A prescription for better policy

When I got into pharmacy school at the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy in 2016, the last thing I imagined was getting involved in politics. I always enjoyed the sciences and pharmacy because they were on the opposite spectrum from politics. Then I got into pharmacy school, and my attitude shifted.

I started to see how my scope of practice can change with an introduction of a bill. It could be a change for the better, pushing pharmacy forward, or change to push the profession back. How could I practice pharmacy the way I planned if my career is in the hands of someone in political office? I could not stand by and let others make decisions on something they have no experience in. If pharmacists don’t take charge of the profession, then who will?

It all started with joining APhA–ASP and going on my first visit with a legislator.

Visits fuel my fire

This year I have had the opportunity to visit the Ohio statehouse, not once but twice, to talk to legislators about the importance of higher education and the path of pharmacy. The first visit in February to the statehouse was with students and alumni from the University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University. Our purpose was to rise in support of higher education and thank the legislators for supporting funding to our schools. The state funding has supported the renovation at my college of pharmacy and has allowed me to learn in an optimum environment.

The second visit, also in February, to the statehouse was with the Ohio Pharmacists Association. This visit was focused on the new and exciting provider status bill that was just introduced in the state a week prior to the visit. Between both visits, I met with five legislators.

I received varying responses from each office. Most of the legislators were very receptive; however, one was very combative. On the positive side, I had some productive meetings with legislators who were open to exchanging ideas. Some I agreed with, and some I didn’t, but they were polite and professional and listened to our side of the argument. The bad side, unfortunately, occurred with my very own representative. He had already made up his mind on the issue and, very unprofessionally, cut us off when we tried to advocate for the position. He was elected to listen to his constituents, but was doing the opposite. The other legislators who may not have agreed with our position showed us the respect of listening.

These visits further fueled my fire to get involved with advocating for the profession and being a well-informed citizen. The negative response proved that my work isn’t finished, and I must keep moving forward to win more battles. Remember, it is your civil duty to vote and to make votes count. It is important to know who you are voting for. As for the future, my vote will go for someone who listens to all sides of the argument, and especially listens to those who they are elected to represent.

Advocacy must continue

For the sake of pharmacy, I will continue to make political strides with patients’ best interests in mind. I am no expert in policy, but as a duty to the pharmacy profession, I will continue to learn as much as I can. As Plato said, “The punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government, is to live under the government of worse men.” This quote resonates with me as I continue to learn about the importance of civic duty.

I am very fortunate to find something I am so passionate about and to be able to act on it this early in my career. I am very positive about the future of this profession and the quality of care that pharmacists will be able to provide patients.