Lindsey Worthington is a third-year PharmD candidate at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy.
APhA–ASP has provided many opportunities for student pharmacists to display their unique talents as officers and to learn to work together as a team. Serving as an APhA–ASP chapter officer at my chapter has provided me with vast personal and professional development, beginning with when I was a first-year student pharmacist in 2019. I have previously served as our chapter’s P1 Liaison and Vice President of Policy and Legislation; I currently serve as chapter president.
As chapter president the most rewarding part of my duties is recognizing our officers for making a meaningful difference in the lives of people in the community. Chapter officers rely on the president for support by asking for guidance, help with solving problems, and implementing new ideas.
If you are thinking about running for an APhA–ASP Chapter office in 2022, I have some words of wisdom to share on why serving is a worthwhile endeavor.
You can grow professionally and personally
Challenges present themselves in any leadership position. Time management, conflict resolution, as well as goals and deadlines are primary challenges APhA–ASP Chapter officers face. However, these challenges can prepare officers for being a successful pharmacist as they progress through their career. Officer responsibilities teach student pharmacists how to successfully work hard while simultaneously setting limits, thereby maintaining a healthy work–life balance.
Establishing effective working relationships with your chapter advisor(s) is another essential part of being an APhA–ASP leader. Advisors understand the chapter’s history and are a wealth of knowledge when you need it most. Advisors are excellent at assisting officers with experienced advice as well as being a mentor years beyond the student's leadership role. My advisors have been especially helpful to me in resolving conflicts between chapter officers. They remind our team it’s normal for people to have their own ideas of how to best accomplish a task. My advisors have taught me to listen to both sides carefully and patiently before making a final decision. In turn, it has allowed officers to voice their opinions, know they are being listened to, and feel respected even if their idea is not selected.
It was not an easy decision for me to run for chapter president; it was way out of my comfort zone. Serving has been rewarding, both personally and professionally. Personally, it has given me an opportunity to develop my passion for patient care and practice managing my time. Professionally, it has grown my communication skills and fostered new connections with other local and national leaders.
Take a leap of faith
If you decide to run for chapter president, keep in mind this position is the bridge between student pharmacists and pharmacy professionals. It is the responsibility of chapter presidents to take advantage of the many opportunities to interact and connect with leadership in both their school and state association. They are expected to professionally represent the chapter through their organization, involvement, and communication.
If you have a member who shows interest in a leadership office but is hesitant about running—especially for chapter president—encourage them to apply for a position that is relevant to their passions or talents. You do not have to be chapter president to make a significant impact in either your chapter or community.
I encourage any student pharmacist who is considering taking a role in a chapter office to take a leap of faith and experience all that APhA–ASP has to offer!