The future of pharmacy: Recognizing and empowering women through #WomenPharmacistDay

Soliman: History is really important for learning who we are and where we're going. Recognizing the achievements of women has a huge impact on the development of our pharmacy students and future pharmacy leaders, and presents opportunities for aspiring pharmacists.

Sulzer: We want to shine a light on the changing demographics of pharmacy. It's projected that by 2025, two out of three pharmacists will be women. And since the 90s, the majority of pharmacy students have been women. The impact female pharmacists have on their patients—whether it's in a retail pharmacy, small community, hospital, or within academia—cannot be underestimated.

Mueller: What are some barriers for women in pharmacy?

Sulzer: There is definitely a barrier in pharmacy ownership—only about 20 percent of pharmacy owners are women. We've seen progress in terms of women in management positions in pharmacy, but that final bastion of pharmacy ownership is still very much male dominated.

Soliman: If you look at positions in pharmacy organizations, historically the leadership has been male. Although there are more and more women entering this profession, I think we really need to offer them expanded opportunities.

Soliman: Nowadays, your work is always with you because your emails go to your cell phone. How do you shut down? As a pharmacist, you often have to work late, work weekends, or work holidays. I think guilt is something that a lot of working parents feel, especially when you miss occasions. That's what made me start the Pharmacist Moms group—I was looking for more support, and to hear that I was good mom despite juggling many obligations. I think balance is really where you have to look. For me, it's shutting down. When I'm with my kids, I focus on them.

Mueller: How do Pharmacist Moms and Cardinal Health support women pharmacists?

Soliman: Pharmacist Moms offers an opportunity and outlet for women to talk. There's a joke that we say: We've heard it all, dispensed it all, medicated it all, smelled it all, and we keep going. We've all been there. We have women who are out there working in the trenches who might have a question, and they're able to post it and hear back from thousands of other woman instantaneously.

Sulzer: Women in Pharmacy and the Pharmacist Moms group complement each other well. We also have an online community where folks are asking questions and sharing best practices, and we offer education around pharmacy ownership, business acumen, and mentoring. In addition, we like to put our resources and support behind various organizations and people who are driving change and helping women succeed in pharmacy.