Tien Dinh is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Chapman University School of Pharmacy.
Sometimes the most meaningful moments in pharmacy occur outside the classroom. Attending the 2025 Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM) in Washington, DC, this past November reminded me why these experiences, where student pharmacists can gather as a community and connect with those equally excited to be there, matter. Surrounded by student pharmacists and leaders from across the country, I found myself reflecting on not only how each speaker shaped my understanding of the profession, but also the kind of pharmacist I hope to become.
MRM attendees had the option to attend in-person, on-campus, or online, so they could expand their knowledge, network with colleagues, explore career pathways, shape the future of pharmacy, and get inspired.
Learning from inspiring speakers
The on-site programming began Friday, November 7, with a warm reception held at APhA headquarters. The atmosphere was lively, filled with reunions from the Summer Leadership Institute and introductions to new faces.
Saturday’s programming opened with Elodie Tendoh, PharmD, MS, LFP, who delivered an informative session on student loans and the different repayment strategies, including opportunities such as the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. She also explained new legislative changes and their effects on student pharmacists at different stages of their training. Dr. Tendoh closed by guiding us through developing an action plan, which accounted for these changes in legislation.
Next, Alexis Shook, PharmD, CPP, shared her unique journey to becoming a sports pharmacist. The opportunity arrived during her PGY1 community pharmacy residency with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she joined a sports medicine clinic that initially struggled to understand how to use a pharmacist. Dr. Shook emphasized the importance of advocating for the value a pharmacist can bring to the sports medicine setting and closed her eye-opening presentation with advice for the students in the audience: “Never let others tell you what your boundaries are,” she said.
After a brief networking break, we resumed the speaker sessions with immediate-past APhA National President Alex Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA, who broke down negotiating methods into the 4 P’s: preparation, positioning, patience, and partnership. Dr. Varkey emphasized that in negotiation, it is important to protect the relationship rather than domination.
Following this session, Sky Kapan, PharmD, provided insight into the various pathways to begin a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Tami Rodriguez, PharmD, BCPS, AAHIVE, then shared insight on her experiences as a pharmacist working in the U.S. Public Health Service, encouraging students to explore diverse opportunities early in their careers and to remain open to unexpected paths.
The in-person programming concluded with a virtual presentation from Erin Albert, MBA, PharmD, JD, DASPL. Dr. Albert covered the five soft skills to thrive in pharmacy and health care, which includes adaptability, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, digital and data literacy, and creativity/innovation.
On Sunday, chapter delegates met virtually for their respective regional meetings, during which regional patient care awards were announced, regional officer candidates delivered their speeches, and proposed resolutions were presented. Following the meetings, chapter delegates received a ballot to vote for their 2026 regional officers and proposed resolutions, further engaging and advancing the APhA–ASP policy process.
My commitment strengthened
Attending MRM reinforced how expansive the pharmacy profession is, with each speaker being from different pharmacy pathways. Leaving the conference, I felt inspired not only by their expertise, but by their stories, which serve as reminders that growth only happens when we challenge ourselves and step into unfamiliar spaces. This experience strengthened my commitment to staying open-minded and to advocate for myself as I move closer to the beginning of my journey as a pharmacist.