American Pharmacists Month: Celebrate the Evolving Role of the Pharmacist

Each October, the month is dedicated to celebrating the critical role and impact of pharmacists on public health through American Pharmacists Month. This annual designation, championed by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), is a concerted effort to raise public awareness about the expanding scope of pharmacy practice and to honor the professionals who serve as accessible and trusted members of the health care team.

This month, Drug Topics explores a new avenue of pharmacy each week, including AI technology, student education, innovative community services, and the expansion of clinical care. | Image Credit: Drazen - stock.adobe.com

The tradition of recognizing the profession has a rich history that predates the modern-day month-long observance. Efforts to celebrate pharmacists began as early as the mid1920s with National Pharmacy Week, during broadcasted special programming on public radio to educate people about the evolving role of pharmacy.¹ For nearly 8 decades, this week-long celebration helped to spread awareness, but as the responsibilities of pharmacists expanded, so did the need for broader recognition. In 2004, the APhA officially expanded the tribute, establishing October as American Pharmacists Month.² This move acknowledged the full spectrum of patient care services provided by pharmacists and solidified a dedicated period for recognizing their unwavering commitment to patient well-being and community health.

In the contemporary health care landscape, the pharmacist’s role has never been more vital. They are much more than dispensers of prescriptions; they are highly trained medication experts who play a critical part in chronic disease management, drug therapy monitoring, and public health campaigns. As the most accessible health care providers for over 90% of the US population who live within 5 miles of a pharmacy, their influence on health outcomes is undeniable.³ American Pharmacists Month is not just a celebration but a crucial opportunity to advocate for policies that allow pharmacists to practice at the full extent of their education and expertise, thereby improving health equity and increasing access to care for all Americans.

This year, Drug Topics will be celebrating different aspects of pharmacy, including the growing use of artificial intelligence, educating future pharmacists, innovations in community pharmacy, and the expanding role of the pharmacist.

• Week 1 (10/6 to 10/10): AI and Technology in the Pharmacy
  • Don Roosan, PharmD, PhD, associate professor in data science at Merrimack College, will be discussing technology tools being used in pharmacy today and how pharmacists can keep their pharmacies up to date with the changes.
  • Nicole Pezzino, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES, clinical pharmacy consultant with RedSail Technologies, will highlight the challenges and opportunities with pharmacy technology.
• Week 2 (10/11 to 10/17): Educating Pharmacists of the Future
  • On October 11, Drug Topics will highlight Student Pharmacists Day, where David Nau, BSPH, PhD, professor of social and administrative pharmacy at Ohio Northern University, will discuss the impact of educating future pharmacists.
  • Brad Phillips, PharmD, BCACP, clinical assistant professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy, will talk about preparing students for the evolving pharmacy roles they will encounter after university.
  • Nau will also discuss some of the key skills for future pharmacists and discuss the future of pharmacy.
• Week 3 (10/18 to 10/24): Innovations in the Community
  • Steve Moore, PharmD, the owner of Condo Pharmacy in Plattsburgh, New York, will talk about some of the partnerships that community pharmacies can make to optimize their impact in the community.
  • Natalie DiPietro Mager, PharmD, PhD, MPH, professor of pharmacy practice at Ohio Northern University, discusses some of the new offerings pharmacists can implement in their pharmacy, including point-of-care testing and remote patient monitoring.
• Week 4 (10/25 to 10/31): Expanding Clinical Services
  • Jade Ranger, PharmD, owner and pharmacist at the Prescription Shoppe, discusses the growth of pharmacy into more clinical services and how pharmacists can make an impact.

READ MORE: American Pharmacists Month

Are you ready to elevate your pharmacy practice? Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips straight to your inbox.

REFERENCES

1. University of Findlay. American Pharmacists Month 2024. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://pharmdonline.findlay.edu/pharmacists-month

2. American Pharmacists Month begins now. News release. American Pharmacists Association. October 3, 2022. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/american-pharmacists-month-begins-now

3. American Pharmacists Month 2023: celebrating the vital role of pharmacists in public health. News release. American Pharmacists Association. October 3, 2023. Accessed September 30, 2025. https://www.pharmacist.com/APhA-Press-Releases/american-pharmacists-month-2023-celebrating-the-vital-role-of-pharmacists-in-public-health