Meet your 2021–22 APhA–ASP National Executive Committee: Juan Rodriguez, National President
LEADERSHIP
Juan Rodriguez is a final-year PharmD candidate at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy.
Hello, friends! Words cannot describe how incredibly honored I am to serve as your 2021–22 APhA–ASP National President. I am fortunate to make the presidential theme “Unity in Diversity” a reality during 2021–22! Family is an incredibly important part of my life, and I look forward to investing and growing with all of you as my APhA–ASP "pharmily."
Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, and raised in Kosciusko, MS, I had the unique opportunity to blend my Mexican cultural heritage and adoptive southern background. Through an abundance of personal mentors both in and outside of pharmacy school, I have learned and hope to continue the value of paying a little help forward. This has translated into passionately serving and striving to create the best APhA–ASP experience possible for student pharmacists.
I was able to serve the academy as a first-year member-at-large and subsequently as president-elect of my APhA–ASP Chapter at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy. My excitement continued to grow after attending my first APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting in Memphis in 2018, the 2019 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition, and a 2019 APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. As current APhA–ASP National President, I also serve on the APhA Board of Trustees, in addition to my duties as a member of the APhA Task Force on Addressing Structural Racism in Pharmacy.
Outside of pharmacy, one of my favorite hobbies is flower gardening! I love all things green and enjoy nurturing my plant babies into thriving. I would be lying if I said I did not enjoy a good meal, and while not a connoisseur of the kitchen, I will definitely give making a new dish a shot!
Five questions for ... Juan Rodriguez
1. What show are you binging now?
Do student pharmacists have time to binge-watch TV? Though I'm not binge-watching it, my favorite Netflix show is Grace and Frankie! If you’re into some wholesome dry humor and family love, then you will love this show!
2. Which Disney character is most like you?
WALL-E counts, right? I definitely see myself as a WALL-E—A little busted on the outside but with a lot of love to give my family from the inside. You can’t tell me you did not shed a little tear at the end of WALL-E?
3. What is your favorite ice cream?
Cookies and cream; don’t @me! Since I have memory, nothing hits like cookies-and-cream ice cream!
4. If you could choose another career, what would you be?
A horticulturist! There’s just something about putting time and energy into your plant babies and watching them grow and flourish! The end product is something that more than just one person can enjoy, too. Who doesn’t like sitting outside on a nice summer evening while sipping on a cold drink and admiring the peace of nature?
5. What is your favorite season?
If it weren't for the pollen, spring would be my favorite, but because of it, I have to pick summer! Love me some warmth, green, and time spent in the water!