The Texas Society of Health System Pharmacists began in 1949 with the first annual seminar for hospital pharmacists held at The University of Texas College of Pharmacy in Austin. Twenty five founding members came together to form what has become one of the leading health-system pharmacy societies in the country that fosters leadership and education in pharmacy. The people who helped organize that first seminar included: UT College of Pharmacy Dean Henry M. Burlage, Dr. John Boenigk, of the UT College of Pharmacy, Lewis Smith of Baylor Hospital in Dallas (the first president of TSHP), Charlotte Coleman of John Sealy Hospital in Galveston, Cedric Jeffers of Scott and White Hospital in Temple, and Adela Schneider, the first secretary of TSHP who later served as president of TSHP and also received an award from ASHP for writing an early history of TSHP.

Regular communications to members transitioned from a printed newsletter to an electronic “E-news” sent out on a weekly basis, as well as a website that members can use to access pharmacy news, important society documents and obtain continuing education. The TSHP Journal debuted in 2000 to give members an opportunity to publish and read articles on topics relevant to pharmacy practice including original research, case studies, residency projects, therapeutic reviews, best practices, and medication safety topics. In the 1980s, to assist with advocacy efforts TSHP hired Brad Shields to help with lobbying efforts with Texas legislators to promote positive pharmacy practices that benefit the people of Texas.

What began as a small number of dedicated hospital pharmacists coming together to learn and discuss professional issues has grown to a dynamic health-system pharmacy organization that includes pharmacists, pharmacy residents, pharmacy students, retired pharmacists, educators, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy industry representatives, and others dedicated to the mission, vision, core values, philosophy, soul, spirit, and motto of TSHP.

The mission of TSHP is to facilitate and enhance the growth, professional development, practice and recognition of our members to impact health system pharmacy practice, thereby improving patient care.

We will accomplish this by:

• Advocating the advancement of pharmacy practice through legislation and regulation.
• Delivering unique, innovative programs and sharing best practices for pharmacists and technicians.
• Identifying and mentoring leaders within health systems and the profession.
• Strengthening and supporting our local affiliate chapters.   

TSHP will be respected and recognized as the leading state organization for its pioneering efforts toward maximizing the impact of health system pharmacy practice on patient health in the state of Texas.

Indicators we are moving toward our vision:

• We are recognized by our members, ASHP and others as the innovative advocate.
• Members and non-members recognize TSHP for its inspiration, education, leadership, representation and advancement of health system pharmacy practice.
• The majority of health system pharmacy practitioners in Texas are active members.
• Our impact upon the legislative and regulatory processes enables health-system practitioners to improve patient health.

TSHP values the diversity of its members and believes this is essential to achieving its mission and vision. A diverse membership brings vital perspectives to the organization. TSHP welcomes and appreciates the full spectrum of human differences, including age, gender, race, culture, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, family and socioeconomic status, disability, education level, professional level, and personal values and beliefs. Membership diversity promotes advancement of the practice of pharmacy and improves patient care by: (1) strengthening communication and the representation of our profession; (2) enriching our education and collegial interactions; (3) fostering our personal and professional growth and development; and (4) enhancing our awareness, sensitivity, and understanding of health care issues related to providing quality and equitable care to an increasingly diverse patient population.

• TSHP membership will reflect the demographics of our profession.
• TSHP will recruit members from diverse populations.
• TSHP will provide an environment that encourages the identification and development of the talents of all members and provides leadership opportunities to everyone.
• TSHP will plan activities at board meetings, regional conferences, annual seminars, and other functions that promote diversity and meet the needs of all of our members.
• TSHP will provide education that helps pharmacy practitioners attain competency at providing care and services to a diverse patient population.
• TSHP, through the TSHP R&E Foundation, will facilitate the conduct of research that focuses on the needs of an increasingly diverse patient population.

Ultimately, TSHP will create a climate in which everyone feels welcome and will be able to do his/her best work in pursuit of TSHP's mission and vision.

Advocacy - Leadership - Fellowship - Mentoring - Education - Research

Pharmacists have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to be leaders and practitioners in all areas of the health care industry and to improve the health of the public. The best way to predict the future of pharmacy is to create it.