Reba Forbess

Her Story
Reba A. Forbess, PharmD, PhD, CPPS, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center in 1997. Subsequently, she obtained her Doctor of Philosophy degree, also from the University of Tennessee, Health Science Center, in 1999.

Presently, Dr. Forbess serves in various capacities at Houston Methodist Willowbrook in Houston, TX. Her responsibilities encompass overseeing research and education, medication safety, admission transitions of care, and ensuring quality standards. Additionally, she mentors students and residents in medication safety and transitions of care, and currently serves as the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Coordinator.

Describe the facility where you work (eg. Is it a teaching hospital? Health Center?)
Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a not-for-profit, faith-based institution situated in Northwest Houston, boasting a 358-bed capacity since its establishment in 2000. The hospital is renowned for delivering specialized healthcare services to the community. The 52-acre campus comprises four main facilities: the North Pavilion, Women's & Children's Pavilion, Centerfield Building, and Hargrave Medical Office Building, each dedicated to specific medical services, including inpatient and outpatient care, surgical services, maternity care, orthopedics, cancer treatment, and various medical specialties.

Houston Methodist Willowbrook offers a comprehensive range of services, and is recognized as a leader in areas such as cancer care, neurology, heart and vascular care, orthopedics, and women's services. The hospital prioritizes an exceptional patient experience by offering value-based, personalized care grounded in the "I CARE" values of integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence. Noteworthy accolades and designations, including Magnet recognition, Quality Leadership Awards, and certifications from various accrediting bodies, attest to the hospital's commitment to quality and safety, making it a trusted choice for high-quality healthcare.

Recent Significant Projects
Dr. Forbess recently implemented a comprehensive review process for medication reconciliation in admission orders to ensure the completion of accurate admission medication histories and the proper reconciliation of these histories with inpatient admission orders. As a result of this initiative, the pharmacy staff successfully identify and correct over 100 reconciliation errors each month.

Dr. Forbess collaborates closely with residents and longitudinal APPE students, actively engaging in their ongoing research projects. Recent projects she has been involved in have focused on ensuring appropriate insulin infusion transitions in intensive care patients, reviewing amiodarone prescribing practices to prevent atrial fibrillation post-CABG, assessing the impact of weight-based heparin initiation dosing on time to therapeutic anticoagulation in obesity, and evaluating the appropriateness of inpatient-only use of selective arginine vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists.

Initial Involvement in ASHP
Dr. Forbess has been involved with ASHP in different ways throughout her career. She began her current engagement with ASHP through TSHP, the Texas state affiliate of ASHP, initially serving on the Communications and Membership Council. Presently, she holds the role of the regional GCSHP chapter President. Dr. Forbess is a member of the ASHP Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners and Section of Ambulatory Care Practitioners. Additionally, she has actively contributed as a poster reviewer for both the annual and summer meetings over the past several years. Currently, she is a member of the ASHP Section of Inpatient Care Practitioners Educational Steering Committee.

Why did you become involved in ASHP? 
During my time in pharmacy school, my initial association with ASHP was driven by the desire for access to education and professional development opportunities. As I transitioned to a pharmacist, I discovered that the networking avenues offered by ASHP became invaluable, providing me with meaningful professional connections and a platform to exchange insights, experiences, and knowledge with fellow colleagues. Now, after twenty-five years in the profession, my greatest fulfillment comes from giving back to my field. ASHP provides ways to participate in advocacy efforts, engage in mentorship roles, and actively contribute to the development of resources aimed at assisting others in navigating potential challenges and finding solutions within our profession.

Advice for Someone New to Specialty Area
Do not hesitate to voice your concerns. You serve as the patient advocate, whether focusing on medication safety or transitions of care. Adopt a patient-centered approach, advocating for patients when they cannot speak for themselves and empowering them to manage their health.

Keep the spirit of continuous learning alive; always pose questions. Challenge the status quo and explore the boundaries of what can be achieved. Pharmacy is a dynamic field, constantly evolving. Develop a routine of staying informed by reading pertinent literature, actively participating in professional organizations, and attending conferences. Take a critical look at your workplace, questioning practices with "Why,” and continually asking, "How can we enhance our processes?"

How would you explain the value of ASHP to a friend or colleague?
ASHP serves as a comprehensive resource for every stage of your pharmacy career, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. It functions as a one-stop shop offering professional development opportunities, career direction, and a robust networking platform. ASHP provides tailored benefits and resources, making it an inclusive and valuable tool for professionals across various roles and experience levels. There literally is something for everyone!

What is the value of ASHP for the profession?
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) plays a crucial role in enhancing the pharmacy profession. Membership in ASHP enhances the professional journey of pharmacists across various practice settings by providing continuous professional development through educational programs and publications, facilitating networking opportunities for collaboration, and career growth.

ASHP allows members to influence the development of practice standards, shaping the future of pharmacy practice, and provides tools for practice optimization, promoting efficiency and improved patient outcomes. It actively advocates for pharmacist interests at state and federal levels, ensuring representation in policy discussions.