Student pharmacists at the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy spearheaded an impressive American Pharmacists Month celebration this October. Members of the American Pharmacists Association–Academy of Student Pharmacists, along with their faculty advisers, organized a month packed with activities that raised awareness and created lasting memories.
The celebration began with a kickoff event in the Pylons Lobby. Students, faculty, and staff gathered for a group photo and cake.
Students had 2 opportunities to explore careers and leadership through engaging panel discussions.
The first panel, co-hosted by APhA-ASP and the WVU Pediatric Association, highlighted 5 pediatric pharmacists, including SoP alumni, from WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. The guest panelists were Lauren LaPointe, PGY1 pediatric pharmacy resident; Micah Butcher (PharmD,’ 2013), pharmacy Manager and previous NICU pharmacist; Shaylee Gunzenhauser (PharmD, ’2023), pediatric oncology pharmacist; Tyler Bailey (PharmD, ’2019), pediatric pharmacist; and Mikayla Bowen (PharmD, ’2022), general pediatric pharmacist. The speakers shared insights into their unique roles, challenges, and opportunities within pediatric pharmacy.
The Dean’s Hour Panel, “Pharmacy Pathways: Leadership Across the Profession,” brought together distinguished speakers, including Albert L. Wright, Jr., PharmD, DrPH, MHA – President & CEO, WVU Health System. As well as the following alumni: Iftekhar (Ifti) Kalsekar (PhD, ’04), VP, Global Scientific Affairs & Data Sciences, Johnson & Johnson; LeeAnn Miller (BSPharm, ’99; MS, ’03), VP, Business Development & Growth, Cencora Hospital and Health Systems; Bruce T. Roberts (BSPharm, ’76; ScD, ’25), Home Health Care Expert & Pharmacy Industry Leader.
Students found fun and impactful ways to bring awareness to serious topics like the importance of flu vaccines. APhA-ASP members administered an influenza shot to WVU’s Mountaineer Mascot, Caid Kincaid.
They also marked Women in Pharmacy Day by sharing cookies in the Pharmacy Student Lounge and celebrated National Pharmacy Technician Day by assembling goodie bags for pharmacy technicians across Morgantown.
Rounding out the month were a wellness day and an OktoberPhest Mixer at The Co-Op Downtown.
