Jeff Goad, associate professor and director of the USC School of Pharmacy International Travel Clinic, was installed as the new president of the California Pharmacists Association at the annual Synergy Meeting held in Sacramento Nov. 15-16.

As president, Goad represents the interests of licensed pharmacists and student pharmacists throughout the state, particularly on legislative and professional issues that impact the profession.

“It is particularly important for pharmacy professors to be actively involved in the association,” Goad said. “It’s a good way for us to set the right example for our students, stressing the importance of the group’s work for our profession. Students are not only our future, but a large part of our present as they represent an active contingent of the organization.”

Among the pressing issues that have already hit Goad’s desk is the recently passed extension of a bill that deals with drug pedigree. This refers to the system of tracking a drug – from manufacturer to distributor to point of sale to customer – in an effort to assure that drugs are not counterfeit.

“This is an important concern for pharmacists,” Goad said. “We have to be certain that the drugs we provide to our patients are exactly what we think they are. The E-pedigree system addressing this has been put in place, but this is an unfunded mandate. So the association continues to press the legislature and the board of pharmacy to allow adequate time for pharmacists to integrate the necessary new technologies required for e-pedigree.”

With health care among the chief issues nationwide and possible reform coming, Goad insists that pharmacy be represented at the table. Staff and lobbyists for the organization provide Goad with on-the-ground presence in Sacramento as these discussions unfold.

Immediate concerns include the protection of MediCal reimbursement rates and expanded scope of practice issues. Goad also is working with the Board of Pharmacy on an immunization bill that would allow pharmacists to vaccinate patients with any routine CDC vaccination without needing a physician sign-off. Currently, a physician protocol has to be in place for pharmacists to vaccinate patients, which has become an obstacle to expanding immunization access.

“Immunization is a great example of the changing face of pharmacy,” Goad said. “Ten years ago, pharmacists did not immunize in California to any great degree. Today, virtually every pharmacy chain and many independents offer immunizations to patients. In the coming decade, with electronic health records available to pharmacists as well as other professionals, we’ll have an opportunity to play an even greater, more pivotal role as the medication expert and the preventive health specialist.”

Goad said he is looking forward to actively working with other professional groups representing physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, among others. He also hopes to create a public relations campaign to promote the role of today’s pharmacist to consumers.

“As technology evolves and allows patients more control over their health information,” he said, “it’s important for our profession to embrace technology and help patients understand what the pharmacist can offer them and how we can help them improve their health care.”