Newswise — Chicago, IL (March 29, 2016): Susannah Koontz, PharmD BCOP FHOPA, took office as President-elect of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) at the recent 12th HOPA Annual Conference in March. Dr. Koontz will serve as President-elect for the 2016-2017 term and assume the office of President in March of 2017. In addition, Dr. Koontz is among the inaugural class of the newly established program, Fellow of HOPA, a designation to recognize individuals who have made sustained contributions to HOPA and who have also demonstrated exceptional performance in oncology pharmacy.

Dr. Koontz has been an active member of HOPA since its inception in 2004 and served as an At-Large Member of the Board of Directors from 2011-2013. She has dedicated much time and expertise to HOPA, including serving on the Membership and Education Committees. Dr. Koontz has presented at multiple HOPA Annual Conferences and has co-facilitated the Pediatric Special Interest Group. Susannah’s efforts chairing the 10th Anniversary Gala greatly impacted the HOPA Research Fund, which raised approximately $75,000 to support oncology/pharmacy research efforts.

Currently, Dr. Koontz is the Principal of Koontz Oncology Consulting, LLC, located in Houston, TX. She serves as a consultant for pharmacy practice, medical education, and clinical research in the fields of pediatric hematology, oncology, and stem cell transplantation. Dr. Koontz, who founded this firm in 2008, guides healthcare professionals in identifying research opportunities and cancer therapies specifically in pediatric patients. Prior to this role, she was the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist for the Children’s Cancer Hospital at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Dr. Koontz earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University Of Michigan College Of Pharmacy in 1996. She completed both her Pharmacy Practice Residency and Oncology Pharmacy Residency at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Koontz has been a Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist since 1999.

HOPA

HOPA is a nonprofit professional organization formed in 2004 to help oncology and hematology pharmacy practitioners and their associates provide the best possible cancer care. HOPA supports research, conducts educational conferences to advance knowledge, encourages professional development and advocates for health policy issues that improve patient care. HOPA has more than 2,500 members and includes oncology pharmacists, as well as pharmacy administrators, researchers, residents, interns and technicians specializing in hematology/oncology practice.