Steven J. Thompson, PharmD, 2022 Pharmacist of the Year
Awarded annually to one member who has made significant and sustained contributions to the pharmacy practice in California, Steven J. Thompson, PharmD, has been selected to CSHP’s most prestigious award – Pharmacist of the Year Award – for 2022.
"Dr. Thompson is the epitome of the 'servant leader'" states Dr. Martin Iyoya, PharmD, FCSHP. Steven exemplifies and continues to lead by example not only as the Director of Pharmacy at Torrance Memorial Medical Center but also as one for the pharmacy profession.
The best examples of Steve’s leadership style would be his long and consistent history of volunteerism which was never part of a strategic plan to build a resume. It was always based on his desire to help out using his experience to make a difference in the lives of his colleagues and the profession. This was showcased masterfully in his presidency with CSHP (2017-2019) where he shepherded our organization through some very tough issues, including membership and a whole litany of regulatory pressures. Dr. Thompson has also served at nearly every level for his local affiliate chapter, South Bay Long Beach, along with serving on multiple committees including Committee on Goals, Sterile Compounding Task Force, Seminar Planning Committee and Blue Ribbon Committee.
Currently, Dr. Thompson serves as the Director of Pharmacy at Torrance Memorial Medical Center where he and his team have established many programs to enhance the pharmacy profession including initiating a clinical pharmacy program; instituting an outpatient pharmacy service, IV piggyback program, and unit dose system; and implementing three pharmacy computer systems, including smart pumps, automated dispensing machine system, and a mobile satellite service.
He has also implemented progressive drug distribution and clinical pharmacy services during his tenure and continues to do so to this day. Most recently he guided his department throughout the COVID epidemic having supervised the procurement, distribution and administration of vaccines for employees, volunteers, professional staff, and, in conjunction with the Torrance Fire Department, shut-ins in the community.
He received his Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and most recently received his LEAN certificate in 2014 from Torrance Memorial Medical Center.
Through all his accomplishments, we are proud to award Dr. Thompson with this achievement. He will be recognized for his commitment and contributions to the pharmacy profession in California during CSHP’s Seminar 2022 Awards Ceremony on Saturday, November 12, 2022.
