Doing what needs to be done in pharmacy practice leadership: a message for residents.

L et me begin with a few words to the program directors and preceptors assembled here this evening. I applaud you for being part of one of the most powerful movements American pharmacy has ever devised for lifting itself up by its bootstraps. You are part of that long line of pharmacy leaders, going back to Harvey A. K. Whitney in the 1930s at the University of Michigan Hospital, who have recognized that there are important roles in practice that merit special tutelage and that are beyond the reach of pharmacy education. You are part of that long line of leaders who have recognized that the wisdom accumulated through your experience is best shared not through classroom teaching, nor books, nor journal articles, nor the Internet, but through personal mentorship. Your commitment to join these leaders is most commendable. Now let me address the residents: What a wonderful period of your lives this is! Your basic pharmacy education is well behind you, and you have been experiencing the extraordinary gift of concentrated mentorship. For many of you, residency training has come at personal sacrifice because of the sizable debts from your pharmacy education. In choosing to pursue residency training, all of you undoubtedly had to resist countless subtle and not-so-subtle pressures to “get a job” after an alDoing what needs to be done in pharmacy practice leadership: A message for residents