Sum Lam, Pharm.D., BCGP, BCPS, is a clinical professor of pharmacy practice at St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Queens, New York. In this role, she develops didactic courses in clinical therapeutics, conducts pharmacy research, precepts advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) students, and serves on the departmental Personnel and Budget Committee. Driven by the university’s Vincentian mission, Lam addresses issues of poverty and social justice through education, believing education is the ultimate tool for social equity, empowering individuals to serve others. She actively creates opportunities for student engagement, including community outreach and distinctive experiences such as coordinating a global study course in geriatric pharmacotherapy in Rome for 33 students. These experiences enrich her teaching and foster strong student connections.

At her clinical practice site, NYU Langone Hospital–Long Island (formerly Winthrop Hospital), Lam has mentored numerous trainees while collaborating with the geriatric medicine fellowship program (since 2003) and the PGY1 pharmacy residency program (since 2013). Board certified in Pharmacotherapy and Geriatric Pharmacy, Lam is also certified in immunization and collaborative drug therapy management. A recognized leader in professional organizations, Lam actively serves on numerous committees at state and national levels. She is currently chair-elect of the Geriatrics Practice and Research Network (PRN) within the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and president-elect of the Long Island Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Her scholarly work includes publications on pharmacy topics and completion of an ACCP Academy program on precision medicine.

Although Lam discovered her passion for teaching early in life, her path to pharmacy initially stemmed from an interest in a stable career. Researching career outlooks, she recognized that her aptitude for mathematics and science aligned well with the pharmacy profession. She subsequently earned her BS (magna cum laude) and Pharm.D. (magna cum laude) degrees from the University of Connecticut, graduating with Honors Scholar distinction for her laboratory research thesis exploring the pathogenesis of dementia and other neurologic conditions. Her APPE rotations solidified her interest in clinical pharmacy, leading her to complete a PGY1 pharmacy practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, followed by a PGY2 specialized residency in geriatric pharmacy at the Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center at the Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center in North Carolina. During her PGY2 residency, she rotated through various clinics at the Duke University Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development and served as an affiliated clinical instructor in Pharmacotherapy at the University of North Carolina School of Pharmacy at Chapel Hill.

Reflecting on her career, Lam emphasizes the importance of channeling personal gifts and talents into one’s vocation for self-actualization and serving others. She also advocates seeking support and building meaningful connections through professional organizations. Her involvement with ACCP, for example, provides opportunities for the personal and professional growth instrumental in achieving her aspirations as an academician and pharmacist. She notes her only regret is not joining and engaging with the organization sooner.

Exposure to diverse educational systems (Chinese, British, and American) and the multicultural environment of New York City have fostered Lam’s passion for languages and international travel. She values opportunities to connect with nature and experience different cultures through travel. A strong advocate for fairness and equal access to opportunities, Lam recognizes the importance of addressing barriers to success arising from differences. She is committed to fostering safe, respectful, and inclusive environments for all around her to learn, grow, serve, and succeed.

Lam also champions the importance of pharmacist unity in advancing legislation and expanding the scope of practice. This collective effort was instrumental in securing immunization authority for pharmacists in New York State, significantly influencing vaccination rates and the fight against pandemics. Her continued dedication to advocacy and education benefits her students, patients, and community.