Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Chair of Assessment and Planning Committee South College Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
Objective : Pharmacy Student Organizations (PSO) at South College School of Pharmacy (SCSOP) provide opportunities for student pharmacists to learn the skills for lifelong advocacy for the profession of Pharmacy. Student pharmacists have impact not only on the local community but at the state and national levels through participation in SPOs. In addition, students also advocate for the profession by participating in Longitudinal Service Learning experiences.
Methods:
Methods: Students at SCSOP participate in the various PSOs starting in P1 year. Throughout their time at SCSOP students design, lead, and participate in activities that advance the profession of pharmacy in the local community through pharmacy related service projects and at the state level through participation in with the TN Pharmacist Association. In addition, students complete 30 hours of Longitudinal Service Learning prior to P3 year to fulfill their introductory practice hours. These IPPE’s allow students to participate in community outreach through activities like wellness fairs, immunization clinics, and Generation Rx education and drug take-backs.
Results: Community Advocacy: Coordinate and participate in HIV testing events, Wellness Fairs, Immunization Clinics, Drug Take-Backs, Patient Medication Education Events, Free Clinics.
State Advocacy: Participation in "Day on the Hill" legislative day to advocate for pharmacy viewpoint with TN representatives, serve as President of TN Student Pharmacist Association
National Advocacy: Submitted policy change at National APhA meeting.
Online Advocacy: SPOs produced social media posts on topic "What's Exciting About Pharmacy" that were published on the SCSOP social media accounts as part of Pharmacy Month October 2022
Conclusions: SCSOP students make use of opportunities through SPOs and Longitudinal Service APPEs to advocate for the profession of pharmacy and present a positive influence on local, state, and national audiences.
