Robyn Turner, PharmD, is a 2025 PharmD graduate of The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy and is now a PGY1 resident at Virginia Commonwealth University Health in Richmond, VA.
Having student pharmacists who are passionate about the work of the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) was imperative for our chapter’s success. I am honored to share how The University of New Mexico (UNM) College of Pharmacy earned the APhA–ASP Outstanding IPSF Award at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville this past March.
Public health initiatives
In case you did not know, the six APhA–ASP patient care projects are considered IPSF initiatives as well! At our chapter, we embraced the opportunity to provide services to underserved populations within New Mexico. Our chapter organized a walk to raise awareness for World Heart Day through Operation Heart. With Operation Diabetes, we conducted screenings for prediabetes and diabetes in high-risk populations, and with Operation Immunization, we administered vaccines to patients with limited or no insurance.
One of the most notable events was “Vacuna por Pavo,” where El Mezquite Market provided a Thanksgiving turkey to every patient who received an influenza or COVID-19 vaccine. There were more than 900 turkeys distributed for holiday dinners. Finally, we conducted a blood drive with the support of Vitalent as part of the Vampire Cup, an international competition that promotes lifesaving donations. All of these projects highlight how local events within our community have a global impact by addressing health disparities and promoting wellness.
Bridging language barriers
PRISM is our initiative focused on breaking down language barriers by translating documents for the chapter’s initiatives and operations. We translated consent forms and health literacy materials, including flyers, guides, and presentations, into Spanish to expand our education to Spanish-speaking populations.
In addition, we began translating handouts for Operations Heart and Operation Diabetes into Arabic and Vietnamese. This is crucial to our multilingual communities in New Mexico as we strive to foster inclusivity.
Student Exchange Program host site
A major milestone was the creation of the first Student Exchange Program site at UNM. I worked closely with Annajita Rubio, our 2023–2024 chapter president, to obtain approval from Kelsea Aragon, PharmD, our chapter advisor, as well as the college’s administration and the chapter members. As the newly appointed local exchange officer, I coordinated accommodations and designed a comprehensive schedule with more than 20 preceptors in various practice settings, including community, hospital, and clinical.
Jennifer Ortega, PharmD, a faculty member at the college, and her family volunteered to open their home to our incoming exchange student, Dina Fouda, a third-year student pharmacist from EPSA, Egypt. To welcome her, our campus’s major organizations, including APhA–ASP, ASHP–SSHP, AMCP, and NCODA, cohosted a bowling night, highlighting the collaborative spirit of our campus.
In the future
Our chapter’s involvement in IPSF continues to transcend state and country borders, but our work always begins at home within our own communities. We are committed to improving public health, advancing health equity, and fostering international collaborations. I am proud to have played a role in part of my chapter’s journey, and I look forward to watching our impact continue to grow.