Dr. Chuong Do, an inpatient pharmacist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, was recently named the Defense Health Agency Inpatient Pharmacist of the Year and National Capital Region Inpatient Pharmacist of the Year.
The recognition comes during Pharmacy Week, an opportunity to acknowledge pharmacists and pharmacy technicians whose work supports patient care, readiness, access and quality across the military health system.
Pharmacy Week also recognizes the pharmacy technicians who support the medication-use process and help maintain safe, timely care. Griffeon Nyimpha, a Walter Reed pharmacy technician, described the pharmacy team as “the heart of the hospital.”
Do said the awards reflect the work of the entire Walter Reed pharmacy team.
“It’s humbling,” Do said. “I was surprised and grateful, but I don’t see these awards as mine alone. Everything I do depends on our whole pharmacy team at Walter Reed; the technicians, my fellow pharmacists, and the providers and nurses we work with every day.”
Do has worked as a pharmacist since 2012 and joined Walter Reed in 2016. He said his interest in pharmacy developed from a desire to learn about advancing treatments and solve complex patient-care problems. He was drawn to inpatient pharmacy because of the opportunity to work directly with providers and make decisions that affect a patient’s recovery.
“You make decisions that directly affect how patients recover,” Do said. “Working at a military facility adds another layer of meaning. Taking care of the people who serve our country, and their families, is something I’m really proud to be part of.”
At Walter Reed, Do and the inpatient pharmacy team support health care delivery by reviewing prescriptions for potential interactions and dosing concerns, coordinating with providers and nurses, and helping ensure patients receive safe and timely medications. This work helps maintain continuity of care as patients transfer between clinics, are discharged or permanently change station.
The pharmacy team’s work also supports readiness by helping service members maintain access to medications and continuity of care needed to remain healthy and prepared for duty.
“With guidance from our leadership, we keep patients safe, catch and solve problems early, and make sure our service members and their families get the best care possible,” Do said.
Do’s recognition reflects his commitment to safe, patient-centered medication care and the collaborative work of the Walter Reed pharmacy team. Through inpatient pharmacy services, Do helps support quality health care delivery by identifying medication concerns, coordinating with providers and helping ensure patients receive the medications they need throughout their care.