The National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP) recently announced the launch of their new Student Association of Specialty Pharmacy (SASP) via a segment on the Pharmacy Podcast Network. The show, hosted by Sheila Arquette, NASP Executive Director, featured three members of NASP’s Education Committee including PANTHERx® Specialty Pharmacy’s, Doug Gebhard; Pharm.D., MBA.

The now debuted Student Association of Specialty Pharmacy (SASP) will work with universities to create more than half a dozen pilot student chapters this fall in order to bolster awareness and knowledge of the growing field of specialty pharmacy through education, professional development, and networking. The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and Duquesne University School of Pharmacy have each experienced an increased student interest in specialty pharmacy, due in part to the university relationships that PANTHERx® continues to foster. Under the guidance of Dr. Gebhard, both the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University are planning to launch SASP pilot chapters later this fall. Recognizing a need for specialty pharmacy organizations for students, NASP aims to provide immersive experiences for students and develop these chapters by providing organizational support through bylaws, funding, websites, and local school partnerships.

Dr. Gebhard is passionate about student education and involvement in specialty pharmacy. During the podcast, he highlighted the numerous benefits to students that SASP will offer, including:
• Specialized workshops, educational sessions, and hands-on leadership opportunities to strengthen skills and expand students’ professional networks
• Participation on NASP committees and task forces to help shape national policy, NASP priorities, education, and the Annual Meeting programming
• Exclusive access to the NASP Center for Specialty Pharmacy Education
• Discounted registration to the Annual Meeting and Exposition

Schools of Pharmacy interested in acting as a pilot for SASP membership should submit an application to NASP for review by October 15, 2018. Interested students can access information and application materials through the NASP website via the Student Chapter page or by contacting sasp@naspnet.org.

Learn more: https://naspnet.org/student-chapter/

View NASP Press Release: https://naspnet.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/NASP-Student-Chapters-Press-Release_FINAL.pdf