The American Pharmacists’ Association was once known as the American Pharmaceutical Association and, having been founded in 1852, is the oldest professional society in the pharmacy branch of healthcare within the United States. Also known as the APhA, the American Pharmacists’ Association is one of the most respected professional healthcare bodies out there as a result of the reputation it has established over the years and the sheer volume of membership. According to its website, the organization is made up of “more than 60,000 practicing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others interested in advancing the profession.”
In short, the American Pharmacists’ Association is designed to help qualified pharmacists retain and improve their level of knowledge but also to help those looking to forge a career in the field to build the required knowledge base and attempt to reach for the sky. They recognize just how important it is to encourage development and advancement and this shows through in their aims and goals. They aim to provide members with accurate information, raise awareness about the job that pharmacists do, enhance the level of patient care, offer the best possible resources to members, offer professional development for members, liaise with policy makers and legislators, and offer communication opportunities for individuals looking to improve their futures.
With all of the above in mind it is fair to say that the American Pharmacists’ Association has a major influence on the world of the pharmacy brand of healthcare today, and with good reason. Here is a fascinating fact for you – the majority of pharmacy professional associations that exist in the United States have stemmed from the American Pharmacists’ Association, usually through influential individuals meeting at the conventions. As such, the effect that the APhA has had on the industry cannot be underestimated, or indeed matched by any other group.