Allison Eppenauer is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Missouri–Kansas City
1. As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
Some of my favorite memories during my time as a student pharmacist include attending extracurricular activities hosted by our professional student organizations. I’m fortunate to attend a university that offers 15 diverse organizations for students to join. This means our building is always buzzing with activity ranging from playing yard games on the front lawn to making and delivering chocolate-covered strawberries around the school. Our own APhA–ASP Chapter contributes to this by hosting several events during the year, including painting flowerpots together and sending Crush orange sodas with fun messages drawn on them for Valentine’s Day. This year, our chapter executive team decided to plan the first-ever Winter “Pharmal” (formal dance), at which I was surprised and honored to be crowned our school’s Pharmacy Queen. I will always remember the evening by being surrounded by my pharmacy school friends on the dance floor and having fun together.
These extracurricular activities are an enjoyable way to engage with others but can also provide an opportunity to serve the public by participating in events such as a volleyball tournament that benefits the American Cancer Society or volunteering with other organization members at a local soup kitchen. These events allow me to connect with my peers outside of the normal lecture hall walls and form lasting relationships that I will treasure throughout the rest of my life. I’m so grateful for the vast opportunities offered throughout my time as a student pharmacist!
2. Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Managing multiple responsibilities can be a challenging task, but there are several strategies that I utilize to keep everything organized and on track. One of the most important strategies is to prioritize tasks based on their level of importance and urgency. This involves identifying which tasks are most critical and need to be completed first, and which can be postponed or delegated to others.
Another key strategy is to break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. This can help to prevent feeling overwhelmed and make it easier to stay focused and productive.
It’s also important to set realistic deadlines and goals and to track progress along the way. Effective time management is also critical for managing multiple responsibilities. This involves using tools and techniques like scheduling and time blocking to ensure that each task is given the appropriate amount of time and attention. I’m sure to carry my planner everywhere I go and reference it multiple times a day to be sure I’m tending to all responsibilities.
It can also be helpful to eliminate distractions and minimize interruptions during focused work periods. I usually leave my cell phone in another room when I need to be in my most productive mindset.
Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself in order to maintain productivity and focus. This involves getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking breaks as needed. Taking care of one’s mental and emotional well-being is also crucial and can be done in a variety of ways depending on the individual. My favorite activities include playing with my 2 cats, learning a new song on the ukelele, and watching my favorite television shows. These activities allow me to give my brain a break and take care of myself so that I can effectively manage multiple responsibilities throughout the rest of the day.
3. What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
There are several resources available to those seeking insight on leadership topics. Some of my favorites include the classic book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey, which details personal and interpersonal effectiveness. I also enjoy watching TED Talks that include engaging discussions on a wide range of topics, including leadership and personal development. Lastly, I think it is important to use the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, a personality assessment tool that can help individuals gain insight into their own strengths and weaknesses as leaders as well as understand the personality types of their team members.
These are just a few examples, but there are many other great tools and resources available for those looking to develop their leadership skills. It's important to find what works best for you and your unique needs and preferences. Ultimately, the most effective leadership tools and resources will vary depending on individual needs and preferences, but these options can serve as a great starting point for anyone looking to improve their leadership abilities.
4. What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean, to you?
Being a leader is about much more than simply being in charge. It requires a unique set of skills and qualities that enable someone to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward a common goal or vision. A true leader is someone who possesses a clear understanding of what they want to achieve and who has the ability to communicate that vision effectively to others.
One of the most important qualities of a leader is the ability to listen. A good leader recognizes the value of feedback and input from others and actively seeks out opinions and ideas from team members. This not only helps to build trust and respect, but also fosters a sense of collaboration and ownership among the group.
Another key trait of a leader is the ability to empower and encourage others to take ownership of their own contributions. A true leader recognizes the unique strengths and talents of each individual on the team and helps them to develop and utilize those strengths to achieve common goals. By encouraging others to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, a leader helps to build a sense of shared ownership and commitment.
Leadership also requires the ability to make tough decisions and take decisive action. A true leader is not afraid to make difficult choices but does so with a deep sense of responsibility and accountability. A good leader understands that their decisions have consequences and is willing to be accountable for those outcomes, whether positive or negative.
Above all, being a leader is about setting an example through one’s own actions and behaviors. A true leader leads by example and inspires others to follow through their own words and deeds. This requires a high degree of integrity, honesty, and transparency, as well as a deep commitment to the values and principles that underpin the organization. By listening, empowering and encouraging others, making tough decisions, and leading by example, a true leader can help to build a positive and productive team environment that can achieve great things.
Receiving this Student Leadership Award is an honor, and I’m beyond humbled that I have been recognized among a group of individuals who possess these traits.
5. What’s next for you?
I’m excited to embark on my final-year APPEs and gain further exposure to different pharmacy careers in community, health system, industry, and ambulatory care settings. As my term as APhA–ASP Chapter president ends, I’m seeking out further opportunities to serve as a leader during my final year of pharmacy school, including transitioning into the position of chapter’s fourth year pharmacy class representative and accepting a position as chief intern at my current workplace.
Upon graduation, I plan to obtain my pharmacist license and pursue a residency program to gain valuable experience and knowledge in a specialized area of pharmacy. Ultimately, I hope to become a clinical ambulatory care pharmacist and work directly with patients to provide medication therapy management and ensure optimal health outcomes. I strive to become a respected and knowledgeable pharmacist who provides exceptional care to patients, contributes to the growth and advancement of the pharmacy profession, and makes a positive impact on the health and well-being of my community. I plan to volunteer with organizations that provide health care services to underserved populations and participate in programs to help advance the field of pharmacy, such as those offered by APhA. My overall goal is to find a career path that allows me to make a positive difference in the lives of patients while also challenging me to continue learning and growing as a pharmacist.