SPOKANE, Wash. – Alex Adams, executive director of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy, spoke to student pharmacists on September 22 about the expanding roles in the profession. This presentation was part of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy Preparing for Your Career in Pharmacy Seminar Series.
“The role of the pharmacist is evolving,” said Adams. “Pharmacists are becoming more involved in clinical care.”
A few of the current progressive pharmacy practices include: renewing and extending medication regimens, administering medications, and prescribing for minor ailments and conditions. These practices are only offered in some states, said Adams.
In addition to expanding the role of a pharmacist, the role of a pharmacy technician is also expanding. Increasing the role of the pharmacy technician will free up the pharmacist to focus on patient care and work at the top of their education, said Adams.
Adams quoted the oath of the pharmacist, “I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.”
“It is going to take all of use working together to create [the] pharmacy practice of the future,” said Adams.
As the executive director of the Idaho State Board of Pharmacy, Adams’ role is to promote public health through the regulation of pharmacy practice in Idaho. Prior to this position he was the vice president of pharmacy programs at the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS).
The WSU pharmacy seminars are funded through the Dean’s Fund for Excellence and the college’s community partner, the Spokane Teachers Credit Union. The seminars give students opportunities to interact with leaders in a broad variety of pharmacy practice settings and contributes to the college’s mission to develop future leaders in health care.
For information on participating in the career seminar series, or to contribute to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence to help expose WSU student pharmacists to thought-leaders and industry innovators, contact the College of Pharmacy advancement office at gocougs@pharmacy.wsu.edu or 509-358-7651.