Executive Insight

BY MICHAEL JACKSON, RPH MICHAEL JACKSON, BPHARM, RETIRED EVP & CEO, FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

History is Being Made in Pharmacy

Florida Pharmacy Today is a monthly publication of articles of interest to the profession of pharmacy in Florida. Since the 1930s it has been a media production of current events that our member stakeholders would take an interest in. It is also a valuable historical reference and chronological collection of the significant changes that we see in pharmacy.

For this issue, we are proud to share with our members that something wonderful is happening. Florida has a long history of producing state and national leaders in government, academia, the nonprofit community as well as our profession. FPA members have run and are continuing to run for political office. We also have had members who have served on Boards and in leadership of many of our national pharmacy organizations.

The American Pharmacists Association is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States and is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. Headquartered in The Mall in Washington, D.C., it is the organization involved in pharmacy advocacy, continuing professional development and promotion of patient care services on a national level. APhA’s mission as published on its website is to inspire, innovate, and create opportunities for members and pharmacists worldwide to optimize medication use and health for all.

Since its founding in 1852, there have been two Florida pharmacists who have served as president. One is R. Q. Richards (FPA President 1937-1938) and who the FPA’s award for outstanding achievement in public relations is named after. R. Q. Richards was also the secretary manager for the FPA from 1940 until 1968.

The second Floridian to serve as APhA president is Ed Hamilton of Lake Alfred, Florida. Ed served as president of the FPA in 1990 – 1991. During the APhA annual meeting in San Antonio in March, transition of APhA leadership will pass on to a third Floridian. Grant,

Florida, pharmacist Theresa Tolle will be seated as president for 2022-2023. It is befitting that this takes place in March during the nationally celebrated National Women’s History Month.

So, who is Theresa Tolle? If you are from Florida, or if you are involved in national pharmacy organizations, you would not have to ask that question. Just in case there are a few of you reading this magazine who do not know Theresa, I have the honor of making this introduction.

Theresa Wells Tolle has her roots in Northwest Florida having graduated from Chipola Junior College in Marianna. She is a 1988 graduate of the University of Florida College of Pharmacy in Gainesville. She is the owner of Bay Street Pharmacy. Her many recognitions and awards received include but are not limited to the Al Tower Philanthropy Award from the Florida Pharmacy Foundation, Ken Wurster Community Leadership Award, Cardinal Health, Sebastian’s Woman of the Year, Jean Lamberti Leadership/Mentorship Award, IPA Roman Maximo Corrons Inspiration and Motivation Award, Bowl of Hygeia Award and numerous President’s Awards of Excellence. She is also a fellow of the American Pharmacists Association.

Theresa has also received the James H. Beal (now the Beal and Powers) Pharmacist of the Year award, Distinguished Pharmacy Service Alumnus from the University of Florida, Good Government Pharmacist of the Year from APhA, Sidney Simkowitz Pharmacist Involvement Award and the Brevard County Pharmacy Association Pharmacist of

Theresa Tolle will be seated as president for 2022-2023. It is befitting that this takes place in March during the nationally celebrated National Women’s History Month.

Michael Jackson, B.Pharm, CPh EVP & CEO

FPA STAFF

Director of Continuing Education Tian Merren-Owens, ext. 120 Continuing Education Coordinator Stacey Brooks, ext. 210 Coordinator of Membership Ranada Howard, ext. 110

FLORIDA PHARMACY TODAY BOARD

Chair....................David Mackarey, Boynton Beach Vice Chair.................................. Matt Schneller, Tampa Treasurer................................... Eric Jakab, Gainesville Secretary............................. Julie Burger, Pensacola Member ........................Michael Finnick, Jacksonville Member....................... Carol Motycka, Jacksonville Member ...........................Teresa Tomerlin, Rockledge Member...................................... Greta Pelegrin, Hialeah Technician Member..........Julie Burger, Pensacola Executive Editor ......Michael Jackson, Tallahassee Managing Editor..................Dave Fiore, Tallahassee Journal Reviewer........................... Dr. Melissa Ruble Journal Reviewer....................................Dr. Angela Hill

This is a peer-reviewed publication. ©2022 FLORIDA PHARMACY JOURNAL, INC. ARTICLE ACCEPTANCE: The Florida Pharmacy Today is a publication that welcomes articles that have a direct pertinence to the current practice of pharmacy. All articles are subject to review by the Publication Review Committee, editors and other outside referees. Submitted articles are received with the understanding that they are not being considered by another publication. All articles become the property of the Florida Pharmacy Today and may not be published without written permission from both the author and the Florida Pharmacy Today. The Florida Pharmacy Association assumes no responsibility for the statements and opinions made by the authors to the Florida Pharmacy Today.

The Journal of the Florida Pharmacy Association does not accept for publication articles or letters concerning religion, politics or any other subject the editors/publishers deem unsuitable for the readership of this journal. In addition, The Journal does not accept advertising material from persons who are running for office in the association. The editors reserve the right to edit all materials submitted for publication. Letters and materials submitted for consideration for publication may be subject to review by the Editorial Review Board.

FLORIDA PHARMACY ASSOCIATION

610 N. Adams St. • Tallahassee, FL 32301 850/222-2400 • FAX 850/561-6758 Web address: www.floridapharmacy.org. the Year. Currently, she is serving as the treasurer of the Florida Pharmacist Political Committee and has been active on many councils and committees of the FPA, APhA and NCPA. Add to her resume the role as luminary for the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN) and you will have a brief description of who this very active health care professional is.

I can only add that her husband and partner in life, Joe Tolle, has been a great friend to pharmacy and to our state and national organizations by supporting this very fascinating health care professional as she guides us through the many issues facing pharmacy. It has been truly a special honor working with Theresa over the years and also working with two of the three Floridians who were given the honor of being seated at the senior table of leadership for the profession of pharmacy in the U.S.

I call on all of our readers of this month’s Journal to extend our hand in support of the 2022-2023 management team at APhA. Let’s show the nation that Florida is behind our home-grown leaders. When the call for action comes in (and it will), answer with enthusiasm and support. Share with our colleagues who may not be engaged and press them to become active members of both the FPA and APhA. We have one of our own at the decision table, and giving Theresa Tolle our full support can make a huge difference. If you could not make it to San Antonio for the APhA meeting, mark your calendar for March 24 – 27, 2023, and plan to attend APhA2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. n