Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Luna El Birzi: ‘I aspired to be a humanitarian pharmacist’

SnapshotEducation: Saint Joseph University of Beirut (Ph.D. Public Health)Lebanese University (Doctor of Pharmacy)Role/Title: Executive Committee Member – Health and Medicine Information Session (FIP)AMR Commission Member (FIP)Non Communicable Diseases Working Group Member (FIP)Founder and Manager (Lunapharm Pharmacy)Describe your journey into the field of pharmacy and what inspired you to take on a leadership role in advocacy.My passion for the pharmacy and how pharmacists can help people began very early when I was an ambitious young student. I aspired to be a humanitarian pharmacist, traveling to conflict areas to support needed patients. Living in Lebanon, I quickly realized I didn't need to go abroad; I was already in a conflict area. Throughout my career, working in various settings made me realize that pharmacists have great potential but, unfortunately, we are underused and underestimated. For instance, during COVID-19, we were not permitted to administer vaccines despite the immense pressure on government-established vaccination centers. During the severe shortage of medicines, we were able to switch patients from branded to available generic medicines. These recent experiences are just a few examples of how we, as pharmacists, can play an effective role in patient advocacy. To be more useful and more experienced I joined the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) 10 years ago. It was the place where I have been guided by global experiences, pharmacist support and leadership opportunities, which have enabled me to influence patients, people and community as well as future pharmacists who are under my supervision.What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced in your advocacy efforts, and how have you overcome them?Throughout my advocacy efforts, I have encountered several significant challenges. One of the most persistent has been resistance to change from both patients and primary healthcare providers. Patients were often upset when I refused to dispense antimicrobials without a prescription. Initially, they did not understand that I was acting in their best interest and for the community's well-being. However, when I educated them about the consequences of antimicrobial misuse and overuse, and provided alternatives for relieving symptoms of simple colds or uncomplicated UTIs, they became satisfied and promised to consult me for minor ailments in the future.From the side of primary healthcare providers, a major obstacle has been the lack of collaboration. Many physicians view pharmacists as dispensers rather than vital decision-makers. While overcoming this has required significant effort, I have made progress by demonstrating to GPs and family medicine physicians the importance of patient referrals. I encourage patients to consult their physicians when necessary, fostering a spirit of collaboration.Unfortunately, we have not yet succeeded in the battle to administer vaccines. Many stakeholders remain reluctant to embrace new roles for pharmacists. Despite this, I remain committed to advocating for the expanded role of pharmacists in healthcare, confident that continued education and collaboration will eventually lead to broader acceptance and integration.Can you share a success story where your advocacy efforts led to a tangible improvement in pharmacy practice?One of the most significant success stories in my advocacy efforts involves an antimicrobial stewardship intervention that I led with community pharmacists recently. This initiative not only improved pharmacy practice but also had a tangible impact on patients and the community. The pharmacists involved, referred to as "the AMR champions," expressed their satisfaction with this intervention. For them, it was a much-needed program to drive behaviour change among their patients concerning the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. As a result of the program, pharmacists became more confident in managing patient expectations regarding antibiotics. They felt more empowered to educate patients and refuse inappropriate requests for antibiotics. Before this intervention, patients frequently demanded antibiotics for conditions where they were not necessary, such as viral infections. Many community pharmacists, feeling pressured to satisfy their patients, complied with these requests, inadvertently exacerbating the issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This intervention not only supported public health but also showcased the evolving roles of pharmacists beyond their traditional roles as dispensers and counsellors. It emphasized the crucial role that pharmacists can play in health promotion and disease prevention when they are provided with the right tools and support.What strategies do you find most effective in engaging government and policy makers in discussions about pharmacy-related issues?During COVID-19 pandemic, Lebanese pharmacists were the only primary healthcare providers who delivered their services 24/7. This dedication in serving the community and managing their patients in particular the chronic patients has highlighted to the society, government and all stakeholders that, when given the opportunity and tools, pharmacists can play a major role in the healthcare systems. The sustainability of these activities and action are vital to engage pharmacists in policy-making activities. Additionally, the engagement of pharmacists in multiple awareness and screening campaigns is crucial for their inclusion in national activities and plans. Personally, I have always participated in awareness campaigns within my community. For instance, last month, I was the first community pharmacist to partner with an NGO to screen for colorectal cancer. Another effective strategy for fostering collaboration with the government is to be engaged with national activities while advocating for the pharmacists and highlighting their pivotal role. By actively participating in these initiatives, we can demonstrate the significant impact pharmacists have on public health and influence policy decisions to include our profession in broader healthcare planning and implementation.What advice would you give to young pharmacy professionals who are passionate about advocacy and want to make a difference in the field?To young pharmacy professionals passionate about advocacy and eager to make a difference in the field, I offer this advice: It is crucial to stay updated on major public health topics, continually educate yourself, and always be informed about the latest research and developments in pharmacy. Enhancing your communication skills and leadership capacities is equally important, as these will facilitate better collaboration with other stakeholders. Volunteering in both the public and private sectors, such as at the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Assembly, can help underscore the vital role of pharmacists. Participation in public statements, roundtables, and panels will further refine your communication abilities. Finally, remember that you represent the professional image of pharmacy. By demonstrating enthusiasm and professionalism, you will advocate for the profession's progress and inspire others to support your cause. Through these efforts, young pharmacy professionals can drive meaningful change, contribute to the advancement of their field, and make a lasting impact on patient care and public health.Sherif Guorgui - FIP-Community Pharmacy Section | LinkedIn

Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Luna El Birzi: ‘I aspired to be a humanitarian pharmacist’

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