Robyn Turner is a third-year PharmD candidate at The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy. In March, she received an APhA Student Leadership Award at the 2024 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando, FL.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
Turner: A few of my favorite memories were from the conferences that I attended, especially for APhA. I have had the opportunity to meet and connect with other student pharmacists from the United States and around the world. My first conference was the 2021 Region 8 APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting, and although it was online I felt the passion of the other student pharmacists. I wanted to become more involved with APhA, but I didn’t know what to do. Then, I learned of the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) Student Exchange Program, and with the help of my chapter I created the position of international vice president and established the University of New Mexico as a host site. We hosted an exchange student from Egypt, and she became a close friend. Through these expereinces, I figured out how to incorporate my love of traveling into pharmacy school.
At the end of my second year of pharmacy school, I was appointed to the International Standing Committee as the student exchange officer-elect. In my position, I share my passion with other student pharmacists and work to improve public health on the international level. In addition, I travel to attend conferences in other countries, including the 2023 World Congress in Bali, Indonesia, and the upcoming 2024 World Congress in Incheon, South Korea. One of my favorite memories from Indonesia was being with a few of the other delegates from the United States and sitting on the beach waiting for the sun to rise. Although it was short-lived because we had to leave to go back to the conference, it’s a memory that I won’t forget.
Outside of APhA, I’m involved with NCODA because of my passion for oncology. I serve as president for my chapter, and I have been able to assist with several events that were important to me, like a fundraiser for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer that raised more than $1,000 for research for new treatments and a registry drive for Be The Match that registered more than 200 people. These events brought the student body together to contribute to meaningful causes.
In conclusion, my favorite memories are because I found my passions and met a few of my best friends in pharmacy school. My single most important piece of advice for other student pharmacists is to find what you love to do and the people who support you.
SPM: Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Turner: I write all of my school and work responsibilities in my planner in addition to my personal obligations. Then, it’s all in one place. Also, I have a running to-do list in the notes on my phone of things that I need to do but don’t have a deadline as well.
When studying, I have random thoughts about the different things I need to do. Instead of shifting my focus, I learned to write the thought on a notepad that’s on the corner of my desk. Then, I don’t forget the thought, but I don’t interrupt my studying either.
Finally, before my third year of pharmacy school, I didn’t take my well-being seriously. Studying and my other school and work responsibilities became my priority, but I was feeling the effects of burnout. I wasn’t doing anything for myself because I didn’t think I had time, but I finally decided to start taking yoga classes. Although it’s at least an hour taken out of my day, it allows me to return to my other responsibilities feeling motivated and prepared to be more productive. Again, find what you love to do to help you destress!
SPM: What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
Turner: My favorite leadership resources have been other student pharmacists. They offer advice and experience that helps me know what helped them to be successful as well as what does and doesn’t work. In addition, find the people who are where you want to be, and connect with them! Having mentors is so important as a student pharmacist.
One of my favorite books on leadership that was recommended to me by one of my mentors is The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. When I’m reading, I take notes, and then write examples of how I plan to incorporate the advice into my leadership positions. But I believe the advice is useful for anyone interested in personal development as well.
SPM: What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean to you?
Turner: Every leader is different, and it’s your choice to decide the type of leader you want to be. Although there are different styles of leadership, they have a few traits in common.
A good leader helps others help themselves. As a leader, it’s not my responsibility to tell the others I’m working with what to do. Rather, it’s my responsibility to motivate them to set goals for themselves. Watching others succeed and knowing I contributed to their development is one of the proudest moments for me.
In addition, a good leader recognizes their own strengths as well as the strengths of the others they’re working with. I am very familiar with my top five strengths through CliftonStrengths, and I rely on them daily. Of my top five strengths, three are in the executing and two are in the relationship-building domains. Because I lack strengths in the influencing and strategic thinking domains, I seek out individuals with strengths in those domains to create a balanced team.
Finally, a good leader is willing to accept feedback, both positive and negative. I seek out feedback from the others I’m working with to improve myself as a leader. When I receive feedback, I reflect on why the comments were provided as well as the intention of the person who provided the feedback.
I’m honored to be selected for the Student Leadership Award and to be recognized with the other student pharmacists who are considered to be exceptional leaders within APhA–ASP. It’s a testament to my hard work throughout pharmacy school to improve my leadership skills.
SPM: OK, here’s a fun question: Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
Turner: My favorite Disney character is Mulan. She embodies the characteristics of bravery and strength, and she understands the importance of family. My parents are the people I’m closest with, and I’m willing to do anything to help them, similar to Mulan. She acts based on love and her sense of what is fair.
SPM: What’s next for you?
Turner: I begin APPEs in less than 3 months, and I start with NCODA in Cazenovia, NY, then the Board of Pharmacy Specialties at APhA headquarters in Washington, DC, and then five clinical rotations at a large health system in New Mexico. My goal since beginning pharmacy school has been to complete a PGY2 in oncology, and I’m excited to begin exploring my options for residency. I hope to continue my involvement with IPSF, as well as become involved with the International Pharmaceutical Federation. Of course, my plans include traveling, and I’ll be visiting my 40th country in August!