Small efforts lead to big results
Katharyn Taylor is a third-year PharmD candidate at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy is proud to be recognized as the 2020–21 APhA–ASP Chapter of the Year. Our student pharmacists had a huge year, from showing the value of pharmacists to an estimated 1.1 million people during American Pharmacists Month with coffee sleeves and billboards to immunizing more than 42,000 patients across the state of Tennessee against influenza and COVID-19.
These numbers are impressive, but they are not what won Chapter of the Year. This award is for the:
- Student pharmacists working with medical students to treat uninsured patients and demonstrate pharmacists’ worth in managing chronic diseases every Monday or Tuesday night at Clínica Esperanza, Shade Tree Free Clinic, and/or East Knox Free Medical Clinic
- Volunteers distributing clean supplies, and providing health information with support and without judgment every Monday or Friday night at a needle exchange
- Operation Immunization volunteers calling older patients without access to technology in order to make an appointment online for their COVID-19 vaccine on their behalf
- Operation Reproductive Health volunteers who spent afternoons at the mall distributing period products and having honest conversations with high schoolers about their health and how they can be protected
- Beloved faculty member—Chasity Shelton, PharmD—who spent 20 hours baking, decorating, and packaging her famous cookies to help raise money for APhA–PAC
- Every increment of time invested by each member of the University of Tennessee team, and over time these collective investments culminate to be Chapter of the Year
Together as one in San Antonio
Thirty-two students and faculty from the University of Tennessee gathered at APhA2022 in San Antonio, TX, this past March. As a school of three campuses across the state, students living in different cities were excited to get to spend time together and catch up. As the first large in-person conference in a few years and with three students involved in national leadership and two nominees receiving individual awards—including the dean of the college—there was much to celebrate already.
Our cohort eagerly came prepared with hand clappers and cutouts of the face of our classmate and APhA–ASP National President Juan Rodriguez. The group enthusiastically celebrated all of the awards that were given, especially those in their state or region. When the announcer began to list the accomplishments for the Chapter of the Year winner, we realized the work as our own. It was exhilarating and rewarding to share time in celebration on the big stage together!
Let the community know your value
This success is thanks to immense investment of time from chapter advisors and student leaders. It is the result of strong traditions as well as strong transitions year-to-year. For students looking to grow their APhA–ASP presence, we advise you practice demonstrating the value of pharmacists. Let the community know your value and that you are ready to help. Build strong relationships with faculty and let them know your goals; having access to subject matter experts, event supervisors, advisors, and administration will take your initiatives farther than you can imagine. Propel students to be part of local, regional, and national leadership, as this makes the chapter feel connected to the greater cause and helps students take pride in their service.
Also, don’t forget to honor your own accomplishments and let your team know they are appreciated. Remember that every information booth, every flu shot clinic, and every meeting with the executive committee builds toward something worth celebrating.