Whether it’s some ‘me time’ or ‘classmate time,’ Kristin Burge knows mental health should not be taken for granted.

By Kristin Cheyenne Burge

My experience as a student pharmacist in an accelerated 3-year pharmacy program has been anything but easy, but that’s not to say that I don’t love it. In fact, I try to cherish every moment of it because I know once I graduate, I will miss everyone that I grew close to through this experience. 
In addition to diligently studying, attending class daily, taking part in APhA–ASP Chapter activities, tutoring, and visiting my nursing home patients each week, I also take part in serving my Appalachian community. Such a hectic schedule begs the question, “How do I manage my time and keep sane with all of it?” Let me tell you how.

MRMs have always been special to Nancy Alvarez: as a student, APhA–ASP leader, faculty member, and on the APhA Board of Trustees. Here she is pictured with students from Chapman University during the 2017 Region 8 MRM.

By Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, BCPS, FAPhA

Thinking about “what if” can be easily linked to regret. However, it also can be linked to reflection of gratitude for having made a seemingly insignificant choice in the present that is positively impactful beyond measure well down the road. Perhaps this reads overly dramatic, but it is entirely true and frames my thoughts around the APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meetings (MRM).     

In fall 2018, I attended the APhA–ASP MRM for Region 8 (coined as “Region Great” by a former MRM Coordinator a few years back) in Stockton, CA. As I was visiting with student pharmacists in attendance, it occurred to me that this year marked 30 years since I attended my first Region 8 MRM in San Francisco, CA. I was overwhelmed with thoughts and feelings that set off a cascade of memories and related contemplations in the months that followed. 

You see, as we continue to celebrate the 50th anniversary of APhA–ASP this year, MRMs have not only played a crucial role in the history of the Academy, they have also been a meaningful part of my life as a student pharmacist and career as a pharmacist.

When you think of the word “policy,” what are some words that jump immediately to mind? Perhaps “rules” or “laws”? Maybe “politics” or “government”? These are all words that many student pharmacists, pharmacists, and patients have told me when I use the word policy in conversation. However, I would encourage you as well to reframe this word to mean an “idea.”

The APhA–ASP policy process begins with a single idea from a single student pharmacist member. These ideas are aspirational and provide a glimpse into the world that pharmacy can be. These ideas encourage student pharmacists and pharmacists to better their practice today to better serve our patients of tomorrow. Often, ideas come best from a fresh set of eyes and a different perspective from the norm. There is no one better positioned to offer that fresh perspective than our newest entrants to the pharmacy profession: student pharmacists.