I think I've figured out one good reason behind other health professionals' lack of awareness of pharmacists—we don’t hang out.I was invited to an information and education program with doctors, nurses, and others; it was a great program, but it was scheduled for a time that doesn’t work for pharmacists working retail hours. It was strongly suggested (even by our regulatory body) that we attend, yet it was presented at a time when most of us couldn’t make it.This happens all the time: lunch meetings, conference calls during work hours, dinner meetings starting at 5, mid-week conferences—times that everyone else can make because they don’t work in a retail environment. Therefore, they all get together and talk about what they do and how they can work together, while we are left behind, still minding the store.Try participating on committees charged with the organization of health care—meetings are in the morning or afternoon during the week, and can be called at a moment's notice. Most of the other professionals are also on the clock, but participating in these groups is part of their job. For pharmacists, it's all volunteer work.There are a few good pharmacists who try to make a difference. But maybe more pharmacists need to start thinking about how we can get representation and input into these kinds of things.If you ever get the feeling that pharmacists are getting left behind, this is one of the reasons.
