A guiding beacon for all student pharmacists
Madelynn Aeilts is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences.
As student pharmacists, we are driven by a profound dedication to serve not only our patients, but also our communities at large. APhA–ASP National President Miranda Montoya’s presidential theme, “Each of Us, For All of Us,” resonates deeply in our practice as we strive to make a meaningful impact in every corner of society, especially among underserved populations such as those experiencing homelessness. On the outskirts of the Drake University community lies a reality often overlooked, the plight of the unhoused.
Our APhA–ASP Chapter’s commitment to Miranda’s theme goes beyond the classroom and into the streets, where we actively engage with and support these marginalized individuals.
Connecting on a human level
One transformative experience that embodies this commitment occurred during a community outreach event organized by our chapter. In March of this year, our student members went to a women’s shelter called the Beacon to counsel them on chronic disease management, engaged with them in fun games, educated them about women’s health, and provided personalized care that resonated with their diverse health care needs. For many of us, this experience was not merely an opportunity to apply our clinical knowledge, it was also a chance to connect on a human level.
We listened to their stories, validated their challenges, and empowered them with resources to take charge of their health. Through these interactions, we realized the profound impact that pharmacists can have beyond traditional health care settings.
Committed to the theme
“Each of Us, For All of Us” underscores the essence of collective responsibility in health care. It challenges us to extend care beyond the confines of our pharmacy walls and reach out to those who often remain unseen and unheard. By engaging with the unhoused population, we improve health outcomes, and also advocate for social justice and equity in health care access.
Looking ahead, our APhA–ASP Chapter remains committed to integrating Miranda’s theme into our ongoing initiatives. We plan to continue working with our community organizations and branch out to impact more lives to continue to champion the cause of inclusivity and compassion in pharmacy practice. Each interaction reaffirms our belief that every individual deserves dignified health care, irrespective of their circumstances.
Carrying the commitment forward
This presidential theme serves as a guiding beacon for student pharmacists across the country. It compels us to embrace our role as advocates, caregivers, and allies to all members of our community, especially those who are most vulnerable. As we forge ahead in our journey as future pharmacists, let us carry forward this commitment to serve with empathy, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
By embodying the spirit of “Each of Us For All of Us,” we uphold the values of inclusivity and compassion that define the essence of pharmacy practice. Together, we can create a health care landscape where every individual feels cared for, valued, and respected.