Leadership and Advocacy for Pharmacy

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education,  2008  by Smith, Marie

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Boyle CJ, Beardsley RS, Holdford DA (eds). Leadership and Advocacy for Pharmacy. Washington, DC: American Pharmaceutical Association; 2007. 196 pp, $34.95 (hardcover), ISBN 978 1-58212-101-7.

In Leadership and Advocacy for Pharmacy, several noted pharmacy leaders share personal stories and "lessons learned" from a variety of professional experiences that can help pharmacy students and practicing pharmacists. These personal anecdotes are inspirational, insightful, and informative for those who may wish to become involved or are currently involved in pharmacy leadership and advocacy roles.

The book is divided into 2 major sections: Part 1 (Chapters 1-5) focuses on developing and promoting leadership and Part 2 (Chapters 6-14) concentrates on applying advocacy for pharmacy. Several chapters contain references and there is a well-developed index that will help readers easily find specific topics.

Chapter 1 provides a cogent history of early leaders within the pharmacy profession, APhA, and pharmacy student organizations. Chapter 2 differentiates leadership and advocacy, and stresses the value of partnerships.Chapter 3 describes the types and uses of multiple leadership styles, as well as the development of leadership capabilities. Chapter 4 provides an overview of student leadership development, and Chapter 5 reviews the mentoring role that is so important in the development of leaders.

Chapters 6-14 concentrate on a variety of topics including making the transition from leadership to advocacy, lessons learned to influence federal and state legislation and regulation, effective lobbying and grassroots advocacy, and developing a public relations plan.

While the content and messages of the book can be applied to the pharmacy profession in general, the perspectives are primarily from authors in pharmacy education and associations. Much of the rich history of leadership and professional change within hospital and managed care pharmacy practice, postgraduate pharmacy education, and clinical pharmacy practice is strikingly missing from this work.

The book should appeal to a wide audience within the pharmacy profession including practicing pharmacists, educators, students, and residents. Pharmacists involved as volunteer leaders in state or national professional associations will find practical advice and instruction in the sections on influencing legislators, effective lobbying, grassroots advocacy, and public relations planning. In addition, the book is a "must read" for pharmacy association staff members - especially those without a pharmacy background and those who are new in their positions. Pharmacy student leaders and faculty advisors will find the material both inspirational and informative as they develop their organizational leadership roles. Pharmacy educators involved in teaching leadership or entrepreneurial courses may find some chapters suitable as background readings. New pharmacy practitioners and residents will gain an appreciation for leadership skill development and may even recognize their own leadership interests or capabilities. Finally, those who serve as current pharmacy leaders and mentors will find value in the sections on multiple leadership styles and mentorship.

In the epilogue, one of the book's authors states "the success of this book will not be judged by how many copies are sold, but by what actions are taken by its read-ers." After reading this book, if one pharmacy student decides to run for a student organization office, or if one pharmacy educator decides to offer a leadership course, or if one seasoned practitioner decides to mentor a new pharmacist or student, or even if only one pharmacist decides to participate in a legislative day or lobbying effort, then Leadership and Advocacy for Pharmacy has made a significant contribution to our profession.

Reviewed By: Marie Smith, PharmD

School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut

Corresponding Author: Marie A Smith, PharmD, Department Head - Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy. Tel: 860-486-2854.

E-mail: marie.smith@uconn.ed

Copyright American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy 2008
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved