I joined APhA because they provided me with an opportunity for growth and development Last year, I participated in a variety of events and gained awareness in several topics in pharmacy Now, as the IPSF Infectious Diseases Chair, I am organizing my own events, connecting with healthcare professionals, and educating others on topics related to infectious diseases and antimicrobials. My future goal is to become an infectious diseases pharmacist, and APhA has provided me with the strong foundation I needed
APHA CHAIR OF THE MONTH
Jason
I joined APhA–IPSF Infectious Diseases because I’m passionate about understanding how infections affect both individual patients and public health on a larger scale. Being part of this group helps me stay current on antimicrobial stewardship, resistance trends, vaccination advocacy, and emerging pathogens while collaborating with peers who share similar interests. It will also help me better prepare for my upcoming APPE rotation by strengthening my clinical knowledge, therapeutic decisionmaking, and patient-education skills so I can provide safer and more effective care
LEGISLATIVE DAY
Pharmacy Legislative Day was an important opportunity for student pharmacists to engage directly in the advocacy process and represent the profession at the state or national level. Events such as the American Pharmacists Association Congressional Visits Day and state-led legislative days organized by groups like the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations allow students to meet with lawmakers, discuss key healthcare issues, and advocate for policies that expand patient access to pharmacistprovided care. Attending Pharmacy Legislative Day empowers students to understand how legislation shapes their future scope of practice, reimbursement opportunities, and provider status. It also strengthens leadership skills, builds professional confidence, and demonstrates that student voices play a meaningful role in advancing the profession and improving patient outcomes.
APHAXBSPHAXGPWRUNCLUB
The collaboration between American Pharmacists Association (APhA), Black Student Pharmacists Association (BSPHA), and Gator Pharmacy Wellness (GPW) created a meaningful opportunity for pharmacy students to step away from lectures, and exams. Focusing on their own wellbeing. By hosting a run event centered on physical activity, the organizations encouraged students to prioritize health in a fun and supportive environment rather than viewing wellness as just another academic topic.
Events like this are especially valuable in pharmacy school, where the workload can be mentally demanding. The run allowed students to clear their minds, relieve stress, and reset mentally while also strengthening friendships with classmates. Instead of studying drug mechanisms or patient cases, participants spent time moving their bodies, laughing, and enjoying the outdoors a reminder that personal health is just as important as patient care.
Overall, the event demonstrated how student organizations can promote holistic wellness. It not only increased engagement in physical activity but also reinforced an important message: pharmacists must care for themselves in order to effectively care for others.
APhA POCT
Student pharmacists recently attended a point-of-care testing (POCT) outreach event at the Groves Street Farmers Market, where they provided blood pressure and blood glucose screenings to community members. During the event, students not only performed these important health checks but also counseled patients on their results, lifestyle modifications, and when to seek further medical care. This experience offered valuable hands-on practice in patient communication, clinical assessment, and realtime decision-making outside of a traditional pharmacy setting. It also strengthened community engagement by increasing access to preventive care services in a convenient, familiar environment. Overall, the outreach provided a meaningful opportunity for student pharmacists to apply their knowledge, build confidence, and promote public health while serving the community.
APhA Mid Year 2026
APhA mid year, you might be wondering what that is? What would I gain from attending APha Mid year conference? APhA Midyear conference is a professional development conference, which is cartered for student pharmacist. The conference provides many opportunuities for pharmacy students, faculty, residents, practicing pharmacist to come together and discuss the changing role of pharmacy practice, leadership, and patient care. At the conference, it provide students with insight on various career option in pharmacy that you may have never knew existied. Community, hospital, industry, ambulatory care, and many residency programs. The conference provides student with the opportunity to network, develop communication and advocacy skill. As well as an understanding of the impact that pharmacist have on health care policy and patient care. APhA mid year is honestly a great opportunity to enchance your professional identity, establish mentorship relaaationship, enhance confidence in clincal practice, and prepare students for the transition from academa to practice by giving student a vision into what the profession really look like.
