40 Years: Kenny Sham

By Steve Lansdale

Kenny Sham
Kenny Sham

Early on, they called him “Mr. Valium” – but not because he’s a Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator in the Department of Pharmacy Services.

Kenny Sham, who joined the UT Southwestern team 40 years ago as a pharmacy intern, earned that colorful moniker thanks to his ability to maintain a calm demeanor, even under intense pressure.

“I still remember being involved in the planning for preparation of the delivery of quintuplets,” Mr. Sham says. “On the day it happened, I was called to the Labor and Delivery area, and helped coordinate the pharmacy support. We activated our agreed upon code, and everything went according to plan. Five beautiful babies survived.”

Though his work is often done behind the scenes, his versatility and willingness to jump in wherever needed make him vital to the operation of his Department.

Mr. Sham is responsible for staffing and scheduling of pharmacists and helps coordinate the day-to-day operation of Pharmacy Services. He is also responsible for the Alaris Smart Pump drug library, the DoseEdge checker for IV drugs, and is involved in Medication Safety Event follow-up.

After his start as an intern, he became a Clinical Staff Pharmacist, and ultimately took on his current role as a coordinator. But he’s been visible in many other spots on campus.

“I have worked in the Intensive Care Units, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, started the Pharmacy Operating Room Satellite program, worked with Orthopaedics, and have worked in every area, with the exception of pharmacy administration,” Mr. Sham says.

Since his arrival, UT Southwestern has changed enormously, “from St. Paul University Hospital, a private, religious-based teaching hospital, to an academic medical center with emphasis on research and education,” but remains a place that, above all, helps heal and educate others.

“The teaching occurs with new pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy residents,” Mr. Sham says. “Even with many changes over the 40 years, I have been very fortunate to work with many great and dedicated people.”

Away from work, Mr. Sham likes to jog and read. His family includes his wife, Susan, and son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Monica.

Employee Recognition 2016

Long-term employees play an invaluable role in the life of UT Southwestern Medical Center. Their faithful, dedicated service has helped the institution become what it is today. In this special edition of Center Times, we showcase some of these employees and their varied interests. Meet the 2016 honorees * Snapshot of 1975