South Carolina Team Scores in ASHP Clinical Contest

Julie Long and Karen Hembree Spry of MUSC took top honors in the final round of the Eleventh Annual ASHP National Clinical Skills Competition, edging out nine other elite teams - which included the team from USC of Maria Pham and Ann Marie Wiesner - from across the nation in a forum that showcased the student's ability to provide high-quality patient care. 

In preliminary competition, 86 two-person teams each spent two hours in closed sessions evaluating and writing up a complex clinical case.  The case, developed specifically for this unique competition, was designed to test the competitors' ability to handle therapy issues that affect real patients today.  Each team evaluated the case patient's current therapy, identified and prioritized therapeutic problems and treatment goals, and created a care plan for review by a three-member panel of judges.

The winners were announced at the Student Reception in the Anaheim Marriott.  Julia Long and Karen Spry were awarded a personal first-place trophy and will also receive $400 each and a display trophy for their school.

All 20 finalists in the competition received a free copy of ASHP's PharmPrep CD-ROM and a $100 ASHP gift certificate for the purchase of ASHP products and services, including membership dues and meeting registration fees.