As a student, beginning their pharmacy school journey, the abundance of professional pharmacy organizations at a pharmacy school can feel overwhelming. Yet, state pharmacy organizations like the Illinois Pharmacists Association (IPhA) can be utilized as invaluable resources for students. For many of us students, understanding the unique role these organizations play takes time. My own introduction to IPhA came through a business idea competition through my school, which competed at the IPhA annual meeting and offered a first glimpse into the benefits of engaging with a state-level professional community.

Now, as a final year pharmacy student, preparing for graduation, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for both state and national pharmacy organizations. My involvement grew significantly after I took on a leadership role in our school’s APhA-ASP chapter. That experience, coupled with the enthusiasm about organizations seen amongst our faculty, ignited my interest further. Attending state events provided a unique opportunity to connect with seasoned professionals in a relaxed environment, breaking down the barriers that often separate students from practitioners. It was refreshing to see our future colleagues engaged in genuine, informal conversations that allowed us to relate to them on a more personal level.

At IPhA annual meeting, numerous opportunities for students are offered to participate and compete. Events such as patient counseling competitions, and business innovation challenges, encourage friendly rivalry and networking among students from the different programs throughout the state. In a profession as interconnected as pharmacy, it’s likely we’ll cross paths with these peers again, and building relationships early on is invaluable. Attending an annual meeting provided clarity on the importance of these organizations. Listening to discussions on issues like Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and understanding their impact, highlighted the relevance of these topics. Conversations with faculty and practicing pharmacists underscored the challenges faced by independent pharmacies, while reinforcing the importance of advocating for the profession as a whole. Witnessing the collaborative efforts of various pharmacy organizations showed me the power of a united voice, one that ultimately shapes our profession and affects our future careers.

My experience with IPhA has been eye-opening, and I believe it’s crucial for students to be aware of the value these organizations bring. The actions we take now, and the knowledge we gain, will influence the future of pharmacy and shape our roles as the next generation of pharmacists.