ACE from a Student's Perspective

BY NOREEN MIKA, Pharm.D. candidate 2024, University of Michigan

For many pharmacists, the Michigan Pharmacists Association's Annual Convention & Exposition (ACE) has been a valuable opportunity to network, gain knowledge and earn continuing education (CE) credit. However, what often gets overlooked is how this event also provides a platform for students to get involved in the profession and build their network.

The 2023 ACE took place Feb. 24-26 at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. As a student at the University of Michigan's College of Pharmacy, I had the opportunity to witness my peers from the University of Michigan, Ferris State University and Wayne State University engage in the conference in numerous ways. ACE empowers students to get involved and have a voice in MPA in numerous ways, such as being paired with a mentoring pharmacist, serving on the House of Delegates, co-presenting CEs with a professor, competing in the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NAPSA) Self-Care competition and even serving on the executive board. Every attendee at ACE had a unique experience shaped by their involvement in various activities. Carleigh Robinson, a U-M P2 student pharmacist, said she had a positive experience, mentioning her participation in the Adopt-AStudent program, where she received mentorship from

Bill and Susan Adrian. Additionally, Robinson caught up with mutual connections.

Similarly, Jillian Merritt, a Ferris State P3 student pharmacist, participated in the Adopt-A-Student program and was mentored by Sarah Hill, MPA’s president-elect. During the awards banquet, Merritt was seated with Hill and other members of the MPA Executive Board, allowing her to socialize with pharmacists who have a passion for pharmacy.

Iris He had a nerve-wracking but exciting experience representing U-M in the NAPSA Self-Care competition. Despite the pressure of the event, she found the competition incredibly fun and enjoyed the overwhelming support of her classmates. Though her team did not win, she considered the overall experience unforgettable and was grateful for the opportunity.

Speaking of nerve-wracking feelings, Jenny Shang recalled a similar feeling while presenting a CE to a room of pharmacists with U-M professor Dr. Sarah Vordenberg titled, "Stop Taking Your Medication! Approaches to Support Patient-Centered Deprescribing." Despite the feeling, Shang thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the process, from preparing the presentation to delivering it on the day of the event. She was thrilled to provide a student's perspective and engage in a thoughtful discussion afterward.

Believe it or not, the student experience continues! Many students also had the opportunity to participate in the House of Delegates. Meiyan Kailainathan, a U-M P3 student pharmacist, mentioned how being a House of Delegates member was an enriching experience. He was joined by other students from Ferris State and Wayne State to participate in discussions about proposed resolutions that aim to strengthen the pharmacy profession.

Zaid Yousif, a former executive board member, and Mary Westover, a 2023 executive board student representative, highlighted their involvement.

"I've had the pleasure of expanding my network by meeting pharmacy professionals in Michigan and learning how we can advocate for our profession,” Yousif said. “Additionally, ACE has allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills."

Yousif partnered with the Michigan Pharmacy Foundation to host the first-ever student pharmacist social trivia game night. It was a great success and it is hoped more students will participate.

"Attending ACE gave me a glance at what MPA can provide for its members,” Westover said. “It was a great weekend of continuing education and networking with pharmacists and students from Wayne State and Ferris State. This is such a unique opportunity that makes me excited to join my local association after graduation."

Westover and Yousif are enthusiastic about recruiting more students to attend ACE in the future and join MPA.

Through the diverse experiences of the attending students, it's clear that ACE provides a valuable opportunity for student pharmacists to enhance their leadership skills, expand their network and advocate for their profession. With a range of activities available, there are numerous ways for students to get involved and make a difference. Attending ACE is an experience that can have a lasting impact on one's career and I highly encourage all pharmacy students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.

For more information on how you can get involved with MPA as a student, contact MPA Student Pharmacist Executive Council staff liaison Farah Jalloul at FJalloul@ MichiganPharmacists.org