Griffin Geist is a second-year PharmD candidate at The University of Rhode Island (URI) College of Pharmacy.
This year’s APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville was the first national conference of such magnitude I’ve ever been to, and it did not disappoint! Attending as many of the incredible events as I could enabled me to walk away with many new insights, connections, memories, and—most importantly—the inspiration to lead, serve, and shape the pharmacy community I belong to.
New ideas to bring back to my chapter
My experience at APhA2025 began with the First Timers Session, which showed me how I was far from alone here. The eye-opening continued as my fellow URI pharmacy peers explored the convention center. The sheer size of the building, and how APhA dominated every floor, hinted at how massive the conference was. This was only further confirmed when hundreds upon hundreds of student pharmacists packed into the Karl Dean Ballroom for the APhA–ASP Student Kick-off, where outstanding chapter achievements were recognized. This was the moment the excitement really began … an excitement for the weekend and for the future of pharmacy.
Following the APhA Opening General Session, where attendees were introduced to many distinguished pharmacists, my peers and I made our way to the Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall, where we were met with rows of vibrant booths showcasing the latest and greatest in pharmacy. I took time to soak in every conversation and demo, and felt my excitement grow further. I got to speak about chapter project ideas with APhA membership staff members, and even met APhA President Alex Varkey, PharmD, MS, FAPhA! By then, I had realized a major goal of mine at the conference.
I am currently the patient care operations vice president for my chapter, and next year I will be the new practitioner/professionalism liaison. I have the opportunity to make an impact on those around me, an opportunity that attending APhA2025 opened my eyes to. Taking what I learned at the numerous events talking to many different pharmacists, I plan to host events at my own college of pharmacy. From hosting a Midyear Regional Meeting watch party in November, to panels introducing students to residents and pharmacists, and even a fashion show with different levels of professional attire. My goal is to do everything I can with my position to lift my peers up and make them even better future pharmacists.
I’ll be back
I had nothing short of an amazing time in Nashville. Since landing back home, I have felt a strong steadfast excitement for pharmacy. I have brought back with me a better sense of where I am in the realm of pharmacy and the many places I can go. I have been inspired to step up in my community, to better those around me, and give back any way I can.
I am excited for what the future holds for me and to come back next year for APhA2026 in Los Angeles!