The Future of Pharmacy: Helping Patients Live Better

This year marks the fifth year that Pharmacy Times, in partnership with Parata Systems, has showcased the achievements of pharmacists in our Next-Generation Pharmacist^TM Awards program—and we are extremely proud to present the finalists for the 2014 Next-Generation Pharmacist^TM Awards in this issue. You’ll find a special section that profiles these individuals in the 10 categories of excellence that highlight the main facets of the pharmacy profession. We have also historically included students and pharmacy technicians in these categories to acknowledge their very important roles within pharmacy.

As the health care landscape becomes more complicated, and the various health care professionals feel the impact of the Affordable Care Act and experience the growing needs of the newly insured population, we are in need of the skills and sensibilities of the pharmacists we honor with our Next-Generation Pharmacist^TM Awards—now more than ever. They are the innovators and the inspiration for others, and they bring the positive “can-do” attitude required to solve the health challenges we face as a nation. These finalists are paying close attention to the most important task at hand today: focusing on the patient, counseling for better health, and striving for best patient outcomes.

It’s a tall order, but we know that pharmacists are up to the task because they play a strategic role in value-based health care models with their keen patient insights and deep knowledge of medications and adherence challenges. And with the accessibility of pharmacists in the community nationwide, who is in a better position to influence people and guide them to better health on a day-to-day basis?

Simply put, these Next-Generation Pharmacist^TM finalists represent the future of pharmacy. From establishing new adherence models, to introducing cost-effective technology to improve outcomes and work flow, to creating new ways to reach patients, they demonstrate their innovative spirit and passion for serving the community. That’s just what we need to bring us closer to a society where preventive medicine and value-driven care result in healthier people and better lives.

We are very pleased to tell their stories and showcase their talents and successes. Pharmacy Times, along with Parata, will announce the winners in each of the 10 categories on August 24 in Boston as we honor them all, and we invite you to join in the celebration (see www.nextgenerationpharmacist.com). The Next-Generation Pharmacist^TM Awards are our way of giving back to this remarkable profession—and ensuring the future of pharmacy.

Thank you for reading!

Mike Hennessy

Chairman and CEO