Hello SMSHP members and future members! We have already put a small dent into the 2010 year. As we get deeper into this new year and decade, SMSHP has a great deal of excitement to come, though some financial challenges may stand in the way. I am considerably a new face on the block as I have been a member and Co-chair of the Programming Committee of SMSHP for only one year. I can already personally relate to the previous statement. I may take this opportunity to focus on the financial aspect of what SMSHP offers through the educational activities for pharmacists, students, residents, and technicians.

SMSHP offers various certified educational meetings, and we all know nothing in life comes free! As you, a member of SMSHP, attend a luncheon or dinner program, you must question where the money comes from.

A typical monthly CE dinner costs about $4500-$5000 per program, which amounts to about $40 per attendee per meeting. Now you must think $40 each, how can that be? SMSHP disburses costs for the following items for most meetings: presenter compensation, speaker’s travel/accommodations, banquet hall fee, screen/sound equipment rental fee, and dinner (most costly item). Take a step back to look at your annual membership fee and you will realize your annual SMSHP dues only cover one meeting per year…and all members have the option to attend eight meetings per year.

If all of SMSHP’s member dues only cover a single meeting per year, the Programming Committee must reach out to Drug Manufacturing Companies for support through grant applications and product display requests for the other seven meetings. Note, an approved grant covers the cost of the entire meeting. Versus drug company display tables, which are available at a fee to cover a fraction of the meeting. The Programming Committee applies for two to four grants for each meeting.. though, due to economic hardship, only one grant for one meeting was approved in the 2009 year.

With grant denials, SMSHP relies on display fees from various drug companies. Again, the display fees do not entirely cover the costs of a meeting. To sum it up, SMSHP faces financial difficulty, and it is projected that this struggle will continue.

As you attend the monthly meetings this year, you will hear SMSHP’s President and Secretary discuss our declining funds. Hopefully, you will better understand the financial position of your Society. As we proceed through this new year and the upcoming years, please support YOUR Society! Attend meetings and fundraising events! Invite your pharmacy co-workers and friends to become members! Even consider holding an elected office on the board or assisting on a committee! Know you are part of a local, supportive Society that encourages continuing education and networking… something I am proud to be a part.

All the best.

   Membership Renewal Time!

Now is the time to renew your membership in one of the greatest bargains you will find - and ONLINE! Membership renewals are now being accepted for the 2010 membership year. We provide highly professional and relevant live Continuing Education programs and a complimentary meal eight times a year. A place where you can network with your peers from around the tri-county area and renew / refresh past relationships.

Membership renewals can now be processed ONLINE .. just click on the "Membership" link in the above menu.

New members need to fill out a membership form. A membership form may be downloaded from here, then printed off and mailed or brought to the next meeting. Our membership dues for 2010 remain unchanged. Renewals received after March 1 are subject to a $10.00 late fee.

Kevin McManus
Membership List Chairman
kmcmanus@dmc.org

   NEW! SMSHP LOGO-WEAR!

SMSHP is excited to now offer the quintessential fashion item - shirts with the SMSHP logo! We are now offering three items: a T-shirt, hoodie and Golf / Polo shirt (in both men's and ladies styles).

These items can be ordered ONLINE! (click on this link, or on the LOGOWEAR item in the menu at the top of the page) An arrangement with PayPal has allowed us to make purchases securely. You do not have to have a PayPal account to use the service. You can use any credit card, deduct directly from your bank account or thru a PayPal account. The transaction is handled by PayPal, so SMSHP never needs your credit card information. Orders can be picked up at the next meeting (mailing is not available as yet). Please allow at least 7-10 days to process your order, as the shirts are made upon request and are not stocked in advance.

   SMSHP Pharmacy Internship Directory

In conjunction with its involvement in the Residency Showcase, SMSHP is putting together an Internship Directory. This will be a compilation of Internship Programs that will allow prospective students the ability to explore and compare the available programs in which they may have an interest.

The preliminary Internship Directory will be available on our website. In addition we have supplied a template form to be used by programs that would like to be included in this compilation. If your institution has an internship program, please complete the template and forward it to:

Susan Davis at: ar3891@wayne.edu or sldavis@wayne.edu