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For those of you who have never heard of policy week, it's one of the most important events for ASHP that occurs every September. Members from the different councils and commissions gather in Bethesda, MD at ASHP Headquarters to talk about the policies proposed by the House of Delegates at the ASHP Summer Meeting and to review policies that may already be in place or up for discussion. As a student on rotation at ASHP, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the events of policy week this year.

The week started off with a welcome reception and address by ASHP's President Christene Jolowsky on Monday followed by dinner with members' respective councils. This was a great opportunity to network with the council and commission members, and the board of directors. Then, it was down to business first thing Tuesday morning. As a student on rotation, I was able to look at each council's agenda and bounce around to listen into the discussions. This gave me the chance to choose between the Council on Education and Workforce Development, the Council on Pharmacy Management, the Council on Pharmacy Practice, the Council on Public Policy, the Council on Therapeutics, and the Commission on Affiliate Relations. Each group plays an important role in ASHP, and all of the topics that were discussed will one day shape all of our careers as pharmacists. These meetings were held all morning and afternoon.

ASHP also hosted their 5th annual William A. Zellmer Lecture and Luncheon on Tuesday afternoon. ASHP established this lecture in 2010 in collaboration with the ASHP Research and Education Foundation. This year's speaker was Susan Winckler, B.S. Pharm., J.D., a national leader who has made a tremendous contribution to health policy in the US. On Tuesday evening, ASHP hosted a reception and banquet to thank the council and commission members, the board members, and the ASHP workforce. This was another great networking opportunity.

Wednesday morning started bright and early at Union Station for an address from Representative Todd Young, a supporter of HR 4190. Then, it was off to Capitol Hill for legislative day. Students from neighboring states as well as pharmacists from all over the country who were here for policy week had the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives to discuss the importance HR 4190.

Thursday morning meant back to work with council meetings all morning and afternoon to wrap up any final discussions before everyone headed back home.

Overall, policy week was very successful this year for ASHP. As a student on rotation, I really enjoyed being able to bounce around from council to council to listen in on the issues that pharmacists and even students are hearing. It was also a great experience to lobby on Capitol Hill, to have my voice heard, and to help impact the future of my profession. I truly recommend that any student interested in completing an APPE rotation with ASHP mark September as their preference because policy week is an experience for which I will forever be thankful, and that I will never forget.