2016 ANNUAL MEETING
enacted collaborative practice rules. Yesterday, we spent the entire day learning and networking to build collaborative practice in Iowa. Are we there yet? Some may say yes. Others may say no. No, we are not going to vote. A policy from 1978. A policy from 2001. Policies that today are shaping how we practice pharmacy in Iowa. How did we get here? One profession. One voice. Many singers. Many delegates. I have a few memories from the house and phoned a friend for a few of their own. Each started with one saying yes to a call for action. • Someone stood up to say patients should have freedom of choice to select a provider of health care products and services. • Former Speaker and Former President Bob Osterhaus stood up and said “if it is not good for the patient, it is not good for pharmacy.” • There were many who stood with passion for and against technician certification and the doctor of pharmacy degree. • Many stood up in opposition to the unsafe pharmacist work environments that were negatively impacting patient safety. Not only did they adopt policy but also a committee with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy. • Former Speaker Randy McDonough had data in hand and more than one patient story to stand up and fight for PBM reform policy that would be used to pass important legislation the following year. Each of these and many others, served as building blocks to the leadership of Iowa pharmacy. John Hope Bryant, founder of the nonprofit organization Operation Hope, had this to say about giving, leadership and passion. “Real leadership is about finding your passion, about becoming an expert in and around what you are for, in a world increasingly expert at what it is against ~ and then taking bold action on that thing! A real legacy is built around what you have to give, not what you get…Give what you have, where you have it.”
Jerry Karbeling was not just a pharmacist. He was a friend, mentor and colleague to me and many others here. Following his too soon departure from Iowa Pharmacy, this was the button we wore to honor Jerry. Just like John Hope Bryant, Jerry had real leadership. Jerry had a passion for pharmacy that was contagious. Jerry had a love for politics and policy. He found his passion in serving patients. He became an expert in pharmacy and the patients of Iowa and he took bold action to make sure they were the focus. One example of his action I specifically remember, was working closely with the manufacturers of Oxycontin® when the drug first came to market. He worked passionately to educate pharmacists on appropriate opioid management during a time many were against the new drug. This afternoon we will discuss abusedeterrent formulations of opioids and other medications. In 2003, the IPA Annual Meeting started with an outing at an Iowa Cubs game. Here I am in this picture with one of their biggest fans, Jerry Karbeling. That evening, Al Shepley had the pleasure of throwing out the first pitch and I had the
honor of singing the National Anthem. One of the best things about Jerry was he said “yes.” His legacy was built around what he had to give. And he could get you to “say yes.” Jerry would tap you on the shoulder and say, “if not you, then who?” I kept this picture on my desk at work to remind me to send that letter to a state senator or accept a student wanting to shadow me. Because Jerry could assure you that the letter you sent to your state senator, it matters. The student that you let shadow you, it matters. The call you made to the new nurse practitioner in town, it matters. You matter. Say “yes.” “Allow your passion to become your purpose, and it will one day become your profession.” Gabrielle Bernstein. What is your passion? What is your purpose? Is pharmacy your profession? You said yes to serving in the House of Delegates. Now what? The 2016 House of Delegates, just like 1978, 2001 and every other year, will leave a legacy around what we have to give. What do you want for your profession? That’s what this House of Delegates is all about. Having a passion for pharmacy, becoming an expert for our patients, and taking action to make Iowa pharmacy better. You have much to give. Say yes. ■
JUL.AUG.SEP 2016 |
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