Meet Ethan Chhan, a third-year PharmD candidate at the Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy. We recently caught up with Ethan to learn about him and find out why he decided to become an APhA–ASP member.
Student Pharmacist magazine (SPM): Why did you choose to become an APhA–ASP member?
Chhan: As any first-year student pharmacist, I found myself intimidated to start this new journey to become a health care professional. What helped me get over this anxiousness and uncertainty was speaking with my APhA–ASP Chapter officers. As supportive upperclassmen, they provided me with a great amount of information, tips, and ways to study for my courses over the first year, leading me to want to be a part of such a helpful organization. Since then, I went on to not only help drive membership and interest in our chapter, but be a leader and mentor to first-year students who, like me, may need a helping hand in their first steps on their PharmD journey.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Chhan: Out of the dozens of APhA–ASP benefits, I would have to say the opportunity to grow your network/connections is my favorite. The organization offers many spaces (both virtual and in person) to connect, create, and collaborate with so many student pharmacists across the country! As an extrovert, I enjoy building relationships with students from my state, region, and—most importantly—my profession, thanks to APhA–ASP. Events such as the Midyear Regional Meeting and the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition were just a few of the ways I grew my professional network, one introduction at a time.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Chhan: Hands down, has to be the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI). Speaking with elected representatives was nothing short of a humbling experience into the world of advocacy and advancing our profession across the nation. Watching the sea of white coats walk through the halls of Congress was definitely something I will never forget. The workshops and discussions on developing ourselves as leaders of the present and future were so invaluable during SLI that I recommend anyone who has the opportunity to to attend!
SPM: Are there any projects or initiatives you've been particularly passionate about within APhA–ASP?
Chhan: One of the initiatives I am particularly fond of is Operation Heart because I wanted to develop new and unique ways of educating the public about cardiovascular disease. After my grandfather suffered a heart attack a few years ago, I was tasked with helping him stay adherent to his medications and his rehab activities once he got discharged. Using what I learned from this experience, I encouraged a push for more physically active events in my chapter through several “Heart Walks,” in collaboration with the American Heart Association. Having ended my term as APhA–ASP Chapter president, I intend to focus my efforts on families and communities at higher risk of heart complications and/or disease, to ensure they have the resources to become healthy and informed.
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Chhan: A superpower I would like to have would be time distortion! With days going by in the blink of an eye, being able to slow down and enjoy the time you have with those you care about is in short supply; so, why not stop the clock?
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Chhan: When I have the time, I enjoy watching YouTube documentaries on very random or obscure topics. Channels like LEMMiNO, fern or PointlessHub help scratch that part of my brain that doesn’t need PK, Medicare Part D, or DDIs to understand them. I think I’ve been watching content like this for a few years now, and there’s something about long-form video essays that eases my mind after work or class.