Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Virginia Olmos: ‘Conviction and perseverance are crucial.’

SnapshotEducation:Master's in Health Business ManagementPh.D. in PharmacyPostgraduate in Clinical Pharmacology, Supply Chain, and PharmacoeconomicsRole/Title:PharmacistVice President of FIPVice President of the Professional Association of Pharmacists in UruguayDescribe your career path in the field of pharmacy and what inspired you to take on a leadership role in advocating for pharmacists.I studied and practised in a small country in Latin America, known for its political, social, and economic stability, which sets it apart from its neighbours. With a population of three million and a high level of public education, the country's community pharmacies are defined more as businesses than health centres, according to our regulations. Since graduation, I have practised in community pharmacy, but due to the region's unique circumstances and the limited availability of required professionals, I have also developed my career in hospital pharmacy. Sixteen years ago, as vice president of the professional association, I began advocating for systemic change, and I have continued this work, having served as president of our national professional association for seven years and now as Vice President of FIP.What are some of the most significant challenges you have faced in your advocacy efforts, and how have you overcome them?A major challenge is dealing with associations that own pharmacies and resist changing their commercial focus. Through persistent efforts with the ministry, media, and political lobbying, we have made progress, though it remains limited and further change is necessary.How do you envision the future of pharmacy practice, and what role do you think advocacy will play in shaping that future?I envision pharmacies becoming the community's primary health resource, offering guidance on non-communicable diseases, point-of-care tests, medication advice, and comprehensive pharmaceutical care.Can you share a success story where your advocacy efforts led to a tangible improvement in pharmacy practice?Our most significant success was during the pandemic when we convinced the ministry to authorize pharmacies to conduct rapid Covid tests, allowing us to screen the entire population effectively.What strategies do you find most effective for engaging the government and policymakers in discussions about pharmacy-related issues?This is a sensitive topic because community pharmacies are often overlooked by the ministries of health. Our challenge is to highlight the pharmacist's contributions to healthcare and demonstrate the value we bring.How do you balance the interests and needs of different stakeholders in your advocacy work? How do you foster collaboration and unity among various stakeholders with different priorities and goals?We approach this as a team, consistently addressing concerns about professionalizing the pharmacy. During urgent matters, such as the pandemic or policy changes like dispensing recreational cannabis, we engage directly with the Ministry of Health.What advice would you give to young pharmacy professionals passionate about advocacy and eager to make a difference?I would advise them to remain committed to their convictions, work collaboratively, demonstrate their value, and never give up.Can you highlight any current or future initiatives that particularly excite you in your advocacy work?We are currently involved in a Latin American pharmacy project promoted by FIP and the Pharmaceutical Forum of the Americas, aiming to establish a model pharmacy within 10 years. This initiative greatly motivates us in the region.What personal qualities or experiences have been most important to your success as an advocacy leader?Conviction and perseverance are crucial. I am committed to defending our rights and responsibilities passionately and diligently.Reflecting on your career, is there anything you would do differently, or is there any key lesson you have learned along the way?Certainly, there are things I would have approached differently. Maturity brings perspective, but my passion for pharmacy remains unchanged, and I would choose this path again. I learned invaluable lessons from my role models, particularly my parents, and tackle problems one by one, prioritizing the most serious.What advice would you give to colleagues who want to get involved in advocacy initiatives or efforts?The key is to stay true to your convictions and never give up.Sherif Guorgui - FIP-Community Pharmacy Section | LinkedIn

Advocacy Leader in Pharmacy Virginia Olmos: ‘Conviction and perseverance are crucial.’

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