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An integral part of student pharmacists’ discipline

An integral part of student pharmacists’ discipline

Ethan Chhan is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy. 

When Rachel Lucky, APhA–ASP national president, unveiled her 2025–2026 theme, “Every Moment Matters: Celebrate, Cherish, Create,” I interpreted it as a reminder for each of us at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition to develop every interaction or event with an impactful intent and make use of the time we have as student pharmacists.

With the new school year right around the corner, it is only right to think about how to make this year amazing for myself as well as the community and patients I serve every day.

Small interactions can make a big difference

Heading into my final year of pharmacy school, I realized such a theme is an integral part of student pharmacists’ discipline. The experiences shared with patients, faculty, or our cohort may seem small in the moment but could end up being an everlasting memory. Nowhere is such an experience more noticeable than at an outpatient pharmacy. Having worked as a clerk, pharmacy technician, and now an intern, I have seen the smallest interactions can make the difference between a positive and negative encounter with a patient.       

No one wants to wait in line at the pharmacy, let alone learn they had a change in insurance or their medications were sent to a different pharmacy. Patients often have nowhere else to vent their frustrations when they approach the pharmacy—until they speak with you. As health care providers in training, we can turn a moment of confusion, anger, or irritation into a moment of understanding, support, and empathy. Offer words of assurance and, most importantly, hear the patient out. Saying “I am sorry to hear that” or “We will figure this out together” can stick with a patient for a long time.

Make lasting memories

Much like patients, potential new APhA members or first-year PharmD candidates may latch onto such moments of guidance and support. Stepping into a role as a chapter leader can afford you so many opportunities to make the pharmacy school experience that much less stressful or overwhelming. Giving advice on how to study for a particular class, inviting them out to an event, or engaging with them outside the classroom are potential moments they will not forget. Such interactions were what kept me afloat during hard times (aka cardiology and pharmacokinetics) throughout most of my didactics.

Rachel’s theme serves as a reminder for me in my last year to continue making incredible memories for not only myself, but for the people I interact with. Regardless of the time or space, be able to make every moment a memorable one. If not for myself, then for someone who can appreciate the moment down the line.

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Posted: Aug 19, 2025,
Categories: Features,
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