Listeners will learn about technician experiences and opportunities within the information and technology role. Three panelists from diverse backgrounds will discuss their career paths, advice for fellow technicians and where they envision additional opportunities for pharmacy technicians.
Shawnna LaPlante (she/her) is a detail-oriented professional pharmacy technician with a diverse pharmacy background including retail, long-term care, specialty, and hospital settings. Her dedication and commitment to providing compassionate high levels of customer service is key. She utilizes a patient-first approach to prioritize the needs of her patients and collaborates with their respective clinicians to ensure the best possible health outcome.
Walter Hopgood (he/him) is a seasoned professional in the healthcare industry. He began his career as a pharmacy technician in Alaska and eventually moved on to specialize in computerized provider order entry and oncology as a consultant in healthcare IT. With his expertise, he secured his ideal position as a pharmacy integration architect at a health system in Alabama. He lives in Oregon with his husband and dog and runs a non-profit organization in his free time.
Shanda Smith (she/her) is a seasoned pharmacy professional with 12 years of experience. Actively engaged in various committees and holding memberships in organizations like KSHP, ASHP, NABP, KRHA, and NPTA, Shanda is currently an advanced pharmacy systems compliance coordinator with the University of Kentucky Specialty and Retail Pharmacies for over 2 years. She holds certificates in ASHP Basics of Data Analytics and ASHP Pharmacy Informatics Professional. Known for her adept problem-solving skills, Smith thrives on tackling challenges in the pharmacy realm.
Scott V. Anderson, PharmD, MS, CPHIMS, FASHP, FVSHP is the director for the Section of Pharmacy Informatics and Technology at ASHP. Prior to working with ASHP, he has experience as a pharmacy informaticist and a health-system pharmacy leader in clinical, operations, and purchasing supervisory roles. He has previously volunteered in multiple roles for ASHP and state affiliates. He currently resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota and enjoys spending time in the great outdoors.
