Why have a Leadership Symposium?

I have been asked this question a few times.  Well, there are two reasons – member development and coordination of efforts.  Notice that I didn’t say that “continuing education”  was a reason.  The CE part is just an additional benefit to attendees.

Reason #1 is more critical.  Member (note that it’s singular) development is important to the future of pharmacy.  YOU need to know what is happening to the profession, why it is happening and what YOU can do about it.     The knowledge you will gain will strengthen your resolve and ability to protect your profession and your patients.   And pretty much, that’s the spring meeting!

Does it really matter if you attend?  Trust me — it does!  This is a part of YOUR  job.  Being EFFECTIVELY involved in public policy is integral to your profession.

You may not like the political process, but it directly affects you every day.  And it is impacting your profession more and more in areas such as license requirements, relationships with patients, the move to Medicaid Managed Care in March, audit and other insurance reimbursement challenges,  pending mail order pharmacy mergers, record-keeping demands and mandated pharmacy procedures.  These issues have resulted in growing financial pressures on the profession and have placed Texas pharmacy at a critical crossroads.

Reason #2 is less important.   The various Association governance meetings that take place during the summer conference are being moved to this meeting for greater efficiency for members and staff.  Hopefully, in 2013, the House of Delegates annual meeting and the installation of officers will move to this Leadership Symposium.  These changes allow the Conference and its attendees to focus on continuing education and exhibits.

So, please join your fellow pharmacy leaders on March 23 and 24 for the TPA Spring Leadership Symposium in Austin.  I promise that it will not be just another meeting!  You’ll hear leaders from NACDS and the State,  including Texas Comptroller Susan Combs, members of the Texas House Representatives and the Senate, Tom Suehs, executive commissioner of the Texas Health Facilities Commission, Texas Attorney General Greg Abott and experts in the field of politics and grassroots involvement.

Pharmacy needs you to be there.  For more information go online to www.RXPERT.ORG. 

 More to come . . .

Joe DaSilva

Chief Executive Officer
Texas Pharmacy Association

 

He’s Back . . . .

Well, a  new year starts and “Just My Thoughts” returns! 

You have been enjoying a seven month sabbatical from my BLOG until now.   One of my resolutions is to routinely communicate with you and one of my measures to do so is to have 3-4 posts each month.  If you add your name as a follower, you will be notified when something new is posted.

This first entry of 2012 is a sentiment I came across recently.  Since the author is anonymous, I made a number of changes so that the words better convey my thoughts.  It is  shared as my sincere wish for you. 

May 2012 bring each of you

Warmth of love and comfort of home,

The joy of children and support of family and friends,

A patient attitude to accept others equally,

A caring heart that practices respect and compassion,

Enrichment of knowledge and richness of diversity,

Courage to seek and speak the truth even when standing alone,

A healing hand for the patients you serve,

A light to guide your path,

Resolve to strengthen unity,

Serenity, peace and balance,

Food for thought,

A hand to hold, and

An abundance of smiles.

 

May You have a Happy and Blessed New Year!

 More to come . . .

Joe DaSilva

Chief Executive Officer
Texas Pharmacy Association