Students and faculty from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy stepped beyond the classroom to participate in the South Carolina Pharmacy Association’s Legislative Day at the South Carolina State House. This valuable experience offered student pharmacists firsthand exposure to legislative advocacy and the opportunity to educate lawmakers about key pharmacy-related issues impacting both the profession and patients across the state.
The students received recognition from both the House of Representatives and the Senate before engaging directly with legislators to discuss current pharmacy legislation.
I learned that legislators truly do want to hear from their constituents and learn more about the topics that we are advocating for.
Grace Thompson, Class of 2026, found the experience especially meaningful.
“I wanted to attend SCPhA Legislative Day because I’ve realized that I want my voice to be heard as we strive to advance the profession of pharmacy,” she said. “I learned that legislators truly do want to hear from their constituents and learn more about the topics that we are advocating for.”
For Sun Heslin, a first-year student, attending Legislative Day taught her more about the legislative process.
“People still lack understanding of what a pharmacist can do, so it’s important for us to advocate for our profession,” she says. “Not only does it help us practice to the top of our license, but it helps so many patients.”
Third-year student Arran Amick also wanted to become more involved in advocacy at the state level.
“There are several pharmacy-related bills in the South Carolina Senate that need legislative support, and it is crucial that our lawmakers understand just how much these bills will help our profession,” she said. "I encourage all students—no matter what year you’re in—to get involved in advocacy. It might feel intimidating at first, but it is incredibly empowering to play a part in driving real change.”
At the end of the day, it affects your practice. Considering the current policy efforts that are going on right now, it is vital for us to fight to practice at the top of our license.
Another third-year student, Megan Choe, says it is important for students to stay involved and up to date on current issues facing the profession.
“At the end of the day, it affects your practice. Considering the current policy efforts that are going on right now, it is vital for us to fight to practice at the top of our license. Pharmacists deserve so much more credit from the community and health care team, and it is important to take charge in continuing to advocate for these things,” she adds.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Student Experience