The baby boomer population began in 1946, which means the “tip of the spear” just began turning 70 years old in 2016. Many people have the impression that boomers are here now. While this is technically true, they are mostly currently healthy older adults. As they age, they will develop more co-morbidities and health issues, and their impact on the system and their consumption of medications and health care services will skyrocket.
Basically, the baby boomer market is at the tip of the iceberg.
As the CEO of a professional society, I believe this means we need to ready our troops. At the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, we have already been training our members and positioning our organization as a launching pad for those who seek new professional opportunities, want to expand their clinical knowledge, explore ways to expand business, or learn tips to better serve the growing boomer population.
At ASCP, not only is our customer base growing, but our membership is expanding into multiple practice settings. We are creating new opportunities for senior care pharmacists to leverage 47 years of consulting experience. In the past, a vast majority of our members worked in nursing facilities. Today, while we still have many members who work in skilled nursing facilities, we know that most ASCP members work in multiple settings, including assisted living facilities, hospice, hospitals, retail pharmacies, and home health.
Given that 90% of adults over the age of 70 live within 5 miles of a pharmacy, this is no surprise. We are being responsive to the growing trend, and adapting to better serve the senior population.
Additionally, consultant pharmacists are prepared to impact consumer patient outcomes by taking advantage of managed and value-based reimbursement models of care. As a result, we have exploding technology, social media communication, and opportunities within and beyond the walls of institutional care.
I encourage all pharmacists and clinicians serving older adults to join me at the 2016 ASCP Annual Meeting & Exhibition from November 4 to November 6, 2016 in Dallas, TX. Sessions will include topics such as “Pharmacologic Treatment of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy” and “Natural Medicines & Dietary Supplements: Interactions and Reactions.” A panel discussion will feature Brian Fuller, Vice President, Value-Based Care, naviHealth Inc.; Stacey Hallissey PT, Senior VP Care Management, Sava Senior Care; Ryan Beddingfield, Chief Operations Officer of Health Services, PruittHealth and is moderated by Lou Ann Brubaker, President, Brubaker Consulting.
At the conference, not only will you have exposure to exceptional educational and networking opportunities, you will also be able to join us as we ready ourselves for the boom ahead. I invite you to come and transform yourself as the society has transformed itself. Dialogue with me, ASCP Leadership, and your peers to keep the momentum moving forward.
Frank Grosso, RPh, is the CEO at ASCP.
