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Cromer pushes advocacy among young pharmacists by Cindy Abole Public Relations  Advocacy and involvement was the message S.C. State Sen. Ronnie Cromer (R) shared with pharmacy students earlier in September as a participant in a series to help foster and recognize professional leadership.  State Sen. Ronnie Cromer, right, chats with a COP student. Cromer spoke for about 40 minutes on “Political Advocacy for Pharmacists” on MUSC’s campus Sept. 2. His visit was part of Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society’s Seminar Series.  A 1973 graduate of the University of South Carolina’s School of Pharmacy, Cromer related his own professional path and growing involvement and interest within his own community and politics.  “Pharmacists have always been terrible at political adversity,” Cromer told the audience. “I sought change because I was troubled with the growing political environment.” Cromer believes his interests were spurred by passage of the South Carolina Pharmacy Practice Act in 1976. During his term, he has been active in introducing legislation that protects patients and improves pharmacy practice around the state.  He realized that the change process begins in the community starting with what most Americans consider as “trustful” leaders in the community. Results from a Gallup Poll survey consistently rank pharmacists as the most trusted professions in American surpassing physicians, nurses, priests and others.  Cromer began his involvement with civic organizations, including the Sertoma and Civitans Clubs. He was encouraged to join Prosperity’s Town council serving seven years.  In 2002, he won in a special districtwide election filling the vacant seat of incoming Lt. Gov. Andre’ Bauer. He represents citizens in Lexington, Newberry, Saluda and Union counties.  Since coming into office, he has been hard at work discussing area and statewide issues. He was actively involved with new legislation and revisions to the Pharmacy Practice Act in 2002 and continues to work closely with the South Carolina Pharmacy Association and its members.  He credits his leadership skills to 30 years in the military where he served as chief of pharmacy and X-ray at  a military hospital near the Saudi/Iraqi border. “I’m grateful to people around the county who’ve helped me and allowed me to be successful in my work,” Cromer said. “I want to continue to serve them and to identify and address their needs.” Following a short question-and-answer session, he closed by passing along some sage advice to pharmacy student crowd.  “Try to be part of the process and join your professional organization,” Cromer said. “Do something to be part of the process.” Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.