The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) officially welcomed Robert Mancini, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, as its new President during the HOPA 2025 Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.
Dr. Mancini serves as the Oncology Pharmacy Program Coordinator and PGY2 Oncology Residency Program Director at St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Boise, Idaho. He is also an Adjunct Clinical Instructor of Oncology at Idaho State University’s College of Pharmacy in Meridian.
A Calling Rooted in Family
Dr. Mancini’s passion for oncology pharmacy is deeply personal. Several of his family members have had cancer, including his grandfather, aunt, uncle and father. “My dad is a four-time cancer survivor,” Dr. Mancini said. “And my mom is a four-time cancer caregiver.”
He credits his personal support system—including his grandparents, parents, and daughters—for shaping his professional journey toward patient-centered care.
Fittingly, Dr. Mancini gave a nod to optimism and resilience as he walked on stage to Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’.
Leading with Purpose
Dr. Mancini outlined three key initiatives he will lead this year alongside the HOPA Board of Directors, volunteers and staff.
- Reimagine volunteerism by continuing to expand flexible service options—including micro-volunteering—that align with members’ interests, availability, and skill sets.
- Elevate early oncology pharmacy education through expanded learning pathways such as virtual residency programs and fellowship showcases.
- Put the people of oncology pharmacy at the center by highlighting lived experiences and professional insights, including in a member-submitted book of stories.
During his address, Dr. Mancini reflected on a moment shared with his daughters at Disney’s World of Color - ONE, where the theme song, “Start a Wave,” includes the lyric “But someone has to start it.” That line, he noted, captures the heart of his leadership philosophy of inspiring action, encouraging engagement, and building momentum—one wave at a time.
About HOPA
The Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) supports hematology/oncology pharmacy professionals and promotes the role of the pharmacist in collaborative cancer care. Founded in 2004, HOPA provides crucial education and networking for its dedicated and growing membership of pharmacists in a wide range of careers and at all experience levels. HOPA’s vision is to ensure that all individuals affected by cancer have a hematology/oncology pharmacist as an integral member of their care team.
