FSHP 55th Annual Meeting

Whole New World - Exploring Uncharted Territory

Highlighting Student Experiences

It was a great and memorable experience. At first I didn’t have clue what FSHP nor the conference was about but I quickly learned while there that it’s an opportunity to network with many pharmacy professionals from numerous health systems, meet other pharmacy students and get interact with many representatives from various pharmaceutical companies. Most importantly I got see my Tallahassee brothers and sisters for the first time in person and it was a pleasant reunion. I also thoroughly enjoyed participating in the jeopardy style quiz bowl on pharmacy practice knowledge.

I learned how networking and engagement with other professionals is essential and can open many opportunities such as residencies and internships. I also was encouraged from the conference on getting involved In research and probably doing a poster presentation in the future. I also gleaned from other pharmacy students and the FSHP staff.

I volunteered for 3 days of the conference. I assembled with 3 others the registration attendee bags. I also greeted and presented attendees with their badges and bags. I registered and helped set up the stations for the vendors such as AstraZenca, Pfizer and Omnicell. I also ushered for the 5 minute speed date that was set up between pharmacy directors of hospitals and the numerous pharmaceutical companies that attended.

~ Leighton Leachman

Cynthia Adme:
I had a wonderful experience attending FSHP 55th annual conference. I had the opportunity to network with different pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies. The showcase residency program was very informational and helpful. I had the opportunity to ask questions and network with directors of different residency programs. I also enjoy the different guest speakers that came out to speak on different topics. Participating in the quiz bowel was a fun experience and a great way for students to network with other students.

The experience at the FSHP Annual Conference was amazing! I was given the opportunity to network with many pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies representatives, and other pharmacy students from other schools throughout Florida. I met many people that were able to give me information that will help in my progression following the completion of my pharmacy program.

I learned about what many residencies are looking for in an applicant. I also learned what is needed for me to achieve my goals as a pharmacist. I even got to get information on what my APPE will be like.

As a volunteer, I was helping FSHP personnel with events, so that they ran smoothly. Which led to us being able to meet influential people that would be amazing in the networking process.

- Jonathan Young

Samara Chienye:
I learned that a pharmacist's role is truly important in the health field. I was able to listen to many different speakers who told their stories and gave their perspective on providing the best care to our patients.

I enjoyed meeting my colleagues and talking to the alumni from the College of Pharmacy. Their stories and motivational speeches were inspiring. Also, the quiz bowl was entertaining and informative as well!

Marie Leger:
The Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists conference was held this year in Orlando, Florida. A handful of my classmates and I were honored with the privilege of being sponsored to attend and engage in the various events and showcases being offered. Also being held there during the time was a special dinner being held in honor of FAMU's pharmacy alumni, which our esteemed Dean Early hosted. It was an honor to have been present at this fantastic social event. I want to give a big thank you to the caring individuals who sponsored us students, making it possible to participate in this year's FSHP conference and Pharmacy alumni dinner. Without you I would not have experienced or met such great and influential people.

So many events were being held at the conference, including continuing education seminars for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, networking opportunities between pharmacy directors and various pharmaceutical industries, residency showcases, and even activities for pharmacy students. "Brain Bowl," an interactive game, was an event for future pharmacists from all the Florida pharmacy colleges to engage in a Jeopardy-type competition, pitting their knowledge in different study areas. I was so proud of my classmates who actively participated in the event, as this was the first time we were represented in an event like this one! It was great to connect other pharmacy students and share our experiences with them.

To show my gratitude for attending the conference, I volunteered to help at one of the numerous events being held at the meeting. As a volunteer, I helped to navigate pharmacy directors and leaders from many hospitals communicate with a plethora of pharmaceutical companies. Crucial connections and networking were being made between the pharmacy directors and pharmaceutical industry. I learned that there are more than just drugs being discussed during their sessions. Newer and more innovative IT programs were being showcased during the expo, providing solutions to complex challenges in the clinical aspect of hospital pharmacy.
During my time at the conference, I also learned of the many avenues that one can take in clinical Pharmacy. The presence of pharmacists is EVERYWHERE, both inside and outside hospital systems. Their expertise is needed to create and implement drug therapy protocols, create software and programs that will positively impact the safety of patients, create and/or improve different bio equipment, and their voices are heard through legislative to make changes in policies that will impact the future of Pharmacy as a whole(which I'm learning is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT).
The most memorable part of the whole experience was getting to meet with the alumni of our pharmacy school. They all made us feel very comfortable and were open to talking about their experiences in pharmacy school as well as what they have accomplished with their degree. It was interesting to know that many of them were venturing out to open their own businesses, some pertaining to Pharmacy, healthcare, politics, and other sectors outside of healthcare. They used their pharmacy background to explore entrepreneurship! Making lasting connections with the alumni was such a great experience for me. Personally, I often feel out of place among a group, but our alumni were such down-to-earth, humble, and intellectual individuals that were more than happy to express their support and help to us, future pharmacists.

This experience has been quite impactful in helping me to determine the direction I want to go as a future pharmacist. I believe that every student should attend and participate in conferences like these because it helps with connecting with individuals from many areas in pharmacy, provides the opportunity to stay abreast of the many changes happening in the profession, and getting to connect and network with amazing professionals. You may even see a former classmates/cohort. I plan on attending more other pharmacy conferences in the future, and one day (soon) sponsoring a future pharmacist so that they too can gain the experience as us fortunate students have.