Penn State Health has hired Sam Wetherill, an established leader with nearly three decades of experience in pharmacy services, to become its next vice president and chief pharmacy officer, effective Monday, Dec. 30.
December 18, 2024
Wetherill will oversee pharmacy services throughout the health system, including the day-to-day operations of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center Pharmacy. As Director of Pharmacy, Wetherill will provide vision, strategy, innovation and leadership for Penn State Health’s pharmacy service line, ensuring that the clinical services, safety and quality of its pharmacies are aligned with the strategic objectives and operational priorities of the health system.
“Health care is constantly evolving from a multitude of perspectives. As models of care continue to advance, Penn State Health is well-positioned to improve the health of the communities it serves,” Wetherill said. “I look forward to working with an already strong pharmaceutical team to continue to address these challenges.” »
Wetherill graduated from Penn State. He brings more than 27 years of pharmacy experience in operational and management roles in the retail, hospital and long-term care industries. Before joining Penn State Health, Wetherill worked in long-term care for Omnicare at King of Prussia and spent 17 years at ChristianaCare in Newark, Delaware, where he held several positions, including vice president of pharmaceutical services.
“Sam’s extensive experience in multiple aspects of pharmacy services stood out among a pool of many highly qualified candidates,” said Dr. Kenneth Wood, chief medical officer of Penn State Health. “He also brings significant military leadership experience. I look forward to collaborating with him and others across Penn State Health to improve our health system’s approaches to pharmacy.”
Prior to his career in healthcare, Wetherill served in the U.S. Army for 22 years, both active duty and in the reserves. He was stationed in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo and Ft. Benning, Ga., while on active duty. Wetherill was sent overseas three times on global emergency missions following the September 11 terrorist attacks, before retiring at the rank of lieutenant colonel. His last six years as a reservist were spent as a command and general staff officer course instructor and area coordinator at Ft. Ten, New Jersey.
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