Phil Hritcko running for President of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

Philip Hritcko, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs and Associate Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was recently nominated as a candidate for President-elect for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Below, his letter reinforcing his commitment to the organization and desire to lead. Voting will begin in early November and is open to all AACP members.

It is a great honor and privilege to have been selected by the board’s nomination committee as a candidate for President-elect of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). This organization has had a great influence on my career and has inspired me to be an active advocate for pharmacy education and our students. I have found AACP to be my home, providing connections and information that have been invaluable to me as a faculty member both professionally and personally.

Phil Hritcko with members of the UConn Pharmacy team at AACP's Annual Meeting — Phil Hritcko with members of the UConn Pharmacy team at AACP’s Annual Meeting

The mission of AACP is to “Advance pharmacy education, research, scholarship, practice and service, in partnership with members and stakeholders, to improve health for all.” I hope to have the opportunity to work with each and every member to create new initiatives and reach goals that continue to align closely with our fast-changing health care industry. Keeping pharmacy education relevant necessitates listening to the professional industry and finding ways to work new pathways into teaching.

I have been fortunate to have served the AACP in a number of capacities including AACP:

Professional AffairsCommittee 2016-2017

Speaker of the House of Delegates 2013-2015,

Executive member of the Board of Directors 2013-2015

Chair of the Experiential Education Section from 2008-2009

Academic Leadership Fellows Program (ALFP) 2008-2009

Connecticut Pharmacists Association Scholarship Winners — Philip Hritcko with Connecticut Pharmacists Association Scholarship Recipients from UConn School of Pharmacy (2018)

The ALFP in particular was an exceptional experience for me. Its team-based approach to problem solving sparked my continued interest and involvement with leadership positions.

With regards to the legislative side of pharmacy, I have also been involved as a board member and President (2013-2014) with the Connecticut Pharmacists Association (CPA). Working within a state association gave me important experience in the regulatory process affecting all aspects of the pharmacy profession.

I hope to have the opportunity to leverage my knowledge and experiences with AACP, CPA and my professional career to serve effectively in the capacity of the AACP President-elect. If elected, I would work fervently with the AACP staff, Board, and membership to further advance the mission of our great organization.

Together, we can continue to move forward strategically, creatively, and in a transformative way.

Thank you,