Stephanie J. Phelps, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, FCCP, FPPAG is the winner of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Education Award. The award honors an ACCP member who has made substantial and outstanding contributions to clinical pharmacy education at either the undergraduate or the postgraduate level. Dr. Phelps is associate dean for Academic Affairs and professor of Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy as well as professor of Pediatrics at the College of Medicine.
Letters written by colleagues in support of Dr. Phelps’ nomination speak to her passion and commitment to education. Dr. P. David Rogers, associate dean for Translational Research at the College of Pharmacy, wrote in his letter of support:“Dr. Phelps is the embodiment of academic excellence and expects nothing less from those around her, including her students, trainees, and peers.” Dr. Richard Helms, professor and chair of the University of Tennessee’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy, commented on Dr. Phelps’ ability to actively involve her students in learning:
“She always has her students probing dogma: what do we really know? Are our assumptions valid? How should the approach to care be changed to reflect this new understanding? How can students be involved to improve compliance, safety, and outcomes? Dr. Phelps has never viewed students as liabilities, but as extenders of care. Students become engaged and excited, launching into practice with enthusiasm and real capability.”
Dr. Phelps’ expertise is recognized internationally as well. She has been invited to lecture in Germany; Vancouver, British Columbia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The textbook, for which she serves as lead editor, titled Guidelines for Administration of Intravenous Medications to Pediatric Patients (known as “The Teddy Bear Book”), is now in its 10th edition.