Hayden Wood is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy and is the 2024–2025 APhA–ASP Region 6 regional delegate.
Student pharmacists dedicate countless hours to mastering pharmacotherapy, patient counseling, and clinical decision making. Yet, one crucial aspect of the profession often goes overlooked—advocacy. Every opportunity we hope to gain in patient care, from provider status to expanded clinical services, is directly influenced by policy. Without advocacy, our aspirations for the profession remain just that—aspirations.
I recently had the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact student pharmacists can have on the legislative process. At the Arkansas State Capitol, pharmacists, student pharmacists, and patients from across the state gathered in support of HB 1150, a measure designed to prevent health care payers and PBMs from obtaining certain pharmacy permits.
The energy in the room was palpable, and the presence of student pharmacists did not go unnoticed.
We can spark change
During a reception following the event, I spoke with several legislators who expressed their surprise at seeing student pharmacists so actively engaged. One even remarked, “This must be affecting your profession deeply to see those who are not even in practice yet be so adamant about change. Maybe we should listen.” That moment reaffirmed an essential truth—our presence alone can spark change.
Hearing that from policymakers reminded me of something critical: We truly can make a difference. Too often, I hear student pharmacists say, “Yeah, advocating and doing all this policy stuff is well and good, but no one really pays attention to student pharmacists. They care more about what pharmacists have to say.” But I promise you we make a lasting impact. If anything, legislators are often more inclined to listen to student pharmacists because we are future voters who will be part of the profession for decades to come. Student pharmacists also stand out in a crowd. It is impressive to see younger individuals engaged in such complex discussions, and even more impressive when those students demonstrate knowledge about policy.
We must show that we care about the future of our profession.
The role of policy in pharmacy
Pharmacy is an integral part of health care, and as such, it is one of the most regulated professions. Policy dictates everything from scope of practice to reimbursement models. If we want to expand our roles as providers, influence medication access, or protect our profession from overreach by third-party payers, we must engage in advocacy.
Currently, significant policy changes are being discussed on the national level that will impact pharmacists and their ability to provide patient care. The Equitable Community Access to Pharmacists Services Acts aims to close loopholes that allow PBMs and other middlemen to engage in unfair reimbursement practices, which often negatively impact independent pharmacies and patient access. Additionally, federal efforts are underway to increase transparency in PBM reforms, ensuring that patients and pharmacies are not unfairly burdened by hidden fees and reimbursement cuts. These are just a few of the pressing issues that require our voices as student pharmacists.
Fortunately, advocacy is not reserved for policy experts or those with high-level connections. You don’t have to know every detail of a bill or have years of experience in policy work to make a difference. You just have to show up.
Getting involved: Advocacy made simple
While simply being present is powerful, there are many ways to take your advocacy further. Here are some simple yet effective ways to get involved:
- Automated communications: The Arkansas Pharmacists Association is currently hosting a petition for HB 1150, making it easy to support with just a few clicks. Similarly, APhA has an Advocacy Center, where you can enter your information and automatically send a well-crafted message to your legislators regarding key pharmacy issues.
- Attend Legislative Days: Many state pharmacy associations host Legislative Days where pharmacists and student pharmacists can meet lawmakers, discuss pressing issues, and advocate for key policies. These events demonstrate the unity and passion of the profession.
- Engage in APhA–ASP initiatives: Within your APhA–ASP Chapter, you can work with your vice president of policy and join the APhA Political Action Committee. This allows you to organize voter registration drives, draft call-to-action letters, and even help craft policy resolutions that can become official APhA–ASP positions.
- Educate your peers and community: Advocacy is not just about talking to legislators—it’s also about raising awareness among fellow student pharmacists, health care professionals, and patients. The more informed our profession is, the stronger our collective voice becomes.
Why student pharmacists hold power
As student pharmacists, we occupy a unique position, as we are both constituents and future health care providers. Lawmakers listen to their constituents, and when those constituents are also trained in medication management and patient care, their voices carry even more weight. If we do not advocate for ourselves, who else will?
The reality is there are organizations actively working to limit the role of pharmacists. If we remain silent, we risk losing opportunities to practice at the top of our licenses. But if we take action by showing up, signing petitions, engaging with policymakers, and uniting as a profession, we can secure a future where pharmacists are fully recognized for the patient care providers we are.
Advocacy is not an optional part of our profession. It is a responsibility. And it starts with you.