The President of the American Pharmacists Association Dr. Sandra Leal was the guest speaker for the 2022 Sebok Pharmacy Lecture. Her topic was “Pharmacists of the Future will be Indispensable.” During the spread of COVID, pharmacists helped administer vaccines and did testing, but even before that, they helped with the management of a person’s diabetes and other health issues. As health care changes, Leal sees a growing role for pharmacists being more part of the health care team.

With the emergency approval of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, millions of added doses have been given to Americans. Doctors see this brand as an advantage in the fight against COVID-19. Not only will it ramp up distribution to a wider range, but it only takes one shot. Dr. Steve Martin, the Dean of Ohio Northern University's Raabe College of Pharmacy, says only having to go once will get more people vaccinated quicker, especially those far from a site.

"Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine declaring a state of emergency after the discovery of confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Ohio," Jeff Fitzgerald reports on March 9th, 2020. And a whole year later, Governor DeWine has proclaimed March 9th a day of remembrance for the over 17,500 Ohioans who have died from COVID-19. When asked what we have learned over the chaotic course of the year, Dr. Steve Martin, Dean of Ohio Northern University's Raabe College of Pharmacy, says for one, we are better at coming together as communities. The country has also been more in tune with their wellness.