We went down to Norwalk with 2 items we wanted to tell them about (the Pharmacy LEADERS Track and the Advancing Pharmacy Transformation initiative) but we also wanted to hear from them if we at the school were "going in the right direction" and where they see the profession of pharmacy headed. So it would be some talking on our part but also lots of listening. I definitely learned more than I educated yesterday!
Maybe I am just as guilty as other people in considering Fairfield county as more New York metro area, rather than part of our little state. It wasn't until yesterday that I realized how aware our alumni are of what we are doing at UConn, that they have strong views on the impression we are giving them and on pharmacy organizations, and that they are very aware of what challenges pharmacy in Connecticut (and nationally) will be facing in the very near future. I would have expected it of the leadership within the pharmacy department but was floored by the insight of our new graduates.
Within the pharmacy, I was amazed by the extensive technology and the opportunities for the pharmacists. Gone are the days of shuffling paper orders and fax machines sending orders for the pharmacist to enter and of u-shaped pick stations for cart fills! From CPOE, to robots, to carousels, to electronic cabinets, the pharmacy was impressive. Even more impressive was the willingness of pharmacy management to be innovative with the services offered by the pharmacy. They have 4 clinical pharmacists - now remember that this is only a 220 bed facility. They are also sending pharmacists to the nursing units to establish new services, allowing the pharmacist to identify areas of need within that unit.
You may be wondering how this all relates to the Pharmacy LEADERS Track.... 1) One of my slides on the track discusses the traits/skills needed for the leaders of today and tomorrow. Skills included ability to collaborate, to coach and mentor, to be innovative and risk-taking. As I progressed through my day yesterday I was very aware that the pharmacy leadership at Norwalk Hospital, especially Bob Bepko and Keith Shuster (yes, of course they are UConn alumni), truly possess those skills. Seeing those skills in action confirmed to me how leaders in possession of these skills can advance pharmacy. On a smaller level, bringing such leaders to UConn for Leadership and Latte events would benefit so many of our students. 2) As Keith reminded me, everyone needs their 3 minute elevator speech (guess what the track students will be doing this fall). 3) Our alumni can provide so much experience and insight to our students, especially the track students. I had been debating establishing a mentors/ambassadors programs with pharmacy leaders in the state. Now I realize that this is not a maybe but a definite need.
What was the most awe-inspiring aspect of my day?? That is easy!! I went down there thinking they were doing UConn a favor by giving us their time and providing us with their input. We monopolized the time of different members of their staff from 1pm until 9pm! Yet, they were adamant in their thanks for giving them our time to listen to their thoughts and show us what they do. Really?? They were thanking me?? Truly the thanks should be all mine for reminding me to get out of my "ivory tower" to get "back in the trenches" to see what our alumni leaders can teach us.
