CALIFORNIA – Dr. Kethen W. So, a beloved friend, esteemed colleague, and a dedicated member of the Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP). Dr. So’s loss is deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact on the pharmacy profession was profound, and his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
Dr. Kethen So was not just a pharmacist; he was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for the field. Serving as President of CSHP from 2015 to 2017, Kethen played a significant role in shaping the organization and advancing the role of pharmacists in healthcare. He believed in the power of the profession to improve patient outcomes, and he dedicated his career to driving innovation and mentorship.
Kethen’s professional journey began with his PharmD from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in 1995. He went on to complete pharmacy practice and administration residencies at UCSF from 1995 to 1997, laying the foundation for what would become a distinguished career. Kethen’s early work as a clinical pharmacist at UCSF Medical Center was particularly notable for his specialization in hematology and oncology, where he developed key practice guidelines to improve care for cancer patients.
His leadership skills soon led him to take on more significant responsibilities as Pharmacy Manager at Children’s Hospital Oakland, where he implemented operational improvements that enhanced the efficiency and quality of services. Eventually, he returned to UCSF, where he excelled in various roles, including Senior Pharmacist Supervisor and Assistant Director of Pharmacy. In these positions, Kethen oversaw critical functions such as technician workload, automation projects, sterile compounding, and outpatient oncology infusion services.
One of Kethen’s most important contributions to UCSF was his work on developing the pharmacy program within the institution’s Electronic Health Record system. His efforts in this area had a lasting impact, improving medication usage and safety across the hospital system.
Beyond his institutional work, Kethen was a passionate advocate for the pharmacy profession on a broader scale. He served on numerous committees within CSHP, including the Blue Ribbon Committee, the Committee on Nominations and Leadership, and the Sunset Review Committee. His commitment to the organization extended to the CSHP Research & Education Foundation Board of Directors, where he continued to influence the direction of the profession. Kethen’s leadership in these roles was marked by his dedication to advancing the profession and supporting his peers.
In recognition of his commitment to leadership and education, Kethen also completed the ASHP Pharmacy Leadership Academy and earned an MBA in Healthcare Administration from New England College in 2020. His passion for education was evident throughout his career, as he consistently sought to mentor and guide future leaders in pharmacy.
To honor Kethen’s memory and his lasting impact on the profession, his family has established the Kethen So Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to support future leaders in pharmacy who embody the same passion, commitment, and drive that Kethen displayed throughout his life. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their dedication to advancing the pharmacy profession and their potential to carry forward Kethen’s legacy of leadership and innovation.
Dr. Kethen So’s passing is a great loss to the pharmacy community, but his legacy will continue to shape the profession for years to come. His commitment to mentorship, his leadership in advancing healthcare, and his passion for improving patient outcomes have left an indelible mark.
For those who wish to honor his memory, contributions to the Kethen So Memorial Scholarship are welcome. By supporting this scholarship, you will help ensure that Kethen’s legacy lives on through future generations of pharmacy leaders who share his dedication to the profession and his vision for the future. Dr. Kethen W. So’s spirit, passion, and service will not be forgotten, and his memory will continue to inspire all who knew him.