During my pharmacy school orientation I was bombarded and overwhelmed with the numerous organizations available to join. However, two organizations stood out among the rest: the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA). I later held leadership positions in both and became Texas A&M’s TPA-Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) Director, later resulting in my desire to rotate at TPA.

Completing a P4 elective rotation at TPA opened my eyes to the inner workings of pharmacy advocacy that I had never considered. I never knew much about what the countless pharmacy and medical organizations and associations did until I worked with my preceptor, Debbie Garza, at TPA. During the six-week rotation, I was able to attend influential events such as TPA’s annual Conference and Expo, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy’s (TSBP) quarterly meeting, a Texas Pharmacy Congress meeting, a legislative interim hearing on healthcare reform at the Capitol, and more.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we had to experience school virtually, which made being the TPA-ASP Director extremely difficult. Students seemed apathetic about joining any organization, let alone attending online classes. Despite efforts to inform students of the ever-increasing need for advocacy for our profession, students still seemed unconcerned.

Not until connecting with Dr. Frank North, our law professor, were we able to encourage more involvement in professional associations and persuade students to gain some awareness of legislation and regulation. Not only did an incredible number of students join TPA, Texas A&M had the highest P1 TPA membership enrollment out of all Texas pharmacy schools for 2021–2022!

Although the lack of student engagement was disheartening at times, it was apparent to me at the 2022 TPA Conference and Expo that professional engagement in our state is strong. Seeing the passion for our profession and the sheer number of pharmacists actively engaged to advance our future was uplifting. Regardless of your background or practice setting, at the conference everyone was welcomed. This gives me great hope for the collective voice and unity pharmacy can one day obtain.

The more involved I became, the more I saw how important TPA truly is. I saw how much time, research, and work goes into TPA behind the scenes. TPA’s unwavering dedication to advocating and advancing the profession for every pharmacist has been inspirational.

How do we get provider status? How do we fight PBMs? How do we stay informed on updated laws or rules that are not specific to the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, but still require changes in practice? How do we make permanent the expanded vaccination authority after the federal PREP Act expires? How do we obtain test and treat allowances?

The answer is by having a united voice in pharmacy. What better example is there for having a united voice in pharmacy advocacy than TPA? We need to show our knowledge and worth, and we need our voices united, so we will be valued in the health care system and be able provide more accessible and affordable care to patients.

After interning with TPA, I am more motivated than ever to continue advocating for our profession. Having already volunteered for a two-year position on TPA’s Public Policy and Association Affairs Councils, I will continue working toward enhancing patient care and promoting our profession.

De La Fuente completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during July-August of 2022.