Max Swink had never thought much about pharmacy advocacy. That changed after two days in Washington, D.C.
The Myrtle Beach native and second-year pharmacy student attended RxImpact Day in the nation’s capital in March, representing the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy alongside students from institutions across the country. The annual event, organized by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, brings pharmacy students and industry professionals together to meet with members of Congress to discuss issues affecting the profession.
Jordan Ballou, associate dean of student affairs, selected Swink for the opportunity based on his leadership and commitment to the field.
“Being an advocate is such an important part of being a pharmacist and a leader,” Ballou says. “I felt like participating in this event would allow Max to develop his skills.”
Swink joined a small group that included pharmacy executives from Costco and Wegmans, along with a National Association of Chain Drug Stores attorney, meeting with congressional staff and several members of Congress. The group advocated for legislation supporting fair pharmacy reimbursement rates and the ECAPS Act, which would allow Medicare to reimburse pharmacists for point-of-care testing and prescribing.
“It felt impactful,” Swink says. “It felt like I was making a difference, which is part of the reason I wanted to go into pharmacy in the first place.”
It felt like I was making a difference, which is part of the reason I wanted to go into pharmacy in the first place.
Swink has worked at Publix Pharmacy for four years and recently accepted an internship at Publix headquarters in Lakeland, Florida, where he will work this summer in the Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacy Compliance department. He has also accepted a full-time position with the company following graduation.
Swink notes that his experience in Washington shifted his perspective on how pharmacists can shape health care policy.
“It’s important for our future as pharmacists,” he says, “especially in a constantly changing world. I hope my story inspires others to step up to the plate. It can be daunting at first, but at the end of the day, everyone is human, and politicians are people too.”
He plans to bring his new perspective home by working with his district manager to become more involved in state-level advocacy through the South Carolina Pharmacy Association.
Topics: Pharm.D. Program