SIGs 2.0: MORE VALUE FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT

BY MARK GLASPER, chief executive officer, Michigan Pharmacists Association

We do a great job of engaging members across all practice settings, but SIGs can help focus these interests even more. Take independent pharmacists as an example. They fit nicely under the Michigan Society of Community Pharmacists (MSCP) umbrella. But do they ever get to meet virtually or in person to discuss common concerns?

The Consultant and Specialty Pharmacists of Michigan (CSPM) landscape is ripe for SIG opportunities. From compounding and nuclear to long-term care and specialty, CSPM members could benefit greatly by networking with friends and colleagues in these highly specialized practice settings.

SIGs 2.0

So, just what are we referring to when we talk about forming SIGs?

They’re certainly not the old SIG on a listserv, or a discussion board where you needed to keep a topic alive or it dies. They’re also not just another e-newsletter delivered to your inbox. This is an opportunity to network with your peers in a topical area of interest. You can meet in person or remotely, whatever the group wants to do. Maybe you want to meet in person at ACE, or have a summer gathering in a state park. Maybe you only meet virtually, but it’s important to the group to meet every month. That’s the beauty of these new SIGs. You can make them what you want them to be.

SIGs also can be about more than practice settings. They can be groups representing residents or educators. If interacting only with preceptors is of interest, then there could be a SIG for you. Interested in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts? Join the namesake SIG. These SIGs can transcend section boundaries and be transformational for MPA and you!

Do SIGs Work?

One doesn’t need to look any further than our national pharmacy association partners. The American Pharmacists Association has no less than 14 SIGs and describes them as “member-driven groups focused on key areas of interest … each SIG has its own identity where SIG members discuss hot topic issues, share resources and provide advice and support to each other as they grow their professional networks.”

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists maintains 12 sections and forums (SIGs) and considers them “niche membership communities where colleagues who share the same practice-specific interests can share their issues, challenges and ideas.”

States have joined the bandwagon as well, with the California Pharmacists Association leading the way with eight SIGs. “Participation in SIGs allows you direct access to colleagues who share and understand your practice-setting interests. Each SIG serves as a source of specialized information … and provides opportunities for involvement in advancing the interests of your profession.”

Taking SIGs to the Next Level

I’ve discussed developing SIGs with all of our section boards – MSCP, the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP), the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) and CSPM – and they all agreed with the concept. My colleagues at the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) also agree where they have been able to implement SIGs.

We disseminated a survey in July where participants were able to select SIGs of interest, including suggesting others we may not have considered. We are tallying the results and will let membership know the outcome. The hope is we will implement the most popular SIGs beginning in 2024.

Thank you, in advance, for letting us know your favorite SIGs!