MRM Region 1 recap: Your voice matters
Ngoc Phuong Mai Le is a third-year PharmD candidate at MCPHS University School of Pharmacy Boston and a member of the 2022–2023 APhA–ASP National Communications Standing Committee.
The Region 1 APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM), held the weekend of October 28–30, was a wonderful opportunity to network with other student pharmacists and pharmacists. This was my fifth MRM, yet it’s always exciting to learn new things and make new friends!
Here is my recap of the events and my takeaways.
Be kind to yourself
The Friday evening session started with and introduction from APhA–ASP National President-elect Victoria Lyle, followed by Lauren E. Bode’s, PharmD, BCPS, topic discussion on impostor syndrome and how it affects student pharmacists and pharmacists, especially women. This session resonated with me personally, as it’s very common for student pharmacists to undermine their efforts and feel like they are not doing enough. It’s important to reflect upon your achievements and celebrate every success along the way.
Mai’s MRM Takeaway #1: Be kind to yourself and give yourself more credit.
Learning about vaccine myths
Saturday morning was filled with educational and informative presentations. I was impressed with the “Myth Busters: Vaccine Edition” presentation, at which I learned how to effectively communicate with patients about vaccine myths. Many patients think that vaccinations are not necessary, or they don’t have to follow a specific vaccination schedule. I learned that pharmacists should practice motivational interviewing to encourage vaccination schedule adherence and ask patients to echo back the information as a part of the teach-back method.
Mai’s MRM Takeaway #2: Use your pharmacy knowledge and communication skills to provide patient counseling and education.
Staying present at MRM
I represented my chapter and presented the APhA–ASP Innovative Programming Award poster. Our poster, titled “Courage to Connect between Student Pharmacists through Professionalism, Advocacy and Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” received many compliments from student attendees and chapter advisers. It was a great opportunity to showcase our chapter’s work to everyone.
In addition, our chapter won the regional Innovative Programming Award and will represent Region 1 at APhA2023 along with 7 other regional representatives. In Phoenix, we will have the opportunity to provide a presentation on the topic and share our ideas with other chapters.
Mai’s MRM Takeaway #3: Be ready to stay present and demonstrate professionalism (while also having fun!).
I also served as the chapter delegate and voiced my thoughts on the proposed resolutions during the Policy Proposal Forum. The passionate discussions around certain resolutions made me realize that there are many issues that pharmacy is facing, and student pharmacists’ voices can make a difference and help shape the future of pharmacy. I also enjoyed my favorite #MRMMoment, which was when student pharmacists made lighthearted jokes during the forum! In addition, I was part of the Nominating Committee to interview the regional candidates who will be future leaders of the academy.
Mai’s MRM Takeaway #4: You can always make an impact as a student pharmacist. Your voice matters!
Passion and enthusiasm shine through
During the closing session on Sunday, we listened to the regional candidates’ speeches and voted. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and passion from other student pharmacists. I felt empowered and motivated to get more involved and make a difference in the community that we serve.
Our chapter also won the patient care regional awards for Operation Diabetes and OTC Medicine Safety. My chapter returned home with absolute excitement and happiness!
Mai’s MRM Takeaway #5: Make friends with motivated individuals. They will have a positive impact on you!