Association Perspective
Michael D. Hogue PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP Executive vice president and CEO of APhA
We’ve all been running hard. We barely get a good night’s sleep when it’s time to get up, get to the pharmacy or hospital or office, and then the day is a blur.
Often, we face a workload that’s backed up from the day before, and even before we see the first patient, we’re solving other people’s problems.
I wonder what the real number would be if we calculated how many problems a pharmacist solves in a single day? Dozens? I bet it’s hundreds—big and small, and sometimes in ways that people didn’t even know you solved the problem.
It’s second nature in what pharmacists do and we don’t usually even verbalize, “Hey, I just saved your life!” or “Doc, do you realize I just kept you from being sued?” Pharmacists are givers and helping is in our DNA. We give and give and give, but it can be exhausting to be a constant giver. Givers often don’t take time for themselves.
The reality is that all of us need to recharge our batteries. When was the last time you did something for yourself? When was the last time you charged not only your professional batteries, but your soul? APhA’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando is just that opportunity.
This pharmacy convention is not like your typical pharmacy meeting. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there will be continuing education sessions and an exhibit hall just like all the others. However, what is different about APhA2024 is that you will be inspired. Your soul will be nourished.
APhA’s meeting is different from all the others because you will be encouraged. The positivity and energy of the movers and shakers in pharmacy is electric.
I’ve found that APhA’s annual meeting is the place where innovation and entrepreneurship abound, where student pharmacists can connect with life-long mentors, where new practitioners and pharmacists looking for a career change can find their next big opportunity, where pharmacists who’ve been in practice for years can re-engage, get new ideas, find balance and hope, and build a network of supportive colleagues.
It’s also a place where the most highly specialized in our profession can connect across the profession and gain perspective of the breadth of our profession. Scientists can share their innovations, and researchers looking to engage in implementation science and practice-based research can connect with pharmacists who are ready to partner. Pharmacy technicians can set a path for growth in their professional career.
So why not make a New Year’s resolution to be in Orlando in March for APhA2024? Yes, the registration fee for a conference isn’t cheap. Yes, you must travel and take time away from work. But isn’t it time you did something big for yourself? When was the last time you did?
When you do something big for yourself, you’ll feel energized and be a better caregiver. And you’ll have started or expanded a professional network of colleagues who can be there for you when you need them. Joining us at APhA2024 may be the best decision you make this year.
I’d really like to meet you. As APhA’s CEO I’m excited to meet you! I’d love to hear your story and gain your insights. Introduce yourself to me and say “Hey, I read your column! Let me tell you my story!”
For every pharmacist. For all of pharmacy. ■