Written by: Morgen Jaeger, Class of 2015

Opportunities for leadership within our USF College of Pharmacy (COP) are abound. As one of the pillars of our college, not only is leadership a focus of several in-class lectures, but there are multiple organizations in which you can become involved (many with specific leadership focus), leadership positions within the college and opportunity to create the leadership role(s) that you desire.

All USF COP students are members of our governing body, the Student Leadership Council (SLC). SLC president (2011-2013), Mary Munchalfen, describes the role of this organization in building COP leaders:

The SLC seeks to develop its future pharmacy leaders by establishing a culture of camaraderie and unity among all COP students.  The purpose of the Student LEADERSHIP Council is to do just that. BUILD LEADERS. Speaking up at Student Body meetings, joining in Leadership Guest Speaker Series discussions, participating in COP events and fundraisers, and contributing to the decision-making processes within the organization are all essential aspects of being a leader. In these ways, the SLC seeks to involve and develop every single one of its members through opportunities that shape the USF COP culture and allow each SLC member to further develop and define his or her leadership identity.

More specific information about leadership in other COP organizations will be presented in later blogs (see below for detail). Pharmacy organizations aside, the COP itself also offers opportunity for leadership as a Student Ambassador, student member of faculty committees and in other roles. Ask your faculty advisor or a member of the SLC board to learn more about opportunities for leadership at the college level.

In addition to all of the leadership opportunities available within our COP, USF Health and main campus are also rich environments for developing leadership skills. I encourage you to seek out USF organizations that interest you. However, if the niche that you seek has not been filled, create it! As a new college, the COP is still growing in student numbers and student organizations. Your SLC leaders will be happy to aid you in developing a new organization within our college.

I look forward to the excitement and growth of both our USF COP and our student leaders!!

Upcoming blogs with more information about leadership within each of our COP organizations:

• LEADERSHIP in professional pharmacy organizations (part 1) will spotlight the American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP), Students Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy (SSHP), and Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA).
• LEADERSHIP in professional pharmacy organizations (part 2) will focus on the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS).
• LEADERSHIP in inter-professional organizations will highlight the Building Relationships and Initiatives Dedicated to Gaining Equality (BRIDGE) Clinic and International Health Service Collaborative (IHSC).
• LEADERSHIP in newly established USF organizations will introduce the pharmacy organizations established during the 2013-2014 school year. Tentatively, Phi Lambda Sigma – Pharmacy Leadership Society (PLS), Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. and The Rho Chi Society.