Pharmacy students are among first to join new leadership programs
Several College of Pharmacy students are making great strides in the pharmacy world.
Peter Hiller, Maegan Lamb and Tom Taylor have been selected for prestigious positions
and honors within the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. We wanted to share
more about their journey in the College of Pharmacy and what propels them to take
on these leadership roles.
Peter Hiller, Class of 2025
Hiller has been accepted into the inaugural class of the Aspiring Academics program. He is one of 20 students nationwide to join the cohort.
What made you want to consider applying for this opportunity?
Hiller: After fostering a solid relationship with Dr. Jordan Ballou as my mentor, she encouraged me after I expressed my passion to go into pharmacy academia. I have had wonderful professors who have instilled in me a desire to further advance medicine and teach others about it. AACP has the resources and network to help me reach these goals.
What will be required of you as a participant in the program?
Hiller: This program is full of resources and developmental support for me. It includes working on a topic relevant to advancing pharmacy academia, meeting with other like-minded students, networking events, completing experiential activities such as joining AACP-sponsored committees and research, and attending the AACP national conference in Boston.
How do you think being part of the AACP Academic program will help your career?
Hiller: I hope it will allow me to grow and benefit from being part of a cohort of students
and faculty who want to advance the profession. I am striving to have an open mind
and learn about what it means to be a part of a staff of professionals who want to
see their students succeed and have their patients heal. I want to gain insight into
how I can achieve my dreams.
Maegan Lamb, Class of 2025
Lamb is one of seven students nationally chosen as a recipient of the Walmart Health Equity Scholarship for Pharmacy Students. It recognizes her leadership, academic success and commitment to serving rural and medically underserved communities.
What sparked your interest in rural health care?
Lamb: As a student from rural Sampson County, North Carolina, I came to pharmacy school knowing that I wanted to serve rural and underserved patient populations by addressing access to quality health care and other health disparities.
How will this scholarship help you with your studies?
Lamb: I am doing some of my rotations at rural sites in South Carolina, and this scholarship will help me travel to those rural experiences that will make me a better pharmacist.
What are your plans after graduation?
Lamb: Through pharmacy school, I have seen how a clinical pharmacist and ambulatory care
can impact patient care and help with chronic care management that’s prevalent in
rural patient populations. I hope to bridge the gap between the lack of primary care
providers and the lack of access to care.
Tom Taylor, Class of 2025
Taylor has been named to the inaugural cohort of the ACT Pharmacy Collaborative Community Pharmacy Student Scholar Leaders program.
What interests you most about community pharmacy?
Taylor: The options are almost endless. I want to have strong patient relationships and pursue my business and innovative ideas. I want to be on the cutting edge and find new pathways, and this program is bringing like-minded people together to find those solutions.
How will this program support your future career?
Taylor: By working with peers, colleagues and mentors, I hope to develop more innovative ways on how we can implement our ideas. It is a wonderful opportunity to hear from people who have more wisdom than me and to nurture ideas to bring them to fruition.
What advice do you have for your fellow pharmacy students?
Taylor: Take every single opportunity that comes your way. Work at a job, talk to somebody – your professors, the dean. It is all about forging connections and meaningful relationships with people. If you don’t think you have time, I promise you that you do. Just commit.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience