A Community with a strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose
Marieli Ruiz-Cortés is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Puerto Rico School of Pharmacy.
Being part of the APhA Public Health Community has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my time in pharmacy school. As the Community’s student pharmacist liaison, I’ve connected with inspiring professionals and peers who share a vision of advancing population health. This Community brings together individuals who understand that pharmacists’ impact goes far beyond dispensing—we educate, empower, and lead initiatives that improve the well-being of our communities.
Discovering how I can create meaningful change
My career interests focus on chronic disease management and prevention. I aspire to practice as a pharmacist who helps patients manage conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, while also promoting healthier lifestyles through education and outreach. I’m passionate about advocating for patients by helping them understand their therapies, make informed decisions, and feel supported in their care.
Through its webinars, discussions, and mentorship, the Public Health Community has shown me how pharmacists can create meaningful change at both the individual and population levels. It has also inspired me to continue developing new initiatives within my APhA–ASP Chapter, expanding our efforts in vaccination and wellness programs.
What I value most about this Community is its strong sense of collaboration and shared purpose. I’ve learned from pharmacists leading impactful efforts in immunizations, health literacy, and disease prevention, areas I’ve been deeply involved in through local outreach. These experiences have shaped the way I view pharmacy practice and strengthened my commitment to using our profession as a platform for public health advancement.
Bring your passion for public health
If you’re passionate about prevention, advocacy, and making a tangible impact, the Public Health Community is an incredible space to grow. It’s a place where pharmacists and student pharmacists come together to inspire one another, exchange ideas, and turn shared passion into lasting change.
Kinbo Lee, PharmD, a commissioned officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and chair-elect of the Community, has this message for student pharmacists: “The APhA Public Health Community is more than just a professional group—it's a launchpad for student pharmacists eager to grow as leaders, connect with peers and seasoned mentors, and champion the vital role of pharmacy in public health. Through this Community, you’ll build meaningful relationships, access valuable resources, and engage in transformative experiences that help you discover your voice as an emerging public health professional.”
Check out the APhA Public Health Community and the 22 other Communities and join now at www.pharmacist.com/Membership/Communities.