Gabriella Douglass

Biographical Information:

Dr. Gabriella Douglass earned her PharmD degree from the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy in 2008. Her credentials include being a Board-Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, an HIV Pharmacist certified by the American Academy of HIV Medicine, and a Board-Certified Advanced Diabetes Management specialist accredited by the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Additionally, she holds credentials as a Tobacco Treatment Specialist through MD Anderson's Certified Tobacco Training Program. She has recently earned a certificate in effective college instruction from the Association of College and University Educators in collaboration with the American Council on Education. Dr. Douglass has received several accolades, including Residency Preceptor of the Year from the Arkansas Association of Health-System Pharmacists in 2018 and the Harding University College of Pharmacy NCPA Woman of the Year in 2020.

Current employment, practice, and academic responsibilities:

Dr. Douglass is the residency program director of the PGY1 Community-Based and PGY2 Ambulatory Care pharmacy residency programs at ARcare, where she maintains a practice site, working closely with an interdisciplinary team of clinicians to provide comprehensive medication management services for people with or at risk for HIV and Hepatitis C. ARcare is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) spanning Arkansas, Mississippi, and Kentucky, providing affordable, compassionate healthcare for over four decades. Founded in 1986 to serve underserved communities, ARcare offers various services, from primary care and behavioral health to community outreach programs. Operating with stewardship, integrity, respect, and teamwork values, ARcare delivers quality healthcare to all, regardless of their circumstances.

Significant projects and accomplishments:

Dr. Douglass offers an innovative training opportunity to address the crucial aspect of providing and receiving formative and summative feedback for residents and preceptors. This training initiative involves using an escape room activity during the residency orientation learning experience. This unconventional approach facilitates relationship-building between preceptors and residents while honing their skills in delivering evaluations.

Promotion of Health System Pharmacy Practice 

In her recent endeavors, Dr. Douglass participated in ASHP's Well-Being and Resiliency Program. Through participating in the program, she gained valuable strategies to manage stress and effectively maintain a healthy work-life balance. By enhancing her knowledge of well-being and resiliency, she aims to set an example for her learners and expose them to the importance of this topic to health system pharmacy practice.

Professional Engagement & SPE 

Dr. Douglass's involvement with ASHP began as an academician and subsequently as residency program director, aligning her passion with the Section of Pharmacy Educators Advisory Group on Development of Post-Graduate Education and Learning Experiences (PELE). As she joined and evolved within ASHP, her journey expanded from seeking clinical expertise to taking on leadership roles. Serving as Vice Chair and now Chair of the PELE Special Advisory Group, she shapes post-graduate education, reflecting her commitment to advancing the field and mentoring healthcare professionals.

ASHP & Pharmacy Education. 

ASHP holds immense value as a professional organization invested in shaping the education of the pharmacy workforce. Through its comprehensive resources, ASHP plays a pivotal role in advancing pharmacists' and pharmacy students' knowledge, skills, and competencies. Key to its success is its commitment to fostering innovation in education, providing a platform for networking and knowledge exchange, and advocating for best practices in pharmacy education. Its vast array of resources, such as evidence-based guidelines, webinars, conferences, and publications, empower pharmacists to stay updated with the evolving healthcare landscape. ASHP's collaborative ecosystem, combined with its dedication to educational excellence, positions it as a cornerstone in nurturing the growth and success of the pharmacy workforce.

Professional Advice 

Collaboration plays a pivotal role in pharmacy education. Forge connections with fellow educators, clinicians, and professionals from various disciplines. Engaging in interprofessional collaboration brings diverse perspectives and enriches the learning environment. 

Remember to prioritize your well-being. Balancing teaching, research, and other responsibilities can be demanding. Taking care of your physical and mental health enables you to be a more effective educator and mentor. 

Whether it's a successful lesson, a research publication, or a student's achievement, take time to celebrate these milestones. Acknowledging progress fuels your passion for education.