APhA–ASP Member Spotlight: Joseph Miles Azurin
Meet Joseph Miles Azurin, a final-year PharmD candidate at the Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy who is passionate about acute care pharmacy and international health care. Joseph serves as the APhA–ASP national contact person and has actively participated in the International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF). He has delivered speeches on international affairs and represented the United States at international conferences, including the IPSF World Congress. Joseph aspires to become a critical care pharmacist while advocating for patient care at the international level. We spoke with Joseph to gain insights into his dedication to 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?
Joseph: Coming from the Philippines, international health care was a trending topic and how I got my initial involvement within student leadership. As a first-year student pharmacist at Loma Linda University, I noticed a lack of awareness about international pharmacy opportunities among my peers. Driven by a desire to bridge this knowledge gap, I approached our dean, Michael D. Hogue, PharmD, FAPhA, FNAP, FFIP, (now APhA Executive Vice President and CEO) about student involvement opportunities. He recommended APhA–ASP, which has since provided me with numerous enriching experiences. From forging new friendships and networking with pharmacists to traveling the world, these opportunities have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. These experiences, along with continuous learning and development opportunities, are the primary reasons I remain an active member of APhA–ASP.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Joseph: My favorite APhA–ASP member benefit is the automatic membership in IPSF. This unique benefit allows us to connect and collaborate with student pharmacists and professionals from around the globe, fostering a truly international perspective on pharmacy practice and health care.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Joseph: My favorite APhA–ASP memory is from APhA’s 2024 Annual Meeting & Exposition, where I was honored with both the 2024 APhA Student Leadership Award and the 2024 Ton Hoek Scholarship Award from the APhA Foundation. The experience of walking onto the stage to be recognized as a student leader was both humbling and inspiring. This also refueled my commitment to the field of pharmacy and leadership within it.
SPM: Tell us about your upcoming trip to the 82nd FIP World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.
Joseph: I’m eagerly anticipating my upcoming trip to the FIP World Congress as a representative of APhA–ASP. I am attending through the APhA Foundation Student Scholarship Program. This experience presents a unique opportunity to delve deeper into international relationships within pharmacy and to understand the United States’ role in the global pharmaceutical landscape. I’m particularly excited about connecting with leaders from various organizations, exchanging ideas, and gaining insights that will help shape the future of international pharmacy practice. My role will involve active participation in discussions, workshops, and networking events, allowing me to bring valuable knowledge back to our APhA–ASP Chapter and the broader pharmacy community in the United States.
SPM: What is your go-to Starbucks order?
Joseph: Call me basic but a Chocolate Cream Cold Brew never fails to brighten my day.
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Joseph: If I were a superhero, I would choose the power of teleportation. This ability would allow me to instantly visit friends and colleagues around the world so that distance and travel time wouldn’t be an issue!
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Joseph: The dormitory that I live in during school is on a hill and has a great view of the city from the very top. Especially during the tough days, I enjoy looking out to the city lights, playing my guitar, and singing my favorite songs.