Chessman named CPOS chair

Kathy Chessman, professor of clinical pharmacy and outcomes sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), has been named chair of the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences (CPOS) in the MUSC College of Pharmacy. Chessman has served as interim chair since June 5, 2019.

A pediatric pharmacy practitioner for more than 30 years, Kathy Chessman is a respected national voice in pediatric pharmacy. Her comments in a petition review by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) contributed to the board’s decision to establish a certified specialty in pediatrics, and she was made chair of BPS’ first Specialty Council on Pediatric Pharmacy.

“Dr. Chessman has been a leader in the College for many years and has been an excellent interim chair for the past year,” said MUSC College of Pharmacy Dean Philip Hall. “Her proven leadership ability has been a significant asset as the College made the formidable adjustment to continued operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an outstanding teacher, clinician, and mentor.”

Chessman earned her bachelor’s in biology from Presbyterian College before earning both bachelor’s and Pharm.D. degrees from MUSC. She completed a residency in pediatric pharmacotherapy and nutrition at LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. She is board certified in nutrition support pharmacy, pharmacotherapy and was named fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy in 2004.

The MUSC College of Pharmacy 2013 Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, Chessman is routinely cited by students as one of the best professors they’ve had, and she has been instrumental in making the PGY2 pediatric residency at MUSC one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in post-doc pharmacy education.