Let's Celebrate Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians

October marks American Pharmacists Month, and we celebrate Women Pharmacist Day on October 12 and Pharmacy Technician Day on October 19.

Pharmacy professionals play a crucial role in our communities and are true heroes. Pharmacy Times® salutes the life-saving care that pharmacists and technicians have provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these professionals were extending themselves for patients before the coronavirus ravaged communities and will continue to do so long after 2021 is over.

To that end, PharmacyTimes.com has a Pharmacy Heroes resource center that will have updated coverage of the value of the pharmacist throughout the month of October.

October also marks the start of our seventh annual #ThankAPharmacist campaign, which recognizes pharmacists and technicians on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for their commitment and dedication to improving patients’ lives.

In this month’s issue, we highlight American Pharmacists month, and Suzanne Soliman, PharmD, BCMAS, chief academic officer at the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs and founder of the Pharmacist Moms Group writes about Women Pharmacist Day and the significant achievements that women have made to the profession.

One woman who has made huge contributions to pharmacy is Angela D. Adams, PharmD, MPH, executive director of the Central Florida Pharmacy Council. She is featured in this issue and on the cover and is a winner of the Parata Systems and Pharmacy Times® Next-Generation Pharmacist® Award from the Civic Leader category.

Adams said that her greatest achievement in pharmacy has been “creating culturally appropriate health education programs that serve as a tool in eliminating health care inequities and disparities.”

Since 2010, the Next-Generation Pharmacist® program has honored pharmacists, technicians, students, and industry advocates who are defining the future of pharmacy in 10 categories. The winners, all featured in this issue, are exceptional pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians who have gone above and beyond in caring for their patients and advancing their profession.

In addition, the October issue features several articles on digestive health, including the cover feature, by Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh, called “Pharmacists Can Help Patients Treat Digestive Disorders.”

Looking ahead, check out our technician supplement in November, when we focus on the contributions of these essential members of the pharmacy team.

Thanks for reading!