Putting what they learned in the classroom into action, two West Virginia University School of Pharmacy students have shown they are leaders in the advancement of the profession of pharmacy.

Fourth-year pharmacy students Julie Hull and Tessa Rife, both of Charleston, were first-place winners in the inaugural National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Student Pharmacist Advocacy Competition.

The competition promotes interest in pharmacy advocacy among student pharmacists and recognizes student pharmacists who are making a positive impact on the profession through advocacy.

The students’ work mobilized more than 80 pharmacy students to participate in Pharmacy Day at the Legislature at the West Virginia state capitol. They also developed education sessions, presentations, pamphlets and other resources to educate students to be advocates for the pharmacy profession, and they participated in health events to educate the community about working with their pharmacists to manage their health.

“Julie Hull and Tessa Rife are committed to educating the community about the role of a pharmacist and that pharmacists are an important part of a patient’s healthcare team,” Betsy Elswick, Pharm.D., associate professor and faculty adviser to the advocacy class, said. “It is wonderful that these students were the recipients of this inaugural award for their tireless efforts in advancing the profession of pharmacy.”

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About the WVU School of Pharmacy

For almost 100 years, the WVU School of Pharmacy has been a leader in pharmacy education, research and patient care. It is one of only 12 pharmacy schools in the United States affiliated with a comprehensive academic health center. For information about the WVU School of Pharmacy see www.hsc.wvu.edu/sop/.

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For More Information:
Amy Newton, School of Pharmacy, 304-293-7192
anewton@hsc.wvu.edu