Last week health-system leaders from across the country gathered to participate in ASHP Policy Week 2016! Members from the Council on Therapeutics, Council on Public Policy, Council on Pharmacy Practice, Council on Pharmacy Management, Council on Education and Workforce Development, Commission on Affiliate Relations, and the ASHP Board of Directors were present. As a rotation extern at the ASHP National Headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, I was also invited to participate. I wanted to share my experience and provide a quick recap of the week’s events. I know that many often wonder what truly happens during Policy Week, and I am here to fill you in!
Monday, September 19, 2016
Throughout the day, members of Councils and Commissions began to arrive in Bethesda. It was evident that Policy Week had arrived as the office was buzzing with excitement. I was invited to lunch with student and new practitioner Council/Commission members as well as fellow rotation externs. It was a great time to catch up with old friends and meet plenty of new ones! I enjoyed this because it was a nice way to “ease” in to Policy Week, as we were all new in the process. Later on that afternoon, an orientation was hosted for those new to Policy Week, and this was followed by a reception in the ASHP Board Room. I was excited to see fellow Mississippians Dr. Seena Haines, Dr. Wes Pitts, and Dr. Lea Eiland present for the week. What a great representation of our state! Following the reception, Council and Commission members enjoyed dinner in Bethesda before heading to bed. Sleep was necessary because, after all, it was going to be a busy week.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Rise and shine! This was the first ‘early day’ of Policy Week. Following breakfast and Legislative Day briefing, Councils and Commissions started the first of many important discussions. These discussions were related to emerging trends in pharmacy. Being a rotation extern, I was able to move between meetings in order to learn more about topics that were of interest. This gave me the opportunity to interact with members of multiple commissions and councils and learn more about their individual agendas. I particularly enjoyed the discussions of the Council on Therapeutics and Council on Education and Workforce Development. Other highlights of the day included the William A. Zellmer Lecture (featuring RADM Pamela M. Schweitzer from the United States Public Health Service) and dinner, which included several honored guests from the area.
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
On Wednesday, we gathered together to participate in Legislative Day (which was my favorite.) The day started at Union Station, where we heard from Dr. Karen L. Summar of the office of Senator Chuck Grassley (Iowa). We then embarked on the journey to Capitol Hill, where various attendees and ASHP staff met with their senators and representatives. I joined Team Arkansas (my home state) for the day, and our team of ladies had a great time at each of our meetings. We met with each office (typically with the member attending) and had the ability to advocate for the profession, covering issues such as Provider Status (HR592/S314), the rising cost of drug prices, and the opioid epidemic. Our lawmakers were very receptive to our issues, and I hope that Arkansas reaches 100 percent (on co-sponsorship of Provider Status) very soon. (Note: If you ever have the chance to visit an Arkansas congressman or senator, be sure to pick up Arkansas-themed snacks. I promise you won’t regret it!)
Thursday, September 22, 2016
The final day of Policy Week was very similar to Tuesday. Attendees gathered again to continue discussions on emerging trends in pharmacy. I attended two sessions that day. One session involved a combined effort of the Council on Public Policy, Council on Pharmacy Practice, and Council on Pharmacy Management. It was great to watch the groups work so well together, respecting each other’s views on the issue. I spent a majority of the rest of my day joining the Council on Pharmacy Management. After a day filled with great discussions, Policy Week had ended, and attendees began traveling home. I began the process of wrapping up the week, catching up (on sleep), and returning to my project work at the ASHP headquarters.
Wrap-Up
As I reflect on my fantastic experience, I am thankful for the opportunity to participate. While the week was very busy (special shout out to the superb coffee), I wouldn’t have wanted anything to go differently. I was surrounded by motivated, inspiring individuals who truly want the best for the practice of pharmacy. As a student preparing to enter the workforce, I am excited about where our practice is headed. I encourage other students to become involved within ASHP (whether through local chapters, state affiliates, and/or national opportunities) in order to be a part of such a great movement. I hope to continue involvement in the future in order to participate in Policy Week again. A huge ‘thank you’ goes to the Council and Commission members for their participation and efforts as well as the ASHP faces behind-the-scenes, who worked tirelessly in order to make the week a success!
Are you a student looking to get involved and potentially attend Policy Week 2017?
Recommendations for positions on Councils and Commissions are currently being accepted! The term for these appointments is June 2017 to May 2018. The deadline to submit an application or recommendation is November 14, 2016. To learn more about this process, be sure to visit http://www.ashp.org/menu/AboutUs/OurLeadership/CouncilsCommitteesandAdvisoryBodies.aspx .