Since its inception, Pharmacy Purchasing & Products has sought to emphasize and champion leadership in the practice of hospital pharmacy.  The Pharmacy Director may shoulder the ultimate responsibility for a hospital’s pharmacy operation, but depending on the scope of the operation, there may be many other leaders in practice, as well as those who are just beginning the journey toward developing a management mindset.

While it is easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day requirements expected of a pharmacy director, some thought must be paid to what tomorrow holds. Regardless of the pharmacy director’s tenure, it is important to remain mindful of the next generation of leaders. If today’s initiatives toward ensuring patient safety, eliminating errors, and contributing to the bottom line are to be realized in perpetuity, then today’s leaders owe it to themselves and to the health care profession as a whole to encourage, teach, and impart the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed. 

I would wager that every practicing pharmacy director today could name at least one former teacher, boss, or colleague who imparted wisdom and shed light on how to negotiate both the pitfalls and the rewards associated with being in charge. Just as it is true that heavy is the head that wears the crown, encouraging the development of thoughtful, positive leaders is necessary to keep the practice of hospital pharmacy vital.

Today we call on you to acknowledge your rising stars. Identify those signs that indicate a future leader to you, someone who has the fortitude to manage today’s issues while imagining an improved tomorrow. Institutional pharmacy calls forth a special breed of health care practitioner—one who cares and has a passion for helping others. It is our hope that you use this drive to motivate your own employees to exercise and maximize their aptitude. Some might call this paying forward; others might call it giving back. Regardless, none of us is an island alone and ensuring the stability of institutional pharmacy in the future is a job for today.

All the best,

R. Mitchell Halvorsen
Publisher
Rmh@ridgewoodmedia.com

P.S. To sign up your rising stars for a FREE subscription to PP&P, visit www.pppmag.com/subscribe and select the Complementary Subscription box.