Cover photo: Doral Chenoweth, The Columbus Dispatch, dispatch.com

Transforming community health by advocating for our patients and profession

The need for compassionate pharmacy professionals who advocate for their patients and the profession as a whole is vitally important for both the evolution of pharmacy practice and for the health and safety of our communities. The role of a pharmacist is changing – especially in the last ten years – so it’s crucial that The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy gives our students the education they need to develop skills that prepare them to navigate the next stage of pharmacy practice. That’s why practice advancement and advocacy is a key goal in the college’s strategic plan.

This year, students, faculty and staff have done a phenomenal job in supporting vulnerable populations by conducting research and taking action in innovative ways through community service projects, advocating for patients and pharmacists by legislative means, fighting misinformation and leaning on music to destigmatize addiction. We are especially proud of all our faculty, staff and students who have worked tirelessly to vaccinate more than 250,000 people against COVID-19 across the state. Efforts like these have undoubtedly saved lives and eased the severity of the pandemic.

Our alumni, faculty, staff and students continue to push the profession forward and find new ways to impact patient health. The pandemic has demonstrated what many of us have known for a long time – pharmacists are a critical part of the health care team, and the most accessible health care provider.