This is a busy time for pharmacy, especially for those in community practice who will barely have time to catch a breath as patients rush to get their year-end meds. Yet we all typically find a few minutes to breathe and reflect.

As we look back on the past year and anticipate the next, I "zoom in" to recalling the many conversations, e-mails, and letters this past year from individuals in all walks of pharmacy who have expressed the full range of emotions about our profession. As we "zoom out" to look at the macro view, we see huge challenges in the economy and old business model for pharmacy, while also witnessing major positive changes in the attitudes of policymakers and those in our colleague professions. And we see pharmacy systems and business changes that bode well for pharmacists and the patients we serve, if we can step up when the opportunities arise. Payers will increasingly turn to pharmacists to help them meet quality goals, and pharmacy employers are really gearing up with new technology, services, training, store configurations, and systems to make the conversion from buy low, sell high to the provision of enhanced patient care.

Yes, we've got a long way to go, and that's where the frustration arises, at all levels. But in this season of thanks, hope, and new beginnings, I look forward to learning from you as we continue our path of advocacy and innovation. We will continue to highlight exemplary practices in our publications and meetings, and we'll be driving for changes that empower you to provide the kind of care Americans deserve. We must succeed! Our patients are waiting.

On behalf of the staff and volunteer leadership at APhA, I hope you and your families enjoy a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year!