Dr. Stephen Eckel recently delivered the annual John W. Webb Visiting Professor in Pharmacy Lecture, addressing critical challenges facing health-system pharmacy leadership and offering a roadmap for strengthening the profession through evidence-based practices. The lecture drew an impressive gathering of pharmacy leaders, including seven past Webb award recipients and high-level members of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).
A Legacy of Excellence
The Webb Lecture has been a cornerstone of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for over four decades. Established in 1985 by Professor Gerald Schumacher and William Gouveia (then Director of Pharmacy at Tufts Medical Center), the lecture honors John W. Webb, who founded Northeastern University’s graduate program in Hospital Pharmacy in 1964. Since 2006, ASHP has assumed primary responsibility for the award, strengthening and expanding the program on a national level. The lecture annually brings thought and practice leaders in health-system pharmacy to Northeastern, fostering dialogue and advancing the field.
Critical Insights on Leadership
Dr. Eckel presented compelling evidence highlighting significant gaps in health-system and pharmacy education leadership. He estimates the gap exceeds 1,600 positions per year—a shortage that will continue to widen without a more systematic and evidence-based approach to leadership development.
“Dr. Eckel delivered a very thought-provoking lecture, adding a new dimension to the practice of leadership,” said Jason Lancaster, Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences. “Using analogies to the evidence-based practice of pharmacy and healthcare, he brought to light the need for greater intentionality as leaders. In addition to incorporating evidence-based best practices, he also identified a need to innovate, be willing to try and fail, and share those successes and challenges widely, all to ensure a successful path forward in pharmacy leadership.”
Distinguished Attendees and Networking
The event brought together exceptional pharmacy leaders, including past John W. Webb awardees Paul Bush (2011), John Clark (2024), Marianne Ivey (2007), Steven Sheaffer (2022), Debbie Simonson (2023), James Stevenson (2010), and Linda Tyler (2015). National and state leaders in attendance included Melanie Dodd (ASHP President), David Chen (ASHP Vice President for Pharmacy Leadership and Planning), Ross Thompson (System Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer at UNC Health), Angela Clark (Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Michigan Medicine), Alex Wilkocki (MSHP President), and Paul Baker (MSHP President-Elect).
Empowering Future Leaders
Prior to the lecture, approximately 65 post-graduate year 1 and 2 pharmacy residents participated in a facilitated roundtable discussion with the distinguished attendees. This session focused on leadership, delivering high-quality, caring, and compassionate care, mentorship, and professional growth. The format allowed for small group discussion, gaining insights from practice leaders, and fostering connections through networking—providing invaluable opportunities for emerging pharmacy professionals to learn from established leaders in the field.
Looking Ahead
The John W. Webb Visiting Professor in Pharmacy Lecture continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing pharmacy practice and leadership. To learn more about this annual event and its rich history, visit the Webb Lecture webpage.
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Bouvé College of Health Sciences is committed to fostering excellence in pharmacy education, research, and practice through distinguished lecture series and leadership development programs.
