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Bonnie Senst’s passion for patient care was evident throughout a career of leadership in pharmacy practice, professional organizations, and healthcare consulting. Bonnie graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1979 and her Master of Science degree in Social and Administrative Pharmacy from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy in 1989. She served in many leadership roles, including as health system director of pharmacy and other leadership positions, in senior consulting roles, and on the ASHP Board of Directors.

Sharing her retirement journey in this conversation is an example of Bonnie’s commitment to supporting others and giving back. She speaks to her retirement process, including knowing when the time is right to retire and going from “full speed” to retirement.

While still working as Administrator, Pharmacy Services, Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Assistant Dean and Professor−Practice, College of Pharmacy, Bob Weber shares his thinking about his next act and/or retirement. He received his pharmacy degrees from The Ohio State University (BS, 1980; MS, 1982; PharmD, 2010) and completed his hospital pharmacy residency at Grant Hospital (now Grant Medical Center) and his critical care pharmacy fellowship at The Ohio State University (now Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center).

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old…we grow old because we stop playing!”

— George Bernard Shaw

Don’t stop playing! Specifically, don’t stop “playing” after you stop working. What Bob means by “playing” is making sure activities from your work or personal life continue into retirement or transition. The “playing” that he refers to should be done daily and must be fun, relaxing, and invigorating.

David W. Fuhs has worked his entire career to improve the use of medications in a variety of pharmacy practice settings, including hospital, ambulatory, and the pharmaceutical industry. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin in 1983, David completed a 2-year residency and concurrent Master of Science in Hospital Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics in 1985. He then completed a 2-year critical care research fellowship and Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of Minnesota in 1987.

Helping others, especially patients, as well as leading and mentoring pharmacists and “giving back” have been hallmarks of David’s career. He demonstrates this value as he shares the five questions he views as important when planning for retirement.

Phil Schneider graduated with his BS in Pharmacy at the University of Wisconsin in 1970 and his MS in Clinical Hospital Pharmacy at the Ohio State University in 1975.

Phil enjoyed a long and successful career in pharmacy practice, leadership, and academic environments. He is now enjoying retirement, and through his glance in the rearview mirror he advises us to find and build values that are important as a foundation during our professional career, upon which we can build when we retire.

Marianne F. Ivey received her pharmacy degree at the University of Wisconsin in 1967, and her PharmD and MPH in 1987 and 1992, respectively, at the University of Washington.

Marianne has had a successful career of service and dedication to patient care, pharmacy services, research, and academic and organizational leadership. Marianne’s advice is to find the balance and resilience in your life, including a healthy, happy family and meaningful work.

Lea Eiland shares her career journey and her learnings, indicating she has realized the most important question—what do I want to do?—is critical. It sounds like an easy question, but have you ever really thought about it? What do you want to do? What brings you joy, excitement, or energy?

Lea graduated from The University of Texas at Austin (2001) and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and then completed a pediatric specialty residency at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Lea wishes she would have spent more time with mentors along her career journey as she questioned what’s next several times. They may have asked questions to broaden her thoughts. Time passed, and new opportunities came about. Goals were added but not as many as she had listed when starting out as a pediatric pharmacist in an academic position.

Stephen Allen devoted his entire career to helping others and advancing the profession of pharmacy as an executive in pharmacy practice and association management. Steve’s career included 20 years of experience as a pharmacy executive in leading healthcare systems in the District of Columbia area and nearly 20 years as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Research and Education Foundation. He is a 1976 Bachelor of Science graduate of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and received his Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland in 1978.

Steve’s desire to help others continues today as he shares the personal and professional aspects of retirement. Steve shares his lessons learned including perspectives on transitioning from career to retirement and living as what his friends and colleagues call “the Poster-Boy of retirement.”

Kathy Pawlicki traces her career and life, and with her decision to eliminate her position she discusses her decision-making process, such as what is best for her organization, what would happen with her professional career, could her household navigate financially, and what would others think?

Kathy received her pharmacy education at Ferris State (1984) and her MS from Wayne State College of Pharmacy. She completed a residency at Providence Hospital, Southfield, Michigan.

I may retire from an employed job but I will never retire from my career in pharmacy. Enjoy every step of your journey and remember your career doesn’t have to end when you stop receiving a paycheck.

Jann Carmichael completed her BS in pharmacy at the University of Iowa in 1975 and her PharmD degree at the University of the Pacific in 1981.

Jann’s pharmacy career is devoted to advancing clinical pharmacy and patient care. Her talents and skills tell her story as she grew into her leadership roles and long career in the VA Healthcare System. Jann’s advice is to be grateful for what you have and savor the time you have it. And count among your friends and allies people who support you.