The hope of healthcare—pharmacists must be bigger

When last we met, we were discussing how everyone on the planet is paid to solve problems. At the end of the article, I asked you for a favour. If you haven’t read it yet, perhaps now would be a good time to check it out.

How would you answer a reporter putting a camera and microphone in your face and asking you what problems you solve?

While it is not exactly the same, I can say that I have absolutely witnessed a similar situation. 

I was attending the opening session of American Pharmacists Association (APhA) annual meeting and as people were still streaming into the lecture hall, the event emcee, Mark Walberg (the television host, not to be confused with Mark Wahlberg the movie star), was working the floor with a live microphone and a cameraman (if my memory serves me) asking pharmacists this question: “How do you provide care?”

Our poor colleagues. They were not prepared for this. I recall one man saying, “I called the doctor for a refill on a patient’s birth control.”

While that is solving a problem, I know we solve more complex problem than patients being out of refills every day. So, I encourage you to take inventory of the problems you solve and add to that list regularly. 

For pharmacists to be the hope of healthcare, we must be ready to articulate the unique problems that we solve. We know we can solve problems. Some of the problems we solve are expressly defined by a local, regional, or national agency. Some of the problems we solve are because of our unique positioning within the larger healthcare system where no law or regulation provides comment or limitation.

Herein lies a very distinct reality and challenge. You can only solve problems you are bigger than. Think about that for a moment. For simplicity, let’s say you are a level 7 problem solver. This would mean you are highly competent in solving problems up to that level. If a level 3 problem comes along, no problem! You have that one covered. If a level 5 comes up, no sweat! You can take care of that one as well. But what if a level 8 problem shows up? Now you are under water and struggling. Heaven forbid that a level 12 problem shows up! 

This was obvious in the early days of the pandemic. Many pharmacies were faced with several high-level problems. Many businesses were faced with problems levels above what they were prepared for or capable of. We can see evidence this principle all around us. 

This evidence contains a challenge and a directive. The challenge is to get bigger on the inside and grow in our leadership and problem-solving skills.

The directive has, perhaps, the highest stakes. Improve, or go away.

The challenges we face in healthcare locally and around the world only seem to get bigger. As a result, we must get bigger to handle them. And allow me to offer a thought on timing. Would it not be better to get bigger before the problem shows up?

For pharmacists and pharmacies to be the hope of healthcare, we must embrace this opportunity and invitation to grow and get bigger on the inside. That starts with a growth plan. Many businesses have a plan and strategy to grow. But what about you as a pharmacist?  Do you personally have a plan to grow?

My experience has shown me that it is quite rare for a pharmacist to have a plan that goes much beyond completing the mandatory continuing education requirements (and then picking similar topics to do CE on).

If you are like the 95%+ of pharmacists without a plan, it’s time to get one. There are no wrong answers in starting, except for not starting. If you would like help and support, reach out to me on LinkedIn. We can find a place to start. 

There is a funny thing that occurs when you start growing. You become more confident. You know that new problems will come at you, but you also know you will be able to solve them.

Until next time

Jesse McCullough, PharmD

Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn