Coit College of Pharmacy at the AzPA Annual Meeting
Each year, faculty, students, and alumni convene at the Arizona Pharmacy Association (AzPA) for its annual convention. This year, the convention focused on the trends shaping the future of pharmacy: diabetes management, medical billing and coding, and the use of artificial intelligence. In addition to professional development, attendees can also take advantage of networking opportunities with masterclasses, a senior pharmacy leaders forum, and alumni receptions.
The mission of the AzPA is to unify, amplify, and empower the voice of pharmacy in Arizona, enhancing its ability to provide high-quality, accessible patient care through influence and targeted efforts in advocacy and education to expand pharmacy scope of practice, foster the growth of innovative services, and support the financial viability of pharmacy services.
One aspect of the convention is highlighting those positively contributing to the pharmacy industry. This year, numerous faculty and alumni were awarded or recognized for their contributions and community impact. Most notably, Jennifer Bingham, PharmD, class of 2010, received the 2025 Bowl of Hygeia Award. This award is the highest level of recognition given to an Arizona pharmacist who has made considerable contributions to community service and has compiled an outstanding record of community service that reflects well on the profession. Bingham has been recognized with numerous awards over the years for her patient care and research achievements and has been featured in published scientific journals and books more than fifty times.
“I'm deeply honored to be recognized for something I genuinely love – volunteering to make a difference,” says Bingham. “To be included among such extraordinary individuals is truly humbling.”
In addition to alumni receiving honors, Misk Al Qaderi, a fourth-year PharmD student, was recognized as the AzPA Student of the Year. Award recipients must be an Arizona PharmD candidate who has demonstrated significant leadership in Arizona pharmacy in the previous year. Contributions can relate to AzPA participation, College of Pharmacy participation, and/or activities related to the pharmacy profession within their community.
Al Qaderi’s nominator, Yousef Toma, PharmD, shares, “She is a phenomenal student leader who represents the future of pharmacy with strength, compassion, and purpose. Her advocacy efforts, especially at the Arizona Day at the Capitol and through her work with the Stop Overdose Deaths Arizona (SODAz), demonstrate a deep commitment to both the profession and the communities we serve. She leads by example and continues to elevate those around her. She is a true inspiration to fellow students and practitioners alike.”
Al Qaderi is an active student in the College of Pharmacy, balancing volunteer work, leadership positions in pharmacy student organizations, and community service. “I want to sincerely thank Dr. Yousef Toma for nominating me for this award. Knowing the pharmacy leaders that I look up to took the time to support me means the world to me. Being nominated for the Student of the Year Award is an incredible honor and I'm so grateful to every pharmacist who believes in me and everyone who supports me,” says Al Qaderi. This award really encourages me to keep going, keep leading, and to keep giving back to the pharmacy community.”
Exemplary students are no exception, as last year’s AzPA Student of the Year, Mikayla Gerdes, was also from the College of Pharmacy.
Additional College of Pharmacy faculty and alumni were recognized at this year’s event:
2025-2026 AzPA Fellows:
- Nancy Alvarez, PharmD, faculty and Class of 1992
- Mary Manning, PharmD, Class of 1991
RPD Director of the Year:
- Jennifer Baggs, Class of 2009
RPD Preceptor of the Year:
- Michaela Konecnik, PharmD, Class of 2013