Gender inequity and sexual harassment in the pharmacy profession: Evidence and call to action
October 27, 2021
Drs. Brittany Bissell, Rebecca Smith, and Mojdeh Heavner discuss the issues of gender inequity and sexual harassment in the pharmacy profession. They provide an overview on their article approach and findings, examples of gender inequity in the workforce, and recommend steps the profession needs to take to achieve gender equity.
SPEAKERS
Dr. Brittany Bissell completed her PharmD in 2014 and specialty critical care pharmacy residency training in 2016. She obtained her PhD in clinical and translational science in 2019. She has worked at the University of Kentucky as a practicing clinical pharmacist since completing her training in 2016. Dr. Bissell is a current APhA Delegate for the Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science and an active member of the Society of Critical Care Medicine, currently residing as Chair-Elect for the Scientific Review Committee and Trainee Liaison for the Women’s Knowledge Education Group. Dr. Bissell is also involved within the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and is current chair of the Pulmonary PRN. In 2020, Dr. Bissell developed a survey and support tool for harassment victims, drafted a policy change to the American Pharmacist Association, wrote the draft petition and obtained signatures in a petition to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, led a podcast on the sexual harassment in pharmacy on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, moderated harassment seminars locally, senior authored a paper surrounding gender inequality in pharmacy, assisted in sexual harassment reporting to pertinent local institutions, and assisted with sexual harassment resolution requests to several professional societies. Dr. Bissell is a mentor within her professional organizations as well as with pharmacy students and residents. She is the current Assistant Program Director for the University of Kentucky Critical Care Pharmacy Residency. She is passionate about mentoring and fostering relationships within women in critical care and pharmacy.
Dr. Rebecca Smith received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arkansas in 2013, and her PharmD from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in 2017. She then completed her PGY-1 at Regional One Health followed by a Critical Care PGY-2 at the University of Kentucky. She is currently a clinical pharmacy specialist for emergency general surgery, trauma, and neurocritical care as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor at UAMS.
Dr. Mojdeh Heavner is an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in Baltimore, Maryland. She oversees faculty practice site agreements as Vice Chair for Clinical Services within the department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. She also serves as the residency coordinator for the combined PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacotherapy Residency Program at University of Maryland. Dr. Heavner practices as a Clinical Specialist in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at University of Maryland Medical Center.
ADVERTISEMENT
LISTEN ON
The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.