New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists Section
Presidential Address: A Roadmap for Organizational Success
Today, I am honored to be standing here as the newly installed 53rd President of the New York State Council of Healthsystem Pharmacists (NYSCHP). I would like to thank everyone who has been so supportive of my journey to this point. Shaun Flynn, our new Executive Director, who has been working so hard to keep the Council running smoothly. Carol who is always so quick to respond to my endless questions. Liz Shlom, our newly installed Immediate Past-President, who encouraged me to take on this new role. Marcia, Leigh, Mark, Bruce, Deb, and especially Kim for twisting my arm, I mean, encouraging my involvement in the organization and being wonderful mentors. The Western New York Chapter and Buffalo General Hospital where I have met so many wonderful people who are part of my ‘‘Pharmacy Family.’’ And speaking of family, I thank my parents for all of their guidance and support. I have always been in awe of how they juggle careers, family, and their own involvement in organizations. I am so happy all of you could be here to share this with me. Last, and never least, my husband, Dave, and my sons, Matt and Josh. Without your love, support, and encouragement, I would never have been able to take on this important new role! I was so excited that the theme of last night’s dinner was ‘‘Night at the Movies’’ for the simple reason that I love watching movies. They are my escape, my reward, and my entertainment. I often find myself quoting my favorite movies to fit the situation at hand. I like taking the humor, wisdom, and inspiration from movies and using them to elucidate whatever point I am trying to make. In this spirit, throughout my speech tonight, we will view a few movie clips to help reinforce the ideas I will be discussing. Doc Brown: Now, let me show you my plan for sending you home. Please excuse the crudity of this model. I didn’t have time to build it to scale or to paint it.
Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2015, Vol. 28(3) 288-290 ª The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0897190015582520 jpp.sagepub.com
Marty: It’s good. Doc: Oh, thank you, thank you. Okay, we run some industrial strength cable from the top of the clock tower down suspending it over the street between these two lamp posts. Meanwhile we’ve outfitted the time vehicle with this big pole and hook which runs directly into the flux capacitor. At the calculated moment you start off from down the street driving directly toward cable accelerating to 88 mph. According to the flyer at precisely 10:04 PM this Saturday night lightning will strike the clock tower electrifying the cable just as the connecting hook makes contact thereby sending 1.21 giga watts into the flux capacitor and sending you back to 1985. (Back to the Future, Universal Pictures, 1985)
Like Doc Brown creating this elaborate plan to send Marty back to the future, I think one of my strengths is the ability to methodically complete the small steps needed to achieve big projects. It is important to have clearly defined goals so that all team members know exactly what they’re working toward and can see a clear plan for how they’re going to get there. With that in mind, here are some specific goals I’d like to see us achieve during my tenure as President: 1. Taking an active role in the implementation and expansion of Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) programs and opportunities for pharmacists. As the premiere health-system pharmacists organization in New York, it is our responsibility to help guide pharmacists in their efforts to improve patient care. From offering networking opportunities such as the CDTM Summit, to educational opportunities that will provide foundational knowledge necessary for pharmacists to gain direct patient care experience, the Council should be seen as the leader in this arena. 2. Utilizing technology to provide more virtual educational programming and nontraditional methods of delivering live continuing education (CE) credit. Providing CE is one of our most vital services, but due to geographic constraints, not all members (or potential members) are able to physically get to areas where programs are being held. Making CE more convenient will help to expand our offerings and make NYSCHP more attractive to new members. 3. Advocating for the organization as well as the profession. We need a PR campaign designed to increase public knowledge of how health-system pharmacists benefit
Seyse
4.
5.
patients and society. This campaign will subsequently drive support for our legislative agenda. Increasing revenue streams to ensure our fiscal stability. I cannot overstate the importance of this: We need more revenue to sustain our current activities. We need to be collaborative and creative in discovering new options that will help improve our bottom line. Simply stated, more revenue equals more opportunities for our members. Increasing membership and involvement of current members. This, of course, will improve all aspects of our organization. Without members, there is no organization.
My involvement with the Council at the state level started when I was Chair of the Membership Committee. Although I may be a little biased in wanting to concentrate on this goal, I feel my experience in this area combined with its vital importance to the organization make it a natural fit. As part of the Strategic Plan, the five goals I have outlined are currently being addressed, but we need to do more to see them come to fruition. I believe one of our best ways to reach these objectives is to concentrate on membership growth and engaging more individuals who have the right talents to help us succeed. We can’t wait for them to find us! We need to explore new opportunities to identify and reach out to these individuals NOW! Peter Brand: It’s about getting things down to one number. Using the stats the way we read them, we’ll find value in players that no one else can see. People are overlooked for a variety of biased reasons and perceived flaws. Age, appearance, personality. Bill James and mathematics cut straight through that. Billy, of the 20,000 notable players for us to consider, I believe that there is a championship team of twenty-five people that we can afford, because everyone else in baseball undervalues them. Peter Brand: Billy, this is Chad Bradford. He’s a relief pitcher. He is one of the most undervalued players in baseball. His defect is that he throws funny. Nobody in the big leagues cares about him, because he looks funny. This guy could be not just the best pitcher in our bullpen, but one of the most effective relief pitchers in all of baseball. This guy should cost $3 million a year. We can get him for $237,000. (Moneyball, Columbia Pictures, 2011)
Like the Oakland A’s did in this clip from Moneyball, we need to be creative in recruiting talent for our organization. Two groups of individuals we should be focusing on are pharmacy students and new practitioners, including pharmacy residents (PRs). It is essential for each of us to teach the importance of being involved in professional organizations to every student and new practitioner we work with. We need to brainstorm new ways to reach out to these groups and get them excited about becoming the future leaders of our organization.
289 We have created the Residency Research & Practice Forum that held its inaugural program yesterday. Not only did all the residents conduct platform presentations on their projects and receive a lecture on leadership by Kathryn Schultz, they were also able to participate in all other programming at the Annual Assembly which allowed them to see firsthand some of the benefits of belonging to the Council. In an effort to recognize the very best of the program, we also presented awards to the top 3 residents. This experience showcases the opportunities we offer for networking, career enrichment, and professional honors. Events such as this foster pride in the pharmacy profession and demonstrate the value of membership in a professional organization. We need to make ourselves more relevant to pharmacy students. Over the past few years, the Council has supported a student program that offers guidance on applying for jobs as well as postgraduate residencies. But we need to do more. We must revitalize the Council’s Student Committee and our relationships with the Pharmacy School Faculty Liaisons. Additionally, inclusion of a student representative on the Council’s Board of Directors will help guide the development of relevant student programming. We also need to expand our offerings at the Annual Assembly to include student-specific activities; perhaps a meet and greet reception with our leadership or even a statewide career fair. So, improving our outreach and engagement with students and residents is crucial. Volunteering to help with activities for students and residents can bring great personal fulfillment and it is in harmony with the Pharmacist’s Oath: I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists. It creates networking opportunities and the development of lifelong friendships with individuals from across the state. But, we can also do more to utilize the tremendous talents of our current members. We need to encourage each member to put their experience to work in service of our organization. First and foremost, we need to discover strong and effective leaders to ensure our future, but there are many other important roles for those who are uncomfortable with leadership positions. Committee involvement is an easy place to begin expanding an individuals’ participation at the Chapter level. Members are also always needed to help at continuing education and other programming events. Everyone has something to contribute. Let’s learn about the strengths and interests of our members, then engage and mentor them, starting at the local chapters and then on a state level. Professor Charles Xavier: I can’t stop thinking about the others out there, all those minds that I touched. I could feel them, their isolation, their hopes, their ambitions. I tell you we can start something incredible, Erik. We can help them. (X-Men: First Class, 20th Century Fox, 2011)
Like Professor Xavier seeking out new members to join the Xmen, I challenge everyone here tonight to help identify
290 individuals who can make a difference and encourage them to get involved in the Council. Engaging more individuals will increase our membership which will help our growth and fiscal stability. This will lead to a larger voice promoting our legislative agenda. In addition, more people will be talking about and attending our various programming, which will increase promotion of our organization to other health care providers and the public. And, of course, this will ultimately support the development of the future leaders of the organization and our profession. Flik: Here, pretend - pretend that that’s a seed. Dot: It’s a rock. Flik: Oh, I know it’s a rock, I know. But let’s just pretend for a minute that it’s a seed, alright? We’ll just use our imaginations. Now, now do you see our tree? Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voila´! Dot: This rock will be a tree? Flik: Seed to tree. You’ve gotta work with me, here. Alright? Okay. Now, y-you might not feel like you can do much now, but that’s just because, well, you’re not a tree yet. You just have to give yourself some time. You’re still a seed. Dot: But it’s a rock. Flik: [shouting] I know it’s a rock! Don’t you think I know a rock when I see a rock? I’ve spent a lot of time around rocks! Dot: You’re weird, but I like you. (A Bug’s Life, Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios, 1998)
Yes, I had to end with a Disney quote! I like how this scene teaches that we all have the potential within us to become
Journal of Pharmacy Practice 28(3) something great. Our organization has accomplished many good things throughout its history, and we have the potential for an even greater future if we can collectively rise to the challenges that face us. I encourage each of you to go back to your local chapters and begin planting the little seeds that will grow our organization. I would like to end with one of my favorite quotes, and this one is actually NOT from a movie: Life has no remote . . . get up and change it yourself
This saying was always displayed prominently in front of the television at my late mother-in-law’s house. She was a great friend and mentor, always offering encouragement and advice on becoming a better person and making the world a better place. This same sign now sits in front of OUR family television. During our own family movie nights, it is there as a constant reminder from her that WE are the ones who can make a difference. If there is something we want changed, we are the ones who must take on the challenge. The same is true for the Council. In order for our organization to flourish, we must embrace its evolution. The change that comes from within is more meaningful and long lasting. Change can be difficult and unsettling. It doesn’t come easily. But with smart planning, creativity, and effort, our organization will not only survive but it will also thrive long into the future. Thank you! Stephanie Seyse, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, CACP President New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists
Copyright of Journal of Pharmacy Practice is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
Presidential Address: A Roadmap for Organizational Success
Today, I am honored to be standing here as the newly installed 53rd President of the New York State Council of Healthsystem Pharmacists (NYSCHP). I would like to thank everyone who has been so supportive of my journey to this point. Shaun Flynn, our new Executive Director, who has been working so hard to keep the Council running smoothly. Carol who is always so quick to respond to my endless questions. Liz Shlom, our newly installed Immediate Past-President, who encouraged me to take on this new role. Marcia, Leigh, Mark, Bruce, Deb, and especially Kim for twisting my arm, I mean, encouraging my involvement in the organization and being wonderful mentors. The Western New York Chapter and Buffalo General Hospital where I have met so many wonderful people who are part of my ‘‘Pharmacy Family.’’ And speaking of family, I thank my parents for all of their guidance and support. I have always been in awe of how they juggle careers, family, and their own involvement in organizations. I am so happy all of you could be here to share this with me. Last, and never least, my husband, Dave, and my sons, Matt and Josh. Without your love, support, and encouragement, I would never have been able to take on this important new role! I was so excited that the theme of last night’s dinner was ‘‘Night at the Movies’’ for the simple reason that I love watching movies. They are my escape, my reward, and my entertainment. I often find myself quoting my favorite movies to fit the situation at hand. I like taking the humor, wisdom, and inspiration from movies and using them to elucidate whatever point I am trying to make. In this spirit, throughout my speech tonight, we will view a few movie clips to help reinforce the ideas I will be discussing. Doc Brown: Now, let me show you my plan for sending you home. Please excuse the crudity of this model. I didn’t have time to build it to scale or to paint it.
Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2015, Vol. 28(3) 288-290 ª The Author(s) 2015 Reprints and permission: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0897190015582520 jpp.sagepub.com
Marty: It’s good. Doc: Oh, thank you, thank you. Okay, we run some industrial strength cable from the top of the clock tower down suspending it over the street between these two lamp posts. Meanwhile we’ve outfitted the time vehicle with this big pole and hook which runs directly into the flux capacitor. At the calculated moment you start off from down the street driving directly toward cable accelerating to 88 mph. According to the flyer at precisely 10:04 PM this Saturday night lightning will strike the clock tower electrifying the cable just as the connecting hook makes contact thereby sending 1.21 giga watts into the flux capacitor and sending you back to 1985. (Back to the Future, Universal Pictures, 1985)
Like Doc Brown creating this elaborate plan to send Marty back to the future, I think one of my strengths is the ability to methodically complete the small steps needed to achieve big projects. It is important to have clearly defined goals so that all team members know exactly what they’re working toward and can see a clear plan for how they’re going to get there. With that in mind, here are some specific goals I’d like to see us achieve during my tenure as President: 1. Taking an active role in the implementation and expansion of Collaborative Drug Therapy Management (CDTM) programs and opportunities for pharmacists. As the premiere health-system pharmacists organization in New York, it is our responsibility to help guide pharmacists in their efforts to improve patient care. From offering networking opportunities such as the CDTM Summit, to educational opportunities that will provide foundational knowledge necessary for pharmacists to gain direct patient care experience, the Council should be seen as the leader in this arena. 2. Utilizing technology to provide more virtual educational programming and nontraditional methods of delivering live continuing education (CE) credit. Providing CE is one of our most vital services, but due to geographic constraints, not all members (or potential members) are able to physically get to areas where programs are being held. Making CE more convenient will help to expand our offerings and make NYSCHP more attractive to new members. 3. Advocating for the organization as well as the profession. We need a PR campaign designed to increase public knowledge of how health-system pharmacists benefit
Seyse
4.
5.
patients and society. This campaign will subsequently drive support for our legislative agenda. Increasing revenue streams to ensure our fiscal stability. I cannot overstate the importance of this: We need more revenue to sustain our current activities. We need to be collaborative and creative in discovering new options that will help improve our bottom line. Simply stated, more revenue equals more opportunities for our members. Increasing membership and involvement of current members. This, of course, will improve all aspects of our organization. Without members, there is no organization.
My involvement with the Council at the state level started when I was Chair of the Membership Committee. Although I may be a little biased in wanting to concentrate on this goal, I feel my experience in this area combined with its vital importance to the organization make it a natural fit. As part of the Strategic Plan, the five goals I have outlined are currently being addressed, but we need to do more to see them come to fruition. I believe one of our best ways to reach these objectives is to concentrate on membership growth and engaging more individuals who have the right talents to help us succeed. We can’t wait for them to find us! We need to explore new opportunities to identify and reach out to these individuals NOW! Peter Brand: It’s about getting things down to one number. Using the stats the way we read them, we’ll find value in players that no one else can see. People are overlooked for a variety of biased reasons and perceived flaws. Age, appearance, personality. Bill James and mathematics cut straight through that. Billy, of the 20,000 notable players for us to consider, I believe that there is a championship team of twenty-five people that we can afford, because everyone else in baseball undervalues them. Peter Brand: Billy, this is Chad Bradford. He’s a relief pitcher. He is one of the most undervalued players in baseball. His defect is that he throws funny. Nobody in the big leagues cares about him, because he looks funny. This guy could be not just the best pitcher in our bullpen, but one of the most effective relief pitchers in all of baseball. This guy should cost $3 million a year. We can get him for $237,000. (Moneyball, Columbia Pictures, 2011)
Like the Oakland A’s did in this clip from Moneyball, we need to be creative in recruiting talent for our organization. Two groups of individuals we should be focusing on are pharmacy students and new practitioners, including pharmacy residents (PRs). It is essential for each of us to teach the importance of being involved in professional organizations to every student and new practitioner we work with. We need to brainstorm new ways to reach out to these groups and get them excited about becoming the future leaders of our organization.
289 We have created the Residency Research & Practice Forum that held its inaugural program yesterday. Not only did all the residents conduct platform presentations on their projects and receive a lecture on leadership by Kathryn Schultz, they were also able to participate in all other programming at the Annual Assembly which allowed them to see firsthand some of the benefits of belonging to the Council. In an effort to recognize the very best of the program, we also presented awards to the top 3 residents. This experience showcases the opportunities we offer for networking, career enrichment, and professional honors. Events such as this foster pride in the pharmacy profession and demonstrate the value of membership in a professional organization. We need to make ourselves more relevant to pharmacy students. Over the past few years, the Council has supported a student program that offers guidance on applying for jobs as well as postgraduate residencies. But we need to do more. We must revitalize the Council’s Student Committee and our relationships with the Pharmacy School Faculty Liaisons. Additionally, inclusion of a student representative on the Council’s Board of Directors will help guide the development of relevant student programming. We also need to expand our offerings at the Annual Assembly to include student-specific activities; perhaps a meet and greet reception with our leadership or even a statewide career fair. So, improving our outreach and engagement with students and residents is crucial. Volunteering to help with activities for students and residents can bring great personal fulfillment and it is in harmony with the Pharmacist’s Oath: I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists. It creates networking opportunities and the development of lifelong friendships with individuals from across the state. But, we can also do more to utilize the tremendous talents of our current members. We need to encourage each member to put their experience to work in service of our organization. First and foremost, we need to discover strong and effective leaders to ensure our future, but there are many other important roles for those who are uncomfortable with leadership positions. Committee involvement is an easy place to begin expanding an individuals’ participation at the Chapter level. Members are also always needed to help at continuing education and other programming events. Everyone has something to contribute. Let’s learn about the strengths and interests of our members, then engage and mentor them, starting at the local chapters and then on a state level. Professor Charles Xavier: I can’t stop thinking about the others out there, all those minds that I touched. I could feel them, their isolation, their hopes, their ambitions. I tell you we can start something incredible, Erik. We can help them. (X-Men: First Class, 20th Century Fox, 2011)
Like Professor Xavier seeking out new members to join the Xmen, I challenge everyone here tonight to help identify
290 individuals who can make a difference and encourage them to get involved in the Council. Engaging more individuals will increase our membership which will help our growth and fiscal stability. This will lead to a larger voice promoting our legislative agenda. In addition, more people will be talking about and attending our various programming, which will increase promotion of our organization to other health care providers and the public. And, of course, this will ultimately support the development of the future leaders of the organization and our profession. Flik: Here, pretend - pretend that that’s a seed. Dot: It’s a rock. Flik: Oh, I know it’s a rock, I know. But let’s just pretend for a minute that it’s a seed, alright? We’ll just use our imaginations. Now, now do you see our tree? Everything that made that giant tree is already contained inside this tiny little seed. All it needs is some time, a little bit of sunshine and rain, and voila´! Dot: This rock will be a tree? Flik: Seed to tree. You’ve gotta work with me, here. Alright? Okay. Now, y-you might not feel like you can do much now, but that’s just because, well, you’re not a tree yet. You just have to give yourself some time. You’re still a seed. Dot: But it’s a rock. Flik: [shouting] I know it’s a rock! Don’t you think I know a rock when I see a rock? I’ve spent a lot of time around rocks! Dot: You’re weird, but I like you. (A Bug’s Life, Walt Disney Pictures / Pixar Animation Studios, 1998)
Yes, I had to end with a Disney quote! I like how this scene teaches that we all have the potential within us to become
Journal of Pharmacy Practice 28(3) something great. Our organization has accomplished many good things throughout its history, and we have the potential for an even greater future if we can collectively rise to the challenges that face us. I encourage each of you to go back to your local chapters and begin planting the little seeds that will grow our organization. I would like to end with one of my favorite quotes, and this one is actually NOT from a movie: Life has no remote . . . get up and change it yourself
This saying was always displayed prominently in front of the television at my late mother-in-law’s house. She was a great friend and mentor, always offering encouragement and advice on becoming a better person and making the world a better place. This same sign now sits in front of OUR family television. During our own family movie nights, it is there as a constant reminder from her that WE are the ones who can make a difference. If there is something we want changed, we are the ones who must take on the challenge. The same is true for the Council. In order for our organization to flourish, we must embrace its evolution. The change that comes from within is more meaningful and long lasting. Change can be difficult and unsettling. It doesn’t come easily. But with smart planning, creativity, and effort, our organization will not only survive but it will also thrive long into the future. Thank you! Stephanie Seyse, PharmD, BCPS, FASHP, CACP President New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists
Copyright of Journal of Pharmacy Practice is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use.
