Page 8 - SUMMER 2017 The Voice Of Independent Pharmacy

NOTES
Thinking Back, Looking Forward:
Farewell from Former Executive Vice President Ed Hesterlee
I there have been many twists and turns…much like my
know what some of you must be thinking. “I’ve seen that title
somewhere before!" Well, if you’re a follower of ACA, you certainly
have. It’s the title of the book ACA published on the celebration of
its 75th anniversary in 2015. As I prepared to write this article, and
say goodbye, I struggled with both topic and content in light of the
many changes the College has undergone over the past 10 years, and
my role in that change. I kept coming back to this title, and how clearly
Ed Hesterlee // Former Executive Vice
President of the American College of it seemed to capture what I wanted to say. Therefore, with apologies
Apothecaries and the American College to the College, and those involved with that earlier publication, I am
of Veterinary Pharmacists
going to plagiarize the title…on my way “out the door!"
“Thinking back” over a career in pharmacy that began in the mid 60’s,
one word comes to mind, more than any other…fortunate! Throughout
the many twists and turns in that career, none of which were ever
Thank you all for
planned, I have been very fortunate to have been able to care for,
the privilege and work with, observe, learn from, and become friends with some of
honor to serve the the most interesting, famous, entrepreneurial, and forward-thinking
College! Thanks individuals I could ever imagine.
for the support, As a pharmacy student, my first job would be in a small ACA
guidance and pharmacy in Independence, Missouri, where I had the privilege to
encouragement you care for Harry S. Truman, our 33rd President…that’s another story, for
another time, perhaps. I also worked at Kansas City General Hospital,
provided me over
an inner-city hospital, providing care for the poorest of the poor…
the years! Thanks patients like Wannabe Jones, who taught me so much about life and
most of all for your the profession I had entered…yet another story for later.
friendship that I will
When I entered the pharmaceutical industry, beginning in clinical
value forever! research, and progressing through medical information and product
safety twice, professional relations, market development, etc. I
learned the true meaning of entrepreneurship from Ewing Marion
Kauffman, yet another story. I began to have the privilege and the
opportunity to meet and work with many national and international
leaders in pharmacy and medicine. This was also the case during my
two tours in academia. I got to know the leadership of virtually all of
the state and national pharmacy organizations…along with many at
the local level, and numerous national medical organizations. I was in
8 | THE VOICE OF INDEPENDENT PHARMACY | SUMMER 2017
“I’d Pick More Daisies”
awe of their experience, knowledge and vision, and
I felt fortunate to work with them in some small way I’d try to make more mistakes next time.
to help them realize their dreams. It was during this If I had my life to live over again,
time that I became “connected” to ACA.
When I retired in 2007, I was approached by ACA to I would relax. I would limber up.
I would be sillier than I have this trip.
help with the development of a long-term strategic I know of very few things I would take seriously.
plan, and to conduct some training for their Board I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic.
I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers,
I would take more chances. I would take more trips.
of Directors. Throughout that almost 10 year period
and watch more sunsets.
previous career, and also mostly unplanned! Many
I would burn more gasoline.
times, I found myself “in over my head," and had to
I would eat more ice cream and less beans.
ask for help both from the College’s outstanding
I would have more actual troubles and less imaginary ones.
membership, and from contacts outside. At times,
You see, I am one of those people who lives prophylactically
the future looked pretty dark, and I wondered what
and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day.
I had gotten myself into, but we persevered, and Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had it to do over again,
the College is now stronger and more vibrant than I’d have more of them.
ever before…thanks to a tremendous team effort! I In fact, I’d try to have nothing else.
look forward to seeing what the future holds for this Just moments, one after the other,
amazing organization…I know it will be GREAT! instead of living so many years ahead each day.
I have been one of those people who never goes anywhere
Now it is time for me to “look forward!" It is time without a thermometer, a hot water bottle, a gargle, a
for me to focus on my “bucket list” and “pick more raincoat, and a parachute.
daises." I am surrounded by family and new friends If I had it to do over again,
in a much kinder environment, here in Florida. I I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have.
If I had my life to live over,
look back with satisfaction on a career that just sort I would start bare-footed earlier in the spring and stay that
of evolved. It is fitting that the “bookends” of that
career involved ACA. It was the tenets of ACA that way later in the fall.
forged my desire to be a pharmacist, and provided I would play hooky more.
I wouldn’t make such good grades, except by accident.
a “thread”, of sorts, throughout my career…weaker I would ride on more merry-go-rounds.
at times, and stronger at others. It was an honor to I’d pick more daisies.
end my career in the Fellowship of the College.
This is an adaptation of a delightful perspective of life
Thank you all for the privilege and honor to serve written by Nadine Stair, at age 85. She titled her piece “
the College! Thanks for the support, guidance and Afterward: If I Could Live it Over.”
encouragement you provided me over the years!
Thanks most of all for your friendship…that I will
value most, and forever! I wish you all the best Ed Hesterlee
personally, and professionally. I hope our paths
cross in the future, but in case that is not meant Ed Hesterlee
to be, I would direct you to the following passage. Former Executive Vice President
It was the byline of a mentor of mine years ago, it American College of Apothecaries
has hung in my office since that time, and serves as American College of Veterinary Pharmacists
daily reminder of things that are truly important in
our journey we call life!
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