PharmD Students Shine at ASHP Midyear Meeting
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Midyear Clinical Meeting is one of the most influential gatherings for pharmacy professionals and students worldwide, bringing together over 8,000 students and totaling over 20,000 attendees annually. This event is an opportunity for students and professionals to advance their knowledge, form professional relationships, and showcase the contributions of those in the pharmacy field. With a wide range of activities, including poster presentations, networking opportunities, and the highly competitive National Clinical Skills Competition, the ASHP Midyear Meeting offers valuable experiences for aspiring students working to become pharmacists.
The ASHP is the largest organization of pharmacy professionals, representing over 60,000 pharmacists, student pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians nationwide. The ASHP serves as the accrediting body for technician training programs and pharmacy residency while providing its members with numerous career resources. Additionally, the association advocates for its members and patients and aims to positively transform in pharmacy practice.
This year, 13 PharmD students shared their research in the poster presentations—Taylor Butler, Leah Rios, Jude Sammani, Christopher Carpenter, David Elias Campa, Crystal Vo, Vini Vyas, Jordanne Blanche Koulong Kuemene, Blake Williams, Crystal Zhang, Ranya Al Oraibi, Natalie Hart, and Pearl Craig. Through visual aids and detailed explanations, these students had the opportunity to share their findings across a vast range of topics and build connections within the pharmacy industry.
The experience not only showcased the students’ dedication to advancing pharmacy research but also provided a platform for them to build their professional systems. By engaging with other students, faculty members, and professionals, these presentations created an opportunity for students to form bonds that will substantially benefit every step of their careers.
In addition to the poster presentations, the College of Pharmacy achieved remarkable success in the ASHP National Clinical Skills Competition. This event challenges participants to analyze clinical scenarios in team-based settings, requiring them to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Representing the college, Jake Dodson and Crystal Vo advanced through the semifinals to become a top ten finalist team in the 2024 competition, a significant accomplishment highlighting their skill and preparation.
Reflecting on the competition and takeaways from the experience, Dodson shared that ASHP Midyear gave him “a deeper appreciation for real-world patient care decision-making” and reinforced his ability to “analyze complex clinical cases under pressure, collaborate effectively with a partner, and justify my recommendations with evidence-based reasoning.” Vo spoke to the importance of teamwork, stating that “success isn’t just about individual knowledge—it’s about how well you and your partner communicate, challenge each other’s reasoning, and combine your strengths to develop the best possible treatment plan.”
The National Clinical Skills Competition emphasizes the importance of collaboration in real-world healthcare environments, preparing students to work effectively alongside physicians and other healthcare professionals. Dodson's and Vo’s performance reflect their dedication, and the quality of education and training received at the College of Pharmacy.
Participation in the ASHP Midyear Meeting is more than an academic achievement for these students—it is an influential step in their professional journeys. Through their research, presentations, and competition success, they have demonstrated their potential as future innovators in pharmacy. These PharmD students have gained invaluable exposure, developed essential skills, and expanded their professional networks, positioning themselves for significant contributions to the healthcare industry. Christopher Edwards, associate clinical professor in the Pharmacy Practice and Science Department, said, “It was wonderful to see such a great showing from our PharmD students at ASHP. The hard work and dedication of these students and their mentors was obvious from the strength of these projects. It made me proud to be a part of this college.”
As these students continue to grow and succeed, they exemplify the dedication and leadership that will shape the future of healthcare. Their efforts highlight the impact of collaboration, education, and perseverance in promoting positive change in the world of pharmacy.