Hello “Heather”! You are quite right in acknowledging that some days, rotations or practice sites can seem very chaotic and stressful, making it a challenge to provide exceptional patient care. On top of that, rotations are an entirely different learning environment than classroom learning, in which many student pharmacists may spend up to 7 years. The beauty of rotations is that you have the opportunity to learn how to become a proficient pharmacist in a variety of settings—including stressful ones—and I commend you for seeking insight.

Remember why you became a pharmacist

It is incredibly easy to forget about the patient and focus on your to-do list for the day. As a pharmacist practicing in a community setting, your first scenario is my day-to-day. However, you have already identified one key element for success: empathy. Empathy allows you to take a mental step back from the chaos and be with the patient. You are right in acknowledging that every patient is a mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandmother, or grandfather, and they need our help. Nothing makes me happier than providing relief to a mother who has a crying sick child as I walk her through her son’s Augmentin prescription regimen, or when I address drug therapy questions and concerns about new prescriptions from the elderly gentleman who was recently discharged from the hospital. Remembering to stop, listen, and be empathetic with your patients will take practice, but it is the most rewarding part of my day. 

Rep. Charlie Crist (D–FL) meets with APhA–ASP members on Capitol Hill to discuss the importance of advocacy and civic engagement.

In order to create the change we desire in the pharmacy profession, pharmacists need to learn from the past and commit to the future. Over the years, significant developments in practice have created both highs and lows for pharmacists; however, what has remained constant is the dedication of APhA and its members to advancing the intent and principles of the profession. One effective tool in the advocacy kit is the APhA Political Action Committee (APhA–PAC), which contributes to candidates for federal office who have demonstrated support for pharmacy issues and recognize the value of pharmacists in the health care system. Each year this committee relies on the backing and involvement of APhA members to achieve its goals.

Through leveraging the APhA–PAC, legislators have been educated on important issues such as DIR fee reform and provider status. Supporting the APhA–PAC has allowed pharmacists’ collective voice to be heard on Capitol Hill, increasing our impact on patient care, pharmacy services, and the continued growth of the profession.

‘Fearlessly Authentic’ stories and positive messages greeted Sydney Tu (center) while on the road this past fall, including this visit to High Point University.

As the calendar turns to 2020, I want to take a moment to reflect upon the 2019 season of APhA–ASP Student Outreach Visits (SOV) and Midyear Regional Meetings (MRM), as well as my experiences as your APhA–ASP National President-elect.