Chris Anoatubby
Chris Anoatubby, Chief of Pharmacy Services for Chickasaw Nation Health Services, was recently named Young Pharmacist of the Year.
He received the honor during an Oklahoma City Area Indian Health Service continuing education conference.
Bill Lance, CEO of the Chickasaw Nation Health Service, said Mr. Anoatubby is “very deserving” of the award.
“The Chickasaw Nation’s pharmaceutical services are greatly enhanced by the outstanding leadership of Chris Anoatubby,” said Mr. Lance. “Chris has led our pharmacy service through tremendous changes of technological advances that have made our program more efficient and effective.
“We are proud of his accomplishments.”
Mr. Anoatubby said he was “surprised and honored” to be mentioned along with the others who were chosen for the award.
“This award is a reflection of our whole team,” said Mr. Anoatubby, who was quick to point out that the entire pharmacy team had been nominated as team of the year.
Criteria for Young Pharmacist of the Year include implementing innovative programs, exceptional leadership skills and developing or participating in mentor programs, among others.
Several CNHS employees nominated Mr. Anoatubby for the award.
“He not only believes in all of his pharmacy staff but also holds himself up to the same standards that he expects us to practice as people and as pharmacists,” wrote one.
“Chris has a great vision for the Chickasaw nation and the Indian Health Service. He shares this vision with his staff regularly to remind us of our duties and to help set our future goals.”
Another wrote “Chris’s dedication to the Chickasaw pharmacy program goes above and beyond the normal Chief of Pharmacy duties.”
Mr. Anoatubby has worked for the Chickasaw Nation Health Service since May, 1997.
He received his degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy.
Of 18 pharmacists nominated, Mr. Anoatubby was the only tribal employee to receive the honor.
Each of the four other recipients was an Indian Health Service officer.
