July 26, 2024
Women Pharmacist Day: Pharmacy Leaders Share Their Journeys and Lessons Learned
While women-owned businesses have grown steadily over the past several years, the vast majority of independent pharmacies are still owned by men, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report. Women comprise nearly 60% of the total pharmacy workforce and represent more than two-thirds of students enrolling in pharmacy school, according to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Yet, the AACP estimates that only 25% of pharmacies are owned by women.
Despite this gap, women pharmacy leaders are making a significant impact in their communities by introducing differentiated, patient-centric services, empowering female patients to take a more active role in their care, and offering support and guidance to their colleagues.
With support from Cardinal Health, women pharmacists can access the guidance and resources they need to begin their journey toward pharmacy ownership. Michelle Britt, senior vice president, leads the Retail Independent Sales team at Cardinal Health, which includes a group of Pharmacy Transition Services experts dedicated to consulting with potential pharmacy owners.
“We want to demonstrate to women in pharmacy that ownership is a viable option for them,” said Britt. “Our Pharmacy Transition Services team offers customized support and is there to guide future owners every step of the way—helping them advocate for themselves, secure financial support, and receive expert consultation as they grow their business.”
Additionally, the annual Retail Business Conference (RBC) provides opportunities for women pharmacists to network, receive advice from their peers, and share best practices.
“We have a strong network of women owners who can support potential pharmacy owners with their individual needs on the path to ownership—from how to get started to financial support and business optimization,” Britt added.
At this year’s RBC event, several Cardinal Health customers participated in a panel discussion to share their experiences as women pharmacy owners. In celebration of Women Pharmacist Day on October 12, we spoke with them to learn more about their journey to ownership and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Kinza Malik, CPhT
Kinza Malik, CPhT, is an owner and managing partner at Medical Home Pharmacy, which has two locations in the Trenton, New Jersey, area. She was working alongside her mentor at other independent pharmacies when he asked if she’d like to become a pharmacy owner. With his help and resources, she found a business partner to run the pharmacy with her. Looking back, she is grateful that someone believed in her—and that she believed in herself.
“Working my way up to where I am now is mind-blowing,” Malik said. “It wasn’t something I ever expected. I only got here because my business partner wanted to take a chance on me, and I took a chance on them. I’m very glad I did because if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Community Impact
Malik’s pharmacy is located in a diverse community with a population that includes Black, Latino, Pakistani, and South Asian patients. As a Pakistani, Malik brings a unique perspective that has helped break down cultural and gender barriers to care.
“In certain cultural groups, women may not feel comfortable expressing too much—whether it’s to their doctor or at the pharmacy—about the kinds of medications they need or issues they may have,” Malik said. “I can get more involved with them because I can speak their language. I understand what they’re going through.”
Malik said that for her, confidence has been key to success. That confidence has made all the difference in her career, allowing her to pursue new opportunities for her pharmacy, such as hosting vaccine clinics and offering durable medical equipment for diabetes patients.
“My advice to other young women in pharmacy is: ‘Be confident in yourself, and take a chance on you.’ When you’re confident, it shows in your work, in your business relationships, and it allows people to trust you,” Malik said.