Suzanne Harris, AAPP President-Elect
In May 2025, I had the opportunity serve on the planning committee for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) workshop titled “Pharmacy Training and Practice to Advance Patient Care.” The goal was to unite diverse stakeholders to collaboratively design a roadmap toward a more sustainable, equitable, and forward-looking pharmacy workforce. At the close of the meeting, there a collective enthusiasm and desire to move the work forward as a unified voice, and by doing so, shape the future of health care as a profession.
Proceedings from the workshop have since been released and a few of my key take-aways are listed below.
- Four major sessions addressed (1) expanding the pharmacy workforce to serve “pharmacy deserts,” (2) fostering well-being and supportive workplace environments, (3) establishing financially sustainable models for pharmacist-led care, and (4) developing adaptable, future-ready education and training programs.
- Several key issues from the workshop also aligned with focus areas within AAPP: addressing workforce burnout through system-level solutions; aligning reimbursement models to recognize pharmacists as essential healthcare providers; developing innovative chronic disease management services, including in mental health and substance use disorders; and preparing pharmacists for emerging roles in digital health therapeutics and precision medicine.
- The roadmap outlined in the NASEM’s Proceedings has potential to also improve access to mental health and substance use care.
While there is much work to be done, AAPP is proud to be part of these efforts and at the table either/both at the association and individual member level. With sustained collaborations within coalitions and across healthcare systems, academia, and industry, we strive to enhance continuity and holistic care for patients with psychiatric and substance use disorders.