The American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) recently honored its Shenandoah University chapter with the organization’s regional Innovative Programming Award at the Midyear Regional Meeting in October. Members of the chapter showcased a unique program offered by the university and were selected to represent the region at the annual conference in Phoenix, Arizona, in March of 2023.
The presentation focused on Medicare Part D Day, which started in 2008. This event leverages the skills of student pharmacists and community partners to provide cost analyses to patients during Medicare Part D open enrollment. Health screenings have been integrated into this process in order to provide a well-rounded community event. This event provides hands-on experience for students as they maximize community members’ plans.
Medicare Part D Day is a time where pharmacy faculty members, residents, students and staff work together to help Winchester community members find the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that would work best for them.
Adjunct Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Sarah Parnapy Jawaid, Pharm.D.
“It is wonderful to see so many people collaborate to benefit our community. It is always a joy to see familiar and new faces at Medicare Part D Day,” said Dr. Parnapy Jawaid. “The community members are so appreciative of this event and we look forward to it every year.”
The students’ help was deeply appreciated by community members like Frank Irwin. “It is a quick and easy process that can save seniors hundreds of dollars,” he said. “As we age, many of us need that extra help, and the students are very much appreciated in our community for the services they provide.”
In my time at Shenandoah, I have found that the best way that the pharmacy profession can advocate for itself is by actually demonstrating to patients that we can do more than just fill prescriptions. Medicare Part D Day is the perfect opportunity for us to show patients what we can do! This year, I personally helped a patient save over $400 a year on his prescriptions and found him the best plan so he could return to his favorite pharmacy. Medicare Part D Day is my favorite event of the year because not only are we advocating for the profession, but we’re also helping patients cut costs.
Student pharmacist Ashley Anderson
“I also serve Shenandoah’s APhA-ASP chapter as patient care vice president,” Anderson said. “In this role, I help other student pharmacists plan health education activities for Medicare Part D Day. This year, student pharmacists were able to educate patients on how to safely dispose of their unwanted medication and counsel patients on what immunizations they were due for. These activities are another great way for student pharmacists to advocate for the profession and help patients receive important health education.”
