The American Pharmacists Association's Annual Meeting (APhA 2009) : A Report
San Antonio, Texas, May 27 : The American Pharmacists Association’s (APhA) Annual Meeting drew nearly 6,200 attendees from a variety of practice settings to San Antonio, Texas, from April 3-6, 2009 . ( Video Highlights )
Timothy L. Tucker (2008–2009 APhA President) in his Opening General Session on April 4, said “As the nation looks to stimulate the ailing economy and revamp the way health care is provided today, pharmacists can step up to offer part of the solution, provide broader services, enhance patient safety, and obtain greater recognition. The recent White House Forum on Health Reform was a wake-up call for the profession that we MUST BE HEARD and be AT THE TABLE. Since the last healthcare reform efforts in 1992, the profession has the documentation to show the value pharmacists provide and support our claim that WE HAVE SOLUTIONS.”
APhA incoming President Ed L. Hamilton of Lake Alfred, Florida began his remarks by encouraging pharmacists to guide patients toward better health by serving with passion, professionalism and individualized patient focus during these tough economic times.
Hamilton further encouraged attendees to expand their practice to provide broader patient care services and to collaborate with other members of the health care team to improve patient outcomes. “The Association has moved aggressively to ensure that our pharmacists own the medication therapy management (MTM) space,” said Hamilton. “No matter what your practice setting is, when we focus on pharmacists’ patient care role and its value on health outcomes, the profession’s stars will shine.”
Ed Hamilton and Tom Menighan
On Saturday, April 4, APhA Opening General Session started with a theme “Building a Stronger Future Together”
The kick-off session gathered practitioners, scientists, and students to focus on pharmacy's "Stars." The session highlighted the significant accomplishments of APhA during the past year and celebrated the individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and practiced excellence.
A special celebration of heartfelt tribute to outgoing APhA Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer John A. Gans was organized. Dr. Gans has served the membership for nearly 20 years shepherding both the profession and the Association in the direction of a patient-focused orientation. His vision has led APhA to significant growth and unprecedented recognition in the broader health care community. Many practitioners, scientists, and students attending APhA2009 congratulated Dr. Gans for a job well done.
On Sunday, April 5, APhA Second General Session started with a theme “Celebrating a New Frontier in Pharmacy”
APhA's President-elect, Ed Hamilton, shared his thoughts and inspiration for the new frontier APhA .
Second General Session was impressed everyone with the award ceremony function organized for APhA 2009 Academy Award winners who are blazing new ground for the profession.
On Monday, April 6, Closing Reception was held Celebrating Pharmacy's Stars! Many of the gathered practitioners, scientists, and pharmacy student attendees were very happy for a week of education, networking, and fun!
Next APhA annual meet APhA2010 will be held in Washington, DC.
About the American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
The American Pharmacists Association, founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, represents more than 62,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession. APhA, dedicated to helping all pharmacists improve medication use and advance patient care, is the first-established and largest association of pharmacists in the United States. APhA members provide care in all practice settings, including community pharmacies, health systems, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, hospice settings, and the uniformed services.