By Ruth E. Nemire, PharmD, EdD, FCCP, CRQM
Member of the BPS Board of Directors
“Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, and sorry I could not travel both…” (Robert Frost)
My favorite poem is one by Robert Frost, “The Road Not Taken.” When I first read this poem in high school, and later throughout my life, it resonated with me because I felt it gave me permission to make the decisions that were right for me and to not be obliged to follow the crowd. I view my decision to help shape BPS’s history through my various volunteer roles as a road that, much like Frost’s, was uniquely best for me.
Nearly twenty years ago, I found myself quietly reflecting when the phone rang. On the line was my friend Julie, asking if I would serve as a non-specialist on the BPS Psychiatric Pharmacy Specialty Council. Although my work focused on neurology, I chose to say yes, and I had no idea that ‘yes’ would impact my life in the way it has.
BPS is enriched by the participation of its volunteers. But the greatest benefit of volunteering is personal to each individual. For me, the opportunity meant expanding my network of colleagues and friends, which in turn enriched my career path. I found connection with another pharmacist on the BPS Psychiatric Pharmacy Specialty Council who, like me, did not hold the Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP) credential and our friendship has remained since our work together.
The real surprise along the way was discovering the many ways one can contribute to advancing the profession through volunteering with BPS. When I began, there were 5 specialty councils. Now, the opportunities to serve on specialty councils have increased significantly with the establishment of 10 additional specialty certification programs. It is a sign that we, as a profession, are still growing, expanding, and striving to improve patient health outcomes. As BPS looks to celebrate 50 years in 2026, I see pharmacist specialists continuing to choose unique roads to volunteering and giving back to the profession.
What stories do you have to tell as a board-certified pharmacist or BPS volunteer? We invite you to share them and explore the stories of others through our ambassador program, blog contributions, or as a podcast guest. There are many ways to get involved and make your board certification journey even more enriching. Visit the BPS volunteer page to discover opportunities to contribute and highlight the impact of board-certified pharmacists. In a time when the value of everything is questioned, you are at the very heart of our profession’s value.
The final chapter of this story is still being written. I am in my last term serving on the BPS Board of Directors. The leadership skills, friendships, and opportunities to view pharmacy from the lens of the Board have defined my career. While this story may have my experiences at the center of it, it really is a tale about the richness of choosing a path whether you know it is right at the time or not. I did not fully realize what an incredible journey this would be, and I’m grateful it has lasted this long.
It is an honor to share a little of my story, as I hope to inspire a world where pharmacists remain trusted, continue to safeguard the drug supply chain, and thrive in areas of practice that could only be imagined fifty years ago.