May 22, 2020
Three Pharm.D. students at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy – Ashley Buige, Ashley Kang and Wendy Sun – presented their research at the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) annual meeting on April 27.
CPNP is a national network of pharmacists who specialize in psychiatry and/or neurology that aims to be a voice for those in the field. Buige, Kang and Sun were selected after an extensive peer review process by the CPNP Student Committee. Instead of the annual in-person convention, each student presented their work at a virtual poster showcase.
“Posters were published online so that people could look over them in the weeks before the meeting,” Kang said. “Then, during my assigned poster session, I was able to have real-time conversations with members through the comment platform beneath each poster. I think this was a great way to still be able to share our research and have meaningful conversations about pharmacist wellness.”
Each project focused on a unique aspect of psychiatry and well-being in pharmacy. Kang presented on pharmacist wellness and mental health, and said her project surveyed the physical, mental and personal health of North Carolina pharmacists in various working environments and stages of life.
Fourth-year student Buige and co-investigator, Pharm.D. candidate Mimi Nguyen, presented on mental health needs for Pharm.D. students. Assistant professor Suzanne Harris, Ph.D., was an advisor for all three students.
“This topic is something I am personally passionate about and am so grateful to have shared our findings with fellow students, pharmacists, and school faculty,” Buige said. “It was a unique method to present, but the virtual format generated thoughtful discussion with the hopes of furthering the dialogue on how schools can improve student wellbeing and provide support throughout their pharmacy school curriculum.”
Fourth-year student Sun researched pharmacy school mental health resources with Pharm.D. candidate Hiba Alzouby. She surveyed what resources are available to students through a survey sent to select pharmacy schools. She said “I enjoyed answering questions virtually as it allowed me time to look over all my data on my computer and compose a thorough answer.”
“We are so proud of our ESOP students and the research they have done in the area of wellness, mental health, and psychiatric pharmacy, but it has been an added bonus to see their hard work recognized on more than one occasion on the national level,” said Heidi Anksorus, Ph.D., an assistant professor at the School and one of Kang’s advisors.
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