Pharmacy leader reflects on pharmacy reaching its full potential

William (Bill) Zellmer, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), is a visionary in the pharmacy profession. He draws on many years of experience leadership positions pharmacy, both United States and abroad. In his previous roles, he focused analyzing issues strategic importance for hospital health-system at American Society Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). now consultant, speaker, writer professional pharmacy. BZ: I grew up working my parents’ dairy farm Wisconsin, where later attended school. graduated with Bachelor Science degree from University Wisconsin 1967, initial aspiration was to become community pharmacist. remember, as student, becoming concerned that pharmacists didn’t seem be using much their education its fullest potential they could have larger role health care. As student pharmacist, had opportunity take seminar course taught by Glenn Sonnedecker, PhD studies commissions looked profession assessed status profession, made recommendations about how contributing greater extent. The me realize you don’t satisfied “status quo”—you could, fact, actively work changing it, largely through organizations. completed residency US Public Health Service Hospital (PHS) Baltimore, MD, exposed (or institutional) realm came recognize environment, there space physicians nurses improve use medicines. After service PHS, applied position staff ASHP an assistant editor journal. got position, ended various capacities nearly 40 years. Some ago, gave lecture entitled “Searching Soul Pharmacy,” which drew writing author Thomas Moore, who defined “soul” quality or dimension experiencing life ourselves. said “it has do depth, value, relatedness, heart, personal substance.” argued cannot true unless individual practitioners substance (i.e., soul) approach work. believe history us are certain prerequisites making progress One those achieving broad consensus vision profession—where we want collective force care? Another prerequisite setting our sights few, high-impact goals will bring constructive change move toward vision. Also, establishing appropriate minimum standards practice important advancements field. Lastly, developing resources associations [that help] make desired direction. Over past 50 years, think wonderful deep within primary patient-care pharmacists. We changed educational shift science technology drug products focus fostering Though more do, begun develop well-educated, well-trained corps technical workers. This very help give time need patients other care professionals achieve appropriate, best admire it stepped up. Vaccinations been tremendous innovation because rather than pharmacist being seen somebody remote [and] behind counter processing order, across country touching patients. By giving vaccinations, able conversations patients, advance overall. any question it—the pandemic caused great stress among essential workers, including such pharmacists, physicians, nurses, With respect it’s quite significant federal emergency public laws activated expand authority often allowing go beyond scope state. positive advancement, hope once over, expansion continued. Overall, probably not yet full technicians. should bridging gaps education, training, compensation technicians ensure success. It’s notable accreditation standard PharmD calls abilities some facets development getting enough attention; example, clear what mean “pharmacy leadership,” would define others paying attention history, that’s vital component development. study lessons can drawn guide changes into future. Further, emphasize protect autonomy let financial imperative override ethical APhA first organization joined back days. At time, impressed CEO APhA, S. Apple, PharmD, MBA, PhD. afraid challenge break out quo level public. Apple’s message really appealed cemented loyalty over all these became excited opportunities work, natural join ASHP. strongly knowledge leadership, so again support served president Institute History Pharmacy (AIHP), president. There difference between like call “the short game” long successful leader game, matter immediate demands your particular site trying stay ahead apparent trends going affect near term. span pharmacist’s entire career, success depends beliefs, attitudes, habits So, advice neglect game.