Investing in Leadership: My Experience with the ACCP Leadership Academy

Written by Michelle Link Patterson, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

My understanding of leadership has evolved throughout pharmacy school, professional practice, and involvement in professional organizations. Early in my career, I associated leadership primarily with formal positions and titles, but over time I realized that meaningful leadership often happens in smaller, everyday moments, such as mentoring a learner, volunteering within an organization, or supporting colleagues through challenges. Leadership and continuous learning have become closely connected in my professional growth, and that perspective is what led me to pursue the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Leadership Academy.

While I do not currently hold a formal leadership role within my health-system, I see leadership as an important part of my future and wanted to become more intentional in how I contribute within teams. One of the most important lessons from the academy was the distinction between management and leadership. While managers help maintain systems and processes, leaders inspire growth, collaboration, and change. This concept resonated with me because much of leadership in healthcare occurs through influence, initiative, and the ability to support others effectively within a team environment rather than through formal authority alone.

The academy curriculum balanced leadership theory with practical application and self-reflection, but one of the most impactful components for me was learning about the Six Types of Working Genius framework. Through this exercise, I identified my primary working geniuses as Tenacity and Enablement, which aligned with how I naturally contribute within teams and approach my work professionally.

The Genius of Tenacity focuses on execution, reliability, and achieving results. People with this strength derive energy from completing tasks, overcoming obstacles, and ensuring goals are met. The Genius of Enablement centers on supporting others and providing the assistance needed to move projects forward successfully. Together, these strengths reflect my tendency to be dependable, responsive, and invested in helping teams succeed, or as the working genius labels this combination, the “loyal finisher.” I often find myself naturally stepping into roles that involve coordinating work, supporting colleagues, and ensuring projects continue moving forward even when challenges arise.

At the same time, the framework helped me better understand areas that require more intentional effort, particularly Discernment and Galvanizing. Additionally, it reinforced that effective leadership is not about excelling in every area individually. Strong leaders recognize the value of diverse strengths and understand how different perspectives contribute to a team’s success. Since completing the program, I have become more mindful of how I collaborate with colleagues, approach team dynamics, and adapt my communication style based on the individuals involved.

One of the most immediately valuable components of the academy was the focus on communication and conflict management. The sessions on managing conflict provided practical frameworks for navigating difficult conversations, approaching disagreements professionally, and remaining adaptable when circumstances change unexpectedly. These skills have been especially relevant as I recently transitioned into a new position within a health-system that is new to ambulatory care pharmacy services. The strategies I learned through the academy have helped me navigate some of the expected challenges that come with implementing new clinical services and building collaborative relationships within a growing practice model.

This year’s cohort was particularly meaningful, as it marked the final offering of the ACCP Leadership Academy. While it is bittersweet to see this program conclude, ACCP continues to expand its professional development opportunities with new academy offerings, including Billing and Contracting for Outpatient Clinical Pharmacy Services and Comprehensive Medication Management Implementation. These programs reflect the evolving needs of the profession and provide continued avenues for growth.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the ACCP Ambulatory Care PRN for sponsoring my participation in this program. Their support made this opportunity possible and reflects a strong commitment to developing future leaders in ambulatory care pharmacy.

Completing the ACCP Leadership Academy has had a lasting impact on how I approach leadership. I am more intentional in how I communicate, more strategic in how I lead teams, and more confident in my ability to influence change. For those seeking to grow as leaders in clinical pharmacy, ACCP’s academy programs remain a valuable investment in both personal and professional development.

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Michelle Link Patterson, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

Main Line Health

Wynnewood, PA