If you asked Scott Bolesta PharmD ‘00, professor of pharmacy practice in the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, what he has been most proud of this past year, it wouldn’t just be receiving the nationally-recognized title, Fellow of ASHP. He says it’s also “serving as an example to the students of what you can accomplish in your career.”
Bolesta has been a faculty member at Wilkes University since 2005 and became tenured in 2011. Currently, he teaches the clinical side of pharmacy, helping students through experiential learning to gain clinical practice experience at real sites, including the Intensive Care Unit at Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists is the largest association of pharmacy professionals in the United States, helping to advance innovation in pharmacy practice, education and professional development while advocating for its members and patients. Bolesta is part of the association’s 65,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who practice in various patient care settings. He is also a delegate for the Pennsylvania Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
“Dr. Scott Bolesta exemplifies what it means to lead with knowledge, compassion and purpose, and he has inspired countless students and colleagues through his commitment to advancing pharmacy practice,” says Jon Ference PharmD ‘03, dean of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. “On behalf of the entire Nesbitt School of Pharmacy, I congratulate him on this well-deserved national recognition.”
Bolesta is one of 1,127 Fellows to receive this title since the ASHP Practitioner Recognition Program began in 1988, given only to those who demonstrate sustained and significant commitment, knowledge and expertise in the field, active involvement, leadership, excellence and education.
“[This recognition] shows the dedication I have to advancing our profession,” says Bolesta. “I have really enjoyed serving. It’s something I’m really passionate about, especially since it is the largest pharmacy organization in the world.”
He advises students to be open to all kinds of opportunities, including publications, teaching and volunteering.
“I encourage students to get involved if they’re truly passionate about it and if an organization or society has something that aligns with their values and goals,” says Bolesta. “I tell them to do it because they enjoy the work and want to stay engaged. There are so many pharmacy organizations, so there is something for everyone.”
Bolesta believes that what is most important in educating our future pharmacists is something that hasn’t changed. While the pharmacy field continues to evolve, so should they.
“I tell students on day one of rotation to grow and develop a sense of comfort and confidence so they can step into the role of pharmacist to not only take care of patients but to provide the best care possible.”
He is proud to show students what they can gain from serving in professional societies and organizations: to develop expertise, learn and grow as professionals, lead, provide quality patient care and impact the world of pharmacy.
And he isn’t only a Fellow of ASHP. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. With over 20 years of experience and commitment as an educator, researcher and board-certified critical care pharmacist, he has developed expertise in many areas, including pharmacologic prevention, leads students through clinical research projects and practices pharmacy practice innovation in the critical care field.
“Dr. Bolesta’s recognition as a Fellow of ASHP is a tremendous honor and a reflection of a career dedicated to excellence in patient care, scholarship and service to the profession,” says Ference. “One of the greatest strengths of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy is the quality of our faculty, and Dr. Bolesta embodies that excellence every day.”
