APhA-ASP Chapter Triumphs at National Meeting

UMSOP’s APhA-ASP chapter sets the bar for excellence in student pharmacy leadership and service.

By Pam Carder
April 9, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s chapter of the American Pharmacists Association- Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) achieved remarkable success at the APhA annual meeting in Nashville, Tenn. in March.

This year, 33 UMSOP student pharmacists attended the national conference—the largest delegation in recent history. Demonstrating excellence in leadership, innovation, and community outreach, UMSOP’s chapter secured multiple awards at both national and regional levels.

National awards included the National OTC Medicine Safety Award (1st place), National Operation Diabetes 2nd Runner Up (3rd place), National Division AA Winning Chapter (1st place), and the National Innovative Programming Award (1st place). Additionally, the team’s impact was felt at the regional level, winning the Region 2 Operation Immunization Award and the Region 2 Operation Substance Use Disorder Award.

“These awards truly highlight the dedication and passion of our student pharmacists,” said Sana Behdin, third-year student pharmacist and chapter president. “We work year-round to create meaningful outreach programs, and it’s a great honor to be recognized for our efforts.”

Making a Difference in the Community

The chapter’s award-winning programs included large-scale seasonal vaccination clinics at the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library, health fairs at local elementary schools, and innovative education initiatives such as a “Candy vs. Medicine” activity to teach children medication safety.

“One of the reasons we won the Operation Immunization Award was our focus on our Baltimore community,” Behdin noted. “We provided vaccines for flu, pneumonia, RSV, and COVID-19, and also held health fairs to educate families on their importance of these vaccines.”

The Road to Recognition

Each year, APhA-ASP chapters submit a Chapter Achievement Report, a comprehensive document detailing their programs, events, and impact. A national committee reviews these reports to determine award winners.

“Our executive board works diligently to ensure our report showcases the meaningful work our chapter does,” Behdin explained. “It’s a reflection of our commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and community health.”

The Power of Leadership and Mentorship

Throughout the chapter’s success, faculty advisors Deanna Tran, PharmD, BCACP, FAPhA, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR), and Cherokee Layson-Wolf, PharmD, BCACP, FAPhA, professor of P-SHOR, have played pivotal roles in guiding students. “Our advisors are always there to provide insight and support,” Behdin said. “They help us refine our ideas and turn them into actionable and successful projects.”

“Our APhA-ASP chapter works very hard to provide education and outreach to our various communities and demonstrate the role of pharmacy in keeping our communities healthy,” said Layson-Wolf. “Our chapter leaders’ dedication as student pharmacists has been key to the success of the organization.“

Behdin also credits APhA-ASP with helping her develop leadership skills. “Being president has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” she shared. “I have learned how to initiate projects, network, and make an impact on my community. I have met pharmacists from all walks of life, who I never would have known.”

Beyond receiving awards at the event, the student pharmacists also had the opportunity to present their work, network with industry professionals, and explore the multiple opportunities available in pharmacy.

“It has been a pleasure having our students realize the impact of their work on the national level and hope that inspires them to keep developing innovative ideas to support their patients and advocate for the profession of pharmacy,” noted Layson-Wolf.

“The national meeting is an inspiring experience,” Behdin said. “It reaffirms our passion for pharmacy and shows us the many paths we can take in our careers.”

Related News Stories

More Stories About: APhA APhA-ASP Awards