Community pharmacy is where I feel most connected

By Kennedy Erickson, PharmD

Community pharmacy is about the moments that matter … like when a patient finally understands their medication regimen, feels truly heard, or knows they’re not navigating their health alone.

I am a staff pharmacist at Chehalis Pharmacy, in Chehalis, WA, where I spend most days on the bench caring for patients. Community pharmacy is where I feel most connected to the profession. It allows me to build real relationships, hear people’s stories, and help patients understand and feel confident in their care. Especially in a rural setting where health care resources are limited, being accessible matters — and I take that responsibility seriously.

Raw connection with patients

What I enjoy most about pharmacy is the raw connection with patients. Some patients have shared how meaningful it is to feel seen, whether that’s when I’m carefully checking for their allergies or taking time to answer questions. I have laughed with patients who ask how my first year of marriage is going and held hands with family members during moments of grief. Those connections are not separate from my job: they are central to it.

I love patient education and hands-on care. From setting up continuous glucose monitors to walking patients through injectable or inhaled medications, I find joy in seeing understanding “click.” Knowing a patient is leaving the pharmacy feeling confident and able to manage their therapy correctly is incredibly rewarding. I also rely heavily on motivational interviewing and meeting patients where they are, listening without judgment, and helping them make decisions they believe in.

Giving back through an APhA Community

I joined the APhA Community Pharmacy Practice Community because I was seeking a collaborative space where community-minded pharmacists could openly share experiences, challenges, and solutions. The community has provided a supportive network of peers who truly understand the realities of community pharmacy practice and have helped me hone my skills as a newly practicing pharmacist. Being part of this Community has contributed to my success by offering mentorship, practical insights, and encouragement that has helped me grow both as a pharmacist and as a leader.

Pharmacists with similar interests in patient care, leadership, innovation, or advocacy would benefit greatly from joining this Community. The community offers meaningful connection, shared learning, and the opportunity to engage with others who are committed to advancing community pharmacy. It is a place where members can both learn and contribute, strengthening the profession together.

As chair-elect of the Community, I am most looking forward to supporting engagement, collaboration, and leadership development. I am excited to help elevate member voices, foster meaningful connections, and contribute to initiatives that support the growth and success of pharmacists, student pharmacists, and technicians.

It is an honor to serve in this role, and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to a Community that has played such an important role in my professional journey.

Kennedy Erickson, PharmD, is a pharmacist at Chehalis Pharmacy in Chehalis, WA, and the incoming chair-elect of the APhA Community Pharmacy Practice Community. Outside of pharmacy, she enjoys hiking, Pilates, and crafting. She is second from left in the photo.