APhA-ASP Member Spotlight: Megan Russell
Meet Megan Russell, a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy. Megan currently serves as her chapter’s policy vice president and is interested in ambulatory care and specialty pharmacy. We took a moment to catch up with Megan to learn more about her and her passion for APhA–ASP.
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?
I joined APhA-ASP my first year of pharmacy school because of the countless opportunities that were available for student pharmacists to become involved in advancing the pharmacy profession. I am beginning my second year as serving as policy vice president for my chapter, and it has been extremely rewarding helping students get involved with policy and advocacy for the pharmacy profession while enhancing my leadership skills.
What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
My favorite APhA–ASP member benefit is all of the professional development opportunities and resources provided to students! I’ve been able to meet and learn from so many incredible current practicing pharmacists and other student pharmacists at professional meetings like the APhA Annual Meeting and Exposition and APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting. I’m looking forward to attending these both this year as well. Plus the Webinar Weeks hosted by the APhA–ASP National Executive Committee and other online resources provide such invaluable information, allowing for success inside and out of the classroom.
What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
My favorite memory is traveling to San Antonio with other members of my chapter for APhA2022. For the majority of us, it was our first in-person national conference that we were able to attend. We met so many amazing students from other chapters! I was also able to participate in the APhA–ASP House of Delegates and vote on the policy proposals, which was very exciting.
What is your go-to Starbucks order?
Every fall, I impatiently wait for the return of the infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte (iced of course). Year round, I stick to an iced vanilla latte.
If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
If I were a superhero, the power I would want to have would be super-speed. I always strive to be super productive and efficient in my day-to-day tasks in hopes to make the most of every minute of the day. There is no better way to accomplish that than with super-speed!
After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
I love to change into comfy clothes, cook a nice dinner, and turn on whatever new show I am watching (though I typically end up scrolling through TikTok).
So what is your favorite TikTok account to follow?
I typically watch whatever my "For You Page" recommends, but my favorite account that I follow is the Savannah Bananas. I would love to make a trip to Georgia just to see one of their baseball games in person.