Anusha Handa is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences–Boston.
Attending the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition for the first time was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment I landed in Los Angeles, a whirlwind of excitement, action, and passion began. The conference embodied everything I had imagined and more: from learning about APhA–ASP’s impact and meeting wonderful individuals to always having something to look forward to throughout the day.
I had an absolute blast and created so many memories to carry forward with me!
Beginning the day as a regional officer
The day began bright and early with my fellow regional officers at the APhA–ASP New Business and Reference Committee meeting. This was a closed session where we discussed, amended, and acted on proposed resolution statements. It was such a meaningful way to begin learning about the importance of student voices in shaping the future of pharmacy, a topic I hadn’t had much exposure to beforehand.
Following this was the APhA Second General Session, where attendees had the opportunity to hear from APhA leadership, including Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, executive vice president and CEO of APhA. Hearing Dr. Hogue speak on the future of pharmacy and the impact pharmacists continue to make was incredibly motivating. The keynote speaker and magician of the evening, Devin Henderson, also left an impression on me with his message of “What else is possible?” Through humor, storytelling, and insight, he shared how setbacks do not have to define you and can instead redirect you toward new possibilities.
Life of the party: The Expo Hall
Of course, no conference experience would be complete without spending time in the Expo Hall. An incredibly array of exhibitors, energy, refreshments, and goodies made me lose track of time. My friends and I had the opportunity to take pictures at a portable photobooth, receive skincare samples, and obtain complimentary professional headshots with makeup touch ups. Talk about pampering! But what really highlighted the day was the Puppy Playground supported by Pfizer. As an animal lover, playing with puppies felt perfect for decompressing. The pups of various breeds were all adorable and adoptable, helping support local animal shelters.
Another meaningful and unexpected encounter at the exposition was running into my future preceptor by pure chance. In a convention center filled with thousands of attendees and nonstop activity, it felt surreal and incredibly special to have that small moment of familiarity across the country. It was a reminder of how connected the pharmacy world really is and how relationships built along the way continue to matter. All in all, the exhibition brought a fun and lively element to the conference, helping us appreciate the balance of work and relaxation.
I also had the pleasure of attending poster sessions to support my peers and appreciate all who are contributing to the advancement of pharmacy practice. Walking through the posters and hearing about different projects encouraged me to continue seeking opportunities to grow and made me more thankful for the platform given to new research at the national level. I left feeling inspired, and I hope that one day I’ll be standing there presenting a poster of my own.
Student HoD Opening Session
The APhA–ASP House of Delegates (HoD) session gave me an even greater appreciation for the advocacy and policy work that happens behind the scenes. As student leaders came together to discuss, advocate, and vote on resolutions that will help guide the future of the APhA Student Community, the energy and impact in the room was undeniable. For the first time, I truly felt the weight and privilege of having a voice in shaping the future of health care and patient care in the United States—a responsibility I hope to carry forward.
The HoD also honored this year’s outstanding chapters for their dedication for their advocacy and commitment to advancing the profession of pharmacy through political action. They collectively raised more than $10,000 for the APhA Political Action Committee (PAC). The following chapters were honored for APhA Back the PAC initiative:
Back the PAC overall winner (Division AA): St. John Fisher University
Back the PAC runner-up (Division A): Ferris State University
Back the PAC runner-up (Division AAA): South College
Beyond the advocacy and recognition, the gathering of student pharmacists at the HoD, the formation of lifelong friendships and the collective impact that was made served as a priceless reminder that none of us are in this alone and that every moment truly does matter.
Chapter dinner in the city
The next exciting event of the evening was our university’s chapter dinner at a beautiful restaurant just across from the LA Convention Center. Being able to connect one-on-one with our dean, advisors, faculty, alumni, and fellow students was both special and insightful. After such a fast-paced day, we reflected, laughed, and shared stories while enjoying light snacks and the California sun.
I felt lucky to have the chance to connect and relax with everyone outside of a professional setting, and it became one of the most heartwarming and grounding parts of the day. At the end of it all, the people you surround yourself with are what make these experiences so memorable.
APhA–ASP Awards Celebration: The Pharmies
The evening ended with lights, camera, and action as it was time to celebrate APhA–ASP with all the glitz of a Hollywood premiere. With pride and admiration, attendees celebrated student leaders’ work and reflected on the successes of the past year. The creativity and impact of the winning chapters were especially inspiring, from distributing large amounts of Narcan at a local music festival to many other meaningful initiatives. The evening left me with a deep sense of pride and a mind bursting with ideas to bring back to our chapter leaders.
Speaking of our chapter, we were honored to be recognized with the 2024–2025 Region 1 Award for Operation Reproductive Health! The entire evening was inspiring, emotional, and hopeful, and seeing student impact celebrated in such a special way made APhA2026 feel even closer to my heart.
Congratulations to all the award recipients!
2024–2025 National Patient Care Project Award winners
OTC Medicine Safety
- National winner: The University of Mississippi
- First runner-up: University of Florida
- Second runner-up: University of Maryland
OTC Medicine Safety is supported by Kenvue
Operation Substance Use Disorders
- National winner: East Tennessee State University
- First runner-up: University of Maryland
- Second runner-up: Belmont University
Operation Substance Use Disorders is supported by Walmart
Operation Diabetes
- Winner: University of Southern California
- First runner-up: University of Pacific
- Second runner-up: Lipscomb University
Operation Diabetes is supported by McKesson Health Mart
2024–2025 Chapter Achievement Awards – Divisional
Division A
- Winner: University of Florida
- First runner-up: University of Missouri–Kansas City
- Second runner-up: The University of Kansas
Division AA
- Winner: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- First runner-up: Virginia Commonwealth University
- Second runner-up: Belmont University
Division AAA
- Winner: East Tennessee State University
- First runner-up: South Dakota State University
- Second runner-up: Lipscomb University
2026 PharmFlix Awards
Most Humorous: Belmont University
Most Inspirational: University of Florida
Most Creative: University at Buffalo
APhA Student Leadership Awards: Misk Al Qaderi, Sami Gangji, Paige Holopirek, and Seth Meyer
APhA–ASP Outstanding Chapter Advisor: Erin Raney, PharmD, Midwestern University
APhA–ASP Chapter of the Year: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
I’m where I belong
Looking back, my first APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition was so much more than a professional meeting. It was a space for learning, leadership, connection, inspiration, and joy. It challenged me, energized me, and reminded me why I chose this profession in the first place. The entire experience felt perfectly designed to support my journey as a student pharmacist and help me “redefine possible” for my future endeavors.
APhA2026 filled me with new knowledge, meaningful friendships, and a full heart. I feel incredibly grateful not only for my first experience, but also for the opportunity to serve as the Region 1 Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM) coordinator, a role that has already allowed me to contribute, connect, and grow in so many ways. Attending APhA2026 was just the first steppingstone, and it left me even more excited for the MRM in Louisville, KY, this fall. More than anything, it reminded me that the future of pharmacy is not something I simply hope to be part of, but something I am ready to help shape—because I am exactly where I belong.