Executive Insight

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

July has come and gone, which means that another fantastic networking adventure has concluded. It is hard to believe that the FPA has facilitated 132 of these mega-conferences for pharmacists and pharmacy stakeholders.

It is easy to believe that the knowledge and experiences of our conference participants were enhanced with quality educational sessions. Many of you who are reading this may not have experienced an FPA annual meeting, and I am suggesting that you put this on your bucket list. The experience in learning how the FPA creates position statements, discuss the issues important for pharmacy and recognizes the accomplishments of our colleagues happens every July.

Before the gavel closed on the 2022 annual meeting, the new leadership got to work on our 2022-2023 member and advocacy campaign. This association is simply unable to sit still. The excitement and enthusiasm continue to flow freely like water over Niagara Falls after a heavy downpour.

The 2023 legislative session begins on March 7 and is scheduled to end on May 5. Health care will always be a subject of discussion when you are talking about a state budget that is many dollars north of $100 billion. Health care is a big piece of that tax dollar pie and you can bet that the Florida Pharmacy Association will be at the table and not on the menu.

We are also excited to share with you that our convention next year will be at the JW Marriott in Marco Island. Many of you have been there and really enjoyed the facility and its beaches. If you have not been there in a while, you will be pleasantly surprised to see that there are changes that will take you to a level 10+ on your “wow” meter.

The FPA staff will be building an excellent convention program designed to arm you with the latest innovations in professional services that can be found in pharmacy. You will also have the ability to meet the FPA leadership that is working hard on your behalf. You will also get to meet your new CEO, Dr. Helen Sairany, who will be carrying the FPA flag to new heights. Hopefully, I will be seeing all of our members in Marco Island, July 6-9, 2023. Let’s spread the word. n

Michael Jackson, B.Pharm, CPh FPA CEO (Ret)

Highlights of the FPA Convention.