It was an electric and rewarding weekend on August 9, 2024, as the UT Austin Student National Pharmaceutical Association (UT-SNPhA) chapter attended the 2024 SNPhA Convention in Los Angeles, California.
The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA), a subdivision of NPhA, is an educational service association of pharmacy students who are concerned about the profession of pharmacy, healthcare issues and the poor minority representation in these areas. The purpose of SNPhA is to plan, organize, coordinate and execute programs geared toward the improvement of the health, educational and social environment of minority communities.
The convention boasts dynamic national speakers, continuing education sessions, poster presentations, numerous exhibitors and networking. For the UT-SNPhA Chapter, the weekend also served as a celebration of the team's hard work and dedication. The chapter brought home numerous awards including the coveted Prescription for Service Award, which carries a $10,000 prize.
"We are extremely proud and honored to serve as co-advisors for this outstanding SNPhA chapter. This past year, our students worked diligently and their efforts paid off with numerous awards and recognitions at the national meeting," share Drs. Jamie C. Barner and Carolyn M. Brown. "Our chapter has made a significant impact on serving patients in underserved communities, educating the public on chronic disease conditions, contributing to the culture of the College, and building student leaders both locally and nationally. Through these activities, our students have served as exemplary ambassadors to the profession of pharmacy and they embody our motto of Change Starts Here."
Texas Pharmacy students Vanessa Esparza, Quinn Mosgrove, Marina Serbantez and Neal Buranday were all recognized as first place winners. Through the year, they worked alongside Walmart and Vivent Health to emphasize the role of a pharmacist in providing care to individuals living with HIV as well as the general queer community. They were able to provide 100 wellness bags to the community as well as host a free HIV testing event in Austin.
The chapter placed and won awards for seven of the eight Initiatives, including first place for the Legislative/Membership Benefits/Immigration Initiative and second place for the Initiatives Fighting Diabetes, Power to End Stroke, Mental Health and Remember the Ribbon.
Additionally, the team won third place for Operation Immunization and Bridging the Gap. They also received recognition for a scrapbook project that highlighted the effort and commitment they consistently demonstrate throughout the year. They were one of the top two finalists for the Medium Size Chauncey I. Cooper Chapter Excellence Award—the highest and most prestigious award overall—for the dedication the chapter has shown in making a difference in the community.
"As the president for the 2023-2024 school year, I am incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work demonstrated by our SNPhA chapter. This year, each chairperson focused on aligning their personal passions with the organization’s mission," says Meron Mitiku, Doctor of Pharmacy 2025 Candidate. "Our primary goal was to reignite enthusiasm within the chapter and reaffirm our commitment to serving underserved communities through the field of pharmacy. Each month, I witnessed remarkable growth in both the chapter and its members."
