RESPy Winner Furthers Pharmacy's Positive Impact

Andria Budwine represents the third generation of women in her family to pursue a career in health care, having gleaned inspiration from her grandmother, mother, and aunt. “As a child, I realized health care must be special, because it was apparent that my family members loved what they did,” said Budwine, who will graduate from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy as a PharmD in May. “I chose this field because I have seen the tremendous positive impact it can have on the lives of others.”

It is the dedication Budwine has applied to her pharmacy pursuits and helping others that has made her stand out from the crowd in so many ways, including being chosen as the Walmart/Pharmacy Times RESPy winner for November.

Having started pharmacy school as an early entry student, Budwine was already ahead of the game. Her academic excellence has won her a number of scholarships over the years, as well as membership in the National Scholars Honor Society and the P4 Class Member of the Year award. Budwine’s extracurricular activities have also earned recognition, including the Student Body Helping Hands Award, as well as the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) Most Active P4 Member Award and top 10 placing in the organization’s patient counseling competition.

“I believe empowering people with knowledge and understanding is the ultimate gift that you can give someone,” said Budwine. “Throughout my life, I hope to be able to look into the mirror at the end of each day and know that I have made a difference in someone’s life by helping them understand their health issues.” So far, she seems to be meeting her goal, having interned at several pharmacies and gotten an array of pharmacy practice experience under her belt.

Amidst seemingly endless hours put in between school and work, Budwine seeks out every opportunity to help others. Her most recent volunteer activities have included participation in the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) t-shirt fundraiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and coordinating the organization’s CAUSE Wounded Soldier Drive, coordinating and working in the Kroger Flu Clinic, and taking part in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. Budwine also has given of her time to participate in a variety of other activities that promote good health, including wellness and health fairs, workshops with APhA-ASP, and volunteering at health care facilities.

In addition, Budwine has taken on leadership roles, both in her school and beyond. For 2 years, she has served as class president. The high achiever also has served for 2 years as secretary/treasurer for the ASHP student chapter. She has also held the positions of service chair and national project chair for Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity.

“There are many fields of study that impact lives,” said Budwine, explaining her dedication to pharmacy. “However, pharmacy is a field apart from the others. It is an ever-growing necessity, and its importance is not to be overlooked.” With the changes being made in health care, the opportunity exists for pharmacy to further evolve past the traditional perceived role of dispensing drugs, according to Budwine. Her aim is not only to take part in that change, but also to be a driving force in it. “It is my passion to go beyond simple distribution and help to change the societal outlook of pharmacy,” Budwine said. “Through evidence-based practice and patient-centered care, our profession is at the tipping point for positive change. I plan to play an active role in the future of pharmacy.”

About the School

The University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, founded in 1908, has locations in both Oxford and Jackson, Mississippi. It offers the Doctor of Pharmacy as the entry-level practice degree, and is made up of 6 departments. Each department, aside from the pharmacy practice department, offers a graduate degree in its respective field. Graduates of the School of Pharmacy have posted a 100% pass rate on the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination for 5 of the last 7 years.

The RESPy (Respect, Excellence, and Service in Pharmacy) award is presented to the student who has made a difference in his or her community by demonstrating excellence in pharmaceutical care. For more information, please visit www.PharmacyTimes.com.