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Nominations for the 2023 Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) national pharmacy board elections opened on 27 March 2023 and will close on 17 April 2023. Here, two current board members why they stood for election, and why other members should consider doing the same.
Liz Hallett, pharmacist and a member of the RPS Welsh Pharmacy Board
I became a board member in 2022. I could see that the pharmacy profession was changing rapidly and pharmacy teams were facing new struggles. I wanted to help influence this change and highlight the challenges facing the profession.
When I joined the Welsh Pharmacy Board, I did wonder if I was good enough — would I add value to the board? Would my opinions be listened to? But, from my first day as a board member all these fears were quashed. All opinions and experience are welcomed. To be an effective board, we need to represent the whole of our diverse profession from all sectors and from all stages of their career.
I have been a member of the RPS for all of my professional life but never fully realised the scope of the work the Society does. Pharmacy in Wales has seen many positive changes in recent years and the RPS in Wales has been at the heart of these. This work includes developing policies, shaping the action plan for the future and helping to ensure that the profession is supported to be able to deliver this vision for pharmacy. As a board member, you will see this work and be a part of it.
Personally, I have gained so much from being a board member. My network of pharmacy colleagues has grown exponentially and I have learned so much and been inspired by them. I have become more passionate about our profession and excited for the future.
If you want to influence change, share your experiences and be a part of the future of pharmacy. Don’t sit on the sidelines — get involved. You won’t regret it.
Brendon Jiang, senior clinical pharmacist at North Oxfordshire Rural Alliance Primary Care Network and a member of the RPS English Pharmacy Board
It takes courage to stand for election and put yourself out there. But, ultimately, the desire to make a positive impact to the profession was the driving force that pushed me to take the leap. My motivation continues to be the opportunity to make a positive difference to pharmacy and the lives of patients.
Serving on the English Pharmacy Board provides a unique opportunity to shape RPS policy and make a meaningful difference. You work with incredible professionals from all walks of life., which has given me the chance to learn from others’ experiences and to share my own, building my own skills and knowledge in the process.
Being on the board also means a front-row seat to the latest developments, events and trends in pharmacy practice. It is incredibly exciting to witness first hand how the profession evolves to meet the needs of patients in new and innovative ways.
Theodore Roosevelt’s 1910 ‘Citizen in a Republic’ speech speaks of the “man in the arena”. To paraphrase: it is the doers, the brave ones who take risks and are willing to make mistakes, who drive progress forward. Being on the board thrusts you into the arena: you are part of the action and make a real impact. It is not always easy, and there will be challenges and setbacks, but it beats watching from the sidelines.
So, to anyone considering standing for election or getting more involved in the work of the RPS, I say go for it. If you feel a calling to serve; if you are passionate about advancing the profession; if you believe that you can make a difference: take the leap and join us.