Region 3 chapter leaders advocate for the profession on Capitol Hill during SLI2018.
By Andrea McDonald
APhA–ASP was built on a legacy of leadership. Throughout the existence of the Academy, student pharmacists have helped contribute to making the practice of pharmacy what it is today. The Academy has helped develop and mold leaders through intentional programming, opportunities, and structure.
Let me take this opportunity to share with you one of the greatest secrets to how our Academy develops student pharmacists in becoming “Fearlessly Authentic” leaders.
SLI 101
For more than 2 decades, APhA–ASP has hosted the Summer Leadership Institute (SLI), which has helped develop student pharmacists in their roles as chapter leaders. Each year, one student pharmacist from each of the 140 student chapters is invited to attend the Institute. The purpose is to allow these student leaders to learn and gain understanding on the Academy’s history and programs.
Often, a Chapter President or President-elect is encouraged to attend so that they can lead their school’s chapter in continued success over the upcoming academic year. Attendees participate in leadership development and training while connecting and networking with other student pharmacists from across the country. By developing chapter leaders, the Academy can support the chapters nationwide.
SLI is held in the heart of the nation’s capital in Washington, DC. An advantage of SLI being held in DC is that students have a chance to advocate for the profession during pre-organized Capitol Hill visits. These visits allow student pharmacists to share their unique pharmacy and patient care stories with their legislators.
SLI meetings are structured to encourage students in attendance to connect and interact with each other. Throughout the meeting, team-building sessions and discussions are held, teaching attendees the main components required to successfully implement new patient care events and chapter meetings. APhA–ASP staff is present throughout the SLI experience to answer questions and facilitate the programing.
My SLI story
My first SLI experience was last summer when I attended as the incoming Policy Vice President for my school chapter. My interest in attending SLI was initially sparked from a conversation I had with former APhA–ASP President Nimit Jindal. He shared with me the opportunity to speak with legislators during the Hill visits. One of the main reasons I chose to become a pharmacist was to share with others the vital importance of a pharmacist in patient care. After speaking with Nimit, I knew that it was my calling to attend SLI.
Because I attended SLI, I was able to meet other like-minded individuals and integrate new ideas at my own chapter. One idea that I took back home came to fruition through an inspiring conversation I had at SLI with past APhA–ASP Member-at-large Mark Gilliam. This is how the governor’s proclamation in the state of Tennessee was born, declaring October 2018 as American Pharmacist Month. This proclamation allowed for fellow Tennesseans across the state to learn more about the role and impact of a pharmacist in patient care.
Attending SLI has had an impact on my life tremendously. Participating in SLI encouraged me to use my voice, talents, and hard work to advocate for the profession of pharmacy and the betterment of patient care. As I look forward to attending my second SLI as the APhA–ASP Speaker of the House, I hope to continue the legacy of the Academy.
This year, SLI will be held in the wake of APhA–ASP’s 50th anniversary celebration. For student pharmacists nationwide, this will be a year to remember. Regardless if you are present at SLI or back at your APhA–ASP Chapter, may we all be empowered to share our story with others to help impact the face of pharmacy, our health systems, and patient care.
In the spirit of our APhA–ASP National President Kelli Jo Welter’s theme for this year, let us all continuously remind each other to be “Fearlessly Authentic” leaders!