Student Organization Updates
APhA-ASP
Networking on the National Level. At this year's Annual Meeting of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), student members of UUSOP APhA-ASP student chapter had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the incoming president of the APhA, Dr. Jenelle Sobotka. As president of APhA for 2012-2013, Dr. Sobotka is charged with the duty of championing issues facing pharmacy, such as the need for improved reimbursement models for pharmacy services and the important issue of pharmacists obtaining provider status. During the meeting, Dr. Sobotka took the time to share her story of how she found herself in the many different practice settings she has been a part of and how God helped her find her niche in each opportunity that she was presented with. She gave the students opportunities to ask questions and sought the opinions of the students on how current issues in pharmacy are seen through the eyes of student pharmacists. "Dr. Sobotka was personable and willing to answer any questions. She was knowledgeable about all the APhA issues, including the issues affecting the Academy of Student Pharmacists," P1 student Allison Todd said of the discussion with the incoming president.
Dr. Sobotka left the students with the advice to "practice to the peak of your education," a statement which stuck with many. "This really hit home to me," said P1 Emily Crum, who will be president of the UUSOP chapter of the APhA-ASP for the 2012-2013 school year. "It is important to challenge ourselves each and every day to allow for the best patient care. This includes being a voice to show your concerns about policies that can impact the profession of pharmacy," says Crum. By using the expansive amount of information learned in school to provide the best patient care and provide information to the public about the profession of pharmacy, pharmacists and student pharmacists can truly reach their peak inside and outside the world of pharmacy.
Generation RX Award. The UUSOP APhA-ASP chapter received 4th place nationally among all competing schools of pharmacy for their work with the GenerationRX project. The chapter's work was recognized at the 2012 American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting in New Orleans where they received a plaque and a $250 stipend.
Drug Take Back Day. The UUSOP APhA-ASP chapter had the opportunity to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency's (DEA) Drug Take Back Day events on April 28, 2012. Our chapter had 16 members present among the four Take Back locations. At the locations, chapter members were able to educate patients about the importance of safe drug disposal, as well as provide pamphlets about our Generation Rx program. DEA Take Back Days offer the public a safe method of disposal for unused and expired medications, which keeps drugs out of our water systems and out of the hands of children and pets.
PharmFlix Video Contest. The chapter also received honorable mention in the PharmFlix video competition. The video was played at the annual meeting in a general session. This year's them was "Our Story" and the UUSOP video focused on patient compliance using the theme song from the Fresh Prince of Bel Air television show.
TSSP
TPA/TSSP Annual Meeting. Several faculty members and students attending the recent TPA/TSSP Annual Convention in Panama City Beach, Florida. In addition to enjoying continuing education attendees had the opportunity to network and fellowship at the TPA Playa Blanca event and other activities.
Jonathan Mitchell Takes Office in TSSP. Congratulations to Jonathan Mitchell from the Class of 2014. He was voted in and assumed office as President-Elect for the Tennessee Society of Student Pharmacists (TSSP) at the February 2012 TSSP Mid-Year Meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee. He will assume the role of President of TSSP at the February 2013 TSSP Mid-Year Meeting. When asked about what he wanted to accomplish while in office, Mitchell responded, "Over the next two years as President-elect and then President, I plan on serving each student pharmacist by being their collective and representative voice; to advocate for and improve the health and welfare of Tennesseans; to provide opportunities for personal and professional development; to advocate for the provision of quality of pharmacy education; to facilitate continued involvement and leadership upon graduation; and to envision and shape the future of pharmacy."
Other News
Oncology Elective. During the month of June, students enrolled in the month-long Oncology Elective course spent a day at St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research Institute in Memphis. While there, the students were given a tour of the hospital and an overview of pharmaceutical services at St. Jude, including a description of the roles/responsibilities of oncology research pharmacists and the educational, training, and career opportunities at St. Jude. A special thanks to Dr. Bill Greene, Dr. Jennifer Robertson, Dr. John McCormick, and Dr. Robbin Christenson for making this day such a rewarding experience for our students. Pictured from left to right are the oncology elective students and the course coordinator: David Lee, Dr. Amy Williams (Course Coordinator), Wilbert Fuerte, Lacie Hatcher, Alison Tribble, Katie Bruno, Ashley Vaughn (in back), and Brian Clariana.