKA–HHS diagnostic criteria, and high-risk medication best practices
• Implemented “Lunch and Learn” education series
Governance, Compliance & Analytics
• Conducted monthly trending of medication-related TAPS reports to identify system risks and prioritize improvement efforts
• Led and supported medication-related Root Cause Analysis and Action (RCA2)
• Supported DNV corrective actions through clinical expertise and collaboration with analytics partners in the development of a titratable infusion dashboard.
• Strengthened oversight through re-establishment of the Pharmacy Peer Review Committee
• Advanced pharmacovigilance oversight by reviewing OVP “never rules” and supporting transition to CPOV
• Supported CHIRP and Leapfrog requirements through medication history audits
QUALITY & SAFETY
Medication Use Safety, Policy and Quality Assurance
Medication-Related Safety Events
Medication-related safety events are captured through the TAPS reporting system and used to monitor trends, identify emerging hazards, and detect system vulnerabilities across the medication-use process. Sustained year-over-year reporting reflects continued engagement by frontline staff and supports early identification of risk rather than harm alone. Insights from TAPS trending inform targeted education, clinical decision support enhancements, policy updates, and prioritization of improvement efforts, reinforcing proactive medication safety and continuous learning.
* Excluding narcotic-related and non-medicationrelated events
Continuous Quality Improvements (CQI)
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) projects translate medication safety signals, clinical evidence, and frontline feedback into actionable system-level improvements. Led by pharmacy residents in collaboration with interdisciplinary stakeholders, CQI projects focus on reducing practice variation, strengthening safeguards for high-risk medications, and improving reliability of medication-use processes. These initiatives support proactive risk prevention while ensuring changes are governed, sustainable, and aligned with organizational priorities.
2024-25 Resident-Led CQI Projects
• High risk anticoagulation management
• Insulin and glycemic control processes
• Titratable infusion safety and standardization
• Electrolyte replacement
• Neuromuscular blocking agent use and storage
• Opioid prescribing, monitoring, and reversal practices
• Medication history and reconciliation workflows
• Management of medications brought from home
• Non-formulary and restricted medication processes
• Clinical decision support optimization
• Documentation and monitoring requirements for high risk therapies
• Allergy documentation and adverse drug reaction workflows
QUALITY & SAFETY
Medication Use Safety, Policy and Quality Assurance
Pyxis Override Removal Rate
In 2025, the HMH Pharmacy Department continued its commitment to enhance medication safety by further reducing the Pyxis override rate. Building on previous efforts, strategic initiatives led by operations, the Medication Safety Committee, and the Controlled Substances Diversion Prevention Team, there was a focus on aligning Pyxis settings with the HM system override policy approved in June of 2024. This year, all medications followed a declining trend in override rates, reinforcing our ongoing efforts to continually improve safe medication practices.
Barcode Medication Administration
The HMH nursing and pharmacy teams work together to achieve and maintain BCMA compliance above 99%.
QUALITY & SAFETY
Medication Use Safety, Policy and Quality Assurance
Controlled Substance Diversion Prevention Program (CSDPP)
In February 2025, we implemented Virtual Waste Witnessing in collaboration with the virtual teleservices group. Virtual ICU nurses witness controlled substances waste. The pilot began in WT11NICU and expanded to WT9CVICU. The results were improved documentation of wastes, decreased nursing time to find witnesses for waste, and increased nursing satisfaction. This approach provided a scalable framework for enhancing safety and accountability in controlled substance handling while aligning with broader institutional goals for innovation and operational excellence. The poster presentation of the project received an award at the Magnet Interprofessional Fair for Improving Nurse Practice.
In July 2025, we implemented Integrated waste as our standard of practice at HMH. This entails wasting the unneeded portion of the dose upon removal from Pyxis using the “waste now” function. The benefits of this practice include ensuring the patient gets the correct dose, saving time for nursing staff, improving documentation and reducing diversion risk.
2025-2026 CSDPP Committee Members:
Executives: Gail Vozzella and Jeff Carr
Anesthesia: Dr. Randy Steadman and Dr. Derek Schoppa
Nursing: Matthew Freeman, Daniel Kerr, Kathryn Materre, Susan Teer, Travis Tingle, Blair Gerken, Nikolas Ellis, Ashley Eugene, Emma McClellan, Sheeba Roy
POWER WEEK
Business Practices: Julie Lewis
Security: Robert Gomez
HR: Andrew “Drew” Taulton and Edda Tinis
Employee Health: Maisie Mok, Tiffany Gunter
Risk Management: Charlotte James
Pharmacy/CSDPP Team: Linda Haines, Angela Blueitt, Theresa Miller, Michell Nguyen, Tatjana Ramos, Chelsea Lopez, Jeff Tang
Pharmacy IT: Emmanuel Njigha
Quality & Safety: Vidya Saldivar
Accreditation: Karen Ward
Daily discrepancy notifications and resolution
Appropriate wasting
Security of controlled substances
Daily reconciliation of EPIC vs. Pyxis with follow-up emails
Weekly Pyxis controlled substance inventory
Monthly proactive diversion detection
Raman Spectroscopy Testing of OR Waste & Tampers
CSDPP Committee Members
2025 CSDPP Accomplishments
• 34 Individual Investigations
• Virtual Waste Witness Pilot Implementation
• Standardization of Integrated Waste
• Reduction of Inappropriate CS Returns by 8%
• Implementation of Anesthesia Controlled Substance Reconciliation (CSR), Epic Functionality and Control Check Documentation
• Capstone Presentation to University of Houston HSPAL Residents
• Implementation of Collaborative CSDPP and Anesthesia Leadership Meetings
• Contributions to Successful Nursing Charter Survey
QUALITY & SAFETY
Medication Supply Chain
Pharmacy Drug Shortage Management
The pharmacy team plays a crucial role in managing drug shortages by discovering and researching medications on shortage, identifying alternative therapies, implementing strategic purchases to reduce supply disruptions, and ensuring equitable allocation. Pharmacists communicate their conclusions to the healthcare team, supplementing this messaging through targeted alerts in the electronic health record systems to help guide prescriber behavior. These interventions help maintain patient safety and quality of care and reflect the indispensable role pharmacy personnel play in navigating medication shortages.
pharmacy network to discover current and potential shortages
Determine on-hand supply, burn rate, availability of alternatives, and shortage duration
Ascertain impact on patient care and potential clinical alternatives
Ensure adequate supply, unwind operational changes, communicate return to normalcy
EHR alerts, weekly bulletin distributed to pharmacists, prescribers, other stakeholders
Select Drug Shortages Managed
Formulate and implement operational plans in weekly shortage meetings
Leverage
Financial Performance Summary
Operating Expense
The Department of Pharmacy’s total operating expense for 2025 totaled $315 million against a flex budget of $323.7 million and a fixed budget of $312.4 million.
$360,000,000
$310,000,000
$260,000,000
$210,000,000
$160,000,000
$110,000,000
$60,000,000
$10,000,000
$315,183,447 $312,445,326 $323,723,589
In 2025, the pharmacy department experienced a notable increase in total drug charges, rising from $4.26 billion in 2024 to $4.76 billion, marking another year of consistent growth. Revenue
The Technology & Quality Control (TQC) Team plays a pivotal role in ensuring cost-efficient medication management by focusing on various insourcing initiatives.
2025 Accomplishments
Service Enhancements
•Implemented serialized barcoding for repackaged pharmaceuticals
•Expanded the use of EPIC Willow Inventory System to support systemwide inventory transfers
•Increased utilization of PENTAPACK machine to meet advanced packaging needs
•Successfully achieved a high level of inspection readiness with non-sterile and sterile preparation workflows Regulatory Compliance & Quality
2026 Team Goals
TQC Pharmacy Team Members
The Investigational Drug Services (IDS) Team supports clinical research by ensuring safe, compliant and efficient management of investigational drugs. They collaborate with various investigators and regulatory bodies to advance clinical research at Houston Methodist.
2025 Summary
95 Protocols were Opened
73 Protocols were Closed
32% Study Turnover Rate
222 Current Open Studies Managed by IDS Pharmacy
3,656 Investigation Prescriptions Dispensed in 2025
IDS Pharmacy Team Members
INNOVATION
Research
Each year, the Department of Pharmacy conducts more than 20 research projects with our pharmacy residents to evaluate opportunities to improve in the care of our patients. Information about each of these projects can be found in the Department of Pharmacy Annual Research Reports. Additionally, over 20 continuous quality improvement (CQI) projects are conducted by our residents each year.
External visibility during 2025 produced an amazing demonstration in outreach from our department:
• Featured in 22 publications from the pharmacy department
• Delivered 17 presentations at national and local organizations
• Represented 16 poster presentations at state and national meetings
• Elected to 14 committee or board positions
• Taught 6 lectures at various colleges of pharmacy
• Provided expertise in 2 manuscript reviews
• Achieved 1 national award
Pharmacy Research Committee
INNOVATION
Medication Processing Robot
The Medication Processing Robot (“Pillbot”) is reshaping how we manage medication returns by automating sorting, credit capture, and expiredmedication removal.
Each month, it completes about 40,000 sorts and spends 240 hours scanning barcodes to remove outdated products from circulation.
This technology supports safer staff ergonomics, strengthens the consistency of return processing, and increases inventory recovery. It also supports key departmental priorities in automation, financial stewardship, and operational sustainability
Cold Storage Inventory Management
In 2026, the pharmacy department will deploy the Swisslog Allegro Refrigerated BoxPicker® to modernize cold-storage inventory management. The system automates the storage and retrieval of temperature-sensitive medications and supports limited ambient inventory.
Its compact design maximizes space utilization and accommodates a growing list of cold-storage medications. The BoxPicker will streamline operations, improve accuracy through barcode verification, and advance automation and overall efficiency.
2026 Strategic Planning Initiatives
HMH Pharmacy Goals & Focus Areas
Departmental Goals
Reduce medication waste and minimize inventory variance
Improve medication turnaround time
Provide professional and leadership development education
Enhance medication safety through process improvement initiatives
Expand and enhance transition of care activities
Strategic Focus
Areas
1) Optimize financial stewardship and operational efficiency
2) Enhance employee engagement and workplace culture
3) Elevate pharmacy's role in patient care and safety
HM System Pharmacy Initiatives
Implementation of a centralized virtual pharmacy medication history program
Optimization of EHR clinical features
Further development of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy program
