Kayla D. Johnson, PharmD, BCPP, BCPS (kayla.d.johnson@vumc.org), is currently a clinical pharmacist specialist at Vanderbilt Health who works within the specialty department and has a focus on medications within the neurology and psychiatry realms. She graduated from Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy with her PharmD and went on to complete a PGY1 pharmacy residency followed by a specialty PGY2 psychiatric pharmacy residency. Johnson's varied background has allowed her to facilitate patient care in both inpatient and outpatient settings and provides her insight so that the continuum of care for each patient is at the forethought when building standard operating procedures and developing pharmacist and technician roles.
Johnson has served in a variety of leadership positions within ASHP, including a member of the New Practitioners Forum advisory group on Resident Advancement, the Psychiatry/Neurology network facilitator for the Section of Clinical Specialists and Scientists, and a member of the Section of Specialty Pharmacy Practitioners Educational Steering Committee since 2021 for which she currently services as chair. Johnson is also serving as a member of the Clinical Application Series Committee for the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP). Johnson routinely engages in the education of pharmacy students and residents. She frequently presents her research activities concerning the advancement of the pharmacist role and clinical aspects of patient care through a combination of conference posters and publications.
Meet Kayla D. Johnson
My leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, commitment to excellence, and empowering health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) practitioners. As a clinical pharmacist, I see that patient-centered care and shared decision-making depend not only on front-line operations but also on medication access, payer networks, and strong operational coordination. I believe that same practical mindset should guide how we advance HSSP at a national level. HSSPs are navigating increasing pressures from evolving reimbursement models, payer requirements, and growing administrative complexity. Programs are being asked to do more with less: expanding documentation expectations, outcomes reporting, accreditation, and network participation. It is vital we focus on coordinated advocacy, shared learning, and practical resources that translate directly into practice. I believe the ASHP SSPP should serve as an active platform for meeting these needs: connecting members, amplifying their voices, and advancing tools that support sustainable, high-quality practice. In my current role as Educational Steering Committee chair, I have focused on addressing feedback with actionable outcomes through educational strategies, prioritizing content, and developing programming for real-world practice needs. This experience has reinforced my belief that strong leadership focuses on listening before delivering meaningful, informed results. If elected chair, I will continue to partner with ASHP SSPP members to focus on driving engagement, strengthening collaboration, and advocating for education and practical resources that support specialty pharmacies in delivering exceptional care. I am honored by this nomination and committed to serving as a practical, forward-looking leader who helps ensure HSSPs are positioned to advance patient care and their profession.