APhA Academies
CharLeigh Steverson, PharmD
The APhA Academies have been integral to the evolution of the pharmacy profession, playing a key role in shaping its development through significant changes and advancements in practice, education, and policy. The roots of these academies date back to the early 1900s when pharmacy was primarily focused on dispensing medications. At that time, APhA had “sections” that catered to different roles within the pharmacy profession, including a section dedicated to dispensing and another focused on the scientific aspects of pharmacy. As the role of the pharmacist expanded beyond the pharmacy counter to include clinical practices, management, and research, APhA and the academies evolved to meet the changing needs of the profession.
In the mid-20th century, the need for more specialized, focused work led to the formation of three distinct academies in 1965: the Academy of Pharmaceutical Science, the Academy of General Practice of Pharmacy, and the Academy of Pharmaceutical Management. These academies marked the beginning of a more structured approach to representing the various facets of the pharmacy profession within APhA. However, it wasn’t until the late 1980s that the academies as we know them today truly took shape. In 1986, the Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science (APRS) was created, and in 1987, the Academy of Pharmacy Practice and Management (APPM) was formed after the merger of the Academy of General Pharmacy Practice and the Academy of Pharmaceutical Management. This restructuring reflected the growing complexity of pharmacy practice and the need to address the expanding roles of pharmacists in research, patient care, and pharmacy management.
A significant moment in the academies’ history came in 1997, when the presidents of all three academies—APhA–APRS, APhA–APPM, and the Academy of Students of Pharmacy (now Academy of Student Pharmacists)—were granted voting membership on the APhA Board of Trustees. This change was a direct reflection of APhA’s commitment to ensuring that all areas of the profession were not only represented but also had a tangible voice in the decision-making process.
The impact of the academies has been immeasurable. Through their work, they have pushed the boundaries of pharmacists’ scope of practice, empowering pharmacists across the nation to advocate for the advancement of the profession. The academies have been instrumental in shaping how pharmacists practice today through policy, advocacy, education, and research. As trendsetters, the academies have acted as a catalyst for change, driving the pharmacy profession to greater recognition and broader influence within the health care system.
The APhA Academies have played a pivotal role in advancing the pharmacy profession, particularly through their “shared, laser-sharp focus on patient care,” said Walt Chambliss, PhD, former APhA–APRS president. He noted that the academies’ dedication to improving patient care has been a driving force behind the growth of the profession, with the advancement of pharmacy closely linked to enhancing patient outcomes. Reflecting on their legacy, Chambliss expressed confidence that “the academies’ focus on translating science into daily pharmacy practice in order to improve patient care will be continued in the new structure.”
Jean-Venable “Kelly” R. Goode, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, FCCP, also shared her personal gratitude for her time with the academies. “My adventures in the APhA Academies were some of the most fun and rewarding of my career,” Goode said. She recalled the invaluable relationships she formed, describing her experiences as “difficult to put into words” and something she would “not trade for the world.” Additionally, she pointed out the broader impact of the academies, noting the significant contributions of past leaders who have served as presidents of APhA and other key roles at local, state, and national levels. As Goode noted, these leaders’ involvement “validates and reinforces the impact and significance of the APhA Academies.”
As we move into the final moments of the APhA Academies, a new chapter for the profession begins with the transition to the APhA Communities, representing a bold shift toward greater collaboration among professionals at all stages of their careers. While the academies will be retired, their foundational work continues to resonate, and this new structure will carry forward their legacy of improving patient care and advancing the profession.
To honor the incredible contributions of the academies, APhA will host “Celebrating Our Strong Tradition, Embracing Our Dynamic Future” at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville on March 20. This special event—supported by CVS pharmacy—will bring together past academy leaders and volunteers for an evening of reflection on the academies’ legacy. ■