2024 Pennsylvania – Courtney Smith

Courtney Smith, PharmD, CSP, BCMTMS
Specialty Clinical Pharmacist
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Dr. Courtney B. Smith has distinguished herself in the field of pharmacy with her innovative approaches and dedication to patient care. A graduate of Wilkes University, her career, though relatively short, has been marked by trailblazing efforts and excellence. Smith’s commitment to exploring novel approaches has led to significant changes in the landscape of pharmacy practice, particularly through her work with medical cannabis in Pennsylvania.

During the pandemic, Smith transitioned to an innovative pharmacy practice setting, where she pioneered the integration of medication therapy management with Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis program. Her work in this domain set new standards and developed innovative avenues for patient care. Now working in another new innovative area of pharmacy, Courtney uses a combination of past direct patient care experience, in both traditional and alternative medicine, to provide disease state management and specialty medication education within the specialty pharmacy’s rheumatology service. Recognized for her contributions, Smith was invited to share her insights on smart goals in pharmacy practice at the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.

Smith’s educational contributions are equally noteworthy. At her alma mater, Wilkes University, she taught one of the first therapeutics medicinal cannabis student pharmacist electives. Her professional development continued as she completed the ASHP, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy Teaching Certificate for Pharmacists in 2023. As a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents, she has inspired the next generation of pharmacists.

Her belief in the power of knowledge to empower patients has been a cornerstone of her practice. By educating patients about their prescriptions, Smith aims to enhance their overall well-being. Her approach, grounded in evidence-based medicine, has challenged the status quo and established a new norm in healthcare practices. She has empowered patients to actively participate in their treatment plans, leading to improved outcomes and greater satisfaction.

Contact: csmith57@pennstatehealth.psu.edu; https://www.pennstatehealth.org/locations/milton-s-hershey-medical-center/pharmacy