It is with immense sadness and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear friend, esteemed colleague, and devoted member of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP), Dr. Kethen W. So. His untimely departure has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him, and the impact of his loss is felt across the pharmacy profession. Dr. So was a beacon of knowledge, a compassionate mentor, and an unwavering advocate for the advancement of pharmacy practice. His passing marks the end of an era of leadership, dedication, and service, but his legacy will forever endure in the lives of those who had the privilege of working with him.
Dr. So’s career was defined by his vision, his passion, and his commitment to improving the healthcare landscape through pharmacy. As a past president of CSHP, serving from 2015 to 2017, Kethen demonstrated extraordinary leadership, shaping the direction of the organization and advancing the role of pharmacists within the healthcare system. His time as president was marked by a tireless drive to enhance the profession, elevate its standards, and advocate for the betterment of patient care.
Beyond his leadership role, Kethen was an unwavering supporter of pharmacy education. He mentored countless students, residents, and fellow pharmacists throughout his career, inspiring them to become not only skilled professionals but also compassionate caregivers and leaders in their own right. His dedication to education and mentorship helped shape the next generation of pharmacy leaders, instilling in them the same values of service, professionalism, and innovation that guided his own practice.
Kethen’s contributions to the field of pharmacy extended far beyond the walls of the healthcare institutions where he worked. He was a passionate advocate for the role of pharmacists in improving patient outcomes and promoting safe, effective medication use. Through his work with CSHP and other professional organizations, he championed policies that advanced the profession and improved the delivery of care. His tireless advocacy on behalf of patients and the pharmacy profession was rooted in his deep belief that pharmacists have an essential role to play in ensuring the health and well-being of communities.
Dr. So was more than just a pharmacist; he was a visionary leader who understood the critical role of healthcare professionals in transforming the delivery of care. Under his leadership as CSHP president, the organization saw significant growth in its efforts to shape the future of health-system pharmacy. He fostered collaboration, innovation, and education, setting the stage for a more dynamic and forward-thinking profession. His ability to inspire others to think beyond the present and embrace the possibilities of the future made him a truly exceptional leader.
Kethen’s leadership style was characterized by his humility, approachability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. He was a true servant leader, always putting the needs of others before his own and tirelessly working to uplift those around him. He fostered a sense of community within the pharmacy profession, encouraging collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. His belief in the power of teamwork and collective action was a cornerstone of his leadership, and it’s a quality that continues to inspire all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Even after his time as CSHP president, Kethen continued to be a vital force within the organization, offering guidance, support, and counsel to both emerging and seasoned professionals. His wisdom, generosity, and willingness to share his expertise made him an invaluable resource to all who sought his guidance. Whether offering career advice to a young pharmacist or engaging in thoughtful discussions about the future of the profession, Kethen was always willing to lend his time and his insight to help others succeed.
One of Kethen’s greatest passions was mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. He viewed mentorship as not just a professional responsibility but as a deeply personal commitment to helping others reach their full potential. He took great pride in seeing his mentees grow, thrive, and become leaders in their own right. Kethen’s mentorship went beyond the confines of professional development; he sought to help his mentees develop as individuals, encouraging them to be compassionate, ethical, and empathetic in their practice.
Kethen’s influence as a mentor was profound, and his impact on those he guided can never be overstated. Many of his mentees have gone on to achieve great success in the pharmacy profession, and they often attribute their accomplishments to the guidance and support they received from Kethen. He instilled in them the values of integrity, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence—values that they carry with them in their careers and personal lives.
In addition to his work as a mentor, Kethen was a fierce advocate for the pharmacy profession. He worked tirelessly to ensure that pharmacists were recognized as essential healthcare providers and that their role in patient care was acknowledged and valued. Kethen was a passionate believer in the power of pharmacy to improve health outcomes, and he dedicated his career to advancing the field in every way he could.
His advocacy efforts extended beyond professional organizations and into the broader healthcare community. Kethen was committed to ensuring that patients had access to the best possible care, and he advocated for policies that promoted patient safety, medication access, and optimal therapeutic outcomes. His advocacy was grounded in his deep care for patients and his unshakable belief in the positive impact that pharmacists can have on healthcare.
In honor of Dr. Kethen So’s extraordinary contributions to the pharmacy profession, his family has established the Kethen So Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to Kethen’s legacy and will provide support to future pharmacy leaders who share his passion for education, mentorship, and advocacy. It is a fitting way to honor a man who dedicated his life to the betterment of the profession and to the individuals he mentored and supported along the way.
Through the establishment of this scholarship, Kethen’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. The scholarship will provide opportunities for pharmacy students and professionals to further their education, pursue leadership opportunities, and continue to advocate for the advancement of the profession that Kethen loved so dearly. It is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the future of pharmacy and his belief in the potential of the next generation of healthcare leaders.
As we remember Dr. Kethen W. So, we celebrate a life well-lived, a career marked by excellence, and a legacy that will inspire and guide us for years to come. His vision, passion, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the pharmacy profession, and his impact will be felt by generations of pharmacists and healthcare professionals who follow in his footsteps.
To his family, friends, colleagues, and mentees, we extend our deepest condolences. Kethen’s loss is immeasurable, but his memory will continue to live on in the work we do, in the lives he touched, and in the countless ways he has made the world a better place. Rest in peace, Kethen. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Your dedication, mentorship, and advocacy will continue to inspire us all.
