Pharmacy student appointed to national post

Congratulations to second-year pharmacy student Deanna Laughlin, who has been appointed Student Exchange Officer-Elect for the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) and International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF).

Through the two-year appointment, Laughlin will coordinate and facilitate international pharmacy student exchanges for the APhA and IPSF. That includes promoting the Student Exchange Program (SEP) to pharmacy students at NEOMED and nationally and guiding students through the exchange application process to help ensure placement abroad. Laughlin also will help connect host countries with APhA student members to ensure a meaningful experience for exchange participants and organize cultural exchange events and professional development opportunities related to global pharmacy practice.

Laughlin pursued the position after participating in a Student Exchange Externship in South Korea in 2024.

“I was privileged to learn broader applications of pharmacy practice, which inspired me to take on this officer role. This experience reinforced my belief that exposure to different healthcare systems enhances clinical skills, cultural competence and adaptability—all of which are crucial for a future pediatric infectious disease pharmacist,” she shared.

Laughlin hopes to help other students experience international pharmacy practice and expand their global perspective. She looks forward to building relationships between pharmacy students and organizations worldwide to foster knowledge-sharing and advocating for global pharmacy education and professional development opportunities.

Her own exchange experience in South Korea and her involvement in global pharmacy events have helped her gain a deeper understanding of healthcare systems across the globe, especially in the key area of infectious disease management. She says she has learned to adapt quickly to new environments, to work with diverse teams, and to make critical decisions in these settings.

“It’s also given me a passion for public health initiatives, particularly in antimicrobial resistance and HIV/AIDS awareness,” she said. “These experiences will directly impact my future career as a pediatric infectious disease pharmacist, where collaboration across countries, cultures and healthcare systems will be essential in tackling global infectious diseases.”

Laughlin holds leadership roles in several national and international pharmacy organizations. She is regional project officer for the IPSF Pan American Regional Office, Regional Working Group; Professional Development Work Group lead for the ASHP Pharmacy Student Forum; member-at-large, American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) National Student Network Advisory Committee; and committee member, HIV, Infectious Diseases, Pulmonary ACCP PRNs. In addition, she is president of multiple NEOMED student groups, including Global Health Interest Group, Infectious Diseases Interest Group, and Career and Leadership Development Committee.

“These roles allow me to advocate for pharmacy education, global health and professional development while expanding my professional network,” she said.

Time Management

How does she manage her time to stay active in all of these organizations AND work on her Pharm.D. degree? She shared the following strategies:

• Time-blocking and scheduling – “I plan my days around major deadlines and study commitments.”
• Setting priorities – “I focus on the most impactful tasks first and remember ‘my why.’ This helps keep me grounded and focused on my priorities.”
• Leveraging technology – “I use digital tools like Outlook Calendar and a reminder app to keep track of commitments.”
• Building a strong network – “Collaborating with other leaders helps share responsibilities effectively. Delegating tasks has been one of the biggest impacts during this mandate for me to help me be successful with all my commitments.”
• Maintaining balance – “I ensure I set aside time for rest and personal growth to prevent burnout.”

A Rewarding Experience

“Being a Student Exchange Officer is a rewarding experience that aligns with my passion for global pharmacy and public health. My international experiences have shaped my leadership style, professional goals and commitment to improving healthcare worldwide. I hope to continue mentoring students, advocating for global pharmacy initiatives, and expanding opportunities for cultural exchange,” Laughlin shared.

In addition to her appointment as Student Exchange Officer-Elect, Laughlin was selected as the recipient of the 2025 Ton Hoek Scholarship to attend the FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen, Denmark this fall.

“This scholarship is a true accomplishment for me because this proves that my commitment to advocacy and improvement of healthcare on a global level is truly making a difference,” Laughlin enthused.