Dear Colleagues:

With the introduction of new clinical pharmacy services, the various services provided by clinical pharmacists, and the different responsibilities of pharmacists in general and of clinical pharmacists in particular around the globe comes frequent debate regarding the definition and expectations of clinical pharmacists and the criteria by which to assess their services.

The featured article in this issue, titled “ACCP Releases Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacists,” highlights a major document released in March of this year by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. The ACCP Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacists describes ACCP’s expectations of clinical pharmacists both within the United States and around the world where clinical pharmacy is emerging. It is intended for all constituents involved in the regulation, practice, and assessment and advancement of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy education and practice.

As ACCP releases this key document, it is important to reflect on the evolution of clinical pharmacy and the journey leading to the current standards set forth by the College. The book featured in this issue, Clinical Pharmacy in the United States: Transformation of a Profession, narrates and reflects on more than a century of the rich history of the profession and the rise of clinical pharmacy education and practice. Although this is this U.S.-specific historical recount, there are substantial lessons to be learned from this great resource.

I hope you will find of assistance the many resources highlighted in this issue, regardless of where you are in your own journey.

Sincerely,

Wafa Y. Dahdal, Pharm.D., BCPS