By Dawn Vogelsang for our 99 Ways to Make a Positive Difference in Your Pharmacy blog series
As a member of several industry organizations myself, I can attest to the enormous value of participating in these associations. State pharmacy associations, national organizations such as the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and specialty pharmacy professional groups offer invaluable opportunities to stay connected to and inspired by your industry.
It can be easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day responsibilities and tasks of our professions, and industry organizations provide frequent opportunities to refresh and refocus our energies. These groups are committed to supporting the success of their members, and make efforts to do so in a variety of ways. Many offer free e-newsletters packed with the latest news from the industry, so you can stay informed and remain competitive. Industry organizations are also a great resource for free educational webinars, seminars, and continuing education programming. Your participation in these groups opens many doors for you to continue your professional development and stay connected to the latest issues and trends in the industry.
Trade shows and networking events offered by industry groups also provide exciting opportunities to meet other professionals and share your challenges and successes. You may discover that the challenges facing your pharmacy are shared by others, and their experiences may offer you creative solutions that you may not otherwise have thought of. Make the most of trade shows by proactively approaching other professionals and vendors and seek to learn about the current state of the industry from others like you who are “in the trenches” and facing the same frustrations you are.
Furthermore, take the opportunity to serve on committees or boards for industry organizations. Not only will your service allow you to extend and develop your leadership experience, it offers you the chance to step out from behind the pharmacy counter and offer guidance and expertise that can help shape the industry and support the success of other pharmacy professionals.
What are your experiences in industry organizations? What have you found most valuable about your participation?
As majority owner and President, Dawn oversees Hamacher Resource Group in the development of corporate vision and execution of strategies, and directs the company's efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology. Her extensive leadership experience within the company, coupled with her technical savvy, makes her the perfect choice to drive HRG to anticipate and meet the needs of the future.