While this is my last presidential update, it is the first one in the new online HOPA News format, which I hope you enjoy. Before I hand this letter off to current HOPA President, Amy Seung, PharmD, BCOP, CHCP, FHOPA, I want to take a moment to reflect on how much we have achieved together this past year, as well as throughout HOPA’s 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
Despite hurdles this year related to cancer research funding, patient access, health equity, and more, we have made meaningful strides as a hematology/oncology pharmacy community. I am proud of HOPA’s accomplishments and grateful to all of you for your contributions! Progress has been made in each of the strategic pillars.
Education
We implemented a new learning management system and improved accessibility across multiple platforms. We expanded our BCOP reach to non-member learners through collaborations and keyword optimization online. We established a process for reporting continuing professional development (CPD) credits and completed a review of Core Competency with a new release coming in 2026.
HOPA 2026 in New Orleans featured 35.50 ACPE credits, including 8.25 BCOP and set a new attendance record of nearly 1,800 registrants.
Professional Practice
We made data-driven improvements based on survey results and feedback from members across career stages. These ranged from practical, like cataloging member benefits and resources, to aspirational, such as lighting the path to oncology pharmacy with a Residency Showcase. We also developed HOPA’s sustainability statement.
In 2025, we established Oncology Pharmacist Day, which recognizes the contributions of oncology pharmacists throughout the cancer care continuum. Our first celebration was April 3, 2026, with leadership and staff already planning for 2027 and beyond!
Research & Quality
We continued to elevate pharmacist-led research through grants, partnerships, and thought leadership. We hosted an IRB basics webinar and published the Pharmacist in Quality white paper. We joined PQA to strengthen our engagement in quality metrics and continued the momentum of quality training by partnering with ASCO QTP. Under this pillar, we also continued to raise funds to fuel the HOPA research grants.
Advocacy & Awareness
We went to the Hill and worked behind the scenes to ensure oncology pharmacists are recognized as essential members of the cancer care team. We advocated for patients and caregivers at two HOPA Hill Days, one virtual and one in Washington DC. We integrated patient and caregiver storytelling into our programming and increased access to patient education through multilingual clinical trial resources.
First-Person Stories
The year also brought some new ways to highlight the people behind the practice of oncology pharmacy. We produced 15 HOPA Now podcast episodes, featuring a total of 33 guests talking about their experiences both within the field and outside work hours.
One of my proudest moments as HOPA President was releasing the Annual Conference Edition of Healing, Optimism, Pharmacy, and Advocacy: Stories and Perspectives from Oncology Pharmacists. This book reflects the voices, experiences, and humanity behind practice, reinforcing not only what oncology pharmacists do, but who we are.
None of this progress happens without you. And of course, our work is not finished; we continue to advance education, lead research projects, and advocate for our profession and patients. I can’t wait to see what this community achieves moving forward.
Robert Mancini
HOPA Immediate Past President
