New Oath addresses diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and other issues
Contact: Maureen Thielemans, 703-739-2330 ext. 1022; mthielemans@aacp.org
Contact: APhA Media Relations; media@aphanet.org
WASHINGTON, D.C./ARLINGTON, VA–The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Board of Directors and the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) Board of Trustees have approved updates to the profession’s Oath of a Pharmacist to incorporate contemporary language and address diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism. The updates were recommended by a joint AACP and APhA Oath Revision Steering Committee and approved by the boards of AACP and APhA at their respective November 2021 meetings.
“The joint committee led a critical charge of boldly expanding our professional oath to include the necessary elements of equity, inclusion, and diversity. The revised oath charges all pharmacists to take an active responsibility in promoting health equity and commit to being change agents in the system of pharmacy practice and beyond,” said Lakesha M. Butler, Pharm.D., CDFT, director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy.
The Oath of a Pharmacist was first developed in 1983 by the AACP Board of Directors and revised in 1994 and 2007 by the joint APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA–ASP) and AACP Council of Deans Task Force on Professionalism. The 2021 Oath Revision Steering Committee conducted several joint sessions from June to October to review and discuss the oath. In addition, the committee developed and conducted a survey and town hall meetings for faculty members, student pharmacists, and pharmacists to address concerns.
"The Oath of a Pharmacist is intended to be both a fluid and long-lasting representation of pharmacists and student pharmacists’ dedication toward our profession and patients. Our collective efforts in recognizing and leading this change is a proud moment for the entire profession" said Juan Rodriguez, APhA–ASP National President and student pharmacist at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy.
AACP and APhA will host a profession-wide virtual event for all pharmacists, faculty members, administrators, and student pharmacists to reaffirm their commitment to the oath. The event will be held via Facebook Live on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
The newly revised Oath of a Pharmacist should be utilized for all Spring 2022 pharmacy commencement ceremonies.
About the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Founded in 1900, AACP is the national organization representing the interests of pharmacy education. AACP is comprised of 142 accredited schools with pharmacy degree programs, including more than 6,700 faculty, 61,000 students enrolled in professional programs, and 6,000 individuals pursuing graduate study. To learn more about AACP, visit www.aacp.org.
About the American Pharmacists Association
The American Pharmacists Association is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession. Our expert staff and strong volunteer leadership, including many experienced pharmacists, allow us to deliver vital leadership to help pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians find success and satisfaction in their work while advocating for changes that benefit them, their patients, and their communities. For more information, please visit www.pharmacist.com.