CONNECTORx CORNERx: 037 - 2025-09-30

CONNECTORx CORNERx Pharmacy Strategy & Career Development Newsletter: Workforce Capacity Analysis, Culture of Innovation, Conference Engagement 

PHARMACY STRATEGY: Workforce Capacity Analysis

The pharmacy workforce is facing significant pressure, especially within health systems where complexity, demand, and expectations continue to grow. In my article for Drug Topics, I explored how workforce shortages, burnout, and evolving care models are reshaping the pharmacy landscape—and why strategic leadership is essential to navigate this shift. Health system pharmacy leaders must move beyond reactive staffing models and embrace proactive workforce planning that aligns with organizational goals and patient care needs. 
A key component of this strategy is capacity analysis—a structured approach to understanding the actual workload, staffing levels, and performance expectations across pharmacy services. By analyzing capacity, leaders can identify gaps, redistribute responsibilities, and make data-driven decisions about hiring, training, and workflow optimization. This is especially critical as pharmacy teams are asked to take on expanded roles in clinical care, population health, and advanced therapeutics. 
Redefining roles is also essential. Expanding the use of pharmacy technicians, investing in leadership development, and leveraging automation can help create more sustainable workflows and allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their license. Collaboration across departments and advocacy for pharmacy’s strategic role in health systems are also key to long-term success. 

How is your organization using capacity analysis or other strategic tools to address workforce challenges in pharmacy? I’d love to hear your insights and approaches. 
 
https://www.drugtopics.com/view/workforce-challenges-for-health-system-pharmacy 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Culture of Innovation

Innovation doesn’t happen by accident—it’s cultivated. Leaders can build a culture where innovation thrives. This includes encouraging curiosity, rewarding experimentation, and creating space for new ideas. When innovation becomes part of the culture, teams are more engaged, adaptable, and forward-thinking. 

Start by modeling innovative behavior yourself. Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and celebrate creative problem-solving. Create forums for idea sharing, such as innovation rounds or hackathons. Recognize and reward contributions, even if they don’t lead to immediate success—because failure is part of the innovation process. 

A culture of innovation empowers pharmacists to think beyond the 'counter' and reimagine their impact. 

What’s one small change you could make today to encourage innovation in your team? 

FUN & JOY: Celebrate Pharmacy

October is a time to celebrate the heart of healthcare—our pharmacists! This year’s American Pharmacists Month theme, Caring for Our Communities, reminds us of the deep impact pharmacy professionals have on public health. But beyond the clinical excellence and dedication, this month is also a chance to embrace joy, fun, and gratitude in the pharmacy profession. 

With over 700,000 pharmacy professionals and students nationwide, the energy and enthusiasm of our field are unmatched. From community pharmacies to health systems, pharmacists are not only medication experts—they’re educators, advocates, and everyday heroes. 

This October, we also recognize several important dates that highlight the diversity and strength of the pharmacy workforce: 

• September 25: World Pharmacist Day (#WorldPharmacistDay) 

• October 3: National Student Pharmacists Day (#studentpharmacistday) 

• October 12: Women Pharmacist Day (#womenpharmacistday) 

• October 15: National Pharmacy Technician Day (#rxtechday) 

• October 19–25: National Health System Pharmacy Week (#pharmacyweek) 

And what better time to celebrate the contributions of health system pharmacy than National Pharmacy Week, happening October 19–25, 2025? 

This week is all about recognition, connection, and celebration. Pharmacies across the country are embracing the spirit with themed dress-up days like Superhero Day and Decades Day, hosting trivia contests, decorating their spaces, and sharing gratitude through appreciation walls and social media shoutouts. Some are even organizing health fairs, community service projects, and team-building outings to bring joy to both staff and patients. Whether it’s a catered lunch, a virtual challenge, or a heartfelt thank-you note, these moments of fun help reinforce the value and humanity of pharmacy work. 

So, as we honor the profession this October, let’s also celebrate the joy it brings—to our teams, our patients, and ourselves. How will you celebrate American Pharmacists Month and Pharmacy Week this year?