US Pharm. 2006;5(Student suppl):2.
On behalf of the entire staff at U.S Pharmacist,
I would like to welcome you to this inaugural issue of U.S. Pharmacist
Student Edition. Over the past three decades, pharmacists in all
practice settings worldwide have been reading U.S. Pharmacist for its
broad range of pharmacy-related and peer-reviewed clinical articles. In this
newest edition, you, the pharmacy student, are our focus. Between its covers
you will find clinical and practical information that will be helpful in your
day-to-day studies, combined with important articles that will hopefully help
frame your future career in pharmacy.
Since the launch of this new
publication closely coincides with graduation at many pharmacy schools, I
think it is fitting that we devoted this issue to the challenges and
opportunities facing new graduates. In this issue, you will get a glimpse of
two graduating students' aspirations and expectations once they leave the warm
cocoon of college. Also, CVS pharmacist Chad Hartman offers advice for the new
graduate, and Diane Beck, President of the American Association of Colleges of
Pharmacy (AACP) and a professor at the University of Florida, updates us on
the current shortage of pharmacists and what it means for graduating pharmacy
students. In addition, there are a variety of clinical and practical articles
that should be of interest to all pharmacy students.
As Editor-in-Chief of U.S.
Pharmacist, I have the honor and privilege of meeting scores of pharmacy
students in a variety of settings, not the least of which is at national
pharmacy meetings. I am encouraged and delighted by your enthusiastic and
professional approach to the practice of pharmacy, which will only make the profession
stronger for years to come. You may not know it, but today's pharmacy student
will soon be entering a profession that has become most desirable among
graduating high school students. According to a survey released by the AACP,
last year alone there was a greater than 50% increase in the number of
applications for first professional degree programs at pharmacy schools in the
United States. And for every seven applications, only one was accepted.
As you complete your pharmacy
education, it is important for all of you to understand that you can make a
difference as you enter a career in pharmacy, whatever path it takes. You
are the future of pharmacy. It is imperative that you apply the same
dedication and commitment that you exhibited finishing your education to
shaping the future, because, as Yogi Berra reminds us, "There's no stopping
the future." And regardless of the career path you choose, as a result of your
education and degree, you will now and forevermore be known as the expert on
drugs. Now that Medicare Part D is a reality, the pharmacist's role as a drug
consultant has increased exponentially among the senior population, one of the
largest groups using prescription medications today. Over the years, your
knowledge of drugs will shape the way millions of Americans live and take
their medications.
Tom Brokaw, the retired NBC
Nightly News anchor, summed it up nicely: "You are educated. Your
certification is in your degree. You may think of it as a ticket to the good
life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to
change the world."
Harold E. Cohen, R. Ph.
Editor-in-Chief
To comment on this article, contact editor@uspharmacist.com.
