Permission granted

Let me begin with a few words of thanks. First, to David Zilz, let me offer a sincere note of appreciation, not just for your kind words but for your friendship and contributions to my career over the years as well as your willingness to be a part of this year’s Whitney Lecture program. I would also like to express my appreciation to Debra Devereaux and Steve Sheaffer for their support of my nomination. Your conviction and perseverance that I was deserving of this special recognition are, in themselves, an award. Thank you for your support and, more importantly, your friendship. To the Southeastern Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ASHP, and the Harvey A. K. Whitney Lecture Award Committee, thank you for this honor. I am humbled to be among the list of award recipients, all of whom I respect and admire. Permit me to acknowledge the contributions of former team members at Grace Hospital and Harper Hospital in Detroit, Methodist Healthcare in Memphis, and The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and to express my thanks for what they have given me and what we were able to achieve collectively.