In this episode of the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) Podcast, host Marilyn N. Bulloch, PharmD, BCPS, FCCM, speaks with Christy C. Forehand, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM, about retaining highly skilled pharmacists in the ICU setting. Dr. Forehand, a clinical pharmacy specialist and residency program director at Augusta University Medical Center and the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, shares evidence-based insights and personal reflections on how pharmacist retention directly impacts quality and safety in patient care.
The conversation highlights growing concerns around burnout and attrition among ICU pharmacists, underscoring how their involvement improves clinical and economic outcomes—ranging from medication safety and reduced ventilator days to optimized transitions of care.
Drawing on American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) publications and American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) guidance, Dr. Forehand outlines strategies for building retention plans that prioritize recognition, advancement opportunities, career mentorship, and structural supports such as protected administrative time. She emphasizes how institutional practices such as improved scheduling, remote work models, and role-specific stipends can prevent burnout while reinforcing team trust and efficiency.
Resources referenced in this episode:
- SCCM’s Leadership, Empowerment, and Development (LEAD) Program, which supports professional development
- Rewards, Recognition, and Advancement for Clinical Pharmacists (Bondi DS, et al. J Am Coll Clin Pharm. 2023;6:427-439)
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com