— PRESIDENT’S PLATFORM —
MEETING CHANGE with HOPE Pharmacy Professionals Uniquely Suited to Moment
A
s we roll into midsummer, I am hit by a stronger sense of excitement for the activities that enchant Michiganders than in years past. Not only are we able to enjoy the beauty of our great state, but we are able to do so with our family and friends this year. We still have a long way to go to meet herd immunity and safety for all, but we are closer.
BY HEATHER CHRISTENSEN,
Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy specialist, ambulatory care, Spectrum Health West Michigan; president, Michigan Pharmacists Association
There has been so much change in the past year – many things that bring sorrow to my heart – and yet, through it all, there is hope. Hope that with your support and engagement fostering change and acceptance, equity will begin to be realized. The events of the past year have affected each of us differently based on our individual experiences. This results in differing understanding, reflective of the uniqueness that makes us human. Our roles as pharmacy professionals provide a unique setting to help foster continued growth and healing, not only for those close to us, but for the community at large. Change is often noted to be hard, and, as I write this article, I reflect on the changes our organization has seen this year, specifically the significant change of staff. Considering the long-standing commitment of Mary Farrington as education director and Dianne Malburg in her many roles, including chief operations officer, MPA has been incredibly fortunate for many years. Their departure, following the retirement of Larry Wagenknecht as chief executive officer, constitutes a genuine loss of experience and institutional knowledge, while also presenting an opportunity for fresh perspectives. These team
advocacy. This has and will continue to be a focus for MPA, with the strong team comprising the Local Association Development Committee providing a great place for each of us to engage and start discussions of change. Change is often synonymous with fear. I feel it has been fear that has driven decisions made by some across the state and nation in the last year, resulting in continued disparities for many. As William Zellmer said in a recent article in the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, “Collectively, pharmacists have a deep reservoir of traits that should be tapped in these troubling times. These traits include knowledge and respect for science, deep professional commitment to improving human health, skill in critical thinking, and expertise in interpersonal communications. The power of these attributes is magnified by the high marks pharmacists receive from the public for honesty and ethical standards.”1 I could not have said it better and feel, with these traits, we are each well-equipped to work within our circles of influence through local activism. Through activism, we create safe environments for communication with open
“Collectively, pharmacists have a deep reservoir of traits that should be tapped in these troubling times. These traits include knowledge and respect for science, deep professional commitment to improving human health, skill in critical thinking, and expertise in interpersonal communications. The power of these attributes is magnified by the high marks pharmacists receive from the public for honesty and ethical standards.” — WILLIAM ZELLMER members dedicated more than 25 years each, shaping the profession of pharmacy across Michigan, and that is nothing short of amazing. I feel so lucky to have known and worked with each of them. Under the leadership of our new chief executive officer, Mark Glasper, and with unanimous support from the MPA Board of Directors, organizational adjustments have been made to support MPA operations with the goal of optimizing services for those on the front line, pharmacy professionals. Focus on engagement is essential to a membership organization, and it is vital our members continue to be involved and active in the organization. Only through participation can your voice be heard, and that is what will drive the future of the organization. With a highly engaged board leading the way, continuity will not be lost. Rather, the organization will remain strong, as it has for so many years. One way we can remain strong is with local
minds that seek to understand differences while honestly searching for equitable solutions. Now is not the time to stand back and see what happens; rather, it is the time to engage through active participation and communication. I personally do not consider change something that needs to be feared: although difficult, it is necessary for growth. As our Board goes into our strategic planning this July, I am excited for our discussion and our great potential for growth. Please share your thoughts and concerns with me, allowing me to be ready to share them with the team as we work to create a path forward for the Michigan Pharmacists Association, supported and strengthened by our membership across every locality and region. REFERENCES: 1. W illiam A Zellmer, BSPharm, MPH American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy, Volume 78, Issue 6, 15 March 2021, Pages 525 -526, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaa435
2021 July/Aug./Sept. | Vol. 59, Issue 3
3
