APhA Member News
APhA staff
A Minute with...
Nicole Sandoval
Pharmacy intern, Walgreens, Miami;
and third-year student pharmacist at
University of Florida College of Pharmacy
Member since 2021
APhA has provided me with numerous opportunities to network with other student pharmacists and leaders and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and advancements in the profession of pharmacy. Being an APhA member has given me access to a plethora of resources, including professional development programs, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy initiatives. Using these resources has helped further build my knowledge and skills as a student pharmacist and has given me the confidence to excel in my career.”
How has APhA helped you establish meaningful connections?
Attending the 2022 Summer Leadership Institute in Washington, DC, was the first experience I had meeting student pharmacists from across the nation. I have built lasting friendships that have enriched my personal life and allowed me to learn from their experiences and best practices as student leaders. Staying connected online and attending the Midyear Regional Meeting and the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition has provided me the opportunity to maintain these valuable connections. These experiences have helped me grow both personally and professionally and have strengthened my commitment to advance the future of pharmacy.
How has APhA helped prepare you for your career as a pharmacist? APhA offers a wide range of opportunities for professional development, including leadership opportunities, advocacy initiatives, and patient care projects. APhA has allowed me to develop my leadership and teamwork skills by serving as my chapter’s APhA–ASP president.
I have attended Legislative Days, where I learned how to advocate for my profession, my patients, and how to make an impact in moving pharmacy forward. Through various patient care outreach initiatives, I have been able to work directly with patients and effectively communicate with them, as well as provide counseling and education on their medications.
What excites you about the profession of pharmacy?
I am very excited about the ongoing advancements in the profession of pharmacy. This includes the development of new drugs and treatment methods, the integration of technology into health care, and the increasing emphasis on patient-centered care.
These advancements make it an exciting time to be a pharmacist and serve as an aid to expand the scope of practice.
Can you share a meaningful story about a time you interacted with a patient? Perhaps a time you felt like you really made a difference for them?
While working in Miami, I had the opportunity to interact with a transgender patient who approached our counter seeking medication. I welcomed the new patient warmly and provided the same respect and attention I give to all patients.
When finishing up with the patient, they expressed gratitude for the kindness and respect they received. They shared how they experienced discrimination at a different health care facility due to their gender identity, which led them to feel hesitant to seek care.
This experience was a powerful reminder that being a pharmacist involves more than just technical knowledge.
Our mission should be to provide grace and serve for the love of others. A simple smile, a kind word, or a moment of genuine connection with a patient can go a long way in creating a positive and impactful experience for them. ■
Learn
One-day trainings
Join us at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville to take your skills to the next level with exclusive one-day training opportunities! Specialized programs will be held Thursday, March 20, to deepen your expertise and bring new insights into your pharmacy practice.
With options such as APhA certificate training programs, advanced training, and pharmacy practice programs, there’s a perfect fit for your professional goals.
Don’t miss this chance to boost your skills and connect with pharmacy professionals from across the nation! Advanced registration is required, so register today at https://learn.pharmacist.com/learn/catalog. ■
Call for names:
Women pharmacists in the military, 1942–1946
During WWII, women pharmacists answered the call to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. Despite their critical contributions, their stories often remain untold.
We’re seeking the names of women who served as military pharmacists from 1942–1946 to honor their legacy. To date, only 64 have been identified, and we need your help to uncover more.
Know a name or story? Share it with us! Even just a name and location can make a difference. Contact us at PT@aphanet.org to help us preserve this piece of pharmacy history! ■
Did you know?
Adult immunizations
In 2022, only 22% of U.S. adults were up to date on commonly recommended vaccines. As new immunizations are introduced, the adult vaccination schedule has grown increasingly complex.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play a critical role in improving adult immunization rates. To better support pharmacy-based immunization practices, APhA conducted a national survey and hosted a virtual focus group with immunizers in an effort to uncover best practices, challenges, and opportunities to enhance vaccination delivery in community pharmacies. The findings, detailed in a report, highlight strategies to improve adult immunization and identify gaps in resources needed by pharmacists and technicians.
Visit www.pharmacist.com/Education/Adult-Vaccination-Needs to read the full report. ■