Julia Hormann is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. In March, she received an APhA Student Leadership Award at the 2025 APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville, TN.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): As you reflect on your student pharmacist experience thus far, what are some of your favorite memories?
Hormann: Some of my favorite memories as a student pharmacist come from the opportunities I’ve had to travel and attend pharmacy meetings. Being involved in my state association has taken me to Columbia, SC, multiple times throughout the year and to Asheville, NC, earlier this year. Each trip has deepened my understanding of pharmacy advocacy and strengthened my passion for fighting for the profession.
One of the most memorable experiences was attending the APhA–ASP Summer Leadership Institute in Washington, DC. This event allowed me to witness advocacy on a national scale and connect with pharmacy students from across the country, further inspiring my commitment to leadership and the future of pharmacy.
SPM: Pharmacy school is demanding, especially when you add on additional activities. How do you manage all of your responsibilities?
Hormann: At times, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of pharmacy school and lose sight of the end goal. To stay grounded, I reminded myself that involvement in organizations, part-time jobs, and volunteer shifts were just as important as the lectures. These experiences not only enhanced my academic growth, but also provided invaluable hands-on learning opportunities. When my schedule became overwhelming, I focused on how each involvement was shaping me into a better leader, student, and future pharmacist.
One of my most cherished memories from pharmacy school has been discovering my love for running after moving to Charleston, SC. I had never been a runner growing up, but the historic downtown streets leading to the harbor became my outlet—a way to clear my mind and see countless sunsets. Running has been a constant source of resilience throughout pharmacy school, and I’m proud to have completed my first 10K and half marathon along the way!
SPM: What are some of your favorite leadership tools and/or resources?
Hormann: One of my favorite leadership resources is a TED Talk I was introduced to in high school: Everyday Leadership by Drew Dudley. In just 5 minutes, he shares a powerful anecdote about how society often views leadership as something larger than life. He challenges this notion by emphasizing that leadership does not have to be about making world-changing moves—it is often about the small meaningful moments in which we positively impact others, often without even realizing it.
Whenever I need a boost of inspiration, I revisit this talk. It serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is within all of us and even the smallest actions can make a difference. It has been an incredible source of empowerment for me, and I highly recommend it to others!
SPM: What does being a leader mean, and what does being selected for this award mean to you?
Hormann: As I mentioned in my favorite TED Talk, I believe leadership is about making a difference—no matter how big or small. A pharmacist demonstrates leadership every time they counsel a patient, collaborate on a clinical team, or advocate for the profession. Leadership isn’t defined by titles or scale; it’s about the impact we have on those around us.
Being selected for this award is both uplifting and encouraging. It reaffirms that leadership, in any form, matters. As students, it’s easy to feel like our role is small in the grand scheme of health care, but this recognition highlights the meaningful contributions we make. It showcases our ability to create change and serves as a reminder that student pharmacists are already shaping the future of our profession.
SPM: Who is your favorite songwriter and why?
Taylor Swift, because she wrote most of the songs on my “Bridge Run 2023” playlist. I made it for my very first 10k 2 years ago, and I have used it on every run since. It’s filled with lots of other throwbacks from growing up too!
SPM: What’s next for you?
Hormann: I am eager to start my clinical rotations and explore more of pharmacy. My goal is to pursue a residency and ultimately work in ambulatory care while promoting pharmacy advocacy through work with my state association.