Vision and Mission for the Pharmacy Profession

** The original link posted above is no longer available. I believe it was a statement from the APhA about the vision and mission of the pharmacy profession. I will instead focus on what my vision for the pharmacy profession is and how organizations like APhA are helping towards it. 

I think it’s crucial to understand how far our profession has come and its roots. The history of the pharmacy profession is a rich tapestry that spans ancient civilizations, evolving through distinct phases. In the ancient world, pharmacists, often in the role of priests or shamans, prepared remedies from plants, minerals, and animal products in cultures such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and India. The Greek physician Hippocrates emphasized the compounding of medicines, laying the ethical foundation for the profession. During the Islamic Golden Age, scholars made significant contributions, translating and expanding upon Greek and Roman knowledge. The Renaissance marked a revival of scientific interest in pharmacy, leading to formal education and the establishment of pharmaceutical societies. This is when apothecaries played a crucial role in compounding and dispensing medications.  The 18th and 19th centuries brought standardization, with the introduction of educational requirements and licensing, while the mid-20th century witnessed significant advancements in drug development. The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) was founded in 1852, becoming one of the first professional organizations for pharmacists in the United States. In recent decades, pharmacists have expanded their roles to include clinical services and medication management, reflecting ongoing advancements in technology and a focus on personalized medicine. Today, the pharmacy profession continues to play a vital role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications within the broader healthcare system.

As our profession continues to grow, the needs of the healthcare system will too.  The profession has easily adapted to societal needs, scientific advancements, and changes in healthcare paradigms, making it an integral part of the overall healthcare system. My vision for the profession is for us to work more interprofessionally with other healthcare practitioners. For pharmacists, to truly be recognized as part of the healthcare team. 

APhA’s vision statement is, “The American Pharmacists Association inspires, innovates, and creates opportunities for members and pharmacists worldwide to optimize medication use and health for all.”  They accomplish this by “advancing pharmacists’ optimal roles in team-based, patient centered care,” by lobbying and garnering interest. Another way APhA strives to further the profession is by, “raising societal awareness about the role of pharmacists as essential in patient care for optimal medication use.” In this social media frenzy day and age, APhA’s social media helps garner a positive impression of our profession what we do, and how we help out. 

It is important that as student pharmacists we continue to defend our profession and educate the general public about what we truly do.