URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY faculty and students headed to the Rhode Island State House on Tuesday, April 5, for the 13th Annual Face of Pharmacy event, where they joined forces with members of organizations including Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and Rhode Island Society of Health-System Pharmacists to “put a face” on the issues and legislation that affect pharmacy.

Past-president of Rhode Island Pharmacists Association (RIPA) and URI Clinical Professor Kelly Orr, PharmD, AE-C was one of the speakers at the event:

Why is this event important?
Especially for pharmacy students, it shows the connection between their profession and the need for advocacy. Pharmacy is heavily regulated––no other health profession is required to take a law exam––so it is important to be involved. They need to know they have a voice in testifying for or against legislation that affects their profession and how they care for patients.

Our new accreditation standards also require a co-curricular experience outside the classroom to complement their learning. This is a perfect example of an advocacy experience.

How do legislators respond to the students?
They were very positive and spent time walking around and talking with the students. It is important in helping them to recognize and understand the collaborative role pharmacists play in health care. 

What were some highlights from the event?
One of our students, Katherine Corsi, talked about her last rotation with the Visiting Nurses Association; it gave a great example of the impact of the pharmacist on patient health. Lt. Governor Daniel McKee gave such glowing remarks toward the College. He was extremely complimentary toward the caliber of our students and encouraging them to stay and work in Rhode Island.

Read more about the URI College of Pharmacy in our Spring 2016 newsletter. Stay tuned for the next issue, out in May 2016.