This serves as a continuation of our leadership blog series (see previous post). In this episode, we expand on leadership opportunities within various professional pharmacy organizations. The 2013-2014 organization presidents of the first three such organizations formed on the USF campus give their take on leadership development opportunities in each respective organization:
American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) – Morgen Jaeger
APhA-ASP seeks to be the “collective voice of student pharmacists” and emphasizes student professional growth. Opportunities for leadership positions within APhA-ASP range widely; including local chapter, state, regional, national and international opportunities. At the chapter level, all members are encouraged to become special project committee members and can seek Patient Care Project Director and chapter executive positions. In addition to the leadership positions available, the Leadership Training Series offered at regional and national meetings allows students to develop and practice their leadership skills. Students interested in leadership within APhA-ASP, are encouraged to attend our fall Leadership Event to learn details regarding the above mentioned opportunities and more!
Students Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy (SSHP) – Patrick Mckeon
The mission of SSHP is to educate and increase awareness of positions for pharmacists in the health-systems. Being a leader in SSHP is not limited to Executive Board positions, as I don’t think it should be in any organization. The best way to get involved would be to take initiative, discuss areas you see for improvement, and find innovative ways to increase awareness of pharmacy practice in the health-systems. Members of the Executive Board are involved in planning events for the entire year, but no one will ever say no to input from a fellow student. To be a leader: get involved, be passionate, and above all else make your voice heard!
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) – Shafaat Pirani
SNPhA is an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about the minority representation in pharmacy and other health related professions. In order for any organization to be successful, leadership must be cultivated and exemplified by every student member. Leadership opportunities include but are not limited to: serving on the executive board, national health-care initiative committee directors, and serving as team members for specific committees. Membership further enables students to develop their leadership skills by attending regional and national conferences. These conferences allow students to network by partaking in clinical skills competitions, poster presentations and attending various seminars.
Contact information for each organization is as follows:
American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP): http://www.pharmacist.com/apha-asp (national), https://www.facebook.com/groups/USFAPhA/ (chapter)
Morgen Jaeger, President 2013-2014: mschmit1@health.usf.edu, 305-632-4775
Students Society of Health-Systems Pharmacy (SSHP)
https://www.facebook.com/UsfStudentSocietyOfHealthSystemsPharmacy
Patrick Mckeon, President 2013-2014: pmckeon@health.usf.edu
Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
Shafaat Pirani, President 2013-2014: spirani@health.usf.edu, 954.937.0929