There has been an increased effort to decrease mental health stigma and integrate mental health care into our lives like we would physical fitness. How do you as a new practitioner address mental health with patients?

When I left for MRM2017 in Region 4 on a Friday morning with 19 other student pharmacists from the Ferris State University College of Pharmacy, I could never have predicted the whirlwind of events that led up to this moment. During our 4-hour trek down to Indianapolis, a fellow chapter member asked me if I was going to be running for a regional officer position. I responded with a swift “No,” as multiple reasons of doubt rushed into my mind: 

•    “Would I have enough time?”
•    “Would I even be able to attend MRM2018 with my wedding 365 days from the day?”
•    “Am I qualified?” 
•    “Would there be people there to support me?”
•    “Do I even have enough time to start and finish the application?” 
•    “Do I know enough about APhA to pass the required exam?” 

These were all thoughts that crossed my mind when I was asked this question. It wasn't until I sat down in the MRM opening session and listened to the presentation on priorities that these feelings of doubt started to fade away. I quickly became internally conflicted as the deadline for regional officer positions came nearer (8:00 am Saturday morning). 

The drone-like hum of the airplane engine buzzing in your ears … your over-stuffed backpack containing your laptop, kindle, straightener, two pairs of shoes, and an extra change of clothes crammed underneath the seat in front of you…your headphones dangling in place, the melodies from the latest Spotify playlist singing along in your ears…your passport in hand, while you stare at the sea of clouds outside the airplane window.

The description above may just seem like a regular plane ride to some. For me, it describes that day in the summer of 2016 when I left for my student exchange experience in France. As an adventure-enthusiast bitten by the travel bug, I was amazed to learn about study abroad and exchange opportunities for student pharmacists. Having participated in study abroad in college prior, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that these opportunities extended into post-collegiate studies. 

Recently, my mom offered to write me a letter of recommendation for Rho Chi, the academic pharmacy honor society that she and my dad were accepted into about 25 years ago. I had to tell my mom that, sadly, Rho Chi does not accept “legacy” members. You see, I come from a family of pharmacists—my Papaw, mom and dad, aunt, two uncles, and a cousin are all pharmacists. As I grew up in a family of pharmacists, it was assumed by many that my siblings and myself were destined to enter the profession. Before undergrad, people asked about my future career plans so much I was determined to forge my own path and not become a part of the family tradition. 

Substance use disorders are not just today’s epidemic, but an issue that will require lifelong vigilance and support. After attending the APhA Institute on Alcoholism & Drug Dependencies as a Ronald L. Williams Memorial Fund scholarship recipient, I have gained the knowledge and inspiration to be an active part of the solution.

From start to finish, the APhA Institute was an eye-opening, enriching, empowering, and transformative experience. I came in with an expectation of learning new things, but I left with so much more. Above all, I gained a new sense of strength and confidence that the pharmacists of tomorrow can expand their role in the fight against substance use disorders today.