What's in the Oath? - Kim Newlove

Today, we’re talking about the Oath of a Pharmacist. Why? Because this is the last episode of 2022, and the end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past.

I graduated with my BS Pharm from the University of Toledo on May 12, 2001. On that day, one of my pharmacology professors (Dr. Gerald Sherman) administered the oath of a pharmacist to my class. Although I don’t remember graduation day in great detail, I reviewed The Oath to prepare for this podcast episode.

The oath was first developed in 1983. It was revised in 1994, 2007, and 2021. The 1994 version was used when I graduated in 2001. If you’re graduating in 2023, the 2021 version will likely be part of your graduation ceremony.

See the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s (AACP) website for the 2021 version and the history of The Oath.

I found the 1994 version of The Oath in The Pharmacy Student Companion: Your Road Map to Pharmacy Education and Careers, Third Edition by Daniel H. Albrant and Linda R. Harteker (APhA 1999).

In my opinion, The Oath has changed for the better over the years. It’s more modern and inclusive now.

Changes I noticed

- The 1994 version has 7 lines. The 2021 version has 10 lines.
- The opening line is worded a little different in the 1994 and 2021 versions.
- The 2021 version mentions inclusion, diversity, and health equity.
- Protecting personal and health information was added to the 2021 version.
- Preparing the next generation of pharmacists was added to the 2021 version.

The public trusts us to fulfill the vows in The Oath. As you continue to practice pharmacy, learn about pharmacy, or teach pharmacy students, keep The Oath in mind. If you are unable able to fulfill your vows, do something about it. If you see something, say something, and do something! No one can make you care more about metrics than you care about your patients. You get to decide what you care about. It’s time to use your voice! Fight for your right to carry out the oath of a pharmacist!

Thank you for listening to The Pharmacist’s Voice ® Podcast episode 192. Happy New Year!

Links from this episode

APhA (American Pharmacists Association) https://www.pharmacist.com/

AACP (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy) https://www.aacp.org/

The University of Toledo College of Pharmacy https://www.utoledo.edu/pharmacy/

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