Future-Proofing Your Pharmacy Career: Three Essential Skills
The landscape of healthcare is rapidly evolving, demanding a new skillset from pharmacists to not just survive, but thrive.As we look ahead, three core competencies will be paramount for success – skills that will differentiate leaders from followers and ensure a durable, valuable career. These aren’t simply about pharmaceutical knowledge; they’re about adapting to a changing world and leveraging new tools to deliver optimal patient care.
Skill #1: The Art of Motivating Communication
In an age of information overload, the ability to connect with individuals and inspire action is more critical than ever. Pharmacists must move beyond simply delivering information about medication to motivating patients, caregivers, and colleagues towards positive health behaviors. This requires a nuanced approach - concise, engaging dialog that resonates and drives tangible results.The ability to effectively communicate in a time-conscious manner,fostering genuine connection and prompting action,will be a defining characteristic of successful pharmacists. This skill isn’t fleeting; it’s a foundational element of impactful healthcare, guaranteeing long-term career value.
Skill #2: Navigating the Evolving Pharmacy Business model
Traditionally, pharmacists have been primarily compensated through medication dispensing. While this remains a notable component, the future of pharmacy hinges on a growing ability to bill directly for clinical services – to health plans, pharmacy benefit managers, or even patients themselves. This shift necessitates a deep understanding of current pharmacy economics, including models like 340B, and a forward-thinking perspective on how these models will evolve. Success will depend on adapting to changes in workflow, optimizing human capital (both pharmacists and support staff), and mastering new administrative and performance measurement systems. Pharmacists who can navigate this complex transition will be positioned to led, while those who don’t risk being left behind.
Skill #3: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s rapidly becoming an integral part of everyday practice. Soon, a new generation of pharmacists will enter the field having never known a world without AI assistance. The potential of AI to enhance agility, creativity, efficiency, and effectiveness in pharmacy practice is immense. However, leveraging this power requires a commitment to responsible implementation – ensuring legal compliance, ethical considerations, and patient safety are paramount. This skill isn’t limited to pharmacy; it’s a universally sought-after competency across all sectors, making proficiency in AI a crucial investment in your future.
these three skills – motivational communication, business acumen, and AI proficiency – are not isolated abilities. They are interconnected and essential for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare. Mastering them will not only future-proof your pharmacy career but also empower you to deliver remarkable patient care in a rapidly changing world.
(Based on information from an article by Troy Trygstad, Pharmd, PhD, MBA, Executive Director of CPESN USA)
