In a revealing interview with Pharmacy Times, Dr. Jolynn Sessions, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, current president of the Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA), shared insights on the evolving landscape for women in pharmacy and the profession's expanding role in healthcare delivery.
Changing Dynamics in Pharmacy Leadership
The pharmacy profession has witnessed significant transformation since the mid-1990s, particularly in expanding clinical roles and direct patient care opportunities. "I definitely have seen expansions, particularly in management and leadership positions for women," notes Dr. Sessions. With women representing approximately 70% of pharmacy professionals, the field is gradually achieving better representation in management positions, though gaps remain in research-focused roles.
Persistent Challenges in Gender Equality
Despite progress, significant barriers continue to affect women's advancement in pharmacy. Dr. Sessions identifies childcare accessibility as a critical challenge, particularly in rural areas. "To fully allow women specifically to take on leadership roles, more intensive roles within pharmacy, it will be crucial to ensure that we have childcare throughout the nation," she emphasizes.
Drawing from personal experience, Dr. Sessions describes the stark contrast between childcare options in metropolitan areas like Atlanta versus rural locations like western North Carolina, where limited childcare availability often forces women to scale back their professional commitments.
Evolution of Pharmacist's Role in Healthcare
The value and recognition of pharmacists within healthcare have expanded significantly over recent decades, particularly in academic teaching centers. However, Dr. Sessions points out that challenges remain in private practices and smaller communities. "We know that as pharmacists, we are vital parts of patient care, but ensuring that we have the financial backing to be able to do that and be able to bill for our cognitive services will continue to be an issue," she explains.
Advancing Oncology Pharmacy Care
As HOPA president, Dr. Sessions emphasizes the organization's commitment to ensuring pharmacist involvement throughout the cancer care continuum. The association represents both women and men pharmacists dedicated to improving patient care in oncology, reflecting the profession's broader commitment to patient-centered care.
Looking ahead, Dr. Sessions advocates for continued progress in recognizing and compensating pharmacists' cognitive services, particularly in community settings. This evolution will be crucial for maintaining the profession's growth and ensuring optimal patient care across all practice settings.
