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As I prepared to compose this final opening letter for Academic Pharmacy Now for 2021, the word “transformation” was top of mind. That is no accident, as AACP celebrated the official launch in November of the Center to Accelerate Pharmacy Practice Transformation and Academic Innovation.

New Oath of a Pharmacist addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other issues.

University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy students gain practical knowledge in an immersive biotech work program. Laboratory work and clinical rotations provide crucial hands-on learning for student pharmacists. However, they may not offer an immersive experience that challenges students to apply their knowledge in creative ways. Real-world experience can elude many student pharmacists until well into their pursuit of an advanced degree.

The pandemic’s disruptive effect on healthcare delivery exposed a gap that pharmacists can fill in treating patients with substance use disorder. Disruptions in care due to the pandemic created headaches and delays for many providers and patients.

AACP’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-racism (DEIA) Committee established an advisory panel of members who are subject matter experts to help the association make good on its good intentions. Policies only go so far. Plans must be put into action. If the pharmacy community wants the full benefits of diversity—cultural competency, improved patient outcomes, health equity—schools must help each other on their equity journeys.