POTSDAM – Jay A. Delisle, Pharm.D, BCPS, a pharmacist with Canton-Potsdam Hospital, has achieved certification in pharmacotherapy by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, a global professional accrediting organization.

Prior to this latest round of certification examinations, only 127 pharmacists had achieved the designation in New York State. As of this recent round, Dr. Delisle is the only board certified pharmacotherapist in St. Lawrence or Franklin counties.

The certification examination covers specialized skills and experience in pharmacotherapy, which is the practice of appropriately selecting and applying medication to prevent or treat illness.

As experts in drug interactions and specific therapeutic properties, pharmacists certified in pharmacotherapy work alongside other medical professionals to provide a scientific and evidence-based understanding of the correct types, dosages, and administration methods for patients who are being treated with pharmaceuticals.

"Medication therapies are becoming more complex as the population ages and more people are taking multiple prescriptions," said Jennifer W. Starnes, RPH, Director of the CPH Pharmacy.

"Pharmacotherapy specialists like Dr. Delisle are increasingly important partners in assisting other medical practitioners to stay current with this ever-changing landscape and focus on the best course of treatment for patients," she said. "Achieving certification in expanding fields is just one way our professionals are helping to improve quality and safety," added Starnes.

Dr. Delisle joined Canton-Potsdam Hospital in 2006. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2003 from SUNY Binghamton, and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm. D.) from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

He serves on Canton-Potsdam Hospital's Diabetes Management and Education Team, the Critical Care Unit's Nursing Education Team, and has been awarded employee of the month in March 2010.

He also serves as a seminar instructor in the Physical Therapy Program at Clarkson University and preceptor of Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science and SUNY Buffalo Pharmacy students.

For more information about medication safety at Canton-Potsdam Hospital, contact Jennifer Starnes, RPH, Director of the CPH Pharmacy, at 265-3300.