As a student pharmacist, it has always been very important to me to be actively involved in organizations that further expand our profession. I have been a Texas Pharmacy Association member since my third year of pharmacy school after learning about the integral role that students can have by being actively involved in advocating for our profession. It is important to be involved since TPA advocates for pharmacists so that we may be allowed to practice at the top of our profession and to the fullest extent of our education and training.

Last fall, I was able to complete a six-week elective rotation at TPA. My favorite part of this rotation was witnessing firsthand the hard work that the TPA staff does in the background, allowing the Association to continue to thrive. My experience during this rotation allowed me to learn more about the many benefits offered to members, such as access to a free continuing education course monthly.

During this unique experience, I was made aware of various issues pertinent to the pharmacy profession. One of the hot topics at the time was the RSV vaccine that had been released last summer. I learned that pharmacy technicians were not allowed to administer the newly released vaccine and that TPA was looking at ways to have this addressed legislatively at the state level.

During my time at TPA, I was able to attend a Texas Pharmacy Foundation Board meeting and learn how the Foundation is working to advance the profession of pharmacy through research and scholarships. I also had the opportunity to attend the Women in Government Leadership and Innovation Summit in San Antonio, at which my preceptor, TPA CEO Debbie Garza, spoke as a panelist. It was a great learning opportunity as I was able to engage with people not just from across the state but also with leaders from across the country. These events provided further insight into TPA’s efforts to advance the practice of pharmacy.

My rotation further reinforced the importance of being involved as a student. I have the pleasure of serving on the Capital Area Pharmacy Association Board of Directors. My involvement in our local association, in addition to being an active member of TPA, has allowed me to develop a valuable network of pharmacists working across a variety of disciplines. It has been a privilege to be active in both organizations, which have given me the chance to learn and to take on a leadership opportunity. I encourage my fellow Texas student pharmacists to get involved not only in TPA but also in your local association. Our future depends on your participation!

Aguirre completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during the fall of 2023.