Rebuilding our chapter following the pandemic
Abigail Riesgraf is a third-year PharmD candidate at the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions.
What a special moment it was for our chapter as we received the 2021–2022 APhA–ASP Chapter Professionalism Award during the APhA–ASP Opening General Session at the 2023 APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Phoenix! All nine of our annual meeting–attending members, who each played an integral role in rebuilding our chapter’s involvement and achievements following the COVID-19 pandemic, were there to see us be recognized.
On campus and in the community
After being limited by pandemic restrictions, our chapter was able to surpass half of its patient care screening goals. From completing blood glucose, BP, and cholesterol screenings at the South Dakota State Fair to coordinating the annual campus-wide influenza immunization clinic, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions APhA–ASP Chapter was able to provide state residents and students with more than 1,300 patient care screenings and immunizations throughout the 2021–2022 academic year.
Additionally, excitement surrounding Legislative Days in Pierre, SD, grew after 2 years of virtual programming. During the 2 days spent at the state capitol, student pharmacists provided patient care screenings to legislators and networked with members from the South Dakota Pharmacists Association and South Dakota Board of Pharmacy. This experience was also a great way for student pharmacists to learn more about the legislative process and how they can continue to advocate for the profession of pharmacy on a local, regional, and national level.
Our chapter also promoted its first social media campaign during the spring 2022 semester to raise awareness and educate South Dakota community members about Poison Prevention Week. During this week, student pharmacists shared resources for safe medication disposal practices with college students by using popular social media platforms. Student pharmacists also had the opportunity to visit local elementary schools to educate young students about safe medication use topics.
Expanded events for our members
SDSU’s chapter worked to implement its first ever week-long membership drive during the fall 2021 semester. This entire week was dedicated to generating greater interest in becoming an involved member in our chapter while facilitating personal connections among student pharmacists in their undergraduate and pharmacy programs. This week featured events such as an ice cream social, national organization showcase, cookie decorating, a bean bag tournament and fundraiser, and the first chapter meeting of the academic year.
Finally, our chapter greatly expanded opportunities for professional development. Professional opportunities included an expanded residency showcase to represent a greater number of inpatient health care systems across the Midwest region, student panels to speak about third-year elective courses and final-year APPE rotations, a CV and cover letter workshop, new practitioner mentor–led discussions focused on leadership opportunities, and our local patient counseling competition available in three locations.
Motivated to do more
The Chapter Professionalism Award has further encouraged our executive board and committee chairs to continue brainstorming and implementing innovative ideas to provide our student pharmacists with more unique experiences and generate more excitement surrounding their future profession. SDSU’s student pharmacists are incredibly honored to have received this award and are excited to see the impact that can be made on student pharmacists in the upcoming year!