By Roswell A. Cole, PharmD, MPH
Public health isn’t just a vague undergraduate major or tack-on degree for the PharmD—it’s a commitment to serving the people around you and helping them reach a healthier life.
When I finished pharmacy school, I had my eyes on beginning fellowship and found that my commitment to public health would soon deepen. In my current role as a Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellow at the National Pharmaceutical Council, I have seen how the work of a health policy research organization promotes patient-centered care. I volunteered to be a member-at-large for policy and professional affairs with the APhA Public Health Community, which has given me the opportunity to lead a team of volunteers in reviewing the policies that govern our association. This has not only allowed me to gain a better understanding of how APhA works, but also how our leadership makes decisions and takes guidance from members.
Learn from peers and leaders
I took on this role because I had a strong interest in being involved with APhA, the organization I most enjoyed during pharmacy school. This opportunity has allowed me to maintain my network, meet new people, and most importantly collaborate with professionals who have taught me so much.
I deeply believe in the power of a professional network. It's not just a way to land your next role but a great way to diversify your viewpoints and learn from peers and leaders. Working with other leaders in the APhA Public Health Community has allowed me to hear opinions from like-minded individuals and critically think about the profession itself in such dynamic times.
As a pharmacist who works in policy, one of my personal interests is cross-partisan cooperation. My friends frequently ask me how I’m able to completely overlook someone’s political positions and keep friendships across the spectrum. I always credit my training as a pharmacist and public health professional for allowing me to do this. I see people for exactly who they are … people! This allows me to have both civil disagreements and friendships with people, while benefiting from hearing diverse perspectives on so many issues.
Join us in the APhA Communities
Moving forward, I look to the next year with great hope and excitement. I will be continuing in my fellowship and watching the APhA Community structure continue to take shape. My hope is that the projects our team has undertaken will continue with the next group of leaders. My excitement comes from knowing I’ll see them pursue new projects of their own. I also look forward to continuing to develop my skills as a new graduate.
If you are interested in deepening your involvement with the leading pharmacist-driven organization, expanding your network, and challenging your own opinions, I encourage you to explore the communities and leadership opportunities with APhA! Go to www.pharmacist.com/Membership/Communities for more information.
Roswell A. Cole, PharmD, MPH, is the health policy & communications fellow at National Pharmaceutical Council in Washington, DC, and adjunct faculty at the Rutgers University Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy. He is also an APhA Public Health Community policy and professional affairs member-at-large. Outside of pharmacy, he enjoys hiking and making progress on his goal of visiting all 50 states.