Meryam Gharbi (far right): "My favorite part of OGS has always been the conferring of the APhA–ASP Patient Care Project Awards."
My heart thumped with anticipation as the APhA–ASP National Executive Committee (NEC) stood together on the dark stage, the cheers growing louder. As we power-posed, the lights began to flash. With every flash, I remembered those I met throughout my APhA–ASP journey—the patients I counseled through Operation Heart, the lifelong friends I made at the Midyear Regional Meetings and Annual Meetings, and the first group hug we shared as national officers. It was powerful, sentimental, and hopeful all at once. It was a moment I wish I could have lived in forever.
Experiencing the APhA2018 APhA–ASP Opening General Session (OGS) as an APhA–ASP National Member-at-large was an exhilarating ride that is honestly hard to describe. I can say for sure that knowing every student pharmacist in that ballroom had begun a meaningful legacy that will last an eternity, elated my heart beyond anything I could have imagined!
Following our introduction, one of my greatest inspirations, APhA President Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA, left attendees with an empowering message of student pharmacists as compassionate changemakers in their respective communities, and challenged the audience to maximize their contributions to the Association and profession.
Student Pharmacists Got Talent
The APhA–ASP OGS did not hold back when it came to talent. Four amazing student pharmacists graced the spotlight with glow-sticking, Irish dancing (see related story), singing pharmacy parody tunes, and rocking the guitar. Student Pharmacists Got Talent was the first time student pharmacists had the opportunity to showcase their talents at an APhA–ASP OGS. Thank you to my friends Andrew Tam, Nick Paulson, Kristi Fritch, and Ryan Abundo for showing us that pharmacists not only work hard, they play hard, too!
APhA–ASP award time
Having had my start with APhA–ASP as an Operation Heart Chair, my favorite part of OGS has always been the conferring of the APhA–ASP Patient Care Project Awards. The NEC and I were exceptionally proud of all award recipients and chapters who contributed to our five APhA–ASP patient care projects and programs. It truly takes a lot of hard work and dedication to plan and execute events that touch the lives of millions around the country.
Congratulations to the following chapters who were recognized for their efforts.
Operation Diabetes
National Winner: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
1st Runner-up: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
2nd Runner-up: The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy
Operation Heart
National Winner: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
1st Runner-up: University of Maryland School of Pharmacy
2nd Runner-up: University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Operation Immunization
National Winner: Idaho State University College of Pharmacy
1st Runner-up: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
2nd Runner-up: Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy
OTC Medicine Safety
National Winner: University of Florida College of Pharmacy
1st Runner-up: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
2nd Runner-up: Idaho State University College of Pharmacy
Generation Rx
National Winner: East Tennessee State University Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy
1st Runner-up: The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy
2nd Runner-up: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy
3rd Runner-up: Idaho State University College of Pharmacy & The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy
Compassion is your legacy
The OGS was perfectly culminated with a fantastic keynote speech by Camille Nelson, PhD. Dr. Nelson provided attendees with the perfect reminder that our legacies are in fact connected by who we help rather than what we do. She brought the audience together with song as she strummed her guitar and conveyed her beautiful message.
The OGS was truly a magnificent reflection of the great legacy every student pharmacist began this past year. So here’s to you—the student pharmacist—who made the choice to step up to provide patients with optimal care and to build others up as leaders in the profession. It might be hard to visualize now, but the truth is, you have embarked on a journey that will positively influence generations of future pharmacists and patients to come. Long live your legacy!
Meryam Gharbi is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and was a 2017–18 APhA–ASP National Member-at-large.