History of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association
updated October 2020
Special thanks to Robert Poole, PharmD, a PPA Founder, for his contibutions to this written history of PPA. [Original article featured in JPPT]
The year 2019 marked the 40th year anniversary of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association. Like nearly all worthy causes, the idea for the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) started with a conversation among a small group of friends and colleagues.
The Early Years
In 1979 Dr. Doug Smith, Dr. Robert Poole, and Mr. Steve Allen began discussing the need for an organization aimed at helping pediatric pharmacy directors to better serve their unique patient populations. These trailblazers met informally and then formally at the American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacist’s Midyear Clinical Meeting. Over the next six years, the group expanded and included Pharmacy Directors from across the United States.
At these meetings a core group of leaders emerged. Mr. Doug Smith (Chicago, IL) served as President and Chairman of the Board from 1985-1995. Other members of this charter group include: Mr. Stephen Allen (Washington, DC), Mr. Joe Sceppa (Boston, MA), Mr. Henry Wedemeyer (Denver, CO), Dr. Gary Greiner (Columbus, OH), Mr. Dave Grinder (St. Petersburg, FL), Dr. Chris Lomax (Los Angeles, CA), Dr. Robert Warren (Fresno, CA), Ms. Darlene Anderson (Dallas TX), and Dr. Robert Poole (Stanford, CA). As the network of directors grew so did the need for a more structured organization.
By 1985, their vision had taken form and the Pharmacy Directors of Pediatric Hospitals (PDPH) organization was born. PDPH held the first Annual Meeting in New Orleans, LA during the ASHP Midyear Meeting. Annual Board of Director retreats in the Colorado mountains shaped the future direction of the organization. In 1987 interest in the group expanded to include Associate Directors, Clinical Directors, and Managers in the pediatric pharmacy setting. This prompted the group to change its name to the Pediatric Pharmacy Administrative Group (PPAG).
The 1990’s: Momentum
By the early 1990’s PPAG continued to grow and membership expanded to include pediatric clinical pharmacists and specialists as well as pharmacists academicians. Struggling to find a voice in the larger pharmacy community, PPAG was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization.
1991
PPAG received a $200,000 grant from the Kappour Charitable Foundation to establish The Kappour Center for Pediatric Drug Information at the Children’s Hospital in Denver with the help of then Director of Pharmacy Henry “Hank” Wedemeyer. The Center developed the Pediatric Adverse Drug Event and Reaction Reporting (PADR) Program. The PADR program was one of the first national ADR and ADE reporting programs in the US, and in 1995 received a $300,000 grant from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation’s Center for the Future of Children. The PADR Program expanded to 25 reporting and participating Hospitals by 1998. The findings of this study were published in the Journal of Pediatric Pharmacy Practice in 1999 and presented at the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists meeting in Madrid, Spain in 2000.
1992
Kellie McQueen became the first Executive Director of PPAG. PPAG held its 1st Annual Meeting in Copper Mountain, Colorado. At this Annual Meeting, the Board changed the name to the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group to reflect the diverse membership of the organization. The PPAG Annual Meeting has grown over the years and has become the best educational and networking meeting for Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists worldwide (see list of Annual Meetings below).
1995
The Board of Directors established the Mission, Vision, and Values of PPAG. These statements of purpose remain as the organizing principles of PPAG.
1996
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacy Practice became the official journal of PPAG. The founding editor was David Grinder. The Journal was a forum for practitioners in pediatrics to publish works such as original research, case reports, and drug therapy reviews.
1997
Kellie McQueen resigned as Executive Director and day-to-day management was outsourced to an Association Management Company.
On October 27, 1997, PPAG presented the need for regulation requiring manufacturers to assess the safety and effectiveness of new drugs and biological products in pediatric patients. Mr. Dave Grinder represented PPAG at the FDA public hearings on the issue.
PPAG partnered with Publications International to publish Guidelines for Children’s Prescription Drugs. This publication provided accurate information for families related to medication use. Later that year, PPAG lead the movement to avoid the use of drug name abbreviations (eight years before the Joint Commission).
1998
PPAG severed ties with its management group and named Henry “Hank” Wedemeyer as Executive Director. As Executive Director Hank continued to grow the organization and organized our Annual Meetings in Kiawah Island, SC, Vancouver, BC Canada, San Antonio, TX, St. Louis, MO, and St. Petersburg, FL.
PPAG launched its first website and PediNet, an electronic bulletin board dedicated to improving communication among the pediatric pharmacy community.
PPAG had 350 active members heading into its third decade.
1999
PPAG becomes an approved provider of Continuing Pharmacy Education by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education.
The 21st Century: Rapid Growth
2001
The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacy Practice became The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics. Stephanie Phelps became Editor-in-Chief. The Journal became a peer-reviewed multi-disciplinary journal that is devoted to promoting the safe and effective use of medications in infants and children. To this end, the journal publishes practical information for all practitioners who provide care to pediatric patients. Each issue includes review articles, original clinical investigations, case reports, editorials, and other information relevant to pediatric medication therapy.
Soon after its launch, the Journal published a groundbreaking article, “Guidelines for Preventing Medication Errors in Pediatrics.” The Guidelines were co-developed with the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), and endorsed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
2002
Hank Wedemeyer retired as Executive Director
PPAG sponsored and offered the first Specialty Conference for Neonatology.
Sumner J. Yaffe Lifetime Achievement Award in Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics was established. The Yaffe Award is given annually in recognition of significant and sustained contributions toward the improvement of children's health through the expansion of the field of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics.
2003
Matthew Helms became the fourth Executive Director of PPAG and moved the organization’s headquarters from Denver, Colorado to Memphis, Tennessee.
PPAG recognized Lifetime Honorary Members; Doug Smith, Steve Allen, Dave Grinder, Joe Sceppa, Gary Greiner, Hank Wedemeyer, and Bob Poole.
2004
The Association launched a new website, and began to offer a quarterly newsletter for membership. The official newsletter of PPAG became the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocate in 2007.
2006
The Richard A. Helms Excellence in Pediatric Pharmacy Practice Award was established. The Helms Award recognizes (1) sustained and meritorious contributions to PPAG and to pediatric pharmacy practice, and (2) contributions of importance to education, new knowledge, and outreach.
The Bruce Parks Memorial Residency Project Showcase was established in 2006. This showcase seeks to stimulate interest in the field of pediatric pharmacy by offering a highly competitive award for the best pediatric pharmacy resident presentation at the PPAG Spring Specialty Meeting each year. Approximately ninety (90) residents participate in this program each year.
PPAG offered its first online continuing pharmacy education program in 2006.
The Presidential Citation recognizing an outstanding Committee Chairperson was established.
PPAG reaches 500 members.
2007
In February, PPAG Board of Directors officially endorsed the "Shanghai Declaration," which outlines the organization's commitment to improving safe and reliable medicines for children worldwide." This endorsement also established PPAG as a member of the International Alliance for Better Medicine.
2008
The Fellowship in the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (FPPAG) Program was established. The program serves the following purposes: to recognize excellence in pediatric pharmacy practice; and to grant recognition and to promote public awareness of pharmacists who have distinguished themselves in pediatric pharmacy practice.
Local Communities and Networks (LCN) Recognition Program was also established. Through networking events, local programming, regional news and volunteer opportunities, the Local Networks build a community of peers, advance career and volunteer opportunities within the pediatric pharmacy community. Today, there are six (6) Local Communities.
The Board formally approved the establishment of the first permanent reserve fund.
PPAG launched a comprehensive Age-based Competency for Pediatrics Program online.
KidsMeds, a website dedicated to accurate pediatric drug information to parents and families, was launched.
The Spirit of PPAG Award was established recognizing "behind the scenes" contributors to the Association.
PPAG kept its commitment to improving safe and reliable medicines for children worldwide by planning the First International Pediatric Pharmacy and Pharmacology Summit in association with the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). This exciting event was the first time that international pediatric pharmacy and clinical pharmacology organizations involved in the use of medicines in children came together to share research, practice, and ideas to improve the care of children.
PPAG reaches 650 members.
2009
PPAG established the Neonatal Pharmacy Resident Research Small Grant Program.
2010
PPAG announced new logo.
PPAG began recognizing PPAG Student Groups dedicated to pediatric pharmacy within Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy. These student groups provide educational, networking, and community service opportunities. To date PPAG has recognized over twenty-eight (28) student organizations
2011
PPAG introduced a new format for our Annual Conferences. Our Conference provides focused specialty blocks with review and advanced educational tracks. Also, PPAG began offering live webinars on a regular basis. We now offer one continuing education program per month.
PPAG reaches 750 members.
2013
Pediatric pharmacy was recognized by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). PPAG successfully partnered with ACCP, APhA, and ASHP to develop the petition recognized pediatric pharmacy as a specialty.
PPAG reaches 950 members.
2014
PPAG established a Research Mentoring Program for young practitioners.
PPAG successfully advocates for a pediatric pharmacy voice on the FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. Kathy Pham, PharmD, is appointed to the post.
PPAG has grown to 1,000+ members.
2015
PPAG launches a new and improved website to respond to a growing membership, technological advances, and the communication needs of our members.
PPAG announced updated logo highlighting our status as a professional association.
PPAG offers its first BCPPS Exam Preparation and Review Course in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the Pediatric PharmPrep Advanced Guide. Over 530 pharmacists attend.
PPAG is awarded the Professional Development Program (PDP) provider contract by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties.
PPAG begins to offer two (2) conference per year; our Annual Meeting and the Fall Pediatric Pharmacy Conference.
PPAG publishes the Advanced Pediatric Therapeutics textbook.
PPAG joins the The Patient Access to Pharmacists’ Care Coalition (PAPCC)
PPAG enters into a affiliation agreement with the American College of Clinical Pharmacology
2016
PPAG launches PPAG University (PPAG-U), a one-stop shop for pediatric pharmacy education and professional development. BCPPS Recertification Units during the Annual Meeting and Fall Conference.
The PPAG Student Council is establish, and conducts its first national election for officers.
PPAG reaches 1,300+ members
2017
PPAG and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) enter into two collaborative agreements. PPAG has a permanent liaison position in the AAP Section for Advanced in Therapeutics and Technology (SOATT) and the Section for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (SOCPT)
The Garrett A. Helms Memorial Lectureship is established as a permanent fixture at PPAG Annual Meeting. The inaugural lectureship is given at the Annual Meeting.
PPAG Conversations, the official Podcast of PPAG featuring experts in the field of pediatric pharmacy, is produced and launched.
2018
PPAG successfully advocates for a pharmacists membership category in the American Academy of Pediatrics.
PPAG publishes four (4) new position statements
PPAG exceeds 1,500 members.
2019
PPAG announced it is doing business as the Pediatric Pharmacy Association.
2020
PPA publishes Key Potentially Inappropriate Drugs in Pediatrics: The KIDs List in the Journal Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics 2020;25(3):175–191. The safe use of medications in pediatric patients requires practitioners to consider the unique pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs prescribed in this age group. In an effort to create a standard of care for the safe use of medications in this population, a list of drugs that are potentially inappropriate for use in pediatric patients has been developed and titled the “KIDs List.”
PPA hosts two fully virtual conference due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both conferences exceed attendance expectations.
PPA reaches 1,600 members.
Conclusion
From that first conversation among friends PPAG has grown in size and scope to truly become the primary resource for pediatric medication therapy in children. PPAG continues to develop educational programs for practitioners and families that will continue to be influential.
Tables of Interest
| 1985-1995 | Doug Smith |
| 1995-1998 | Dave Ginder |
| 1998-1999 | Steve Allen |
| 1999-2000 | Merrell Magelli |
| 2000-2001 | Christy Scott |
| 2001-2002 | Anne Lesko, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2002-2003 | Sherry Luedtke, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2003-2004 | David Gregory, PharmD |
| 2004-2005 | Robert Kuhn, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2005-2006 | Robert Kuhn, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2006-2007 | James Dice, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 2007-2008 | Cindy Dusik, PharmD |
| 2008-2009 | Jeffrey Low, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 2009-2010 | Michael Christensen, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2010-2011 | Michael Christensen, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2011-2012 | David Knoppert, FPPA |
| 2012-2013 | Amy Potts, PharmD, BCPPS |
| 2013-2014 | William Maish, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2014-2015 | Kay Kyllonen, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2015-2016 | Jared Cash, PharmD, FPPA |
| 2016-2017 | Lisa Lubsch, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 2017-2018 | David Hoff, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 2018-2019 | Miranda Nelson, PharmD, BCPPS |
| 2019-2020 | Hanna Phan, PharmD, FCCP, FPPA |
| 2020-2021 | Shannon Manzi, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 2021-2022 | Kristin Klein, PharmD, BCPPS, FPPA |
| 1992-1997 | Kellie McQueen |
| 1997 | Steve Glass Association Mgmt Co. |
| 1998-2002 | Hank Wedemeyer |
| 2003-present | Matthew Helms, MA, CAE |
| 2003 Induction |
Doug Smith |
| Meetings and Conference History |
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| Pharmacy Directors of Pediatric Hospitals (PDPH) held in conjunction with the ASHP Midyear Meeting |
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| 1985 | New Orleans, LA | |
| 1986 | Las Vegas, NV | |
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Changed name to Pediatric Pharmacy Administrative Group |
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| 1987 | Atlanta, GA | |
| 1988 | Nashville, TN | |
| 1989 | Atlanta, GA | |
| 1990 | Las Vegas, NV | |
| 1991 | New Orleans, LA | |
| Changed name to Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group | ||
| 1992 | 1st Annual Meeting | Copper Mountain, CO |
| 1993 | 2nd Annual Meeting | Vail, CO |
| 1994 | 3rd Annual Meeting | Napa, CA |
| 1995 | 4th Annual Meeting | Newport, RI |
| 1996 | 5th Annual Meeting | Scottsdale, AZ |
| 1997 | 6th Annual Meeting | Beaver Creek, CO |
| 1998 | 7th Annual Meeting | Kiawah Island, SC |
| 1999 | 8th Annual Meeting | Vancouver, BC |
| 2000 | 9th Annual Meeting | San Antonio, TX |
| 2001 | 10th Annual Meeting | St. Louis, MO |
| NICU Specialty Conference | ||
| 2002 | 11th Annual Meeting | St. Petersburg, FL |
| PICU Specialty Conference | Dallas, TX | |
| 2003 | 12th Annual Meeting | Dana Point, CA |
| NICU Specialty Conference | Tucson, AZ | |
| 2004 | 13th Annual Meeting | St. Petersburg, FL |
| 2005 | 14th Annual Meeting | Chicago, IL |
| Hematology/Oncology Specialty Conference | Memphis, TN | |
| 2006 | 15th Annual Meeting | San Francisco, CA |
| PICU/NICU Specialty Conference | Baltimore, MD | |
| 2007 | 16th Annual Meeting | Portsmouth, VA |
| Technology/Safety Specialty Conference | Austin, TX | |
| 2008 | 17th Annual Meeting | Baltimore, MD |
| PICU/NICU Specialty Conference | Little Rock, AR | |
| 2009 | 18th Annual Meeting | Cleveland, OH |
| International Conference (held in conjuction with ACCP) | Orlando, FL | |
| 2010 | 19th Annual Meeting | St. Charles, MO |
| Chronic Diseases Specialty Conference | Salt Lake City, UT | |
| 2011 | 20th Annual Meeting Focus: Hematology/Oncology and Critical Care |
Memphis, TN |
| 2012 | 21st Annual Meeting Focus: Infectious Diseases and Clinical Leadership/Management |
Houston, TX |
| 2013 | 22nd Annual Meeting Focus: NICU and PICU |
Indianapolis, IN |
| 2014 | 23rd Annual Meeting Focus: Hematology/Oncology and General Pediatrics |
Nashville, TN |
| 2015 | 24th Annual Meeting Focus: Board Examination Review |
Minneapolis, MN |
| Fall Meeting: Board Exam Review | Houston, TX | |
| 2016 | 25th Annual Meeting Focus: NICU and Nutrition/GI |
Atlanta, GA |
| Fall Meeting Focus: General Peds, Hematology/Oncology, BCPPS Review |
Tucson, AZ | |
| 2017 | 26th Annual Meeting Focus: Medication Safety and PICU |
Charlotte, NC |
| Fall Meeting Focus: Infectious Disease, Ambulatory Care, BCPPS Review |
Cincinatti, OH | |
| 2018 | 27th Annual Meeting Focus: General Pediatrics and NICU |
Salt Lake City, UT |
| Fall Meeting Focus: Hematology/Oncology, Nutrition/GI, BCPPS Review |
Philadelphia, PA | |
| 2019 | 28th Annual Meeting Focus: Ambulatory Care and PICU |
Oklahoma City, OK |
| Fall Meeting Focus: Infectious Disease, Preceptor Development, and BCPPS Prep |
Lexington, KY | |
| Changed name to Pediatric Pharmacy Association | ||
| 2020 | 29th Annual Meeting Focus: Hematology and NICU |
Virtual |
| Fall Meeting Focus: GI/ Nutrition and General Peds, BCPPS Review |
TBD | |
| 2021 | 30th Fall Meeting Focus: Infectious Disease and PICU |
Norfolk, VA |
| Fall Meeting Focus: Ambulatory Care, Preceptor Development, and BCPPS Review |
TBD | |
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