NEOMED student receives national U.S. Public Health Service Award
Congratulations to rising fourth-year pharmacy student Deanna Laughlin, who has been selected as a recipient of the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award. The national recognition is presented annually to student pharmacists who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and contributions to public health.
The USPHS Excellence in Public Health Pharmacy Award recognizes pharmacy students whose work advances public health priorities, addresses health disparities, promotes disease prevention and improves health outcomes within communities. Only one student from each accredited college of pharmacy may be nominated for the award.
Laughlin, who is pursuing a Master of Science degree in health innovation and design with a global health focus in addition to a Pharm.D., was recognized for her efforts to elevate the role of pharmacists and youth leaders in global health policy discussions through her work with the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF).
Over the past year, Laughlin represented pharmacy students and young health professionals in several of the world’s most influential health policy forums. As an IPSF delegate to the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, she contributed to advocacy efforts focused on antimicrobial resistance, HIV/AIDS, access to medicines, noncommunicable diseases, and health system strengthening. She also served as a youth delegate and panelist at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City. In addition, Laughlin served as a delegation leader at the Pan American Health Organization’s 62nd Directing Council in Washington, D.C., where she collaborated with regional partners to develop policy statements and advocacy initiatives focused on antimicrobial resistance, equitable access to medicines and health workforce development throughout the Americas.
Beyond participating in global policy discussions, Laughlin worked to develop the next generation of public health leaders by organizing trainings, mentorship opportunities and educational programs that prepared pharmacy students to engage in advocacy and health policy. Through these efforts, she helped build a sustainable pipeline of future pharmacists equipped to contribute to local, national and global public health initiatives.
“Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it recognizes the impact pharmacists can have beyond traditional clinical settings,” said Laughlin. “Whether through patient care, public health advocacy, policy development or global health diplomacy, pharmacists play an essential role in improving health outcomes and advancing health equity. I am grateful to NEOMED, IPSF and the many mentors who have supported my journey.”
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Learn more about Deanna Laughlin’s involvement in global health in IGNITE magazine. READ: A Rising Boice in Global Health