California Pharmacists Association Names First Ombuds

CPhA has hired Michael Kilpatrick to be the the professional association's first Ombudsman. The new Pharmacist Resource Program will provide employee pharmacists--many of whom work for grocery stores and other large retailers--with a free, confidential resource to help them deal with workplace challenges such as staffing practices, patient safety, and working conditions. Kilpatrick, who previously served as the Ombuds for Bridgepoint Education, has been hired by CPhA for a 1-year pilot program.

CPhA Chief Executive Officer Jon Roth told Drug Topics Magazine that he believes the program may be the first Ombuds within a professional association:

"CPhA isn't the first association whose members have workplace concerns, but we think we're the first association to take this direct approach to dealing with some of the things that concern employee pharmacists the most. We want to act as an agent of change for a sector of the industry that feels it is not being heard."

The association's board will discuss interim results in early 2012 before deciding whether to extend the program. (Drug Topics; Pharmacist Resource Program.)

Related posts: Ashford University Opens Ombuds Office; CPhA Job Posting; Bridgepoint's Ashford University Closes Ombuds Office; California Pharmacists Association Creates Statewide Ombuds Program.