Student Spotlight: Board of Trustees Edition

INTRODUCING OUR STUDENT PHARMACIST BOARD MEMBERS

Nirjan Bhattarai

Student Pharmacist Drake University College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences Although born and raised in a Nepalese refugee camp, Nirjan Bhattarai has lived in Des Moines for the past ten years. Nirjan chose to pursue a career in pharmacy to serve his community through healthcare after finding value and purpose while working in a community pharmacy in high school.

At Drake University, Nirjan is involved in many student organizations. Last year, he served as President of the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) and is currently serving as the Operation Immunization Chair. Nirjan serves as the IPA liaison for Drake as part of the Drake Pharmacy (Rx) Unified Group of Students (DRxUGs).

In addition, the Drake Entrepreneurial Leadership Tools for Advancement (DELTA Rx) Institute has been an important part of Nirjan’s student pharmacist career. He served as a DeltaRx intern for Hartig Drug, which gave him “invaluable experience” surrounding independent pharmacy. Nirjan also competed at the DeltaRx Next Top Entrepreneur Competition (NTEC), an event that allows student pharmacists to creatively solve a current issue in the healthcare system.

Nirjan is also interested in education. Within the college, Nirjan has worked as a teaching assistant for two years, and he is a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society, where he has the opportunity to host tutoring sessions on topics of interest. Nirjan describes being able to work one-on-one with peers and assisting in small ways as “extremely rewarding.” Outside of pharmacy, Nirjan loves reading and following Arsenal FC in the Barclays Premier League. ■

Sidney Vancil

Student Pharmacist The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy Originally from Perry, Iowa, Sidney Vancil is a third-year student pharmacist at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. Sidney became interested in pharmacy at a young age when one of her middle school teachers encouraged her to research and present on pharmacy at their career fair. Her passion for pharmacy grew after learning more about the accessibility, patient care, and variety of settings pharmacists can practice in.

At the University of Iowa, Sidney is involved in the Student Leadership Council, Graduate Student Government, Pediatric Pharmacy Association, Pharmacy Student Ambassador Network, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma, and APhA. She also volunteers with Stead Family Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics. Sidney is excited to expand her involvement in the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) and learn more about current issues facing the profession and how pharmacy can work together towards positive change.

In regards to future plans, Sidney is currently interested in pediatrics, ambulatory care, or association management. ■

Nirjan Bhattarai and Sidney Vancil with full IPA Board of Trustees at Board Retreat in November Nirjan Bhattarai participating in brainstorming exercise