Our APhA–ASP Chapter at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy is connected with an organization, Casa de Salud Peru, founded by a fellow pharmacist, Kerrylyn Rodriguez. Each summer, she takes a group of individuals, most but not all of whom are health professionals, to Iquitos, Peru, to provide basic health care services to the locals. The clinics provide consults with a Peruvian doctor, “pharmacy” services, reading glasses, fluoride treatment, dental care, and health screenings such as blood pressure and glucose.

When I committed to go on last summer’s trip, I figured that I was planning an experience that would push me outside my comfort zone and let me learn about another health system, but what I found was much more. I discovered a deeper connection to humanity, an immense level of gratitude for everyday life, and ultimately, this trip reignited my original inspiration to pursue a career in pharmacy.

The International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF) is the leading international advocacy organization for student pharmacists. Representing more than 350,000 student pharmacists and recent graduates in 90 countries worldwide, IPSF was founded in 1949 by eight member organizations from Europe and Australia, making it the oldest faculty-based, student-led organization in the world. IPSF’s aim is to promote improved public health through the provision of information, education, networking opportunities, and a range of publications and professional initiatives. It serves as the only representation of student pharmacists at the United Nations and World Health Organization.

(Oregon State University) 1983–84 SAPhA Vice President

I am the Senior Vice President responsible for Moda Health’s (Portland, OR) major government accounts. I am Chair of the Board of the Eastern Oregon Coordinated Care Organization and a member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Business & Industry organization. Honored as an Alumni Fellow of Oregon State University, I was most recently named as an Icon of Pharmacy by the college of pharmacy. I recently completed a 3-year term of service to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as Vice Chair, Chair-Elect, and Chair of the ADA National Board of Directors.

It’s 6:30 am. The alarm goes off, signaling the start of the day. In mere moments, blue light from the phone casts upon the face of the student pharmacist. Still on his side, the student pharmacist watches as streams of information and media scroll across the phone screen. There are 8 notifications, 1 friend request, 2 messages, 10 e-mails, 2 direct messages, 12 unread texts, 136 likes, and 22 retweets.

At 8:17 am, the student pharmacist waits for the lecture to begin. E-mails? Check. Texts? Up to date. What salad dressing are you? Where is your dream vacation spot? What dog breed are you?  Wait, these three questions must be addressed! Sound familiar? Well, 10 out of 10 can relate.

In the United States, there are more than 700,000 physicians, almost 3 million nurses, and approximately 300,000 pharmacists, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.  These statistics alone should be reason enough for all pharmacists and student pharmacists to participate in professional advocacy and get involved in a pharmacy association. As health professionals, pharmacists are vastly outnumbered, which means if we do not advocate and shape the future of our profession, other health professionals will do it for us.