What separates pharmacists from a worker at McDonalds? It is simple: pharmacists are professionals. What does it mean to be a professional? It means that we are members of a group and that we declare, in a public way, that we promise to act in certain ways toward society. We have made a “promise” to society that we will act in a manner that benefits society. We have a code of ethics and standards by which we are judged. We have a “duty”, not only to society, but to our profession. We are obligated to control our own profession. We have a duty to our profession to keep our members focused on their ethical and social requirements. This means that pharmacists should not only act like professionals, but be professionals.

The Pharmacy Alliance has spoken about our professional obligation to our own profession. One of the principles of The Pharmacy Alliance states that “Pharmacy professionals will feel empowered to use the word “no” when faced with undignified, unprofessional, dangerous, dishonest, insulting or offensive situations.” We have a duty to the patients we serve, and we have a duty to society. No manager or corporation should be allowed to divert our duty. There is a bond between us and our patients and also a bond within our profession to each other. If we see professionalism being compromised, then it is up to us to do something about it. To be effective, we need a strong professional bond. In essence, we are obligated to our profession to have a strong professional organization. And, that organization must be based on pharmacies professional ethics and social responsibility. It should be like a “rudder” on a ship to guide the profession toward greater professionalism.

Education is a key factor in any profession. All professions strive for excellence in their educational requirements. Pharmacy has a number of organizations that speak to the educational requirement. There is only one national organization that speaks to professionalism in pharmacy: The Pharmacy Alliance. I am not here to promote The Pharmacy Alliance. It may seem that I am. But, I am speaking of facts, and the simple fact is that this organization is the only organization that speaks to the principles and professionalism of pharmacy. It is the one organization that urges pharmacists to strive for professionalism in their workplace. And, it is the only organization that tells pharmacists to refuse to lower their professional standards, no matter the pressure of their jobs. Not only do we have a duty to refuse to lower our professional standards, we have a duty to promote those standards.

All pharmacists will be faced with pressures on the job. They will be faced with less than a professional work place. But, the job does not define the pharmacist. The pharmacist defines the job. All jobs within all professions face the dual role of being a professional and making money. Despite the money component, a pharmacist is ethically and professionally obligated to do things in the best benefit of the patient. Pharmacists have taken an oath and they have made a promise to society. The only way that pharmacists can be professionals is to uphold their promise to society. When pharmacists act as professionals, society will recognize them as professionals. How does a pharmacist act as a professional? By putting the interests of the patient first!

Our primary role is toward the patient. Our secondary role is toward our profession. We are obligated to each other. In this secondary role, I am urging you to look toward your obligation to pharmacy. Let us come together and collectively promote the profession. The Pharmacy Alliance stands in the ready to serve that role. There are numerous opportunities to promote our profession. Each pharmacist can have a voice. Each pharmacist can move forward in building a stronger profession. You are not alone!