Join us at the 2024 Western States Conference in San Diego at the Paradise Point Resort May 29 - May 31, 2024
Join us for our Opening Session & Keynote Speaker Thursday, May 30th at 11:00am
Our Keynote Speaker Linda S. Tyler, PharmD, FASHP, CPEL, is a Professor (Clinical) in the Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, at University of Utah Health. Dr. Tyler earned her BS in Pharmacy and PharmD degrees from the University of Utah and completed a residency in pharmacy practice at University of Nebraska Medical Center. Previously, Dr. Tyler was the Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for University of Utah Health and Associate Dean at the College of Pharmacy. She served as Residency Program Director for the two-year combined health system pharmacy administration and leadership residency and Master of Science degree program. Prior to serving as CPO, Dr. Tyler was Director of the University of Utah Drug Information Service.
Dr. Tyler was the 2015 recipient of the John Webb Award, given by ASHP in recognition of outstanding pharmacy leadership. She has served on the ASHP Board of Directors (2017-2020) and then as President of ASHP (2020-2023). Dr. Tyler’s areas of interest include leadership development, strategic planning for pharmacy services, new drugs, literature evaluation, medication safety, drug shortages, evidence-based decision making, and drug policy development.
Why does the Western States Conference exist? Western States Conference (WSC) was started in 1980 to provide a professional conference for pharmacy residents and fellows to formally present their major projects in a relaxed atmosphere. With over 600 attendees and being one of the largest residency conferences it is a great opportunity for residents, fellows, and preceptors to learn from others about the innovative practices happening in our region and network with fellow attendees. The conference also provides continuing education programming for pharmacists to maintain knowledge and skills to provide excellent care.
The conference is represented by Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
Why are Moderators important? As a volunteer Board we do not have the members to moderate all presentations for a 2-day conference. We rely on our attendees to volunteer as moderators to continue to foster a supportive environment for all residents who share their hard work and results of a year-long residency project. As a moderator, you assist by opening the stage for our presenters by introduction, facilitate discussion and questions from our attendees, and transition between speakers. Your contribution as a moderator is what makes the conference successful.
Why are Evaluators important? Residents spend a good portion of their residency year on their project. Attending the presentation in-person and providing feedback recognizes the residents for their hard work and commitment to the project. It is important for the resident to receive feedback on their project and presentation skills. Your feedback can provide different perspectives on their project, as well as insight as they wrap-up their projects and develop a transition plan. Future resident projects may transpire from your feedback.
Additionally, we ask attendees to stay through the end of the conference so residents presenting during the last sessions of the final day do not miss out on the full experience of presenting at Western States.
In turn, this can be used to satisfy ASHP Standards 4.3.d (for residency program directors) or 4.6.c (for residency program preceptors).
Our Mission
To provide an excellent professional conference where pharmacy residents and fellows come together to formally present their major projects, learn about the work of their peers, and grow their professional network.
Our Vision
The Western States Conference shapes the clinical pharmacy practitioners and educators of tomorrow by orchestrating idea sharing between new and experienced pharmacists in an innovative, supportive, and professional environment.