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Regional Coordinator of the Year draws mentorship inspiration from legendary coach
Elaine Law, PharmD, BCPS, FCSHP, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and regional coordinator for San Jose, draws inspiration for her approach to mentorship from a legendary college basketball coach.
When Dr. Law was an undergraduate student at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Coach John Wooden was a constant presence on campus. Coach Wooden holds an impressive record, leading the UCLA Bruins to 10 NCAA Championships in 12 years, but his enduring legacy is the players and coaches he mentored. Dr. Law has adopted Coach Wooden’s leadership principles to shape her own approach to mentorship, focused on fostering resilience, championing curiosity and encouraging a strong desire for learning.
This year, Dr. Law was named the Regional Coordinator of the Year.
“I’m extremely honored and surprised to receive this award as I work with a tremendous group of regional coordinators who are all equally dedicated and deserving of this award,” said Dr. Law.
Her message to the Class of 2026: “I know I have high expectations which can sometimes be intimidating, but I hope I’ve shown up every day for you with consistency, authenticity and a commitment to helping each of you reach and achieve your individual goals,” Dr. Law said.
“Everything I’ve learned so far as president of CSHP — whether it’s being a better leader, a better listener or developing a servant leader mindset — I hope I’ve translated and modeled to my students.”
Pacific doctor of pharmacy students on rotation in the San Jose region have had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Law during her tenure as presidential officer, 2024 through 2026, of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists (CSHP).
“Everything I’ve learned so far as president of CSHP — whether it’s being a better leader, a better listener or developing a servant leader mindset — I hope I’ve translated and modeled to my students,” she said.
Dr. Law is passionate about elevating the next generation of pharmacy leaders who will drive innovation and energize professional organizations. She hopes her service will inspire students to pursue leadership roles of their own.
“I remind my students I’m just a regular person who didn’t plan out my professional journey to include being president of any organization, but I just happened to have the privilege to lead in an extraordinary capacity. It can happen to them too if they are open to challenges and taking professional risks. I hope that this demystifies their preconceived notions of who our pharmacy leaders are and empowers them to continue being involved and step up to serve when asked,” Dr. Law said.
