Association Perspective
Scott J. Knoer, MS, PharmD, FASHP, APhA EVP and CEO
This is my first time addressing you in Pharmacy Today. I want to start by thanking the APhA Board for entrusting me as your 13th executive vice president/CEO. I also want to recognize my predecessor Tom Menighan, who spent 11 years as the able captain of the ship.
Being sworn in as the leader of this storied organization is the greatest honor of my life. Guiding our profession through a global pandemic is also the biggest challenge of my life. It’s a challenge that I wholeheartedly accept and, in fact, embrace.
Are times difficult? I think that’s pretty obvious as I write this article from an empty APhA Headquarters on the equally desolate National Mall. But in addition to the obstacles we face, we’ve been presented with new opportunities to transform the health care system—creating new pathways to improve patient outcomes and public health.
It’s not like it was easy before. The pre-pandemic problems we had didn’t go away, and they will continue or be exacerbated if we don’t take bold action.
With that said, although it may not seem like it in this environment, it’s a great day to be a pharmacist! Our incredible APhA team immediately started creating highly demanded programming and advocating for our members while balancing work with homeschooling and attending Zoom meetings, occasionally with a child on their lap. Our profession’s response to COVID-19 has also been extraordinary. We have clearly demonstrated our value to patient care and the health and well-being of our communities. We’re telling powerful stories that highlight the sacrifices pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have made under sometimes deplorable conditions. The case for advancing pharmacy’s scope of practice has never been stronger.
The old system is broken, but pharmacists are going to be the ones to fix it. Is it going to be easy to change the world? No. It never is. Are we going to do it anyway? Yes, we are!
APhA can’t do it alone. We need engaged, passionate members like you. If you’re willing to embrace the future and fight to empower pharmacists to care for patients, we’ll give you everything you need to get there.
APhA is the organization that’s going to serve you, taking on tough issues and driving change. On my watch, APhA will be aggressive. We’ll be out in front of issues. We’re going to fight hard, and we’re going to play to win with bold approaches.
Are you with me? Let’s change the world together, my friends.