Policy on!

For the past 2 years, pharmacy policy and advocacy have been my life. I dedicate my free time to the advancement of the pharmacy profession and patient care without even thinking twice. After witnessing the policy open hearing at my first Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM), I just couldn’t stop myself from diving in and learning more.

I saw that the policy process within APhA–ASP gave me an opportunity to not only have my voice heard, but to make a difference in the lives of millions of patients. I also realized that I couldn’t do this alone. Change requires the collective voices of student pharmacists all speaking up and supporting legislation that could better patient care. I wanted to be a part of it.

From muggles to policy wizards

I decided that the first step toward being a better advocate was running for my chapter’s Policy Vice President (PVP) position. To be honest, I didn’t know exactly what the office entailed, but I had witnessed the passion shown by the PVPs at MRM and I knew that the position was right for me. After being elected, I started my research into the role that I played and discovered that I was a coordinator for that collective voice of student pharmacists within my chapter. I knew that in order to lead our voice, I would have to learn about the important topics that student pharmacists should be educated about.

Finding the information wasn’t difficult, but how to present the information, well, that takes a little more work. What I discovered is that every student pharmacist is passionate about the profession of pharmacy for a reason and that some piece of legislation will bring out that passion. I also learned that students were passionate about Harry Potter, so I merged the two ideas and created a Potter and Policy event. Students were quizzed on trivia about state and national legislation, the APhA–ASP Capsule (the document that describes the policy process), and, of course, Harry Potter. These muggle student pharmacists turned into policy wizards and witches during this night filled with fun and learned more about the important topics that face us today.

I love to create events that bring fun into policy. Once students see the importance of policy and the impact that each student can make, they stay involved. How else do you convince your chapter members to help you call more than 100 legislators to invite them to the Missouri State Fair for a health screening performed by student pharmacists? What other way would cause students to ask you to host an event to educate them on the status of Missouri’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP)?

When you can find your passion for policy, it will bring you closer to the profession, to your patients, and can change your career for the better. Through the advocacy efforts that I have led, I have helped Missouri get a PDMP, I have grown professionally, and met so many inspiring pharmacists and student pharmacists along the way. All the while, I did it for the patients. I did it for lives that pharmacists will have the chance to change. I did it for better patient care.

For the love of pharmacy

I never dreamed that I would be bestowed the 2017 APhA Good Government Student Pharmacist-of-the-Year Award. Receiving this award at APhA2018 in Nashville meant more than I can say. I never once organized an event or sent a letter to my legislator to win an award. I did it because I love the profession of pharmacy and want to do everything that I can to ensure that pharmacists have the tools to provide excellent patient care. Advocacy is the opportunity to do that.

It is never too late to create a relationship with your legislators. It is never too late to read up on the news updates regarding PBM transparency or provider status. It is never too late to fight for better patient care. And it most certainly is never too late to “policy on” and advocate for more.