NCPA
National Community Pharmacists Association
Partner Organization
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2008
- Messages
- 20
- Reaction score
- 0
From the NCPA Student Affairs Site
Students from the Feik School of Pharmacy in San Antonio, TX pose with Congressman Lamar Smith during his visit to Oakdell Pharmacy. (L-R) Abigail Thompson, Amyn Madhani, Tanya Ramirez, Minseo Cheon, Ronda Wenzel, Dora Urias, Congressman Lamar Smith, Michelle House, Jena Olfers, Travis Dangerfield, Gilbert Sarmiento
Asa first year pharmacy student, it is difficult to grasp the importance of being politically active. Through the leadership of our inaugural chapter President Christopher Alvarado and the support of a local independent, chapter members and I had the unique opportunity to speak with Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) about a PBM bill and the CVS/Caremark merger.
The Rookies was the term that Mr. Carson chose to describe our group. Mr. Jeff Carson, owner of Oakdell Pharmacy, is a third-generation owner from San Antonio, TX. His support of our NCPA chapter has allowed us to soak in his passion and learn the political side of pharmacy.
We had no idea what to expect when we were invited. House bills were given to us to read while Mr. Carson briefed us about the reason for the visit. Other independent owners were also present to offer support and a helping hand. When the Congressman arrived, we said our hellos and thanked him for visiting us. He seemed a bit flustered when he saw more students than pharmacists. Mr. Carson took the lead by introducing the PBM bill as well as mentioning the CVS/Caremark merger. After the introduction, the Congressman quickly looked to us, the students, for comments. As comments were given by the students, he stopped a moment to ask us if we had rehearsed. My guess is that Congressman thought that we werent rookies.
The visit with the Congressman will always be a highlight of our first year. It was a chance for us rookies to get our feet wet and learn about what we as leaders of our profession must do to advance pharmacy into the 21st century. None of it would have been possible without the help of Mr. Carson and Chris. It takes great leaders in our profession like Mr. Carson to continue the legacy that NCPA has built. More importantly, student leaders like Mr. Alvarado are the driving force behind the strong wave of student political involvement.
It is not a guarantee that every student who was there that day will own their own pharmacy, but we do guarantee that there are 10 new future pharmacists who will find a way to fight for the best interest of pharmacy. Corporate America will be the standard during our generation, but independent pharmacy will be the crown jewel. Independent pharmacies are priceless to our profession. The political value of an independent pharmacy owner is even more priceless.
Gilbert R. Sarmiento
NCPA President 09-10
University of the Incarnate Word
Feik School of Pharmacy
Students from the Feik School of Pharmacy in San Antonio, TX pose with Congressman Lamar Smith during his visit to Oakdell Pharmacy. (L-R) Abigail Thompson, Amyn Madhani, Tanya Ramirez, Minseo Cheon, Ronda Wenzel, Dora Urias, Congressman Lamar Smith, Michelle House, Jena Olfers, Travis Dangerfield, Gilbert Sarmiento
Asa first year pharmacy student, it is difficult to grasp the importance of being politically active. Through the leadership of our inaugural chapter President Christopher Alvarado and the support of a local independent, chapter members and I had the unique opportunity to speak with Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX) about a PBM bill and the CVS/Caremark merger.
The Rookies was the term that Mr. Carson chose to describe our group. Mr. Jeff Carson, owner of Oakdell Pharmacy, is a third-generation owner from San Antonio, TX. His support of our NCPA chapter has allowed us to soak in his passion and learn the political side of pharmacy.
We had no idea what to expect when we were invited. House bills were given to us to read while Mr. Carson briefed us about the reason for the visit. Other independent owners were also present to offer support and a helping hand. When the Congressman arrived, we said our hellos and thanked him for visiting us. He seemed a bit flustered when he saw more students than pharmacists. Mr. Carson took the lead by introducing the PBM bill as well as mentioning the CVS/Caremark merger. After the introduction, the Congressman quickly looked to us, the students, for comments. As comments were given by the students, he stopped a moment to ask us if we had rehearsed. My guess is that Congressman thought that we werent rookies.
The visit with the Congressman will always be a highlight of our first year. It was a chance for us rookies to get our feet wet and learn about what we as leaders of our profession must do to advance pharmacy into the 21st century. None of it would have been possible without the help of Mr. Carson and Chris. It takes great leaders in our profession like Mr. Carson to continue the legacy that NCPA has built. More importantly, student leaders like Mr. Alvarado are the driving force behind the strong wave of student political involvement.
It is not a guarantee that every student who was there that day will own their own pharmacy, but we do guarantee that there are 10 new future pharmacists who will find a way to fight for the best interest of pharmacy. Corporate America will be the standard during our generation, but independent pharmacy will be the crown jewel. Independent pharmacies are priceless to our profession. The political value of an independent pharmacy owner is even more priceless.
Gilbert R. Sarmiento
NCPA President 09-10
University of the Incarnate Word
Feik School of Pharmacy
