Everything you want to know about the APhA Foundation Executive Fellowship

Emily Albers, PharmD, is the 2023–2024 APhA Foundation Executive Fellow in Association Management & Leadership in Washington, DC.

The APhA Foundation Executive Fellowship is the longest running postgraduate position at APhA. It is a 1-year residency with the APhA Foundation that fosters leadership and association management skills. As fellow, I oversee primary programs including student scholarships, Incentive Grants, the Pinnacle and Jacob W. Miller Awards, and other research and innovation projects as they arise. I am also liaison to the Women in Pharmacy Committee, a wonderful group that hosts events throughout the year and at the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition.

Along with my duties with the APhA Foundation, I rotate between the other APhA departments to gain a better insight into their procedures and develop additional skills in association management. I also receive questions from student pharmacists seeking more information about the Foundation and my role, so here are my answers to the most pertinent queries.

What does the Foundation do?

The APhA Foundation is APhA’s nonprofit branch and is dedicated to research and innovation in pharmacy practice. The APhA Foundation supports local and national efforts to advance pharmacist’s patient care services. Through donations and a multitude of partnerships, the foundation provides student pharmacists, residents, pharmacists, and pharmacies with the support they need to succeed. I have seen firsthand how programs such as Incentive Grants fund innovative services in community pharmacies.

The APhA Foundation has its own staff and Board of Directors to carry out their mission: to improve health by inspiring philanthropy, research and innovation that advances pharmacists’ patient care services.

Why am I called a fellow?

The position was originally an executive residency, but was reestablished and termed a fellowship in 2019 to better reflect the nature of the program and align with terminology used by similar postgraduate programs in association management. Similar positions in other departments, who are called “residents,” were also introduced at this time. The name might have changed, but the position’s mission stays the same: cultivating the next generation of leaders in pharmacy.

Why did I apply for this position?

I was interested in an alternative pharmacy career from early on at Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences—something nonclinical, but still impactful. After dabbling in community pharmacy, I took on a 3-year internship with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, which introduced me to the regulatory side of pharmacy. I grew interested in pharmacy advocacy and got involved with my school’s APhA–ASP Chapter as policy vice president. These activities influenced my postgraduate plans, and I began looking into association management.

As someone with a background in both pharmacy and communications, I wanted something in which I could use both of these skillsets. I was interested in the APhA Foundation because of the advancement of pharmacy practice opportunities on a national level. This gives the fellow leverage to make a significant impact on not only the foundation, but the profession.

What is my favorite part of being a fellow?

My favorite part of being a fellow at APhA Foundation is the variety of projects I am a part of. I love a project-based environment and working on a program all the way through. My days never look the same; whether it is collaborating with constituents, developing resources, or managing 40+ residency projects, I love what I do every day. Along with running the primary programs, I get to work with numerous pharmacy professionals. The APhA Foundation relies on its volunteers, and it is very inspiring to see these individuals serve as mentors and changemakers.

The fellowship provides me with the opportunity to gain the skills I need to be successful in association management. No matter what the future holds, I know I am more confident and capable because of my time with the APhA Foundation.

How can student pharmacists get involved?

There are several ways student pharmacists can get involved with the APhA Foundation. As mentioned, the Foundation supports students and recognizes their achievements as leaders with scholarships.

Interested in a student scholarship? Applications are open here until December 1, 2023.

Another untapped opportunity for student pharmacists is the 1953 Society. This donor society is composed of outstanding pharmacist contributors that are committed to APhA Foundation’s endeavors. For just a fraction of the typical donation, student pharmacists can become members, giving them opportunities to network with top leaders in pharmacy.

As student pharmacists begin to look at postgraduate options, consider the APhA Executive Fellowship! Applications are open now through December 31, 2023.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at ealbers@aphanet.org.