Untapped opportunities: The unique value proposition of women of color pharmacists

Abstract

In the United States, the profession of pharmacy has undergone significant transformation over the past 3 decades, marked by an educational transition from a “Bachelor of Science” in Pharmacy (BS/BPharm) degree to a “Doctor of Pharmacy” (PharmD) degree requirement, and a move from predominantly independent drugstores to the rise of retail chains. Concurrently, there has been a notable increase in enrollment of women from minoritized populations in pharmacy programs, and subsequently into the pharmacy workforce. The current report is a reflection upon the historical context and unique contributions of Women of Color (WoC) pharmacists in the United States, highlighting their progress and persisting challenges.

The data on enrollment into pharmacy schools and colleges demonstrate a steady increase in WoC pharmacy degree recipients, reflecting changing demographics of the pharmacy workforce. WoC pharmacists bring distinctive perspectives to healthcare delivery, particularly in understanding and addressing systemic barriers and health disparities affecting underserved communities. Their ability to provide culturally-responsive patient care and navigate complex healthcare landscapes makes them invaluable assets to healthcare delivery and the profession.

However, WoC pharmacists continue to face significant challenges, including harmful stereotypes, racial and gender discrimination, pay inequity, limited access to mentorship networks, and inadequate support for work-life integration. Despite their growing numbers and significant contributions to community health, WoC pharmacists remain severely underrepresented in leadership positions. These underscore the urgent need for educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and professional bodies to implement comprehensive strategies that foster diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplaces. These strategies should go beyond hiring initiatives, and include mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and workplace policies that support work-life integration. Investment in the success and well-being of WoC pharmacists is crucial not only for advancing equity within the profession but also for creating a more effective health care system that better serves all communities.