Breaking the glass ceiling: Ohio State SNPhA chapter hosts first local conference
More than 100 members and alumni of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) gathered in Columbus for networking, pharmacy education and leadership development. The Ohio State University chapter hosted the annual regional conference for the first time at the Fawcett Center from Feb. 21-23.
The conference’s success was a culmination of dedication and leadership by Ohio State pharmacy students.
“Over the past year, we have worked extremely hard to increase student engagement and professional development,” said Sara Freeman, P2 candidate, Ohio State SNPhA historian and head of the regional conference’s marketing committee. "Our efforts have not only fostered a sense of community, but also pushed the boundaries of what student organizations can achieve.”
Serving as the host of this regional event required an initial proposal outlining venue options, programming, budgeting and much more. Once the hosting responsibilities were secured, five specialized committees of SNPhA members were instrumental in bringing the vision to life.
“A student-led conference like this allows students to develop essential leadership, communication and problem-solving skills,” Freeman added. “Having students organize the event also allows us to add our energy and passion into the event activities, ensuring that all voices are heard.”
SNPhA is one of the largest PharmD student organizations within the university. Throughout the academic year, SNPhA programming aims to improve the pharmacy profession, address health care issues and cater to the unique needs of local underserved populations.
College faculty, staff and students might be familiar with the organization’s name through Ohio State’s “Mentorscript” program and Asian Free Clinic volunteer drives.
Activities at the conference centered around the theme, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” Ohio State chapter President Shayla Ta and Vice President Lyann Trinh proposed this theme to align with the student organization’s platforms of accessible health care and the advancement of patient care.
“This theme highlights our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued,” Trinh said. “By integrating this theme into our conference, we aimed to inspire attendees to break their own barriers and contribute to a more equitable health care system.”
Conference attendees could select from a myriad of workshops and seminars confronting prevalent diagnoses and health challenges of underserved populations. From accessibility of trans health care to the breakdown of sickle cell disease, there was a session for everyone.
“Our programming vision was to shed light on these issues by identifying barriers that exist for our patients and equipping future pharmacists with the determination and knowledge to prevail,” Ta said.
Guest speakers came from a wide range of expertise, from community health pharmacists like Jacquelyn Risner Kissel, PharmD ‘08, AAHIVP, BS Pharm ‘08, associate director of clinical pharmacy at Equitas Health, to lab-focused pharmacologists like College of Pharmacy Dean Deanna Kroetz, PhD, BS Pharm ’85.
Students also had the chance to connect with these guest speakers at the conference’s social events.
“One of the best parts of a conference is networking,” Freeman said. “I find it so valuable to connect and learn from others that I would likely never have been able to meet or had the chance to have a full conversation with.”