Planning a site visit can be a powerful way for reporters to gain a better understanding of the role that the health-system pharmacist plays. Work with your organization’s public relations team to invite local media for an “up-close and personal” look at the day in the life of a health-system pharmacist and the contributions that you make to ensure your patients are safe and receive the best care possible. 

Get Started

• Make sure that the leadership at your practice site is open to hosting media. Be sure that all media opportunities have been approved before agreeing to participate.
• Schedule a meeting with your administrator to discuss an agenda and strategic messages (otherwise known as talking points) for the media that showcases your leadership within the hospital and health system setting.
• Recruit other pharmacy staff to work on a planning committee.  Identify the "take away" message and draft a preliminary agenda for the visit.

The Visit & Follow Up

• The tour should last approximately 30-45 minutes and emphasize high-level patient care services, such as chronic care, nuclear medicine, chemotherapy, or medication therapy management.
• Provide the reporter with a fact sheet or brochure about your institution and department, as well as handouts about health-system pharmacy.
• Offer yourself and ASHP as a resource. Give the reporter your business card, noting that you would be happy to provide additional information.
• Send a follow-up letter shortly after the visit to thank the reporter for meeting with you. Be sure to enclose any materials or information they requested.