The passage emphasizes the need to redefine the future of pharmacy in order to ensure a strong supply of future pharmacists and foster a culture that enables pharmacists to fulfill their purpose and passion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists played a crucial role on the frontlines, changing the perception of community pharmacies and earning the trust of millions of patients who relied on them for testing, vaccinations, and prescriptions. This presents an opportunity to expand the role of pharmacists further, as Americans express a desire for a greater range of health services from their local pharmacy.

However, the pharmacy profession is currently facing challenges, including a significant decline in enrollment in pharmacy schools and longstanding industry issues. To address these challenges and shape the future of pharmacy, changes are necessary. Pharmacy schools are reevaluating their curricula and training methods to provide students with integrated and practical education. Additionally, pharmacists are now more than just experts in pharmacology—they are frequently visited healthcare professionals who provide support and guidance to patients beyond prescription filling. The focus is on understanding social determinants of health and their impact on patients' overall well-being.

Efforts are being made by institutions like the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies and national community pharmacies like CVS Pharmacy to transform the profession. This includes investing in pharmacists, empowering them as healthcare providers, and optimizing workflow and workload to allow them to practice at the top of their capabilities. The use of technology, such as digital platforms and barcode systems, is being implemented to enhance the pharmacy experience, provide convenience, and free up pharmacists' time for patient counseling and care.

The passage concludes by stating that community pharmacy is at a pivotal moment, and choosing a career as a community pharmacist can help shape its future. As more people rely on pharmacists for support and guidance, pharmacists can play an even greater role in the healthcare system, making a positive impact on local communities and patients' lives. While the profession may have its challenges, the rewarding aspect of making a difference in patients' lives outweighs the difficulties.