[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 22]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 31006]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   PHARMACY EDUCATION AID ACT OF 2003

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                           HON. BARBARA CUBIN

                               of wyoming

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 21, 2003

  Mrs. CUBIN. Mr. Speaker, pharmacists are a vital link in this 
nation's health care system. Across the nation, we are seeing a 
shortage of pharmacists and this shortage is taking hold in Wyoming as 
well.
  Americans of all ages will continue to take advantage of the 
therapeutic benefits that come from prescription medications.
  Without pharmacists to distribute those drugs and educate us about 
their effects, we would see the downfall of our health care system. We 
cannot allow that to happen, and must do what we can to ensure an 
adequate supply of pharmacists in Wyoming, and across the country.
  In addition, as Congress prepares to pass a Medicare reform 
prescription drug bill, seniors will have greater access to medications 
at a lower cost and will need qualified pharmacists to help them 
understand and properly use their medications.
  The Pharmacy Education Aid Act of 2003 authorizes two new student-
loan programs for pharmacists. The first would repay the student loans 
of pharmacists who agree to practice for at least 2 years in areas with 
a critical shortage of pharmacists.
  The second would repay the loans of students who agree to serve for a 
least 2 years as faculty members at accredited schools of pharmacy; one 
of which is at the University of Wyoming.
  It makes sense that if we want an adequate supply of pharmacists in 
the workplace then we need to ensure adequate faculty to guide them 
through their education.
  We are seeing more of a demand for pharmacists in Wyoming, whether it 
be in our local Walmart and Safeway stores, or in our hospitals.
  Our faculty at UW's school of pharmacy is also stretched very thin, 
and I want to ensure that we continue to have excellent faculty there. 
After all, they are responsible for providing Wyoming with the best and 
brightest in the way of pharmacy graduates.
  This legislation is designed to encourage students to enter the 
pharmacy profession, both in individual practice and as university 
educators. We all know how expensive it is to get an education these 
days, and pharmacy students can face loans of up to $90,000.
  This bill will not only help students in Wyoming with the financial 
burdens associated with education, but help Wyoming obtain the 
qualified pharmacists it needs.

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