Unity in Diversity at MRM2021

Lilly Sieren is a final-year PharmD candidate at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy.

As we prepare for APhA2022 in San Antonio this weekend, it’s time to take a look back at the highlights from our last gathering: the APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting (MRM).

In the fall, I had the pleasure of attending my fourth MRM, this time in a virtual format. It was a special time to reconnect with old friends and peers I’ve met over the years, through conferences just like this one.

APhA–ASP met the challenge of converting this special student-focused event into an online platform while retaining the engagement and fun of an in-person meeting seamlessly. With opportunities to connect with peers and future employers, such as the career fair and breakout sessions, APhA–ASP maintained a sense of camaraderie and connection that is unique to MRM—a sorely needed component as we continue to navigate the challenges and changes brought on by the pandemic.

Meaningful sessions

This year, MRM took a unique approach to programming, focusing on high-priority topics surrounding health care. Following this year’s theme, “Unity in Diversity,” APhA–ASP explored the ways in which patient populations are composed of people from a wide array of different backgrounds and, more importantly, how pharmacists can take steps to better support all patients and improve access to health care.

Attendees heard about two extremely important topics from presenters Pat Castillo of the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America, and Sam Miller, PharmD. In these sessions, we discussed the stigma surrounding substance use disorders and health care for transgender patients. Throughout these presentations, we explored the role of pharmacists in treating this patient population, as well as the daily struggles these patients experience and reasons they may be hesitant to interact with health care providers in the United States.

Something that really stuck out to me as an attendee was the first-hand account given by guest speaker Amanda Via of her personal journey to recovery from substance use disorder. Remembering that our patients have lives outside of their disease states or medications they take is incredibly important to keep in mind as we manage their care and support them through their health journeys.

Advocacy in big and little approaches

We also had the pleasure of hearing from new practitioner Nimit Jindal, PharmD, about how we can advocate for patients in multiple ways. We explored big “A” advocacy—that is, interacting directly with policymakers about bills—and little “a” advocacy —day-to-day patient interaction and education to raise awareness of issues—as well as the importance of using each form of advocacy within our practice. The most memorable aspect of this session was a reminder of the obligation to meet patients where they are, a call to action outlined in the Oath of a Pharmacist that we all have taken in preparation for our future pharmacy careers.

Failing your way to a brilliant pharmacy career

In addition to the focus on our unique and diverse patient population, APhA–ASP also took time to remind us that diversity within the profession is equally valued. Erin Albert, PharmD, JD, MBA, delivered a presentation titled “How to Fail Your Way to a Brilliant Pharmacy Career,” which was a beautiful and well-needed reminder that there is no perfect, cookie-cutter path to becoming a successful professional.

We all have unique skills and experiences that will guide us exactly to where we need to be to make a difference, both in our communities and in the world of health care. Dr. Albert left us with a call to explore self-reflection; not only of ourselves, but specifically our failures in order to help us in our future pursuits—an invaluable skill for a developing professional in an ever-growing field.

Another year of MRM moments

Also sprinkled in during the 4-day event were the following: two virtual networking sessions; three Career Opportunities Showcases; the Speed Professional Development breakouts—hosted by the APhA New Practitioner Network—which allowed attendees to learn more about important skills such as improving study habits and interviewing techniques in a speed dating format. The week finished with the Regional Closing Business Sessions, where the APhA–ASP Chapter Member Recognition certificates were presented, results of the policy proposal statement voting were released, Regional Award recipients for the patient care projects were revealed, and the 2021–22 APhA–ASP Regional Officers were announced.  

Thank you, APhA–ASP, for the years of experience, development, and MRM moments you have provided student pharmacists during their journeys to a meaningful and diverse career!