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AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Nominations for 2026 awards and scholarships are now being accepted! Please nominate someone here.


Health System Pharmacist of the Year

The Society’s most prestigious award honors a health system pharmacist practicing in Rhode Island who has displayed outstanding qualities of leadership, initiative, and incentive in dedication to the ideals of the practice of pharmacy. Any RISHP member can submit a nomination (anonymous submissions will not be considered). Candidates need not be RISHP members to be nominated.  


The recipient should meet as many of the following requirements as possible:

  • Displays outstanding ability in having practiced and promoted pharmacy in the State of RI
  • Demonstrates professional motivation
  • Demonstrates professional organization involvement (RISHP, ASHP, APHA, RIPA etc.)
  • Contributes to the advancement of education in pharmacy within the state
  • Extends pharmacy services in a health-system to improve patient care
  • Actively participates in promoting community health
When nominating an individual for this award, submit a nomination letter, the candidate’s CV, and other supporting information.

Bill Pires New Practitioner Award

This award is given to a pharmacist working in a health system setting for less than 5 years and demonstrates professionalism and an interest in expanding the role of the pharmacist in patient care. The individual does not need to be an RISHP member.

When nominating an individual for this award, please provide information that strengthens the nomination including evidence that the nominee:

  • Shows leadership in the profession, within the institution, and in the execution of their professional duties.
  • Effectively collaborates with other health care professionals to produce a result.
  • Demonstrates creativity, innovation or advanced problem-solving skills, including clinical problem solving and decision making.
  • Individual contributions toward advancing pharmacy practice at the institution.
  • Displays commitment to professional excellence as could be demonstrated by advanced educational pursuits, pharmacy student preceptorship responsibilities, research, presentations and publications.
  • Overcame a significant challenge to achieve a goal through hard work and dedication.
  • Embraces volunteerism and contributes to their community resulting in tangible results or improvements.

The award is a one-year paid membership to ASHP or if the recipient is already an ASHP member, the equivalent value to spend in the ASHP Bookstore for educational materials of their choice. The award has been generously funded by Leslie Pires, PharmD, MS.


Linda Nelson Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award

This honor is given in memory of Linda Nelson, PharmD, FASHP, and a past president of RISHP, who dedicated her esteemed career to education, advocacy, and the advancement of pharmacy practice through involvement in professional organizations. It honors the legacy of Linda by highlighting individuals who dedicate themselves to advancing pharmacy practice and supporting the professional growth of colleagues and learners.


This award shall be considered for a pharmacist who demonstrates similar passion and achievements in his or her pharmacy career. The award does not need to be presented annually, but it will be posted each year when the Nominations and Awards Committee of the RISHP Board performs its duties.


The nominee should meet as many of the following requirements as possible:

  • A minimum of 15 years of professional pharmacy service.
  • Active participation within RISHP and ASHP is required. Active participation includes committee or council membership, board service, or other leadership roles at the state, regional, or national level.
  • Active participation within at least one other interdisciplinary medical professional organization or supportive of a not-for-profit organization is also required. For example, Linda was active in MADID and a strong supporter of the Multiple Sclerosis Association.
  • Contributions to education through podium presentations, poster sessions, or other activities that highlight and disseminate professional projects.
  • Dedication to teaching and mentoring pharmacy students, residents, and/or new practitioners.
  • Advocacy for programs and activities that help members of the pharmacy workforce overcome barriers to improving their practice.
  • Efforts to raise awareness of pharmacy’s role and value to the broader public.
  • A lifelong learner with a great sense of curiosity.
  • Demonstrates integrity and accountability in all settings.

This award is $400 to be used towards one year of membership in the professional organization of the recipient’s choice and a commemorative glass “candy” bowl will be awarded as many know Linda's love for candies and sweets

When nominating an individual for this award, please submit a nomination letter, the candidate’s curriculum vitae, and other supporting information. 


Health System Resident Award

To recognize a pharmacy resident who has demonstrated exceptional skills in the area of residency practice. The nominee must currently be in, or have completed a residency program (PGY-1 or PGY-2) within the past year.


When nominating an individual for this award, please provide information that strengthens the nomination including evidence that the nominee:

  • Demonstrates professional motivation and leadership
  • Displays outstanding ability in having practiced and promoted pharmacy in the State of RI
  • Demonstrates professional organization involvement (RISHP, ASHP, APhA, RIPA, etc.)
  • Contributes to the advancement of education in pharmacy within the state
  • Extends pharmacy services in a Health-System to improve patient care
  • Contributes toward advancing technician practice at the institution
  • Actively participates in promoting community health
  • Demonstrates creativity, innovation, or advanced problem-solving skills
  • Embraces volunteerism and contributes to their community resulting in tangible results or improvements.

The award is a one-year paid membership to RISHP and a small cash award.



Friend of RISHP Award

This award is bestowed upon alumni and friends of the Rhode Island Society of Health System Pharmacists for their outstanding service and significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy.

Don't miss the Health System Technician of the Year award and student scholarships

      


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