Committee to study issues facing women in pharmacy

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has formed a committee to study the unique challenges and issues faced by women in the pharmacy workforce.

The Women in Pharmacy Leadership Steering Committee will advise ASHP on how it can best help women obtain pharmacy leadership skills and advance in their careers.

During the next year, the committee will seek input and recommendations from ASHP members. The committee held its first meeting in September.

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“Gender shifts and generational changes have the potential to positively impact the profession,” Sara J. White, MS, FASHP, a past president of ASHP and chair of the committee, stated in a release. “The ongoing need to cultivate a new generation of leaders at every level - clinical, administrative, academic pharmacy, and more - calls for a candid and thorough assessment of the diverse needs and opportunities for the development of women in the workforce.”

According to the 2014 National Pharmacist Workforce Survey, although nearly 60% of all practicing pharmacists in the United States are women, male pharmacists hold a disproportionate number of senior leaderships positions.

“ASHP is very pleased to be taking a lead role in addressing this important issue in healthcare and society at large,” ASHP CEO Paul W. Abramowitz, PharmD, ScD (Hon.), FASHP, stated in a release. “We are confident that the expertise and insights of the exceptional individuals on the Women in Pharmacy Steering Committee, along with feedback from all ASHP members, will result in a series of actionable recommendations ASHP can take to help influence and make positive changes that will ultimately improve patient care and advance pharmacy practice.”