Collaboration is Key to Building Pharmacy’s Future

This week, I had the privilege of delivering the first Sebok Pharmacy Lecture at Ohio Northern University’s Raabe College of Pharmacy. The event honors Albert A. Sebok, whose 60-year affiliation with the University, distinguished career at Standard Drug and Revco and winning of NACDS’ Pratt Award in 1991 only provide a summary description of his rich contributions to pharmacy.

NACDS’ participation in the Sebok Pharmacy Lecture is a perfect example of our strategic focus on broadening awareness of pharmacy’s role as the face of neighborhood healthcare, as well as on helping to raise up the next generation of pharmacy advocates and ambassadors. It also exemplifies the collaboration that is possible and necessary between schools of pharmacy, the pharmacy profession and industry, supplier companies, NACDS and allied organizations, and many other stakeholders.

I have to heap praise on everyone at Ohio Northern for everything they are doing to showcase pharmacy. They thought of everything in launching this lecture, which is a fitting tribute to an industry legend and a case study in using event-based marketing effectively. The commitment of the administration faculty was unmistakable.

The University staff succeeded in pitching the event to the media, which resulted in amazing stories on the 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. news that focused on pharmacy’s ever-enhancing role in healthcare delivery as well as excellent local and trade press coverage.

The students featured bright eyes and bright minds, which no doubt will contribute to their bright future. Friends of the University were on hand to add their support and encouragement as well.

Two years ago, when NACDS launched its pharmacy image campaign to obsessively communicate the “Pharmacies. The face of neighborhood healthcare.” theme, we hoped we would have the opportunity to collaborate and play some small role in events like the Sebok Lecture.

Events and opportunities like this one, connected by a consistent and cohesive theme, will contribute to increased recognition and results for pharmacy. I hope that in reading this, you feel the enthusiasm that we have for getting the word out about pharmacy. Congratulations and thank you to everyone at Ohio Northern for their passionate and professional approach to this mission. It was an honor to be involved and NACDS looks forward to the next opportunity!

Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE

NACDS President & Chief Executive Officer

Published in the e-newsletter of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores

Published: Mon, 01/25/2010 - 5:55pm