Meet Roswell Cole, a final-year PharmD and MPH in Health Policy candidate at The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy (UGA). While in pharmacy school, Roswell has served as his chapter’s vice president of policy and as an elected member of the senate in UGA’s student government—including as chair of their Committee on Budget and Oversight. We caught up with Roswell, to learn about him and his passion for APhA–ASP.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): Can you tell us about your journey with APhA–ASP? Why did you choose to become a member, and why do you remain a member?
Cole: When I started pharmacy school, I was 19 and excited to get involved in every way I possibly could. I was led to APhA–ASP because of its wide impact on all areas of pharmacy and the potential to expose me to new fields. This exposure led me to add a dual degree in health policy. I started exploring how I could use my pharmacy degree and experience to build a career in advocacy. I’ve stayed a member of APhA–ASP throughout school. It has offered pathways for me to stay involved and informed in pharmacy advocacy and to move our profession forward.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Cole: I’d say my top benefit has been getting to meet the leaders of the fields I find interesting. For me, it’s always about rural health. Growing up in Appalachia, I’ve seen first-hand the health disparities that exist and what needs to be done to move forward. As a member of APhA–ASP, I’ve greatly enjoyed getting to meet the people who are leading the efforts to expand a pharmacist’s legal capability. Playing a role in community advocacy—a great complement to practitioners' clinical knowledge—pharmacists are uniquely prepared to create accessible care in rural communities.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Cole: My favorite memory in APhA–ASP is having the opportunity to complete an APPE in association management at APhA headquarters in Washington, DC. This rotation gave me the opportunity to meet leaders in the association and to further develop my interest in pharmacy advocacy, one of my top professional passions.
SPM: What is your go-to Starbucks order?
Cole: In school and rotations, my go-to has been a shaken espresso with a cold foam, especially the pumpkin flavored one during fall!
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Cole: Oh, that’s easy … teleportation! Running a bit behind? Stuck in Atlanta traffic? Walking between meetings in southern humidity? All those little issues would be solved!
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Cole: I was raised with cats at home, and I love their friendship. After a long day, it’s always great to come home to a playful cat greeting me at the door.