Kristin Wiisanen, PharmD, FAPhA, FCCP
Entrepreneurship is on the rise in our profession. In the past, entrepreneurial ventures primarily involved independent pharmacy ownership. But as pharmacists’ scope of practice has widened and workforce demands are causing decreased satisfaction, innovative (ad)ventures in pharmacy are on the rise! A recent study showed that this mindset is starting earlier than ever, with pharmacy schools equipping pharmacists for these changes by including risk-taking, strategic planning, and divergent thinking into pharmacy school curricula.
The cover story of this issue of Pharmacy Today highlights some of these pharmacist entrepreneurs. From Crystal Yu, PharmD, who works at L’Oréal, USA, educating pharmacists about skincare to Megan Freeland, PharmD, a medical writer who founded a business focused on health content for digital companies, opportunities abound. Tara Schneider, PharmD and owner of the Point of Care Testing Institute works with clinical pharmacists to help them set up new services. Schneider speaks to the personal satisfaction she finds in her role when she states, “It’s so rewarding to help likeminded entrepreneurs grow new service lines because you know they will have a big impact on their community.”
In this issue of Today, you’ll also see recommendations for treating insect stings and bites, get the skinny on glucomannon and weight loss, and learn about new FDA-required updates to opioid prescribing information and boxed warnings. Find new streamlined COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from CDC, learn about transcending barriers to transgender care, and get an update on 2023 Beers Criteria changes in this month’s CPE article.
Keep in mind entrepreneurship in pharmacy is not limited to new business ownership or establishing innovative pharmacy services. An entrepreneurial mindset can be applied in many ways. Career development: Is it time to take an online course or earn a specialized credential to expand into new roles? Creative problem solving: Could divergent thinking help you arrive at an innovative solution to an existing challenge or problem? A creative approach to career development, problem solving, and patient care are essential skills for today’s pharmacist. Flex your entrepreneurial thinking muscles today. I think you’ll be surprised where they can take you!
Have a great Today! ■