From Mr N. J. Wicks
SIR,-I feel I must take issue with the opinions offered by Mr D. K. Rayner (PJ, May 20, p770) regarding the "degrees of experience" of Council members. In his letter, Mr Rayner suggests that members should acquire a minimum degree of life experience (which he decided is to be measured in units of years on the register) before they run for Council. Although I am only about to join the register I believe the following points may still have some validity.
Well over 1,100 new pharmacists join the register each year. Over a 10-year period this would amount to over 11,000 pharmacists who, under Mr Rayner's scheme, would be unable to stand for Council.
A pharmacist who has been on the register for less than 10 years may well be in a better position to represent this portion of the membership. Their views may not be tempered with countless years of life experience but they would surely have a better grasp of the aspirations, issues and opinions of young pharmacists.
In the recent elections, Mr Robert Wood, aged 23, stood for Council. Mr Wood received more first preference votes than six of the other candidates. Mr Wood was also the last candidate to be excluded from the process. I do not know Mr Wood and cannot comment on his experience (life or otherwise) relative to his candidacy, however from the voting it would appear that members felt he had something to offer other than "supreme arrogance".
As a struggling profession we need to encourage the youngest members, not create more apathy. I do not believe that this encouragement would come from telling us to "stand outside the door while the grown-ups make the decisions". I think that Mr Rayner should have a little more faith in the modern young pharmacist. A three- or four-year degree, a training year and an examination produce a professional that the public entrusts their lives too. Perhaps they could also be trusted in helping shape the future of pharmacy. To any of those who have been on the register for less than 10 years, my advice is not only to vote but also to be proactive in pharmacy, especially if this means running for Council.
Noel Wicks
Final Year Student, Bradford University, West Yorkshire