Reflecting on American Pharmacists Month

With American Pharmacists Month (APhM) behind us, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the spotlights that shined on our profession, focusing on our pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and the incredible work that they do. We saw APhM recognized across social media channels, state proclamations by governors, and even through an on-camera shout out at the TODAY Show on their plaza. This well-deserved recognition goes a long way in sharing with the world the value and importance of pharmacists and pharmacy personnel in all settings.

During APhM, on October 12, 2022, we celebrated all women in pharmacy and the APhA Foundation honored the Next 10 Women in Pharmacy in a ceremony recognizing innovative and trailblazing women. A majority of pharmacists practicing today are women pharmacists and I’m proud to be in those ranks creating new trails for women in our profession.

On October 18, 2022, we celebrated National Pharmacy Technician Day. Behind every successful pharmacist is a fantastic pharmacy technician. We could not do what we do without the trust and support we have in them, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to recognize their hard work and dedication to patient care.

Huge shout out to student pharmacists, in particular APhA–ASP chapters, for their energy and enthusiasm day in and day out, not just during APhM. The future of our profession rests with them and they came out in full force during APhM with activities and events highlighting the profession.

I am proud of and grateful for the team at APhA who helped make this month so special. They complied a fantastic website full of resources to help celebrate APhM and spotlighted pharmacists and pharmacy personnel via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and in Pharmacy Today. This industrious team even lit up the APhA headquarters building in dramatic effect to highlight APhM for all to see. Given that our headquarters are across the street from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, I’m sure that lots of people saw the flags and lights celebrating APhM.

The APhA staff created a compelling video with highlights from APhM. Please take a moment and look at all your enthusiastic support from across the country.

Lastly, thanks to each and every one of you who helped make APhM so incredible, who stepped up and stepped in, who got creative and put in extra hours. Your work was outstanding, and I think all pharmacists really felt the appreciation this month across all settings. We saw patients take the time to thank their pharmacists and pharmacy teams and show their recognition of and gratitude for our service. I deeply appreciate your contributions and the value you bring every day to our profession and to your patients.

Thank you, pharmacists. Thank you, student pharmacists. Thank you, pharmacy technicians.

Ilisa