Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Dr. Scott Bergman will receive the New Practitioner Leadership Award from the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP). Bergman will be honored at the ICHP annual meeting Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Drury Lane Theatre and Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace.
The ICHP award recognizes an individual whose early accomplishments distinguish them as future leaders in the profession. The candidates are individuals whose performance demonstrates a high degree of professionalism, leadership and innovation.
“This award provides well deserved recognition for Scott’s efforts with ICHP, as well as his efforts to increase local pharmacist participation in this state organization,” said Dr. Mark Ruscin, professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. “It is critically important for the profession and for the School of Pharmacy to have faculty members, like Scott, develop as leaders within professional organizations.”
Bergman joined SIUE School of Pharmacy in 2006. He has developed his own clinical practice in collaboration with infectious disease physicians at the SIU School of Medicine in Springfield. He has been providing patient care at local hospitals and at an international travel clinic. He has conducted research to improve antibiotic use and patient outcomes.
Additionally, Bergman has received praise from his nominators for innovative teaching methods involving infectious diseases pharmacotherapy, which is a challenging topic for students. He helps students become proficient healthcare providers. In 2012, the Springfield resident developed a postgraduate training program in infectious diseases pharmacy.
At the organizational level, Bergman is a leader by example as he stays actively involved in state and national pharmacy organizations. He has served ICHP in many capacities and worked with the ICHP office to develop monthly continuing education programs for local pharmacists. Drawing upon the local pharmacy residents and preceptors, Bergman has been able to deliver timely and interesting educational offerings.
It’s the second-consecutive year that ICHP has honored Bergman. He received the Excellence in Innovation award in fall 2012.
A Slayton, Minn., native, Bergman earned a doctorate in pharmacy from South Dakota State University in 2004. He completed residencies in Pharmacy Practice and Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy at West Virginia University Hospitals and School of Pharmacy.
Photo: SIUE’s Dr. Scott Bergman.