Before starting our elective rotation this summer at the Texas Pharmacy Association, our understanding of the organization was limited. After six weeks, we learned that TPA does much more than host continuing education and publish newsletters. TPA is the unified force that represents all pharmacists in Texas: community, hospital, ambulatory care, academia, and beyond. TPA staff work daily to elevate our profession and advance the practice of pharmacy for the good of our patients.

Our rotation began in between two of the largest events of the year. The Texas legislative session concluded just weeks before our first day, and the TPA team was already deep into preparing for the 2025 TPA Conference & Expo. We had the opportunity to sit in on conversations about newly passed legislation, some of which will alter the practice of pharmacy moving forward. We explored critical issues such as pharmacy reimbursement rates, the struggles of independent pharmacies, pharmacy benefit managers’ (PBMs) impact in the state, and the possibility of the novel Food Is Medicine initiative being implemented in Texas. We left with a deeper understanding of real-world policies that will define the future of our profession.

Though we arrived just as conference stress was hitting all-time highs, the TPA staff welcomed us as part of the team and ensured we felt seen, heard, and useful. Working at the conference was an incredibly rewarding experience. We had the opportunity to network with pharmacists from across the state, engage with exhibitors showcasing innovative pharmacy services and technologies, and attend educational sessions on topics ranging from legislative advocacy to emerging trends in patient care. Assisting with conference logistics also gave us a behind-the-scenes look at how much planning and coordination is required to execute a large-scale professional event. Most importantly, it deepened our appreciation for the organization and the role it plays in advancing the profession, supporting pharmacists, and improving patient outcomes across Texas.

One of the major takeaways from our time at TPA is how essential advocacy is. As students, it’s easy to focus solely on exams, rotations, and CVs. But without people advocating for our profession, there may be no pharmacy jobs left to pursue. At any given time, TPA staff members are drafting proposals to secure grant funding to support innovative programs benefiting both patients and health care professionals. It was eye-opening to see how much thought, planning, and collaboration goes into developing these initiatives. We sat in on meetings with representatives from pharmaceutical and insurance companies to discuss potential partnerships that could elevate pharmacists’ roles in patient care. Advocacy ensures that the value of what we do is both recognized and protected for the present and the future.

As future health care leaders, or simply better-informed pharmacists, this experience has changed the way we view our role in pharmacy. We highly encourage fellow students to engage with TPA if you want to be a voice for Texas pharmacy, be part of an organization creating meaningful change, and set yourself apart as a student leader. The future of pharmacy depends on it.

Holden and Wang are P4 students at the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy advocacy is often an overlooked, yet critical, aspect of our profession. As future pharmacists, the policies and laws being discussed today will shape our careers and the health care system for decades to come.

In March, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Texas Pharmacy Day at the Capitol and participate in legislative advocacy alongside practicing pharmacists, pharmacy owners, fellow student pharmacists, and other advocates in the field.

One of the most impactful parts of the day was meeting directly with lawmakers and their staffers. I met with Sen. César Blanco, Rep. Claudia Ordaz, and Rep. Eddie Morales to discuss critical issues facing the pharmacy profession.

Our primary focus was on the dangers posed by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to independent pharmacies. We stood alongside independent pharmacy owners to highlight the challenges of pharmacies to stay open under the current PBM practices, ultimately reducing access to care in our communities. Additionally, we advocated for expanded vaccination access through the permanent implementation of the PREP act, highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in public health.

One of the biggest lessons I took away from this experience is that lawmakers want to hear from us—especially as students. Multiple legislators told us they were glad to see students advocating because we represent the future.

Advocacy is crucial for student pharmacists because the policies passed today will shape our careers for years to come. Engaging in advocacy early allows us to build relationships with legislators, stay informed on the issues affecting our profession, and help shape the future of pharmacy. It allows us to be a united voice in our field, and to stand together to push for changes that will benefit patients, pharmacists, and the health care system as a whole.

For students hesitant to get involved, my advice is simple: just start somewhere. You do not have to immediately start meeting with legislators. Begin by educating yourself on current pharmacy policies and how the legislative process works. Getting involved with state associations, such as the Texas Pharmacy Association, will give you access to resources, advocacy training, and opportunities to engage in policy. Pharmacy advocacy is not just for practicing professionals; it is for everyone.

Texas Pharmacy Day at the Capitol showed me that as students, we have the power to influence change. Our voices matter, and when we come together to advocate for our profession, we can make a real difference.

Lucore is a P2 student pharmacist at The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy.

Pharmacy school is an extremely challenging time that tests students’ mental fortitude daily. During our first week of orientation, we are overloaded with information detailing our next four years. A common theme discussed was pharmacy organizations and the potential impact students could have through them. At the time, I did not fully grasp the impact these organizations could have on our careers, nor the individual contributions we, as students, could make. My time on rotation at the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) has proven valuable for me as an aspiring pharmacist.

Although I have been a member of TPA since my first year of pharmacy school, I wasn’t actively involved initially. It wasn’t until my fourth year, when I had the opportunity to intern with TPA, that I gained a deeper understanding of the legislative processes and the profound impact these organizations have. Understanding their impact was an initial challenge for a clinical-minded student like myself. However, during my first week of rotation, I attended the Texas Pharmacy Congress, hosted by TPA, where I saw firsthand the influence of associations. This meeting brought together leaders from the nine Texas colleges of pharmacy, the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and the Texas Federation of Drug Stores. With PBM reform as a central topic, the determination and passion for ensuring the sustainability of pharmacies was palpable. On my fifth week, I participated in TPA’s Fall Leadership Retreat, which provides a forum for any member to share their views at council meetings. The knowledge gained and the connections formed at these gatherings have been invaluable. This experience solidified my conviction about the power of professional organizations and the pivotal role students can play in shaping the future of pharmacy.

Under the guidance of my preceptor, Sarah Nguyen, I participated in various projects that expanded my skill set as a student pharmacist. I assisted in research and development of grant proposals that would mobilize pharmacy to tackle public health challenges in Texas. Our primary project sought to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. With COVID-19 on the rise, coupled with the alarming rate of unvaccinated individuals in Texas, TPA aims to provide pharmacists with practical tools to educate patients on the importance of vaccination and guidance for navigating the endless sea of misinformation. Social media has been a major source of misinformation, leading patients down a dangerous path of fear, hesitancy, and distrust. As pharmacists, it is our duty to be the cornerstone of our communities. I believe that if we are unable to stay up to date with the most current information, including false information that is spread throughout the community, we are failing our patients who need us most. Through my work I learned the importance of equipping pharmacists with the confidence and continuing education needed to improve health care.

These experiences, combined with witnessing TPA’s tireless efforts to bridge gaps between different pharmacy practice areas, strengthened my belief in the importance of active engagement in professional organizations. As a fourth-year student, I urge my peers to get involved in public policy and organizations like TPA because together, we can advance the practice of pharmacy. Gig ‘Em!

Carrejo completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during the fall of 2024.

A variety of activities broadened my understanding of the pharmacy profession during my recent six-week elective rotation at TPA. The Association’s Spring Leadership Retreat in Austin, alongside other educational opportunities, provided a comprehensive insight into the significance of advocacy and professional engagement in pharmacy.

At the event, TPA members convened to discuss pertinent issues facing the profession and to chart the course for future initiatives. The event comprised meetings of TPA’s standing councils, where members actively contributed to discussions on financial affairs, public policy, association affairs, and more. These sessions were instrumental in fostering collaboration, sharing ideas, and shaping the direction of TPA’s efforts to advance pharmacy practice.

I was also privileged to attend a presentation by my preceptor, TPA CEO Debbie Garza, at the Texas A&M University Rangel School of Pharmacy. Her passionate endorsement of TPA membership struck a chord with me as she highlighted how membership enables pharmacists and students to advocate for the profession, gain access to invaluable resources, and build connections with peers and mentors. The dedication to empowering future pharmacists through TPA membership was evident in her words, leaving a lasting impression on me. As she spoke about the importance of professional engagement, I felt a renewed sense of purpose in my journey toward becoming a pharmacist. Her insights reinforced my belief in the transformative power of collective action and collaboration within the pharmacy community.

Reflecting on these experiences, I realize the immense responsibility we, as future pharmacists, hold in shaping the future of our profession. These events, along with my overall experience at TPA, provided me with the knowledge and the motivation to actively engage in advocacy efforts and drive positive change in pharmacy practice. I am committed to leveraging my voice and expertise to advocate for pharmacy issues and contribute to the advancement of our profession, understanding that active involvement in professional organizations like TPA is essential. By uniting our voices and working collaboratively, pharmacists can influence policy decisions, address health disparities, and elevate the standard of patient care statewide.

This rotation provided me with valuable insights into the current landscape of pharmacy practice. Understanding the challenges, opportunities, and ongoing initiatives in the profession is crucial for every aspiring pharmacist. It equips us with the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate the complexities of the health care system and advocate effectively for our patients and profession. It empowers us to stay informed, engaged, and proactive in shaping the future of our profession. Let us seize this opportunity to learn, grow, and advocate for a brighter future for pharmacy practice!

Huerta completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during the spring of 2024.

We had the pleasure of rotating for six weeks with the Texas Pharmacy Association during August and September of 2023. During our elective rotation, we had the chance to assist with TPA’s membership recruitment campaign, with the specific task of increasing student membership. Our work took the form of multiple videos highlighting the various opportunities that student pharmacists have as members of TPA. While working on this and other projects, we had the opportunity to participate in TPA’s Fall Leadership Retreat in Austin and the H-E-B Pharmacy Conference in San Antonio. We are beyond thankful for the opportunity to work with TPA. Following are individual reflections on our experience.

Leadership Opportunities Abound

Throughout my pharmacy school career, I always knew what TPA was. I knew it as the pharmacy organization that just goes to the Capitol every other year and represents community pharmacists. However, I soon learned that TPA does so much more for Texas pharmacy that student pharmacists do not realize. TPA represents not only community pharmacists but ALL Texas pharmacists. As a student, they represent you, your pharmacy faculty, your preceptor, and anyone involved with Texas pharmacy. TPA is the VOICE of Texas pharmacy that is elevating the profession and advancing our practice to expand our roles to care for our patients.

I learned as a student pharmacist that you have the opportunity to hold a leadership position(s) not only in the TPA Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) but throughout the Association. For example, you could be a member of TPA’s Association Affairs Council or serve on the Texas Pharmacy Foundation Board of Trustees. These positions can enrich your pharmacy school experience and directly translate to your future pharmacy career.

I am grateful to have been a part of a recruitment campaign that will make a lasting impact on student pharmacists. This project educated me that TPA does so much for Texas pharmacy and has inspired me to advocate for our profession. Also, witnessing the operations of a pharmacy association and the leadership displayed by my preceptor and TPA CEO, Debbie Garza, has shown me the responsibilities required that I plan on carrying into my future pharmacy career as a U.S. Navy officer and pharmacist.

I highly encourage all students to get involved with TPA! The networking and knowledge I gained from my rotation are invaluable. If you want to be the voice of Texas pharmacy, be part of an organization making a meaningful impact on the profession, and make yourself a well-rounded student pharmacist, then join TPA!
     –Jose Perez

There’s So Much More to Pharmacy

My six weeks at TPA were one of the most eye-opening and informative experiences of my time in pharmacy school. I chose this rotation to experience a different side of pharmacy, something away from the bustle of customers and workflows. I knew that this would be unlike any other pharmacy setting in the state, yet knew almost nothing about TPA.

I had thought that TPA was a lobbying organization for pharmacy, which I now realize was like saying the Pacific Ocean is a body of water. My prior assumptions about this organization changed soon after starting, as I saw just how much time and effort beyond fundraising goes into advocating for pharmacy. Even right after the biennial legislative session, the office was abuzz with work for TPA’s Fall Leadership Retreat, planning for legislative interim charges, and membership recruitment.

This rotation showed me that there is so much more to pharmacy than counting to 30, giving shots, and selling medications to customers. Funny enough, I never thought about how pharmacies get paid for filling prescriptions, why independent pharmacies were becoming harder to sustain, and how lasting pharmacy legislation would be implemented or advocated for. I now understand what terms like PBM, vertical integration, and DIR mean, and just how important they are to the future of pharmacy practice. Now that I’ve seen firsthand the hard work that TPA and its members put into pharmacy advocacy and advancement, my technical knowledge on the state of modern pharmacy has soared.

My favorite thing about this rotation was meeting so many amazing people. TPA’s staff is truly a joy to work with and really made me feel seen, welcome, and useful during my rotation. My attendance at events also helped me to network with so many great pharmacists and reconnect with old preceptors and friends who were in practice.

This rotation showed me just how important advocacy is for our profession. As a student, all I cared about was passing my classes and making my resume look good. But if no one is advocating for why our jobs are important, there will be no pharmacy jobs to enter into after graduation. Advocacy is one of the best ways to contribute to and enrich this profession that I love.
     –Jacob Vera

Perez and Vera each completed a six-week rotation with the Texas Pharmacy Association during the late summer of 2023.