January 13, 2023  – Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce Colby Newsome has been named as director of inpatient pharmacy.

Newsome began his career as a pharmacist with Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center in 2015 upon graduating from East Tennessee State University’s Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. From providing specialized services and helping patients manage their conditions through interprofessional collaboration, Newsome’s focus has always been on the patient. In 2019, he began serving as coordinator of clinical pharmacy services at Highlands ARH. One of his notable contributions was the expansion of clinical pharmacy services by adding two clinical, one emergency and one critical care pharmacist to better serve patients.

During his career at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, Newsome has developed policies and protocols passed by the system pharmacy and therapeutics committee to provide the most current evidence based practices. He’s also served on several committees and has helped in teaching pharmacy students from the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the Marshall University College of Pharmacy and the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.

In his new role as Director of Inpatient Pharmacy, Newsome is responsible for the overall operation of the pharmacy department for patients that are admitted to the hospital and for the patients in the emergency department. This role is vital to providers as medications are ordered to ensure patients get the best quality care with accurate filled prescriptions taken to the floor. 

Newsome comments, “I am thankful for the opportunity to assist and lead our incredible pharmacy team. My goal is to continue to expand our services to create better patient experiences and outcomes at Highlands.”

Newsome and his wife Ashlie have two children: Emerie age 8 and Isaac age 6. This outdoorsman enjoys hiking, rock climbing, camping and biking as well as traveling and fitness. Newsome is active in his community through food and toy drives and is very supportive of local middle and high school sports teams.

Chief Operating Officer Justin Turner says, “Colby is a great asset and we expect him to maintain his outstanding performance as we continue to grow at Highlands. He knows ARH and knows how at Highlands ARH we strive to fulfill our mission and give our patients care that is second to none. Colby has a proven track record and will continue to excel with this position.”