Reflections on Life Long Learning in Pharmacy and the Role of Board Certification
by Brian Lawson, PharmD, ICE-CCP
BPS Associate Executive Director
Every two years, the International Life Long Learning in Pharmacy (LLLP) Conference meets to discuss topics relevant to advancing pharmacy practice through continuous professional development (CPD) and lifelong learning. The inaugural meeting in Denmark in 1990 served as catalyst for meetings in locations around the world including Africa, conference was hosted virtually by colleagues in Ireland. This year, the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences served as the host for the in-person conference in Denver, Colorado. The energy and enthusiasm for educational sessions and networking events was palpable and grew each day along the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains and fireworks reveling the birthday of the U.S.
This year’s conference theme, Blazing New Trails, represents the determination and inspiration of the worldwide pharmacy profession as we collectively celebrate our differences and discover our similarities while climbing the mountain of learning together. Ruth Nemire, PharmD, EdD, FCCP, FNAP, CRQM, BPS Board of Directors Chair, prepared conference attendees with her keynote address, Carabineers, Clips & Cairns, describing the role of pharmacists in harnessing technology while educating future pharmacists and caring for patients. Ellie LaNou, PharmD, BCPS, BPS Director of Professional Affairs, and I represented BPS in the exhibit hall and attended sessions facilitated by pharmacy education leaders from around the globe in topics such as: continuing professional development models, digital health and artificial intelligence, diversity and inclusiveness, medication/patient safety, interprofessional education, and social determinants of education.
The topics and discussion help to inform the pilot BPS CPD-recertification framework with an eye toward the future of life long learning. The conference concluded with a keynote address from the University of Toronto Faculty of Pharmacy Professor and Health Services Researcher, Zubin Austin, BScPhm, MBA, MISc, PhD, FCAHS, on the topic, When Mountains Crumble: Managing the Erosion of Trust. He called on the pharmacy profession to leverage trust enhancing factors such as accessibly, affability, acknowledgment, respect, and chemistry to (re)build trust with patients, healthcare team members, and learners.
As I reflect on the conference, my key takeaway is that all the knowledge, skills, and technology in the world does not maintain worth unless the human factor of establishing trusting relationships and effective communication is recognized, too.
Special thanks to Jodie Malhotra, PharmD, Director of Practitioner and International Development, Associate Professor, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences for coordinating an exceptional meeting. I’m also grateful to pharmacy leaders for facilitating thought-provoking discussions, including the following board-certified pharmacists for contributing their expertise:
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- Hayley Blackburn, BCACP, University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy
- Meghan Jeffres, BCIDP, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nicholas Nelson, BCPS, Wingate University School of Pharmacy
- Laura Borgelt, BCPS, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Rhianna Fink, BCACP, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Sara Wettergreen, BCACP, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Emily Clemens, BCACP, Regis University School of Pharmacy
- Michele Claiborne, BCPS, Regis University School of Pharmacy
- Mary Bridgeman, BCPS, BCGP, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers
- Jimmy Gonzalez, Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers
- Kevin Astle, BCPS, BCACP, University of South Florida Taneja College of Pharmacy
- Caroline Ko, BCCCP, BCPS, University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
- Eric Gilliam, BCPS, Denver Health Medical Center, Enhanced Practice & Coaching, PLLC
- Ty Kiser, BCPS, BCCCP, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Allison Blackmer, BCPS, BCPPS, University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Kari L. Franson, BCPP, University of Southern California USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
My call to action for all board-certified pharmacists is to commit to lifelong learning and demonstrate the value of board certification in your climb toward excellence in patient care. Please know that BPS will be a partner on your journey to great heights.