Ava Jalshgari is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Touro University College of Pharmacy.
APhA2025 in Nashville this past March was an electrifying event filled with inspiration, collaboration, and a deep sense of purpose. Student pharmacists gathered for a weekend that not only celebrated achievements, but also empowered them to shape the future of the pharmacy profession.
Setting the tone
Day 1 on Friday began with the APhA–ASP Student Kick-off, which set the tone by recognizing outstanding student achievements.
Notable award recipients at this event included:
Operation Immunization
- National winner: The University of New Mexico
- First runner-up: Lipscomb University
- Second runner-up: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Operation Reproductive Health
- National winner: Lipscomb University
- First runner-up: MCPHS University–Boston
- Second runner-up: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Operation Heart
- National winner: Lipscomb University
- First runner-up: The University of New Mexico
- Second runner-up: The University of Mississippi
Chapter Professionalism Award: Roseman University
Patient Care Award: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Most Improved Chapter: West Coast University
Chapter Operational Leadership Award: The University of Mississippi
Chapter Policy & Legislative Award: University of Pittsburgh
Outstanding IPSF Activity Award: The University of New Mexico
APhA–ASP Outstanding Dean: Vassilios Papadopoulos, DPharm, PhD
Advocacy in action
One of the most anticipated Friday events was the APhA–ASP Open Hearing on Proposed Resolutions and New Business. This session provided a unique platform for student pharmacists to voice their opinions on key issues impacting the profession, including the highly debated proposal for collaborative practice agreements. These potential changes through policy reform could bring pharmacists closer to prescriber status, allowing them to play an even more integral role in individualized patient care.
The hearing was an inspiring display of advocacy, as students passionately discussed policies they believe will benefit the profession and improve patient-centered outcomes.
Fun times at the convention center, downtown
Beyond the formal sessions, my own day at the convention was packed with unforgettable moments. After the Student Kick-off, I explored the opening of the Expo Hall, where I got to interact with various vendors showcasing cutting-edge technology, clinical tools, and residency programs. I even got a chance to demo a few innovative adherence solutions from Omnicell, such as refrigerated bags for medications that need to be stored in cooler temperatures, and chatted with pharmacists who were eager to share advice and encouragement.
Throughout the day, I found myself constantly bumping into old friends and making new connections. One of the best moments was spontaneously reuniting with a friend I hadn’t seen since elementary school—we grabbed a quick coffee at one of the nearby coffee stands and talked like no time had passed at all. I also joined a lively group of students from different chapters across the country, and we shared our unique experiences with chapter initiatives and policy involvement from Virginia and Pennsylvania.
After a day of inspiration and activity, a few of us decided to unwind and explore the heart of Nashville. We grabbed dinner at a local BBQ spot near Broadway (yes, the ribs were that good) and then made our way to a live music venue where a local band was playing classic country hits. The energy downtown was infectious, and it was the perfect way to wrap up an already exciting day.
As my Friday came to a close, I looked forward to the rest of the weekend. I was especially excited for Saturday’s general sessions and workshops on pharmacy innovation and public health initiatives. On Sunday, I couldn’t wait for the final APhA–ASP House of Delegates session and the closing keynote—both of which promise to be powerful send-offs.
Inspired and reenergized
APhA2025 proved to be so much more than just a conference—it was a celebration of passion, advocacy, and community. Being surrounded by future and current leaders in pharmacy left me inspired and reenergized. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this dynamic profession, and I’m looking forward to the future.