Empowering pharmacy leaders: Discover NCPA Foundation-UAMS POLA
Third-year pharmacy student Deanna Apicella shared a reflection on attendance at a recent leadership academy hosted by the National Community Pharmacists Association Foundation and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
This past June, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 NCPA Foundation-UAMS Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy (POLA) in Little Rock, Arkansas. Over the course of a week, we explored the intricacies of pharmacy management and learned essential skills to become influential leaders in pharmacy. Surrounded by innovative and like-minded individuals and guided by expert mentors, I felt a renewed sense of empowerment. POLA provided me with the encouraging atmosphere and knowledge necessary to strengthen my ambitions and passions.
Throughout the week, we were immersed in an extensive curriculum covering leadership skills, team development, financial management and business plan development. To practically apply this information, we were given the incredible opportunity to form our own Mini Business Plan with a small yet diverse team of individuals. We were given indispensable feedback and guidance from Seth Heldenbrand, Pharm.D., and Schwanda Flowers, Pharm.D., who have provided mentorship to several winning teams of the NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. This activity was the most memorable and rewarding part of my experience as I enhanced my understanding of business plan development while collaborating with a team of amazing individuals.
From playing Japanese arcade games to ziplining and more, invaluable professional connections and friendships were fostered. With the support of my newfound relationships, I engaged in several networking sessions with accomplished pharmacy owners who generously shared stories of their challenges and triumphs that led them to where they are now. As a pharmacy student, I often find myself doubting my path and wondering if I should be selecting different opportunities. For that reason, it was inspiring to hear their diverse paths to success. The hidden truth in it all was their lessons about courage, resilience and adaptability—lessons applicable across all facets of pharmacy careers.
For anyone considering a career in pharmacy ownership or looking to develop their management and leadership abilities, the NCPA Foundation-UAMS Pharmacy Ownership and Leadership Academy offers a truly unique experience where the future of pharmacy is actively shaped, one visionary at a time.
- submitted by Deanna Apicella, P3