CONNECTORx CORNERx: 038 - 2025-10-30

CONNECTORx CORNERx Pharmacy Strategy & Career Development Newsletter: Celebrating Pharmacy Technicians, Growth and Leadership, Heart of Pharmacy

PHARMACY STRATEGY: Celebrating Pharmacy Technicians

This week, on October 15, we celebrate National Pharmacy Technician Day—a special moment to recognize the incredible contributions of pharmacy technicians across the country. But why limit the celebration to just one day? This entire week is a perfect opportunity to continue honoring the dedication, innovation, and joy that technicians bring to pharmacy practice. 

In a presentation I gave a few years ago I shared, “Expanding the Reach of the Pharmacy Enterprise Through Expansion of Pharmacy Technician Roles,” pharmacy technicians are stepping into advanced roles that are transforming healthcare. From medication history technicians and specialty pharmacy leads to 340B coordinators and finance specialists, technicians are expanding the reach of the pharmacy enterprise in meaningful and measurable ways. These roles not only improve patient care and operational efficiency—they also create career pathways that inspire and retain top talent. 

Celebrating technicians is about more than recognition—it’s about engagement, growth, and joy. Organizations that invest in technician training programs, career ladders, and leadership development are seeing improved retention, reduced overtime, and stronger team morale. Technicians thrive when they’re empowered to lead, innovate, and make a difference. 

Let’s keep the momentum going! Host a team appreciation lunch, share success stories, or spotlight your technicians on social media. Every gesture counts. 

How are you continuing to celebrate your pharmacy technicians this week or how are you advancing their roles? 

CAREER DEVELOPMENT: Growth and Leadership

Last week, we celebrated National Health System Pharmacy Week (October 19–25, 2025), a time to honor the incredible work of pharmacy teams across hospitals and health systems. As we reflect on the week’s celebrations, it’s clear that one of the most powerful themes was professional development—the ongoing journey of building skills, competencies, and leadership within the pharmacy enterprise. 

Health system pharmacy is a dynamic and complex environment, and success requires more than clinical expertise. Today’s pharmacy leaders must be equipped with a broad set of capabilities, including: 

• Strategic and financial acumen to align pharmacy initiatives with organizational goals. 

• Leadership and team-building skills to foster engagement and drive performance. 

• Innovation and change management to lead practice advancement and adapt to evolving healthcare models.  

• Data literacy and quality improvement to measure impact and continuously enhance care. 

At organizations across our country, pharmacy departments are embracing these competencies through structured development programs, advanced technician roles, and strategic business planning. From medication history technicians and ambulatory care support to finance and 340B coordinators, pharmacy professionals are expanding their reach and impact. These roles not only improve patient outcomes—they also create meaningful career pathways and strengthen the entire health system. 

As we move forward, let’s carry the momentum of Health System Pharmacy Week into our daily practice. Whether you're a technician, pharmacist, or leader, investing in your growth is investing in the future of healthcare. 

What professional development goal are you focusing on this season? 

FUN & JOY: Heart of Pharmacy

As American Pharmacists Month wraps up, it’s a meaningful time to reflect on the energy, passion, and purpose that drive our profession. This October has been filled with recognition, gratitude, and celebration—but one theme that truly stands out is the importance of fun and joy in our daily practice. 

Pharmacy is a serious calling, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be joyful. Whether it’s the satisfaction of helping a patient understand their medications, the camaraderie of a supportive team, or the excitement of discovering a new innovation, joy is woven into the fabric of our daily work. It’s found in the small wins, the shared laughs, and the moments when we know we’ve made a difference. 

Throughout the month, pharmacy teams have embraced this spirit with creativity and connection—hosting themed dress-up days, sharing gratitude boards, organizing team lunches, and spotlighting joyful moments on social media. These celebrations remind us that joy isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategy for resilience, engagement, and professional fulfillment. 

As we move into the rest of the year, let’s carry this joyful energy forward. Let’s continue to create space for celebration, reflection, and laughter in our work. Because when we lead with joy, we elevate not only our profession—but the care we provide. 

What was your favorite joyful moment during American Pharmacists Month? And how will you keep that joy alive throughout the year?