The Outcast Pharmacist: Desiring change in pharmacy education, professional standards, and bias in the healthcare industry

Amber Goodman, PharmD, RPh, MPH
Ashley Goodman, PharmD, RPh, MPH

For much of the general public, the first thing that comes to mind when they hear "pharmacist" is medication. Many are unaware that pharmacists are doctors with years of training and expertise.

Doctors Amber and Ashley Goodman are twin pharmacists who advocate for the equity and well-being of those in the profession. Although conventions of the field would have them confined to one arena, they have continually challenged the status quo.

Their nuanced professional moves have led the Goodman twins to consider themselves outcasts. Yet, there are thousands of other outcasts among practicing pharmacists and students enrolled in pharmacy schools.

Pharmacists are much more than the smiling faces behind drug store counters. While retail pharmacy is invaluable to society, there are several other paths that a pharmacist can take. However, most pharmacy education programs and professional standards have yet to respond adequately.

To add to the lack of awareness surrounding pharmacy itself, the wider healthcare industry has contributed to the inequities that pharmacists experience. The Outcast Pharmacist gets to the heart of key issues in pharmacy education, professional standards, and bias in the healthcare industry.