As my term as President of GKCSHP comes to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an energizing and fulfilling year. It has been a true privilege to serve this organization and to work alongside such a passionate, talented, and committed group of pharmacy professionals. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what lies ahead.

Highlights from the Year 

This year, we continued to build momentum around key areas of our mission—professional development, community building, student and resident support, and advancing pharmacy practice: 

• Our membership continues to grow - today, we are 170 members strong! Thank you for helping us build a vibrant and connected pharmacy community across the Greater Kansas City area. 

• We celebrated the 14th Annual Resident Research Day, an event that continues to grow in scope and participation each year. It remains one of the most meaningful ways we support pharmacy residents across the region. 

• We developed and will soon launch the GKCSHP Research Certificate Program, which kicks off this July. This exciting new initiative is open to all pharmacists and residents interested in gaining confidence and skills in research. 

• We are preparing to roll out our first-ever GKCSHP Member Survey, designed to gather input directly from our membership to guide future programming and priorities. 

• We hosted our first Technician Appreciation Event during Pharmacy Week, a milestone in recognizing the vital role technicians play in our healthcare teams. 

• We strengthened ties with our student pharmacists by speaking at UMKC and KU SSHP chapter meetings, and by participating in career and residency fairs at both schools. 

• We introduced a new GKCSHP logo and launched a website creating a fresh, modern platform for connecting with our members and sharing resources. 

• We hosted a number of engaging member events, including a holiday party and our annual Member Appreciation and Awards Ceremony, which featured a wine tasting and a chance to connect and celebrate. 

Gratitude and Reflection 

I’ve been privileged to learn from phenomenal mentors who inspired me early in my career. It’s been deeply meaningful to give back in this role and to support the next generation of practitioners. I’m especially thankful to the amazing volunteers on our GKCSHP Board, our Research Certificate Advisory Committee and instructors, and to all of you - our members - for bringing this year’s ideas to life. Your energy, generosity, and leadership have made all the difference.

Looking Forward 

With strong momentum and a shared commitment to advancing our profession, I know that GKCSHP is in excellent hands. I’m excited to see where our incoming President, Tyler Whitehead, and Board will take us next - and I hope you’ll stay actively engaged in shaping that future. 

Thank you again for the honor of serving as your President. 

Warmly,

Christine Tafoya, PharmD, BCCCP, BCEMP