Meet Michael Mercante, a third-year PharmD candidate at the Belmont University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. We recently caught up with Michael to find out more about his APhA–ASP journey.
Student Pharmacist magazine (SPM): Why did you choose to become an APhA–ASP member?
Michael: I chose to become a member because of how much community involvement APhA does. It is super fun getting to use skills learned in school and apply them out in the community to make a huge difference for patients. I also have made many connections and awesome friends from the other colleges of pharmacy. Being a part of APhA has positively impacted my school/career experience and provides so much purpose as I grow in my pharmacy skills and expertise.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Michael: The networking opportunities is by far one of my favorite member benefits. I have had the privilege of connecting with many pharmacy professionals including students, faculty members, and pharmacists. Everyone says that pharmacy is a small world. It really is true.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Michael: My favorite memory was attending the 2025 APhA Institute on Substance Use Disorders in Salt Lake City. We got to hike as a group up the mountain to what people call the “Living Room.” This is a spot where rocks have formation as chairs and couches for people to sit on.
SPM: Tell us about your APhA Institute experience.
Michael: The APhA Institute was a life-changing experience that taught me how to help patients who are struggling with the chronic disease of addiction. I learned about the pharmacotherapy utilized for treatment, the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and harm reduction/recovery. I also attended an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Narcotics Anonymous meeting, and Al-Anon meeting for the first time. These meetings created such a safe space to fellowship with others struggling with addiction or who have family/friends who are struggling with addiction. I experienced how supportive these groups can be for people who need help.
SPM: What are your key takeaways from the APhA Institute?
Michael: Some key takeaways that stood out to me from this experience was that addiction is a chronic disease and is no different than other conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, etc. Stigma still exists today with addiction, and we as health care professionals need to work tirelessly to fight against created stigma. It is vital to love our patients right where they are. How we speak or treat our patients will determine the comfortability of information that is shared with us. Language matters. When treating substance use disorders, it is important to treat the underlying cause of motivation for use of the substance. The patients’ deeper feelings underneath should be addressed.
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Michael: If I was a superhero, I would love to have the capability to be at multiple places at the same time. Sometimes your schedule does not allow you to do everything you want to. There are some days that I have multiple appointments at the same time and just have to pick one. Just think, I would be able to attend even more APhA events. How cool would that be!
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Michael: After a long day of school or work, I like to go for a nice run around the park, play tennis or pickleball, and hang out with family and friends.