Stopcuts Students Inspiring

Despite just finishing another year of pharmacy school, and the gruelling final exam schedule, pharmacy students in Ontario have embarked on a whirlwind tour of the province to spread the message of the devastating health care cuts proposed by the Liberal government. They could have returned to their homes for a summer of relaxation, or to summer jobs (though those may be scarce thanks to the Liberals) but instead decided to devote 15 days of their lives to fight for their profession and cut through the spin and deception coming from the government. They have represented their profession honourably, and have been able to deliver a message that could not have come from any other source.

They had the courage to stand up to Deb Matthews when she suggested that pharmacists were the problem and that she was really on their side. They were even able to jolt her out of her routine of simply repeating the same tired spin lines that she has been peddling for the past month. They walked door to door in unfamiliar cities, never knowing who or what they were going to encounter, to inform the public that pharmacy care is at risk. They have displayed poise and professionalism in front of television cameras and through their interactions with media. In all respects, they have represented pharmacists with professionalism, dignity and honour.

It wasn’t long ago that I was a pharmacy student. I can still remember the passion I felt for my profession at that time. I had very idealistic views of a profession that I believed was finally coming into its own and was eager to see us reach a higher level as professionals. The realities of practice have sometimes frustrated me, but the enthusiasm displayed by the pharmacy students of the stopcuts tour has been a source of inspiration. I now feel more energized than ever about my chosen profession. I am now more determined than ever to do whatever I can to prevent the destruction of our profession at the hands of misinformed government officials.

Students in Ontario are having an experience that they will remember for their entire lives. I am sure the friendships that they form as a result of this tour will last long into their professional lives. This tour could be the catalyst for much innovation in pharmacy practice in the future. I will be looking for the students of the stopcuts tour to make an impact on our profession for years to come. They will be forever remembered as the “stopcuts students” of 2010, the year all pharmacists finally came together with one voice. If the enthusiasm and passion displayed by the pharmacy students of Ontario is any indication, our profession is well-positioned for whatever our future may hold.