In most of my years as an active member of ACCP, I often felt envious of the founding members of ACCP. They were a brave few who had launched a new organization in 1979, armed with high ideals and a deep, passionate belief in the power of clinical pharmacy. At the annual meeting this year, however, I felt what I imagine was a similar feeling. Within the parameters of our 30-year mission, we were launching a brand-new approach to supporting research by clinical pharmacists. At the fundraising event, we heard from many passionate members of ACCP, ready and willing to commit their time and financial resources to support a new direction for the Research Institute. It was successful beyond our expectations.

The Research Institute of ACCP is no longer a granting institution but will now work tirelessly to develop and promote the impact of clinical pharmacy scientists. We, the new pioneers, armed with high ideals and a deep, passionate belief in the power of clinical pharmacy research, will move our organization into a bright future. I believe strongly that clinical pharmacists not only can be competitive in the broader research environment, but also can contribute uniquely to health care research. Through the FIT Program, the Research and Scholarship Academy, the Bioanalytical Support Grant, and the Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), we are well on our way to charting a new course for clinical pharmacy research.

It is wonderful to feel that “pioneer spirit” in our 30-year-old organization and to know that we can reinvent ourselves yet stay true to our founding principles.