Juan Rodriguez, a third-year student pharmacist on the Memphis campus, is serving as National President for the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) with a theme of unity and diversity.
Rodriguez said this platform theme had two inspirations. The first was prompted by social events of the past year related to racism, diversity, and equity.
“Being conscious of everything that has gone on socially in the past year, part of unity and diversity is making sure that all students in APhA-ASP feel heard,” Rodriguez said. “We are here to support each other.”
The other application of unity and diversity relates to the field of pharmacy, the diverse pathways student pharmacists can take in their careers, and the overall profession.
“In pharmacy school we get the basics,” Rodriguez said. “We’re all going to be pharmacists, but there’s all sorts of possibilities of what we can do with our careers, whether we work in community, retail, industry, hospital, or clinical settings. Regardless of where we stand in our profession, we are all there to support patients in the end. We are one profession, and that’s how we’re strongest.”
He said he is honored to serve as National President for APhA-ASP, and he hopes his theme can become a reality during this year.
Rodriguez joined the UTHSC chapter of the APhA-ASP during his first year, and he said it has shaped his student experience more than anything. Within the UTHSC chapter, he has served as a Chapter Member-At-Large and Chapter President-Elect. Last year, he served nationally as National President-Elect and served on the national standing committee on awards and the international standing committee for APhA-ASP.
Now as National President, Rodriguez is also a trustee on the Board of Trustees for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). With APhA, he serves as a member of the Task Force on Addressing Structural Racism in Pharmacy, where he is a voice for student pharmacists.
“It’s been really incredible to see pharmacists from all areas and walks of life who are passionate about this and making sure we address systemic and structural racism within the profession of pharmacy,” he said. “I’ve been able to sit in on some incredible conversations.”
UTHSC College of Pharmacy Dean Marie Chisholm-Burns has worked with Rodriguez for the pasr four semesters as he was part of the leadership certificate program she coordinates.
“I have always been impressed with Juan’s sincerity,” she said. “His platform of social justice is especially appreciated.”
Rodriguez said all of his experience with APhA and the Academy of Student Pharmacists is closely tied to his decision to study at UTHSC. Originally from Mississippi, Rodriguez was inspired to enter the profession of pharmacy after working as a cashier in an independent pharmacy. He said UTHSC was his top choice as a pharmacy school.
“It is because of the people at UTHSC and their support and example that I am where I am now,” he said. “I don’t think I could be in the position I am now without coming from our college.”
