Published on March 25, 2025
ASTCT Women’s History Month Spotlight: LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, FASTCT
by LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, FASTCT
In celebration of Women’s History Month, ASTCT is proud to highlight the inspiring journeys of women making a profound impact in transplantation and cellular therapy. This spotlight features LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, FASTCT, Director of Pharmacy, Clinical Oncology at Atrium Health Southeast.
For Kennedy, it all began with a pharmacy residency rotation on the (known at the time) bone marrow transplant service — a moment that sparked a lasting passion for a field that blends hematology, oncology, immunology, infectious disease and internal medicine. Now a leader in transplant pharmacy, she’s known not only for her clinical expertise but for the wisdom she shares through “Life Lessons with LeAnne.” In this Q&A, she reflects on the mentors who guided her and the compassion at the heart of her work.
1. What inspired you to enter the transplantation and cellular therapy field?
As a pharmacy resident, my first rotation was on the (at the time) bone marrow transplant service. I loved how the multidisciplinary team worked together to care for these complex patients. Transplant and cellular therapy blends hematology and oncology, immunology, infectious diseases and internal medicine all together. When it came time to look for a job, I knew this was the practice for me.
2. How do you inspire others?
I love sharing stories of my patients and what I’ve learned from them. I use these “Life Lessons with LeAnne” to teach not just transplant topics, but the compassion of caring for our transplant patients.
3. What does it mean to be a woman in this field?
Being a woman in the field of transplant pharmacy has been exciting and rewarding. I enjoy encouraging new pharmacists to consider the field, and I value the relationships we’ve built together.
4. Who are your heroes in real life?
I’ve had some great transplant mentors over the years, including Ashley Engemann, Alison Gulbis and Zahra Mahmoudjafari, to name just a few. I’m grateful to many others as well and hesitate to leave anyone out.
5. What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself it’s OK to set boundaries. Pharmacists often take on extra projects to show our worth, but sometimes it’s important to say no — or at least, not right now — to prevent burnout.
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LeAnne Kennedy, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, FASTCT