In September 2013, Tracy M. Hagemann, Pharm.D., FCCP, FPPAG, Professor, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and Director of Clinical Affairs at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK, participated in ASHP’s Legislative Day. Here’s how her meeting helped Tracy become a resource for Rep. James Lankford (R-OK) during a critical debate on compounding legislation.
I was a bit nervous about [going on] the legislative visits, but they were amazing! My congressman was in a hearing, but his aide met with us and then asked if we would like to sit in on the hearing for a bit and meet with the congressman briefly in the hall (he could step out for a little bit). We did get to see our congressman "in action" at a high profile hearing and then he stepped out to meet with us and briefly discuss the compounding issue in the hallway.
Two weeks after returning home, I received a phone call from my congressman asking about the pharmacist's perspective on this bill as it was being debated (on a Saturday). He is also now interested in coming for a visit to our hospital to see what health-system pharmacists do daily.
This was an incredible opportunity and I feel like my voice has been heard.