LECOM

Pharmacy Scholar WinsAmerican Pharmacists AssociationAcademy of Student Pharmacists

National Patient Counseling Competition

Shelby Matthews, a third-year pharmacy student in the LECOM Distance Education Pathway was the 2023 American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) National Patient Counseling Competition winner.

To be eligible for this Competition, students first must compete at their individual pharmacy schools. The winner travels to the Annual APhA Meeting to compete against the victorious candidates from other schools.

Once participants reach the national level, a preliminary round takes place from which the top ten participants progress to a final round. In each of the successive rounds, the patient counseling situation becomes more complex. Matthews and the other finalists were recognized on March 25, 2023 at the Annual APhA-ASP Awards Celebration at the APhA National Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona.

The goal of the APhA-ASP National Patient Counseling Competition is to encourage student pharmacists in their efforts to become better patient educators. The Competition is designed to reflect changes that are occurring in practice, to promote and encourage further professional development of the student pharmacist, and to reinforce the role of the pharmacist as a healthcare provider and educator.

The Distance Education Pathway is one of three individualized Learning Pathways offered at the LECOM School of Pharmacy. A three-year Accelerated Pathway in Erie, Pennsylvania and a fouryear Pathway in Bradenton, Florida also provide stellar pharmacy education.

Equipped with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitudes necessary to solve problems, educate, advocate, and collaborate; and working with a broad range of medical professionals on integrated teams, LECOM pharmacy scholars, such as Shelby Matthews, become skilled pharmacy professionals, able to identify problems, to explore and prioritize potential strategies, and to design, implement, and evaluate viable medical solutions. LECOM is delighted to congratulate Shelby Matthews in her recent triumph, wishing her well as she journeys forward prepared to join a 21st century healthcare team of pharmacy professionals.