Meghan Kriney is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
Every pharmacist has their purpose. It is what inspired them to pursue pharmacy as a lifetime career. In thinking about my own career, one of the reasons I chose pharmacy was the opportunity to collaborate and solve problems while making a difference in the lives of others.
During my experience as a pharmacy technician just before pharmacy school, I was immediately drawn to the connections pharmacists build with one another, other health care professionals, and—most importantly—their patients. After 2 years at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, I believe that at its core, pharmacists and student pharmacists share one common goal: to improve patient lives through their knowledge of medications. This guiding purpose drives us to care for our patients and gives us a sense of pride in the work we do.
It is purpose that gives us direction, but unity is what allows us to expand our skills, explore new ideas, and amplify our impact. That is why APhA–ASP National President Sean Kawa’s presidential theme “Guided by Purpose, Lifted by Unity” resonates with me.
The value of collaboration
As a former NCAA soccer player, I developed a deep appreciation for teamwork. A soccer team may have incredibly talented individuals; however, it takes a team to win and strong culture to separate the best teams from others. Unity creates a support system that allows ideas to grow and impact to expand. Through athletics, I learned the value of collaboration and carrying the strengths of many people toward a common goal. It is a lesson I have carried with me into pharmacy school and in every leadership position I have held.
Bringing ideas to life
As a student pharmacist, I have seen firsthand how purpose, combined with unity, can bring ideas to life, make the impossible possible, and create meaningful change for the patients and communities we serve. At my school of pharmacy, I have experienced the power of a culture built on support, collaboration, and shared purpose. In building a culture of excellence at Pitt’s APhA–ASP Chapter, we have been able to collaborate on projects that have touched the lives of patients and those within our own school.
Through the dedication of our faculty, staff, and student leaders, we have turned ideas into action. This past year alone, our chapter launched two new local initiatives that expanded education and outreach within our school, community, and state. We also supported and organized 70 student pharmacists in attending the 2026 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Los Angeles, where they presented research, built professional connections, and discovered new opportunities within the profession.
As the incoming president of our chapter, my goal is to continue to implement this camaraderie among our chapter and within our school. I believe deeply in the power of unity and collaboration in working toward a common goal. To me, this theme drives our why and creates opportunities for my fellow student pharmacists and me to have the support to bring our ideas to life.
Because when our purpose is rooted in serving others and our work is enhanced by unity, the impact we can create reaches far beyond what is possible.