The Ohio Pharmacists Association (OPA) announced that Ralph Bouvette, BSPharm, PhD, JD of Frankfort, Kentucky, is recipient of an Honorary Member Award for distinguished and long term service to the profession of pharmacy and to OPA. The award was presented at the OPA 140th Annual Conference April 20-22, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio.
Dr. Bouvette currently serves as executive vice president of the American Pharmacy Services Corporation, an independent pharmacy cooperative dedicated to the advancement of independent pharmacy. During his time at APSC, APSC has been a leader in the development of patient care programming and government affairs advocacy for independent pharmacists and pharmacies. As a lobbyist, he has had the opportunity and honor to be involved in drafting and passing legislation and regulations that allow pharmacists to practice at the top of their license, including immunizations, naloxone rescue therapy and primary care/public health using board authorized protocols. APSC is a founding member of the Advancing Pharmacy Practice in Kentucky Coalition.
Dr. Bouvette also serves as executive director of the APSC Foundation for Education and Research, Inc., a non-profit foundation dedicated to quality pharmacy education and community-based pharmacy practice research. The Foundation has been a leader in enhanced patient care programming and hosts an annual meeting for independent pharmacists. In partnership with the University of Kentucky, the Foundation established one of the first community pharmacy residency programs in the state of Kentucky. To date, fourteen pharmacists have successfully completed residencies. The Foundation also serves as a preceptor site for colleges of pharmacy in and around Kentucky.
Ohio pharmacists have greatly benefited from his work with APSC and the APSC Foundation. He is dedicated to the growth and expansion of independent pharmacy, and works regularly with students and young pharmacists interested in ownership.
Dr. Bouvette holds an appointment (part-time) as associate professor of pharmacy practice and science at the University of Kentucky where he co-teaches pharmacy law and ethics. He is a member of the Dean’s external advisory board and a founding board member of the UK Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Practice.
“It is an easy task to recognize the outstanding contributions to pharmacy of Ralph Bouvette. His dedication to the profession is evident through his many years of involvement with OPA and independent pharmacy," said Ernest Boyd, OPA Executive Director.
OPA, established in 1879, represents more than 4,000 pharmacists, pharmacy educators, and pharmacy students throughout the state. It is OPA’s mission to unite the profession of pharmacy and encourage interprofessional relations, while promoting public health through education, discussion, and legislation.