Welcome Mr. President!! An interview with Dr. Bhavesh Desai

Dr. Bhavesh Desai, who is our President elect for the 2011-2012 term with the IPA, is a young man with a great vision for this growing organization. The following is a brief interview with Dr. Desai.

 Dr. Desai let's start with the basics, tell us about yourself.  

 Sure, I am married to Sheetal. We have two children; Anya who is 5 and Ayan who is 17 months old. I graduated from Western University of Health Sciences in 2002 with my PharmD and am currently pursuing a JD. I invested in my own business about 5 years ago and am currently part-owner of Yucaipa Valley Pharmacy. 

How and when did you get involved with IPA?

Well I got involved with IPA about 5 years ago when Mr. Anil Badlani asked me to be part of his board. I started by mainly gathering Independent Pharmacy Owners' information for the IPA-CA website and assisted with the annual trade show.

 

What are you most proud of as a member of IPA?

 One of the things that I am most proud of as an IPA member is being able to see the recognition The IPA has gained in the past 4 years and our members being very politically active, really creating a voice and making positive changes.

 

What doors have opened for you as a member of IPA?

 The IPA has opened many doors. Of most value is the ability to network with my fellow pharmacists. I am on the CPhA APA board because of the IPA. Through this association I have made some amazing contacts and have been offered wonderful opportunities. I am honored and looking forward to be delivering the Alumni Commencement Speech for Western University, College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy on May 19th, 2011.

 

What was your drive to take the role of 2011 President of IPA?

 I was presented an opportunity to lead The IPA last year. I feel that my skill sets, my motivation to push our organization forward and my loyalty to The IPA is in line with the current needs of the organization hence have accepted the position. It is my turn to give back and I am ready and excited for my term as IPA President.

 

What changes would you like to see within the IPA?

 One positive change I want to lay into our foundation is to see IPA pursue more of a political role in California and nationwide. We all need to use our contacts and network with one another to show that The IPA has a voice. We are going in that direction with the recent appointment of Mr. Badlani to the CPOB. As we move forward these next two years, I want to make sure The IPA is an association with a voice in our government. I want to show our members the value of our network and that change is possible if we unite and seek to be heard.

What are one or two goals you have in mind to take us to the next level?

 One of my biggest goals is to really grow our membership. One way to achieve this is by bringing younger pharmacists on board and offering resources that are targeted to the needs of our members.

 

What is one challenge that might hinder that goal?

 Not enough member involvement in the process. The ultimate goal of any organization is to be heard. This can only be done by the masses. If I could have one wish for The IPA, it is to make sure our members are involved and stay active in the pursuit of this goal. If more members don't participate, then all our efforts will go in vain.

 

What can we do as IPA members to ensure our organization has the capability to be heard?

 Again I cannot emphasize this enough but we all need to try to be more involved with supporting and growing The IPA. I need our members to spread the word about the benefits of The IPA. Urge others to become fans of the Facebook/IPA page, become IPA twitter bugs. Respond and participate in events and recruit more members. If each current member recruited just one member, we would double our membership. Remember the masses have the ability to be heard.

 What is an absolute necessity for you as our President and how will this help our organization?

 I must have a focused team that makes The IPA a priority in their professional lives which will enable us to carry out the agenda set forth at the upcoming meeting.

 

Is there anything else you would like to address to our members?

 IPA will only be as successful as the efforts of its members. Together we are strong and we need input and help from all board as well as our loyal members.