Comment on Gross and <scp>MacDougall</scp> “Roles of the clinical pharmacist during the <scp>COVID</scp>‐19 pandemic”

Abstract

As COVID-19 rages around us, we read with great enthusiasm Gross et al's review of the courageous and innovative ways pharmacists are battling this pandemic.1 We commend the authors and the pharmacy profession alike for their inspiring commitment to patient care through this global crisis. Yet, we are dismayed by the lack of recognition the profession has received and express concern that without more advocacy for our vital role, we are failing to fulfill our full potential to serve patients. Both national political leaders and healthcare organizations have excluded pharmacists in statements and policy-making alike.2, 3 If pharmacists are rising to the challenges of this pandemic, why are not pharmacists receiving the recognition our profession deserves? Throughout history, previously under-recognized groups of individuals have overcome societal discrediting to perform daily acts of bravery to the benefit of all. Notably, this brief hour of fame and appreciation was hard won and subsequently transformed into systematic improvements for the betterment of the whole through continued advocacy. We must learn from history. We are thus heartened to see two national guidelines related to the pharmacologic management for COVID-19 including pharmacists but want this trend to continue beyond COVID-19.4, 5 Thus, when this pandemic inevitably calms, the momentum described by Gross et al. must be continued and expanded beyond the institutional commitments described. To not take our place on the healthcare team as policy makers, researchers, clinicians, and front-line workers alike, we are selling ourselves, and, more importantly, our patients short. Similar to uncovering the identity of the legendary figure Rosie the Riveter saying “We Can Do It,” we wonder if pharmacy needs their own mascot? Phil the Pharmer or Bill the Bill Kid? We underscore the need for profession wide adoption of the active advocacy for pharmacists as core healthcare professionals on a national and ultimately global level. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.