Just prior to cranberry season, the Fika Crew met with Lucinda Maine, PhD. - CEO Emerita, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy - to chat about her preferment (aka retirement) journey.

Tina also shares her fascination with candied cranberry videos. If you are curious, be sure to watch Thyme to Cook with Kristi. I Tried the Viral Candied Cranberry. November 20, 2025. [YouTube Video]

Preferment is a modern concept reframing retirement as a proactive, fulfulling stage of life focused on doing what you prefer, rather than simply ending work; it's about pursuing meaningful activities, passions, and purpose with freedom and flexibility, shifting from "retiring from" to "aspiring to" a life aligned with your values, using wisdom and energy for continued growth, contribution, and joy. It emphasizes a planned transition that integrates purpose, relationships, health, and finances, often through gradual changes.

Intro and Fika Snack Sharing: 0:00 - 4:27

Preferment : 4:28

Resources

Silver MP, Wong JV, Barrett K, et al. A scope review and synthesis of the literature on retirement among academic health professionals. Disocver Health Systems 2025; 4: Article 45.

Goodall J and Abrams D. The Book of Hope: A Survival Guide for Trying Times. New York: Celadon Books, 2021.

And in case you missed it from our last epidose, this book is relevant to those considering or in preferment too:

Le Cunff A. Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obessed World. New York: Avery, 2025.

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The Pharmacy Fika podcast is a positive and compassionate “place” (a virtual community) where pharmacy and other health professions educators gather to discuss teaching, learning, scholarship, and academic life… plus the snacks that support their best work. So grab your favorite beverage and listen to the Pharmacy Fika podcast with your colleagues.

The Co-Hosts are:

Stuart T. Haines (Executive Producer), University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy – sthaines@olemiss.edu
Tina Brock, University of Melbourne Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences - tina.brock@unimelb.edu.au
Jeff Cain, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy - jeff.cain@uky.edu
Kristin Janke, University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy - janke006@umn.edu

Disclaimer (inspired by Whad’Ya Know?): All opinions expressed on the Pharmacy Fika podcast are well-reasoned and insightful. Needless to say, they are ours and our guests alone, and not those of our employing institutions.

Even though we don’t accept advertising and don’t have any sponsors, we seem to mention Trader Joe’s snacks and various water-based drinks a LOT.

Not sure what fika is all about? Watch this brief video: How a Swedish coffee break can boost your wellbeing and performance.

Got a great idea for a discussion topic? Drop us a line (pharmacyfika@gmail.com) or leave us a voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/PharmacyFika

Preferment: Achieving Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose After Full-Time Employment