My final APPE rotation was canceled the week before it was scheduled to begin. I was stressed and worried about finding a replacement, as I did not have many options. I decided at the very last minute to take the Texas Pharmacy Association elective rotation. I am so lucky that my previous rotation was canceled because at TPA I learned about the most important thing: my future profession.

I am very embarrassed to say that I did not know anything about TPA until I arrived there. I was fortunate to have the rotation because not everyone gets to experience and learn about the value of TPA as a student. In pharmacy school we obtain clinical knowledge, and most APPE rotations are also focused on clinical practices. Students are very busy studying for classes and exams. After completing rotations and graduating, we are busy studying for the Board exams and getting jobs. After we start working, pharmacists are still busy. I didn’t realize until my TPA rotation that you never really have the chance to look back and contemplate your own profession.

During past rotations, I witnessed many positive aspects of the pharmacy profession, but I also heard many complaints from pharmacists, other coworkers, and students. New graduates often have difficulty finding jobs, pharmacists are having their hours reduced, and pharmacist salaries are decreasing because the supply of pharmacists is so high. Technology is taking over many of our traditional tasks. Pharmacists are often not recognized nor appreciated among healthcare professionals.

How can we, as students, fix these problems? What have you done besides complain? Have you ever even thought about what can you do to help our profession? I heard many complaints, but I was never taught what I can do to mitigate the situation. These problems are obviously not something that can be easily fixed in short period of time. However, I believe we can advance our profession by taking small steps.

This is why TPA exists. Joining TPA is one of those small steps. TPA is always here to listen to its members’ voices and incorporate them into its actions. One great example is its work with the Texas Legislature, where TPA represents and advocates for all Texas pharmacists. Last year, pharmacists were finally recognized as providers in the Texas Insurance Code. Such victories show that speaking with one big voice is more impactful than speaking with separate voices.

TPA is our platform to unify ourselves with one big voice. Reading new journal articles, obtaining clinical knowledge, and providing optimal healthcare to the patients are our top priorities. However, caring for and supporting our own profession goes hand in hand with patient care. It must be a priority to ensure a brighter future of the pharmacy profession.

I am grateful and thankful for the amazing opportunity at TPA because I was able to focus on something that never before crossed my mind. As a student, I was able to learn and to reflect on my values. As a future pharmacist, I will continue to reflect and maintain my support for TPA because this is my profession. The future of my profession is in my hands—and yours.

Kim completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during February and March of 2020.