Future PharmDs Speak (ft. Pitt School of Pharmacy) | Framework Focus
Framework Focus Peeks into Pharmacy's Future with the Next Generation of Pharmacists
The latest episode of Framework Focus, the podcast dedicated to LTC pharmacy, takes a look to the future with a lively panel discussion featuring three soon-to-be pharmacists from Pittsburgh University's School of Pharmacy: Kolbe Bien ('25), Braidon Lape ('25), and Michelle Gonsalves ('25). Host Mark Fulton, PharmD, MBA, BCNSP, NSC-II facilitates a thought-provoking conversation, exploring the trends, interests, and aspirations of these young pharmacists at the forefront of their careers.
The discussion delves into the students' motivations for pursuing pharmacy, their unique interests within the field, and their overall outlook on the industry. Their fresh perspectives offer valuable insights into the evolving priorities of future pharmacists, highlighting areas like patient-centered care, technology integration, and diverse career paths. By directly engaging with these future leaders, we gain a powerful glimpse into the pharmacy community's evolving trends and sentiments.
Key Takeaways:
Shifting Career Desires: While traditional retail roles still hold some appeal, the students expressed a growing interest in clinical and LTC pharmacy settings, as well as non-dispensing areas like public health, research, and pharmacy-related entrepreneurship. This aligns with the broader trend of Millenials and Gen Z prioritizing work-life balance which is an increasingly common sentiment that resonates across industries.
Embracing Technology: The students showcased a positive outlook on advancements in both pharmaceuticals (thanks to recent developments in biologics) and technology. They see AI not as a threat, but as a valuable tool to enhance patient care and efficiency. They envision themselves as partners with these evolving technologies, not replacements.
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent: Rather than prioritizing large salaries, the discussion highlighted the importance of finding purpose and achieving work-life balance in today's pharmacy workforce. Fostering a culture of innovation and professional development is also crucial for attracting and retaining talented young pharmacists.
In addition to the player above, you can also listen to the full episode using one of the links below:
Framework Focus is the first-ever podcast focused exclusively on Long Term Care Pharmacy. We release a new episode on the second Wednesday of every month that addresses the hottest topics in LTC pharmacy through timely interviews with industry trailblazers, thought leaders, and LTC pharmacists. Follow and subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen so you do not miss an upcoming episode.