Lucinda Maine, AACP empower students to shape industry’s future
Posted on: February 1, 2020
We had the opportunity to talk with AACP Executive Vice President and CEO Lucinda Maine during her recent visit to the college. We thank her for spending time with our students, faculty and staff.
When she began her journey in the pharmaceutical world some 40 years ago, Lucinda
Maine quickly learned that she could follow many paths with her degree. She knew she
had to work hard, but more importantly, get involved. Maine recognized the value of
being active in professional pharmacy organizations. She realized that her involvement
as both student and practitioner could help shape the future of the industry.
Maine is executive vice president and CEO for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), a role she has held since 2002. AACP works with colleges of pharmacy across the nation to develop strong academic scholars and leaders, and to build relations with key constituency groups in developing policy.
Maine understands that building leaders through programs, such as UofSC College of Pharmacy’s Walker Leadership Scholars, is key to the growth and success of the industry’s future. “At no other time than now does the need for leadership ring as prominently,” Maine says.
One area which Maine sees as a key leadership challenge, in addition to state legislative and federal regulatory issues, is the integration of pharmacists into physician practices.
“We want to empower every student to have the vision, confidence and skills to approach a physician practice about integration,” she says. “I really admire the model that has evolved here in the Walker Leadership Scholars program because it introduces them to national association leaders and the legislative process.”
Maine says that pharmacists can help build the next cadre of future leaders by serving as student mentors. She credits much of her success to past mentors who helped open her eyes to more opportunities. Maine mentors two young women who live in other parts of the country.
“While we may only see each other a few times a year, they know I’m there and can ask a question anytime,” Maine says.
Another key role for the AACP is administering curriculum quality surveys to colleges of pharmacy as part of their accreditation updates. Survey results from graduating students, faculty, alumni and preceptors provide a reflection of the quality of the program and of the students.
Maine is confident that pharmacists will continue to have a significant role in health care.
“There is too much evidence that patients are not getting the care and guidance they need, including medication affordability and complexity and how to avoid adverse drug reactions,” she says.
She also believes that today’s Pharm.D. graduates have more knowledge and ability to create value in many different applications.
“Without pharmacists’ integration into the delivery of care, care is more costly, less effective and less satisfying, both for patients and their providers,” Maine says. “Our best days are ahead of us.”