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

https://www.facebook.com/groups/USFSNPhA/

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.