Barksdale Pharmacist becomes finalist for Military Pharmacist of the year

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  A Pharmacist from the 2nd Medical Support Squadron was announced as a finalist for Military Pharmacist of the year, July 12.

Maj. Achilles Hamilothoris, 2nd MDSS Pharmacy flight commander, is one of three finalists from the military and the only Air Force nomination for this award.

According to the Next Generation Pharmacist's website www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com, the national awards program recognizes and honors pharmacists, technicians, student pharmacists and industry advocates who are defining the future of the pharmaceutical industry.

"It is an honor to be nominated for the award," Hamilothoris said. "But, I would not have gotten where I am today without the dedicated pharmacy teams that have supported me. They are my rock stars, and without their dedication we couldn't complete the mission."

Hamilothoris's professionalism has led this team to save money, reduce error rates, reduce wait times and elevate patient safety.

"We have taken patient safety to a new level by reducing the error rates. We strive for zero percent but the acceptable rule is one error in 2,000, which is very strict when studies show many downtown pharmacies have 1 error in 100, and ours has been one in almost 7,000," Hamilothoris said. "I was also able to look at what medicines we have and find a low cost alternative to the name brands, by doing this we have saved more than $2 million in prescription medications this year, which has allowed us to add even more medications to our formulary to take care of our patients."

From medical supply orders to patient referrals, this jack-of-all-trades pharmacist not only focuses on pharmacy issues, he identifies areas that can use improvements.

"Maj Hamilothoris is a true all-around professional that is the subject matter expert in pharmacy and on items one wouldn't normally think of," said Lt. Col. Todd Osgood, 2nd MDSS commander. "His analysis and improvement in processes is evident in every aspect of Barksdale Air Force Base and our Medical Group."

His talents benefit not just Barksdale but other bases as well.

"Most recently, Maj. Hamilothoris filled a short notice manning-assist to Whiteman AFB to not only help them fulfill their day-to-day duties, but he was also there to help guide them through their Consolidated Unit Inspection. As a result of his expertise, they received a perfect score."

The winner for top military pharmacist will be announced at a ceremony Aug. 11 in Las Vegas.