In a world of mentors, aspire to be a sponsor

Abstract

According to the 2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study, female pharmacists account for more than 65% of actively practicing pharmacists, up from 46.4% in 2009. 1 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy2019 National Pharmacist Workforce Study. https://www.aacp.org/article/2019-national-pharmacist-workforce-studyDate accessed: March 7, 2022 Google Scholar However, only 20.5% of actively practicing female pharmacists held management positions, down from 29.8% in 2009. Women in pharmacy and, more broadly, health care, face a number of challenges, including balancing work and family life, pay inequity, lack of leadership opportunities, and sexual harassment in the workplace affecting their well-being. 2 Chapple-McGruder T. Mendoza Z.V. Miles G. et al. Leadership disparities in state governmental public health workforce: examining the influence of gender. J Public Health Manag Pract. 2020; 26: 46-51 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar , 3 Bissell B.D. Johnston J.P. Smith R.R. et al. Gender inequity and sexual harassment in the pharmacy profession: evidence and call to action. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2021; 78: 2059-2076 Crossref PubMed Scopus (5) Google Scholar , 4 Sharma M. Rawal S. Women in medicine: the limits of individualism in academic medicine. Acad Med. 2022; 97: 346-350 Crossref PubMed Scopus (2) Google Scholar We will not be able to sustain a workforce that fully reflects the diversity of the society until we recognize and address the disproportionate impact these challenges have on the well-being of pharmacists from marginalized communities. Annita Mathew, PharmD, PGY-2 Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Resident, Boise VA Medical Center, Boise, ID