Kristi Kelley

Her Story

Dr. Kelley received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (1999) and Doctor of Pharmacy (2000) degrees from Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. She completed an ASHP-accredited Primary Care Residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (2001). She became board certified in Pharmacotherapy in 2002 and in Ambulatory Care in 2018. In 2004, Dr. Kelley became a certified diabetes care and education specialist and in 2014 she became board certified in advanced diabetes management. She has established clinical pharmacy services in three outpatient internal medicine clinics during her time in practice.

Dr. Kelley is a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacist at Baptist Health Foundation Center for Medical and Surgical Care in Birmingham, Alabama. At the practice site Dr. Kelley serves as non-physician faculty for the internal medicine residency program and is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing all pharmacy services related to patient care while precepting pharmacy students on IPPE and APPE ambulatory care rotations. Her academic responsibilities with Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy include teaching in the first through third didactic years in the core, elective, and experiential portions of the curriculum as well as serving as a mentor and student organization advisor

Describe the facility where you work (eg. Is it a teaching hospital? Health Center? 

Baptist Health Foundation Center for Medical and Surgical Care is the outpatient clinic affiliated with the Internal Medicine Residency Program with Brookwood Baptist Health at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, a community teaching hospital in Birmingham, Alabama. The clinic provides comprehensive care for patients through interprofessional collaboration between the resident and attending physicians, pharmacist, nurses, and social worker. 

Recent Significant Projects

At her practice site Dr. Kelley routinely works with the resident and attending physicians to optimize clinic processes as well as provide education to the residents and nursing staff. Over the last year Dr. Kelley has collaborated with clinic providers on a controlled substance policy, utilization of samples of guideline directed therapy, and bimonthly continuing education for the clinic nursing staff. In addition, Dr. Kelley has worked with the clinic staff to offer individual diabetes education appointments via telemedicine.

Initial Involvement in ASHP

Dr. Kelley is currently serving on the SAG on Ambulatory Care Pharmacotherapy within the Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners (SACP). Previously Dr. Kelley served for 8 years on the Educational Steering Committee for the SACP, including serving as vice chair and chair. She has also served as the primary care network facilitator for the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists. She routinely serves as reviewer for ASHP’s CV Review service and has served as invited faculty for recertification programs and other midyear educational sessions. 

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 

Initially, as a student I became involved to learn about postgraduate training opportunities. I stayed involved because of the expansive education and networking opportunities. I found involvement in ASHP to be a good way to continue to grow professionally and to be able to advocate for the profession and mentor others.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area 

Be patient if you are in a new environment or practice setting where there’s not been an ambulatory care pharmacist before. Take time to get to know the providers with whom you will be working and establish relationships with them as you are establishing relationships with patients. Work to connect with others locally as well as those nationally who practice in similar settings. Do not be afraid to ask for advice and insight. Take opportunities to network and continue to push your knowledge and skills forward through continuing education opportunities and certifications. Remember why you are where you are – most likely your desire to help patients and care for them as a whole person as you strive to provide patient-centered care – and this will help guide all you do and sustain you on challenging days!

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?

ASHP provides opportunities for networking and growth to technicians, students, residents, and pharmacists throughout their careers. Not only does ASHP allow to connect with people within your specialty area, but it also provides you broader resources. In addition, ASHP has a wealth of resources and opportunities to learn while providing support for you in your practice as well as growing your knowledge and skills. 

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?

ASHP has impact on the profession and healthcare by providing a voice for pharmacists. ASHP does a nice job of advocating with other pharmacy organizations as well as other health profession organizations. ASHP does a great job of advocating for pharmacists to policy makers and helps provide tools to their members to allow them to better advocate  for their profession.