Sarah McIntosh

Biographical Information:

Dr. Sarah McIntosh, Pharm.D., BCPS, received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Since graduating, she has become board certified in pharmacotherapy and has worked as a clinical pharmacist in small community hospitals in the Twin Cities, the most recent of which is Woodwinds Health Campus in Woodbury, MN. Woodwinds implemented a PGY1 pharmacy residency program starting in 2019 and Dr. McIntosh was instrumental in helping craft the program and go through the residency accreditation process. She has also been recognized by her peers as a 2019 Mentor of the Year through the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy Alumni Society.

Current employment, practice, and academic responsibilities:

Dr. McIntosh currently practices at Woodwinds Health Campus, an 86-bed community hospital in Woodbury MN. In addition to her duties as a clinical pharmacist, she is the PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Coordinator and Infectious Disease rotation preceptor. She has developed and implemented the preceptor development program for her site. She also serves as a member of her health systems’ Pharmacy User Group (PUG) looking at pharmacist workflow within the electronic health record and what improvements and/or changes could be made. During the recent Coronavirus pandemic, she has administered COVID vaccines to patients residing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities throughout the state of MN, at multiple vaccine clinics, and community pharmacies.

Significant projects and accomplishments:

Dr. McIntosh has developed and implemented the preceptor development program for her site with a focus on implicit bias in the past year. This has led to the program re-examining the entire residency application and review process in hopes of becoming more inclusive. It has been both a challenge and an exciting learning experience for the residency advisory committee and the pharmacy department.

Professional Engagement & SPE Please describe your professional involvement with ASHP.

Dr. McIntosh has been a member of ASHP since her days as a pharmacy student however, after going through the ASHP residency accreditation process started taking a closer look at what ASHP can offer members. Her recent work in establishing a preceptor development program at her site spurred interest in finding and creating preceptor tools, especially for new practitioners and/or those new to precepting pharmacy residents. She was recently selected as a member of the Development of the Educational Workforce Advisory Group within the Section of Pharmacy Educators.

Share your thoughts on ASHP’s value as a professional organization in contributing to the education of the pharmacy workforce? What do you think are some key success, resources, and opportunities?

ASHP provides a valuable platform for members to be able to engage in and contribute to pharmacy culture, policy, and learning standards. ASHP has the ability to consolidate the MANY contributions of pharmacists across the country and provide an incredible networking opportunity to help us learn from and teach each other.

What advice would you provide for individuals new to your area of practice?

Every pharmacist has something to offer and to teach learners of all levels and backgrounds. Do not let others’ experience and pharmacy path intimidate you or deter you from becoming a mentor and preceptor. It is an extraordinary experience!