Good Morning MPhA! This is Zach Marty, the new 4th year student lucky enough to currently be on rotation with MPhA. Legislative session started yesterday so it is a very exciting time around here. It seems that the student/resident blog world at MPhA has been a little dormant since last April so, before I start really diving in to all the issues, briefs, updates, etc. I suppose I should let you know just exactly who is writing to you. Hint...it’s not the same author as last spring.
I grew up across the country in too many places to list here, but I do have a permanent address in North Dakota (that address is 90 miles from a McDonalds or a Wal-Mart so the town name is pretty irrelevant, and yes such an address does exist). I arrived at the U 7 years ago as a Biology major enrolled in the aptly named College of Biological Sciences. I have since moved on to pharmacy school at the same institution, a move I had been planning since meeting a College of Pharmacy recruiter in my Sophomore year of high school. My journey since finishing up class on the Minneapolis campus last May has taken me to a wide variety of excellent experiences in Anoka, Fergus Falls, Chanhassen, Duluth, Fridley, and now St. Paul. I have loved my opportunities so far - thank you if were a part of them - and now, I’m really excited to “get my hands dirty” while here.
Recently, I have been working on scheduling meetings with legislators, attending various Association and committee meetings, and trying to put together some resource materials for pharmacists regarding Accountable Care Organizations. I have gained a very valuable look into the inner workings of a professional association, and it has been very insightful to say the least. I have board of directors meetings of both the Association and the Foundation under my belt thus far, and there are many more to come.
The most exciting thing for me about this rotation is the ability to play a hands-on role in the process of shaping our profession. I cannot wait to meet with both the local and national lawmakers as this week alone I’ll have the opportunity to speak with 8 different policy makers at various levels of government. I was fortunate to already meet Rep. Abeler at a MPhA breakfast, and the interactions there just added to my anticipation. I will have more updates regarding the legislative process shortly. In the meantime, schedule an appointment with, or for those of you with quite the commute to the capitol, write a letter to, your legislators. A little face time can go a long way for the profession of pharmacy.
-It’s Now or Never
Zach Marty
