Emily Scott is a third-year PharmD candidate at The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy and a 2026–2027 APhA–ASP member-at-large.
APhA’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition was an unforgettable experience. Under the theme “Redefining Possible,” student pharmacists from across the country gathered in Los Angeles to celebrate our achievements, develop new friendships, and share our ideas.
Reconnecting with new and old friends
I kicked off my weekend at APhA2026 in a closed session reconnecting with my fellow regional officers and student leaders serving on our APhA–ASP National Executive Committee (NEC) and national standing committee roles. As this was the first time our regional officers had all met together in person, it was exciting to catch up and see everyone in their Barbie and Ken attire! We spent much of the morning practicing and perfecting our opening dance for the Student Kick-Off before all of the student pharmacists arrived.
Sharing my vision
One of my favorite experiences at APhA2026 was the Student Pharmacist Showcase. Along with the other national officer candidates, I had the opportunity to connect with student pharmacists all across the nation and showcase my campaign poster. Throughout this hour-long session, I was able to share my motivations and goals as a candidate for NEC national member-at-large. Not only did this session help me with my campaign, but I also walked away feeling so connected and inspired by the student pharmacists within APhA.
Student leaders from the APhA–ASP National Member Engagement Standing Committee also showcased the impact that student pharmacists had over the past year within each of the six nationally recognized patient care projects.
Dancing the night away
With a quick addition of a bandana and cowgirl hat, I transformed from “National Officer Candidate Barbie” to “Cowgirl Barbie!” The energy in the conference hall was lively, with several of our regional and national student leaders dancing to Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night,” and one of our very own student pharmacists hyping everyone up as the DJ!
During the Student Kick-Off, APhA recognized the outstanding achievements of student pharmacists. Congratulations to the following award recipients who were recognized.
Operation Immunization
- National winner: Lipscomb University
- First runner-up: University of Southern California
- Second runner-up: University of Nebraska Medical Center
Operation Reproductive Health
- National winner: Belmont University
- First runner-up: Lipscomb University
- Second runner-up: University of Florida
Operation Heart
- National winner: Drake University
- First runner-up: University of Southern California
- Second runner-up: University of Wisconsin–Madison
Chapter Professionalism Award: Midwestern University
Chapter Patient Care Award: The University of Mississippi
Most Improved Chapter: University of South Carolina
APhA–ASP Outstanding Dean: Donald Godwin, PhD, The University of New Mexico
Chapter Operational Leadership Award: University of New Mexico
Chapter Policy & Legislative Award: The University of Texas at El Paso
Outstanding IPSF Activity Award: University of Houston
Up-and-Coming Chapter Award: University of California, Irvine
Reimagining OTC Medicine Safety
After a quick bite to eat and a second outfit change, I attended the APhA–ASP OTC Medicine Safety session led by Desiree Herman, the national liaison for OTC Medicine Safety. During this session, student pharmacists from the University of Maryland, South Dakota State University, Albany College of Pharmacy, and Idaho State University presented their innovative and successful OTC Medicine Safety events held by their respective chapters. Student pharmacists were also encouraged to share their ideas with those around them and were provided resources they could take home with them.
Altogether, students left feeling inspired and equipped to implement meaningful OTC Medicine Safety events within each of their chapters.
Interviewing with the Nominating Committee
On Friday, I had an additional opportunity to share my philosophies and vision for APhA–ASP as a national officer candidate, but this time with the APhA–ASP Nominating Committee. I am grateful for the following individuals serving on the 2026 APhA–ASP Nominating Committee for their time and consideration: Miranda Montoya, PharmD (APhA–ASP Immediate Past President), Hira Ilyas (Region 1, chair), Liz Cherinka (Region 2), Genisse Gonzalez (Region 3), Andrew Hagmeier (Region 4), Aubrey Kooima (Region 5), Zoe Koppersmith (Region 6), Ivy Reed (Region 7), and Tien Dinh (Region 8).
Taking policy to the next level
As the Region 6 Midyear Regional Meeting Coordinator, I was excited to serve on the APhA–ASP Reference Committee this year. My role during the APhA–ASP Open Hearing on Proposed Resolutions and New Business was to take notes on the feedback and suggestions raised by student pharmacists on the proposed policy statements. I was inspired by the dozens of students who shared their thoughts with initiative and courage.
Sneaking away to L.A. Live
After an action-packed day full of engaging sessions, campaigning, and connecting with other student pharmacists, a short break in downtown Los Angeles was in order! My fiancé (who is also a student pharmacist) and I shared dinner at the Lazy Dog Restaurant in L.A. Live, where we enjoyed the beautiful Southern California weather while eating on the outdoor patio. This was a perfect way to wrap up an already unforgettable day.
Exploring the Exhibit Hall
As the evening came to a close, I was excited to reconnect with several friends as we explored the Exhibit Hall together. I had the opportunity to interact with several vendors to learn more about career opportunities, various pharmaceutical products, and technological advances. On a lighter note, we had fun building our own s’mores desserts, getting our pictures taken, and playing on the Walmart claw machines.
Wrapping up the day
Walking back to my hotel, I couldn’t stop talking about what a fantastic day it had been. Being able to serve my peers as a regional officer made this APhA Annual Meeting particularly meaningful. I leave this conference with renewed energy and dedication to serving my peers and advancing the future of pharmacy.
Let’s never forget the memories we made, the skills we developed, and the impact we had. Let’s never stop redefining possible.