2023 Chapter Innovation Poster Session
We are excited to again host our annual Chapter Innovation Poster Session during the 2023 Phi Lambda Sigma National Leadership Summit – Building the Leader!
The posters describe a chapter event that involves one of 5 categories:
- Leadership Development
- Membership Engagement
- Mentorship
- Community Engagement
- Alumni Engagement
- Other
Get ideas and check out some of the innovations that make our Chapters unique and successful at the Chapter Innovation Poster Session! This event showcases one-time or recurrent projects or events held by our chapters.
Chapters presenting this year and their posters can be found below:
Leadership Development
Development of student leadership skills through workshop-based, conference-style retreat
Primary Presenter: Danny Schreiber
Primary Presenter Contact: schreibd@email.sc.edu
Chapter: Zeta
Abstract:
The fostering of leadership development serves as the foundation of Phi Lambda Sigma and is crucial in promoting success and character of members and students. On January 28, 2023, Zeta Chapter from University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy held its inaugural “Leadership Development Retreat,” an all-day, conference-style event with the objective of enhancing key components of leadership among students. The event consisted of 38 student pharmacists, with the majority of students as PLS members, engaging with various leaders within and outside healthcare to discuss important topics within leadership such as empowerment, innovative thinking, adaptability, self-awareness, and community engagement. Preparation for the event included a planning committee to ensure coordination and communication with leaders, logistics with event and technology staff, and an estimated 40 hours of planning. Resources for the event were widely possible through the support of the PLS Chapter Development Award and sponsors like PSyn, Inc., Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center, and various alumni. As a result of the event, student pharmacists felt more comfortable attending future conferences, networking, and understanding their pitfalls and habits as leaders with the retreat being cited as the reason student pharmacists pursued additional leadership opportunities in the months following. It is important to note that technological issues such as remote speakers were the key limitation and barrier of the impact of the event. In the future, the sustainability of the event is crucial to the impact and benefit to future student pharmacists and PLS members. This event is aimed to become recurring through the modification and customization of speaker topics and tangible workshops as the needs of students and leaders change.
Leadership Education and Advocacy for Pharmacy Students (LEAPS) Pilot Program
Primary Presenter: Anthony Bissey
Primary Presenter Contact: abissey@siue.edu
Chapter: Delta Eta
Abstract:
Furthering leadership skills for all pharmacy students is important throughout the curriculum and as practicing providers. Our pilot leadership development program is designed as a longitudinal experience for any student to apply for and take part in once accepted. This is a co-curricular program with two modules per semester (four total). Pre-session materials consist of guided questions, interviews, and self-reflections. Each of the four live sessions are facilitated by content creators, education specialization students, and clinical faculty who volunteer. Each session is held on Monday afternoons for an hour with post-reflections due at the end of the following week. Live sessions are discussion-centered and include facilitation of pre-session materials and case studies to apply these skills. Module content consists of self-reflections, opportunities for emotional and other self-development, advocacy for inclusion, and applying the roles of individuals within a team. For each module, students update their leadership philosophies and complete a series of reflection questions. Materials are assessed through rubrics, outlines, and examples to guide students. Our program is pending alternative digital credentialing (ADC) for students to celebrate and be recognized for their completion of this first series. We have also provided post-module surveys to gauge effectiveness as well as areas for improvement in the coming years. In the future, we hope to expand recruitment measures, support further involvement from PLS chapter members, and develop a new wave of leadership modules for students.
PLS Leadership Workshop: Fostering Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Obstacles
Primary Presenter: Yaser Ghavami
Primary Presenter Contact: yaserghavami.ph24@ketchum.edu
Chapter: Epsilon Pi
Abstract:
The PLS Leadership Workshop held by the Epsilon Pi chapter on March 11, 2023, aimed to enhance leadership skills and address obstacles faced by aspiring leaders. This innovative event featured three guest speakers who shared their personal experiences, insightful strategies, and practical advice related to leadership development. The workshop attracted 18 participants, including Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) members, faculty, and guest speakers. The impactful workshop began with three engaging presentations. One speaker focused on imposter syndrome and provided effective techniques to overcome its consequences. Another speaker shared her journey of overcoming a vision disability, emphasizing the utilization of available resources to excel as a leader. The third speaker discussed the significance of visionary and inclusive leadership in biomedical research projects, narrating his professional trajectory and the recognition he received for developing a groundbreaking antibiotic. In addition to the presentations, a leadership and teamwork workshop was conducted. Participants collaborated in teams using IQ builder, a STEM learning toy, and creative construction to construct innovative structures. This interactive session facilitated practical application of leadership skills in a hands-on setting. The workshop was made possible through a grant from the National PLS organization, enabling the provision of breakfast and lunch for all attendees. Valuable lessons were learned regarding the various barriers, both physical and emotional, encountered during leadership development and how to overcome them. Looking ahead, the Epsilon Pi chapter of PLS plans to organize future leadership workshops addressing topics such as crafting effective CVs or resumes and conducting research projects step by step. These initiatives aim to further empower members and cultivate their leadership potential in diverse domains.
Leadership Development Through the GiANT 5 Voices
Primary Presenter: Juhwan Kim
Primary Presenter Contact: juhwankim@my.unthsc.edu
Chapter: Epsilon Beta
Abstract:
Everyone has a unique leadership voice. Some may have trouble discovering what their voice is and how to use it effectively. Using a GiANT 5 Voices Leadership Training workshop, student pharmacists can discover how to best use their leadership voice of Creative, Pioneer, Nurturer, Connector, or Guardian. PLS Epsilon Beta Chapter hosted a two-part 5 Voices workshop open to all student pharmacists to empower recognition of their unique Voice and how to use that Voice to work effectively on a team. The first workshop was a private 5 Voices session led by Dr. Anthony DeClue. PLS Epsilon Beta members learned about the 5 Voices and tips for how to utilize each Voice most effectively on a team. The second workshop was held one week later and was led by PLS Epsilon Beta members identifying with each Voice. Small group Zoom breakout rooms for each Voice worked through conflict management scenarios using lessons learned on their Voice. 57 students participated with each Voice having at least 2 PLS Epsilon Beta members facilitate. A 5-point Likert pre- and post-survey captured participant confidence in key leadership traits. After completing the workshop, confidence increased in the ability to interact with others in a group in order to successfully start and end a project (pre: 3.8; post: 4.4; p < 0.001), assert oneself and one’s ideas on a team (pre: 3.7; post: 4.2; p < 0.003), communicate updates to the team in a timely manner (pre: 4.0; post: 4.4; p < 0.005), and challenge the team to reach their full potential (pre: 3.6; post: 4.3; p < 0.001). Overall, the local 5 Voices Workshop was effective in helping student pharmacists learn about their own Voice and how to effectively use it in team-based activities.
PLS Leadership Workshop: Fostering Visionary Leadership and Overcoming Obstacles
Primary Presenter: Jenny Shang
Primary Presenter Contact: jmshang@med.umich.edu
Chapter: Delta Kappa Chapter
Abstract:
The Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS) Delta Kappa Chapter of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy recently hosted the “PLS x aKDPhi Leadership Speaker Panel” to foster leadership development for undergraduate STEM students through a virtual pharmacy student-led panel. The event featured a total of four Phi Lambda Sigma panelists; approximately ten undergraduate students from the undergraduate alpha Kappa Delta Phi (aKDPhi) sorority were in attendance. A wide variety of topics were covered, including advice about time management, preparing for interviews, and how to find internships. To prepare for the event, PLS communicated with a pharmacy school/undergraduate student liaison over email and Zoom to hold a leadership workshop for undergraduate STEM students who are interested in pursuing higher education. We decided on a panel format, to give attendees an opportunity to ask questions that would most benefit them. As a panelist, preparation involved several methods included but not limited to: intentionally reflecting on panel topics prior to attendance, connecting with other panelists, practicing presentation skills, researching the mission of aKDPhi, and actively preparing to reflect on professional and personal leadership experiences in-advance of the panel. One of the barriers to undergraduate students seeking out opportunities is a lack of resources and mentors. Through this event, we were able to provide undergraduate students with advice to help them better understand their professional goals, prepare for interviews, and apply for leadership positions. Although not all students may be planning on pursuing a career in pharmacy, professional development and interviewing tips can be applied to numerous fields. For future event iterations, an interdisciplinary panel expansion is planned to address these barriers and implement an increased variety of backgrounds, experiences, and advice.
Mentorship
Inspiring Future Pharmacists
Primary Presenter:
Hannah Meister &
Lauren Lewicki
Primary Presenter Contact: homeister@usj.edu & llewicki@usj.edu
Chapter: Epsilon Xi
Abstract:
During the 2023 spring semester, the Phi Lambda Sigma Epsilon Xi Chapter at the University of Saint Joseph School of Pharmacy partnered with Connecticut Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and Collegiate Health Service Corps (CHSC) to mentor pre-health high school students through a presentation on the field of pharmacy. We presented to four different classes between two local high schools in Connecticut. The entire executive board participated in each presentation. Before attending local high schools, our executive committee collaborated to create an engaging presentation for students about pharmacy, focusing on the required steps to become a pharmacist, different pharmacy fields, and a pharmacist’s duties. Our Epsilon Xi Chapter had inspiring conversations with over 200 students regarding the pharmacy field, as this was not a career typically covered within the pre-health class curriculum. Barriers encountered revolved around scheduling in terms of confirming presentation dates and times. Looking forward, our PLS chapter would like to stay well connected with AHEC and CHSC to continue providing these community outreach presentations to promote the pharmacy profession and provide mentorship to students with interests in pharmacy. The organizations are planning to expand their presentations to include more health professions, and our PLS chapter can help engage other USJ health programs such as nursing and physician assistant studies. This program allowed our members to develop leadership skills by practicing verbal communication, presentation skills, serving as role models, and advocating for the pharmacy profession. Nonetheless, during presentations, our chapter highlighted the core values of PLS.
Implementation of a P2 Project to Mentorship Development Through Personal Connection and Shared Experience
Primary Presenter: Anneliese Harp
Primary Presenter Contact: anh167@pitt.edu
Chapter: Beta Delta
Abstract:
The Beta Delta chapter always had robust professional development initiatives, which involved PLS and non-PLS members of the school. These programs were effective in aiding students as emerging professionals. However, there was still a need to assist these students in developing effective leadership skills. Thus, the PLS mentorship committee developed a new mentorship program that focused on personal aspects of leadership skills and establishment of positive relationships with participants. The development of the new program was initiated last year, and expanded more in the 2022-2023 school year. Mentees were P1s, and mentors were P2s and P3s. A total of 44 students participated in each of the four mentorship development sessions. In the first session “Connecting the Personal to Professional” with Dr. Brown, participants were able to discuss personal identities, experiences, and privileges that are related to professional and social identities. In the second session, “Work Life Balance”, Dr. Venkataramanan shared a personal path to develop a successful career alongside a fulfilling life. The third session, “Leadership Without an Official Title”, was led by Dr. Coons. He shared his leadership style and experience, how to improve as a leader, and how one can still be a leader without officially having a title. The last session was led by PLS Albert B. Prescott Award winner Dr. Lucas Berenbrok, who discussed pharmacy leadership, education, research, and scholarship. These four sessions were beneficial to connect and share students’ personal experience to develop leadership skills and professional identities. Participants enjoyed the openness, honesty, and sincerity of the conversation. Aligning with the PLS mission of supporting leadership development among pharmacy students, our chapter aims to have these series of events be an annual program. We seek to develop similar sessions and include collaborations with more faculty to continue to gain insight on leadership and mentorship styles.
Community Engagement
Annual Live Charity Auction for Grace Lamsam Pharmacy Prorgram for the Underserved
Primary Presenter: Elizabeth Midey
Primary Presenter Contact: esm53@pitt.edu
Chapter: Beta Delta
Abstract:
The annual PLS Charity Auction was hosted on March 2, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm in support of the Grace Lamsam Pharmacy Program for the Underserved (GLPP). GLPP was founded at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy in 1995, and provides pharmacy services to uninsured and underinsured patients in the Pittsburgh region. The mission of GLPP is to reduce healthcare disparities in Pittsburgh by offering free or low-cost medicines, supplies, and medication therapy management services to improve patient quality of life and reduce unnecessary emergency department and hospital visits. GLPP was also founded to ensure that all pharmacy students develop the necessary skills to provide sensitive, compassionate, humble and respectful care to both individual patients and communities. The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy provided funding for the auction. The event was hosted at a hotel convention hall, which provided catering and AV equipment. Some barriers to fundraising included the strict tax documentation required for charitable donations and the lack of a small games license for games of chance such as raffles. This year we had approximately 225 attendees and provided food and drinks for each attendee. Attendees consisted of students, faculty, staff and alumni of the school. The auction included 6 silent auction baskets and 27 events donated by students and faculty such as horseback riding, fishing derbies, candlemaking, karaoke, and BBQ cookouts with the Dean. Guest faculty members served as the auctioneers for each event. Students and faculty bid in groups of various sizes to win these events, and it is a great way for students and faculty to connect outside of the classroom. We raised $9,522 at the live event and raised an additional $6,435 using an online fundraising platform. We plan to host a similar event next year.
