Association Perspective
Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, Executive vice president and CEO of APhA
If you’ve read past the title of this month’s editorial, then you are in for a treat! This is my New Year’s non-resolution message. Yes, that’s right—it’s a non-resolution. You see, I’ve broken nearly every resolution I’ve ever made. So, I’m giving myself some reverse psychology and setting non-resolutions. These are things I’m sure I’ll never do and will never happen, so as a result, I’m therefore resolved to not be resolved about them.
Non-resolution #1: I will care what everyone says on social media and fight with vigor about those things which of-fend us. Recently, I was asked by another prominent national health care professional organization to enter APhA into a coalition to fight one prominent medical organization’s disdain for our organizations. On principal, we’ll enter the coali-tion because we are, in fact, opposed to the hierarchical and archaic practices of this medical organization’s focus on pro-tectionism over patients. However, we are unlikely to counter every tweet (is it still a tweet since it’s now X?), opine on every Instagram, or spit reverse vitriol on the multiple other social media platforms. We won’t roll over and cower; but I believe it’s best for APhA to stay focused on patients and ensuring their access to pharmacists.
Non-resolution #2: APhA will focus on one strong segment of the profession and stop this stuff about being “For every pharmacist.” Okay, I had to find a way mention our motto. Shameless plug, if you are a hospital pharmacist, we are for you. Chain drugstore pharmacist, we are for you. Entrepreneur? Yep…we are for you, too. Specialists in nutrition, nucle-ar, psychiatry, critical care or any other area—we are with you and on your side! No matter where you practice, or where you serve as an administrator (lots of pharmacists don’t practice but are in charge of directing health care), you can count on APhA to be your home. And if you are reading this, you are likely already a member. For those who aren’t, please join us and help us represent your interests.
Non-resolution #3: We will declare that we trust no one and that everyone is out to get us, so it’s every associa-tion/pharmacist for themselves! It is incredibly hard in today’s world to trust others. After all, we’ve seen so many polit-ical promises broken, terrible hatred spread, and experienced significant personal heartache that we walk around most days not knowing who we can trust. Our professional associations are not a place for this. We need to be a safe harbor. I’m committed to working with our sister associations to truly collaborate—not compete. We don’t have time for petty games and showmanship. Our profession hangs in the balance and pharmacists need to count on us all to work together.
Believe that you have the commitment to collaboration and trust from me and the staff at APhA. Again, we won’t allow dishonest actors and those who wish to take advantage of pharmacists and our profession get away with it—but we also vow to be open from the beginning and assume the best in others.
Well, there you have it. If you were looking for something light to read as you start the year on that low-carb diet with a 5-day-a-week new gym membership, hopefully this motivated you to carry on!
In all seriousness, let’s not allow the minefield of a fast moving society stand in the way of the integrity of the profession we hold so dear. Let’s all make 2025 the best one yet!
For every pharmacist, for all of pharmacy. ■