Hundreds of current and prospective students in the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) will participate in a day of activity examining the changing nature of U.S. health care policy.
The annual Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Day, focusing on the theme of “Cracking the Code: Revolutionizing Health Care Policy,” will be held Thursday, Feb. 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Sheslow Auditorium of Old Main, 2507 University Ave. Students will hear from keynote speakers Iowa Rep. John Forbes and Dr. Pam Duffy, and explore a variety of breakout session topics ranging from resume development to advances in timely healthcare issues.
Over 50 admitted students and their guests will join the event at 10 a.m., giving them a window into life as a Drake student. All of the day’s activities were planned by current Drake pharmacy and health sciences students.
“Being able to participate in Pharmacy and Health Sciences Day gives admitted seniors a chance to see and feel what being a part of a professional college at Drake is like,” said Jessica Lang, student services and admissions liaison for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “The fact that this event is organized and planned by current Drake students shows admitted high school seniors the leadership skills they will develop at Drake.”
The first keynote speaker, Iowa Rep. John Forbes, will discuss the development of health care policy from the viewpoint of a legislator. Pam Duffy of Des Moines University will speak about her experience and research in cultural competency for health professionals and measuring health care quality and efficiency.
Students will attend breakout sessions on the following topics beginning at 12:30 pm. in the upper level of Olmsted, 2875 University Ave.:
- Resume Basics: How to Sell Yourself on Paper and CV, presented by Professional and Career Development Services Coordinator Kate Evans, will address the “do’s and don’ts” of resume and CV writing.
- A Day in the Life of a Health Educator and an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, presented by Polk County Health Department’s Nola Algner and Patrick Sweeney. Algner and Sweeney will speak about their roles within the Polk County Health Department and what they do on a day-to-day basis.
- Is Iowa Ready for Medical Cannabis Laws? Presented by Quester researcher Brian Pins and third-year pharmacy student Katie McDaniel, this session will discuss a recent study detailing Iowa voters’ opinions towards both recreational and medicinal cannabis.
- Occupational Therapy: Transforming Lives, Building Independence, presented by Occupational Therapist Denise Behrends, this session will give an overview of OT, common misconceptions, where the profession is going in the future, and the role of the Iowa OT Association.
- Social Media and Online Presence for the Health Professional, a Q&A panel session with local pharmacy professionals and entrepreneurs, will discuss the role of social media and online presence for self-branding. Panelists will equip students with tools to create and maintain an online presence for professional and entrepreneurial advancement.
- A Science Background on Medical Cannabis and a General Understanding of Law, presented by Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Frank Caligiuri, will explore the pharmacology involved with medical cannabis as well as a general overview of laws and scheduling.
- Oh the Places You’ll Go Through Telehealth, presented by Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy Jayna Fischbach, will focus on explaining the importance of services in the health field, and how those services are being provided to students in rural Missouri.
- Student Development Theory 101, presented by College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Interim Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Jill Batten, will touch on how students and educators can better understand student development theory and how education professionals can design high impact coursework.
Also during CPHS Day, the college will issue its annual Alumni Achievement Awards for exceptional alumni contributions to the college, distinction in their careers, and/or civic and community contributions.