The UMKC School of Pharmacy chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists received the 2018 Operation Heart Patient Care Award at the annual mid-year regional meeting Oct. 12-14 in St. Louis.
The award was one of many highlights for School of Pharmacy students at this year’s meeting that included a record number of 72 students from the UMKC program.
Cameron Lindsey, faculty advisor, said the school had a strong representation from all classes and campuses, which was evident in a number of individual recognitions and awards.
Three students, Bailey Burt (Kansas City campus), Emily Oliver (Columbia campus), and Aaron Hunsaker (Springfield campus) received Regional Student Recognition Awards for their hard work at the campus level.
Sierra Richard (Springfield) completed her tenure as the Region 6 delegate to the organization and Anna Hughes (Columbia) served as the UMKC chapter delegate. for our chapter.
Zachary Hitchcock (Springfield) served as the chapter’s representative to the nomination committee, and Emily Oliver (Columbia) and Jordan Thoman (Kansas City) were strong candidates for Regional Member-at-Large.
UMKC is one of more than 130 nation-wide student chapters of the APhA. The school’s efforts to promote cardiovascular health were rewarded with one of only eight regional heart care awards given by the APhA each year.
More than 500 students and 29 faculty from across the School of Pharmacy’s three campuses participated throughout the year in 32 events that included almost 800 blood pressure checks and cardiovascular health screenings for more than 2,200 people.
“A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the faculty and staff who continuously support our students,” Lindsey said. “Your efforts and mentoring allows students to conduct the plethora of activities and lead. These good works enhance the students’ academic coursework and co-curriculum while furthering their professional development through promoting advocacy and patient care initiatives.”