Intern Spotlight: Jessica McKee

OCTOBER 8, 2015

Rotation with TPA: A Different Kind of Pharmacy Environment

by Jessica McKee, TPA Intern
2016 PharmD Candidate, South College School of Pharmacy

An association can be defined as a group of people organized for a joint purpose. During my month in Nashville, I realized this definition holds true to the Tennessee Pharmacist Association. I had the privilege to be on rotation with TPA for the month of August. During my rotation, I met new people, visited new places, and learned some of the activities that go on behind the scenes to serve the profession of pharmacy.

My first week consisted of helping TPA prepare for the Leadership and Professional Development Conference that was held in Florence, Alabama. This conference gave me the opportunity to experience the many different ways of networking with fellow pharmacists, along with how to become a more efficient leader. I am glad I had the opportunity to attend this conference, because I learned the ways of networking in addition to getting the opportunity to give back to the community through the #GiveBackImpact Friday Backpack Project for YMCA at the Shoals. This made me realize TPA is not solely dedicated to their pharmacists but are also ready and willing to help people in the community.

The next few weeks of TPA were spent going to various meetings with groups such as the TennCare Pharmacy Advisory Committee and the Opioid Task Force. These meetings opened my eyes to the different topics that are being shared and discussed throughout the pharmacy profession. While being on rotation at TPA, I experienced a different environment of pharmacy that I was unaware of when working inside of a community pharmacy setting. It is very impressive to see all the work that has to be put into a group such as TPA. This rotation has taught me to appreciate the time and effort the TPA team puts in to better the world of pharmacy.

As my month came to an end, I had the opportunity to meet Senator Ferrell Haile. It is nice to be able to work with Senator Haile, because he is a pharmacist who advocates the needs and wants for our profession. In addition to working with Senator Haile, I have learned the value of supporting associations such as TPA. I am glad that I was given this rotation opportunity, and I look forward to giving back by contributing to and advocating for pharmacy endeavors in the future.