My name is Tazche Turner, and I’m a fourth-year PharmD candidate at the University of North Carolina’s Eshelman School of Pharmacy. My passion for science, business, and service inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy. From the start of pharmacy school, I threw myself into organizations and leadership roles to explore everything the field has to offer. But it was the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) that truly felt like home.
SNPhA’s mission of “serving the underserved” resonated deeply with me, fueling my drive to help improve access to care in every community. In my first year, I joined our local SNPhA chapter as the Power to End Stroke Co-Chair. I helped plan events like blood pressure and glucose screenings and even a step challenge to get our community moving!
Attending SNPhA’s regional conferences connected me with incredible, like-minded pharmacy students, all dedicated to making a difference. Over time, my passion for this organization and its mission only grew stronger. Today, as a P4, I’m honored to serve as SNPhA’s National President—and I want you to know that one day, you can get here too.
About the Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
SNPhA is a vibrant, student-led association committed to advancing pharmacy, tackling critical healthcare issues, and improving minority representation in the profession. Our mission is to empower pharmacy students nationwide by offering professional development, leadership opportunities, and a strong network of support.
With over 4,000 members and more than 100 collegiate chapters across the country, we’re creating a movement.
Our members are united in their dedication to serving the underserved. From providing health education and screenings to advocating for health equity and improved access to care, SNPhA members make a real impact at the local, state, and national levels. Every year, we serve more than 100,000 patients and community members through eight key initiatives:
- Bridging the Gap (Networking and Professional Engagement)
- Fighting Diabetes
- Legislative, Membership Benefits, and Immigration
- Mental Health
- Operation Immunization
- Power to End Stroke
- Project Keepsake (Chronic Kidney Disease)
- Remember the Ribbon (HIV/AIDS)
SNPhA’s work is led by a National Board of 19 pharmacy students. This year, my presidential theme is “Connected for Change.” By embracing the power of connection, SNPhA members are expanding their impact, building stronger relationships, and growing as future pharmacy leaders.
Why Get Involved as a Pre-Pharmacy Student?
Getting involved in national pharmacy organizations like SNPhA early in your journey has so many benefits:
- You’ll have unique experiences to talk about during pharmacy school applications and interviews.
- You’ll meet pharmacy students and professionals who’ve walked the path you’re on—and who are eager to mentor you.
- You’ll stay up to date on emerging topics and trends shaping pharmacy.
- You’ll gain insights into the many different career paths in the profession.
For me, joining student organizations and participating in extracurricular activities shaped my path more than anything else. They helped me discover my passion, build leadership skills, grow my network, and feel confident stepping into a pharmacy career.
How to Get Involved as a Pre-Pharmacy Student
SNPhA welcomes pre-pharmacy members from undergraduate programs and even high schools. Throughout the year, you’ll find plenty of ways to engage: educational webinars, mentorship programs, conferences, and competitions.
I look forward to becoming Connected for Change with all of you this year. Let’s make an impact together!
Also Read : The Heart of Healthcare: 5 Things Pharmacists Truly Love About Their Profession
