by CharLeigh Steverson, PharmD
2024-2025 BPS Executive Fellow
In the ever-evolving landscape of pharmacy practice, professionals often find themselves focused on job titles and positions. However, a more sustainable and fulfilling approach is to anchor your ambition in your “why”—the core purpose that drives you. Understanding and embracing this fundamental motivation can lead to profound advancements in patient care and enhance your overall career satisfaction.
In my pursuit of understanding my “why,” I discovered my desire to shape the future of the pharmacy profession through advocacy. I found my motivation in supporting pharmacists to practice at the top of their license and training. While early in my career, I’ve found one way to support pharmacists is with my active involvement with the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA). Engagement with these associations provides me with valuable opportunities to develop my skills and deepen my understanding of effective advocacy.
Identifying my “why” allowed me to more easily chart a path forward and remain resilient in the face of challenges. After my second year of pharmacy school, I faced uncertainty about my post-graduate path. I had identified some settings that I did not want to pursue, but I was unsure of other options that would better fit my career desires. As a student, I was actively involved with SCPhA, where I was introduced to the field of association management.
This nontraditional area of pharmacy caught my interest, particularly when I witnessed the detailed planning and coordination required in selecting and onboarding a new SCPhA CEO, Brian Clark, to lead the association in supporting pharmacists across South Carolina. I realized pharmacist careers exist outside traditional direct patient care roles and that association management was a viable path for me. As a pharmacist, I aim to contribute to patient care indirectly, yet impactfully, by providing support to my fellow pharmacists, helping them deliver the best possible care to their patients. A sense of relief washed over me as I realized I had found a path that aligned with my mission to shape and support the profession. It felt like a step in the right direction for the career I wanted to pursue, so I applied to the APhA Executive Fellowship to work with the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS).
In my fellowship with BPS and APhA, I’ve been able to explore the many facets of association management and work within areas that I may not have experienced otherwise. I’ve learned to embrace mistakes as integral to the learning process, recognizing that what I may initially perceive as a misstep can serve as a steppingstone toward growth and remain aligned with my “why”. As a mentor often reminds me, “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good.” With this mindset, I’m able to prioritize my continuous development, focusing on progress rather than perfection, and grounding my ambition in my “why,” rather than in a job title or level of seniority.
As I navigate this fellowship, I frequently encounter new challenges that reinforce my commitment to shaping the future of pharmacy through advocacy and empowerment. I’ve been empowered by my colleagues and preceptors at BPS to engage with state boards of pharmacy and legislators to emphasize the importance of recognizing board-certified pharmacists for their expertise. I’ve assisted with collating data and success stories that illustrate how board certification can enhance patient care and advance pharmacists’ scopes of practice as well as highlight employers who support their employees’ pursuit and maintenance of board certification. Through these initiatives, I am able to contribute to meaningful change for board-certified pharmacists and enrich my personal growth, all at the same time.
As we celebrate American Pharmacists Month, I encourage fellow new practitioners, pharmacist colleagues, and student pharmacists to allow your “why” to serve as your guiding force to shape not only your professional journey, but also the lives of the patients you serve. In doing so, I’m optimistic you will find fulfillment in your career and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of pharmacy practice and patient care. I’m proud of where my “why” has taken me and encourage you to explore the “why” that drives you each day to prioritize patient care.