Guest Blog: Introducing New Fund to Inspire the Next Generation of Pharmacy
Dear Members,
On behalf of the ASHP Foundation, we are honored to announce the launch of the Paul W. Abramowitz Fund to Enhance Public Awareness of Pharmacy & Inspire the Next Generation of Practitioners. As honorary campaign committee co-chairs of the new fund, we couldn’t be more excited to share this news as we celebrate Paul and his decades of visionary leadership as ASHP CEO, his commitment to advancing pharmacy practice, and his dedication to preparing the next generation of practitioners.
For more than 45 years, Paul has defined pharmacy leadership, advancing efforts to serve patients, mentor colleagues, and shape national health policy. His belief in the need for a sustained public awareness effort inspired the We’re Your Pharmacist campaign to highlight the critical role of hospital and health-system pharmacists.
Paul is retiring early next year, but his legacy will continue through the launch of this new fund.
What the Fund Will Do
The fund seeks to raise $5 million to strengthen the future of pharmacy. The ASHP Board of Directors has already committed $3 million toward that goal. The fund will:
- Expand and elevate national public awareness of hospital and health-system pharmacists’ essential roles.
- Engage and support students and future practitioners at every stage of their journey.
- Advance research and leadership programs to strengthen the pharmacy workforce.
- Honor the leadership values that Paul has exemplified throughout his career.
Why Now
Healthcare faces profound challenges — we have an aging population, rising rates of chronic disease, and workforce shortages that strain patient care teams.
According to the 2024 National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings, the shortage of entry-level pharmacists doubled between 2021 and 2024, and pharmacy technician shortages persist nationwide.
The We’re Your Pharmacist campaign, launched in 2024, has begun to spotlight members’ critical contributions, but we know much more work is needed. Unless we act now to elevate the profession and inspire new talent, the demand for pharmacists will soon outpace the supply.
Why Your Support Matters
By contributing to the fund, you will:
- Sustain the profession’s influence and visibility.
- Inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders.
- Continue a legacy of service, mentorship, and innovation.
Join us and become a founding donor to the Paul W. Abramowitz Fund to Enhance Public Awareness of Pharmacy & Inspire the Next Generation of Practitioners. Leadership gifts and multiyear pledges are welcome. All donors will be recognized as founding supporters of this important initiative.
Together, we can all honor Paul’s remarkable legacy by building our profession’s bright and sustainable future.
With gratitude,
Roger Anderson and Marvin Samson
Co-Chairs, Honorary Campaign Committee
Paul W. Abramowitz Fund to Enhance Public Awareness of Pharmacy & Inspire the Next Generation of Practitioners
Co-Chair
Roger Anderson, BS, MS, DrPH
Head, Division of Pharmacy (Retired)
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Co-Chair
Marvin Samson, MS, DSc (Hon)
Chief Executive Office
Samson Medical Technologies, LLC
Posted on October 9, 2025