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A Student’s Perspective on Policy

By Lauren Stanz posted 10-23-2017 12:16

  
​This summer I had the privilege of being installed in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) House of Delegates as the representative for the Pharmacy Student Forum. My time as a delegate contributing to pharmacy policy has been incredibly inspiring. I hope my sharing these experiences rouses a similar feeling in you all.

I learned very quickly that serving in the House of Delegates comes with the vast responsibility of reviewing, amending, and approving ASHP professional policy. I also learned that the creation of said policy begins with its members. Yes, students this includes you! The engagement of ASHP’s members in this developmental process is a unique organizational aspect that must be utilized. My time spent at a Regional Delegate Conference this May prior to Summer Meeting highlighted how important it is for students to be involved. Those couple of days allowed me the opportunity to join in and contribute to discussion, providing a student’s unique perspective that unfortunately is easily overlooked. I soon realized that students’ representation and participation is essential to such ASHP processes.

The value of ASHP professional policy is extensive, influencing various aspects of pharmacy and ultimately guiding the profession. Becoming active and staying up to date has not only enhanced my professional skills, but also my knowledge on various health care issues. While I serve on a forum executive committee, holding an elected position is not required to partake. Opportunities for involvement are countless from suggesting issues for attention to commenting on proposed ideas and plans. ASHP Connect online is an instrumental resource for members to get involved and comment on discussions with the latest proposals. Any member, including students, can weigh in on these issues. This online communication is the future of such business, making it exceedingly accessible and easy for members to engage in creating the policy of tomorrow.

Sitting in the House of Delegates and witnessing policy being made was truly exciting and something I encourage each of you to do at some point in your career. Further, attending ASHP’s Policy Week and Legislative Day to deliberate issues and advocate on behalf of the profession really brought the process full circle. I hope my account has sparked your interest in learning more about ASHP policy and encouraged you to be a part of moving pharmacy forward. I am so grateful to be a part of an organization where policy development is a membership benefit. I challenge you to utilize this opportunity and share in the newest deliberations. After all, we as students are the future of pharmacy! To find out more about ASHP’s House of Delegates and Policy Development Process, please visit https://www.ashp.org/house-of-delegates.

Lauren Stanz
Pharm.D. Candidate 2018
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
Chair: ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum Executive Committee
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