Linda A. Nelson, PharmD, BCCCP, a clinical pharmacy specialist in the Integrated Program for High-Risk Pregnancy at Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, a Care New England hospital, was recently named a fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP). Dr. Nelson is also co-director of Women & Infants’ Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and an adjunct clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice at the University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy.
The ASHP Practitioner Recognition Program recognizes excellence in pharmacy practice and promotes public awareness of pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in practice. Fellows have made significant contributions to health system pharmacy practice, have contributed extensively to the professional literature, and have presented at professional meetings and been involved in professional activities.
Dr. Nelson has devoted her career to creating functional, sustainable, value-added services that promote the unique and collaborative contributions of pharmacists in emergency medicine, ambulatory care, critical care, high-risk pregnancy, and antimicrobial stewardship. She has pioneered efforts in collaborative drug therapy management and has developed an ambulatory care specialty residency and a critical care residency. She has published in peer- reviewed journals and has been recognized for contributions to quality and safety in health care. Dr. Nelson is an active member of ASHP and is currently serving as chair of the ASHP Commission on Affiliate Relations. Prior to this, she served as a member of the ASHP Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists (SCSS) Educational Steering Committee and as a delegate to the ASHP House of Delegates. Dr. Nelson has served on the Rhode Island Society of Health System Pharmacists (RISHP) Board of Directors for six years. During her term as RISHP president in 2011, she collaborated with URI faculty to establish a statewide Antimicrobial Stewardship Task Force. Dr. Nelson was recognized with the RISHP Health System Pharmacist of the Year Award in 2013.
A graduate of the University of Rhode Island, Dr. Nelson earned a doctor of pharmacy degree at the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. She achieved certification in advanced antimicrobial stewardship (MAD-ID) and is a specialist critical care pharmacist (BCCP).