| As we write the final chapter for 2022, let’s reflect on our accomplishments. This was a year of tremendous progress. Past President Katie Kacmarik challenged us to “Reimagine WVPA” to support today’s pharmacists, technicians, and students. Here’s a quick review of firsts and records broken, including: – an all-time student attendance for our Annual Meeting – a new podcast series to explore topics beyond CE material – a career board that links employers and job seekers to help stabilize our pharmacies – new awards to honor technician and student members as well as pharmacists – representation at the state and federal level to advocate for PBM reform, improved workplace – environment, and expanded practice to better meet patient care needs – a collaborative Spring Conferencea Collaborative Practice Summit – an amazing Annual Meeting True to our mission statement, WVPA is showing our commitment to “lead and unite pharmacists to transform patient care and public health in the Mountain State.” Our new officers were installed during the Annual Meeting at my alma mater, the University of Charleston Boathouse on the Kanawha River, which had rowing shells and paddles hanging from the ceiling and served as an awesome reminder for the role WVPA serves. We are in the boat where our collective strength makes us better – We Are Stronger Together – clearly, and WVPA has made amazing strides to find strength in numbers over the last two years. Just as a crew needs to pull together, we pharmacists are challenged to do the same. This doesn’t stop with increasing membership. What separates a winning crew from their competitors is often – communication and collaboration. Importantly, a crew relies on a good coxswain to set the pace, call the race plan, and motivate the rowers. In similar fashion, WVPA is committed to listening, but also motivating our crew and taking notice of the environment to call out a good plan for all pharmacists, pharmacies, and staff. Our goal is to be strategic, yet collaborative, in our efforts to advocate for the profession and patient care. Preparing for the 2023 legislative session, we need communication, coordination, and execution to protect and further the pharmacy profession and the patients we serve. Our legislative committee invited representatives from WV Independent Pharmacy Association, WV Society of Health Systems Pharmacists, and major health system entities throughout the Mountain State to find common ground in a coordinated plan – one that hopefully will result in pharmacists in every setting rowing in the same direction. Are you in the boat yet? Get in the boat and become a member! Are you in the boat already? Grab an oar and get involved. Are you already involved? Maybe it’s time to step up into leadership and help us call out our plan! This coming year, 2023 is going to be a landmark year for WVPA and state pharmacy in general. Row with us to accomplish and celebrate the victories! It’s time to get in the boat and start rowing! P.S. – Don’t know how to get involved? Easy! E-mail info@wvpharmacy.org and tell us you want to get more involved! We’ll figure out your interests and help you get involved! |
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