Promoting Inclusivity and Diversity in Pharmacy Practice

Sean Palmer, Pharm.D. Candidate 2025

Diversity in pharmacy practice and understanding cultural differences is crucial if we aim to provide equitable healthcare to patients of all backgrounds and ethnicities. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways such as engaging in cultural competency training and collaborating with community leaders to understand the cultural differences and health needs of a specific population. Within the community space, actively recruiting and retaining diverse staff can help ensure equal opportunities and foster a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and patients. Likewise, offering language services is not only essential but also welcoming for patients with limited English proficiency. Within pharmacy practice, pharmacists and interns can consider cultural factors, such as dietary restrictions, when providing patient care. Additionally, promoting diversity within leadership positions ensures that diverse perspectives are included in the decision-making process. Through implementing these practices, patient care can be enhanced with improved health outcomes across communities, especially in a diverse state such as New York.