Susan M. Flaker, PharmD, MBA, DPLA (flaker.susan@mayo.edu), is the director of therapeutic strategy for Mayo Clinic. She works regularly with pharmacy informatics to try to find and develop new ways to integrate technology and artificial intelligence into the practice of pharmacy. She earned her PharmD from St. Louis University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy. Flaker's recent involvement in ASHP includes serving as a founding member of the executive committee for the Section of Digital and Telehealth Practitioners, alternate delegate to the ASHP House of Delegate for the state of Minnesota, and Section of Pharmacy Practice Leaders Educational Steering Committee member.
Meet Susan M. Flaker
I love working with ASHP. I feel it is an organization that has the ability and drive to make a real difference. I appreciate how they are always trying to find ways to advance the profession, and I do feel we are at a moment where we can and must advance the profession. Every day, more and more complexities are being put on the care of patients. This extends far beyond the bedside care, but to care for the patient when they get home. As these complexities increase we must find ways to leverage technology to assist with the work that is being done so the patient can receive care in their home. Technology can help us dispense medications more safely and effectively and it can help us meet the patients where they are at. I believe that we must start guiding our use of technology in a rational and well-thought-out manner so that we, as a profession, can decide the places it is acceptable to use technology and where human touch is preferred. I look at the use of these technologies as a way to expand the reach of the pharmacy profession to patients in all parts of the country, but also assist with the demanding workload that faces pharmacists and pharmacy technicians every day. This can’t be a one sided discussion, rather we must bring all key stakeholders to the table to hear their thoughts on how to safely use technology moving forward.