Abstract
Purpose : Dr. Joseph A. Oddis (Dr. Oddis), the second Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Society of Heath-System Pharmacists (ASHP) for 37 years, passed away on February 24, 2021, at the age of 92. This paper investigates the history of Dr. Oddis’ activities in ASHP and his influence and contributions to
Japanese pharmacists.
Methods : The life, career, and accomplishments of Dr. Oddis are summarized in primary sources and in American pharmacy in the twentieth century, Gregory J. Higby; Joseph A. Oddis: influences and achievements, C. Richard Talley and Mary Jo Reilly, Am J Health-Syst Pharm, 1997; 54: 1815-25; In Memoriam: Joseph A. Oddis, Am J Health-Syst Pharm, 2021; 78 (16): 1449-1536; Joseph A. Oddis. The next five years of the ASHP--a projection, Am J Hosp Pharm, 1967; 24: 164-69; the ASHP website; and the book 150 Years of Caring (A Pictorial History of the APhA), Hospital Pharmacists, APhA Publications, 2002; p.55-58.
Results : This study introduces the improvements made in ASHP work standards, a national survey of hospital pharmacy practice, educational services, continuing education, expansion of residency training, drug information, clinical pharmacy, and the concept of Pharmaceutical Care, Pharm.D., as a professional degree for pharmacists, and contributions to the expansion of the role of pharmacists working in pharmacies. Dr. Oddis also promoted the hiring and training of pharmacy technicians. These efforts of the ASHP have contributed to influencing the residency accreditation standards in the Japanese system of professional pharmacists, and have in no small way served as a reference and contributed to improving pharmacist education and practice in Japan.
Conclusion : Dr. Oddis' work at ASHP provided valuable suggestions on policies, standards of practice, and activities for the better development of pharmacist practice in Japan as a pharmaceutical professional.
Especially under the leadership of Dr. Oddis, many reports on themes and committees were published and contributed to the development of medical pharmacy.
