WSU Industry Pharmacists Organization addresses holiday food insecurity
Submitted by the Wayne State chapter of IPhO
An estimated 40% of U.S. college students experience food insecurity, and the problem is growing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2020, roughly 35 million Americans were food insecure; this number has jumped significantly, with some estimating that the rate has since doubled.
“Food insecurity while in college can have detrimental effects on students’ academic performance and health,” WSU Industry Pharmacists Organization President (IPhO) Joseph Paul Javier said. “Our organization wanted to come together to address this issue on our campus.”
WSU IPhO’s food drive will benefit the W Food Pantry which provides currently enrolled Wayne State Warriors in need of food assistance with supplemental food, gently used garments and additional resources to enhance student success. The W works to increase awareness of what it means to be food insecure, while reducing stigma surrounding food pantries and food insecurities.
This community outreach initiative was spearheaded by IPhO Fundraising & Finance Co-Director Graham Selegean, who is also president of the university food appreciation club known as the WSU Savory Squad.
“As members of a professional organization, we have the responsibility to uphold good core values of ethics, integrity and outreach to the communities we serve. Our goal is to elevate others and improve health outcomes in any way we can,” said Selegean. “Fighting hunger and malnutrition are ways we can help others improve or maintain their health. Food, water and shelter are basic needs that no one should be without, especially during the winter holidays. We want our student leaders to practice servant leadership, and simple initiatives like our food drive exemplify this goal.”
To support the W Food Pantry, which is located at 703 W. Kirby St., or to use its services, members of the Wayne State community can email thew@wayne.edu or call 313-577-0154.
WSU IPhO welcomes P1 Interns to its leadership team
“I became a member of IPhO because I wanted to get involved with industry pharmacy and explore fellowships and internships that are available,” said P1 intern Noor Hadad. “Industry careers that interest me are with medical information as well as communication and pharmacovigilance. Both roles are key for patient and drug safety and involve using the scientific and clinical expertise of a pharmacist.”
Since its founding last year, the Wayne State chapter of IPhO has made several milestone achievements and has significantly grown its membership. From successfully holding over a dozen educational seminars to placing in the top 10 of last year’s national Value of Industry Pharmacists (VIP) Case Competition, WSU IPhO has expanded its programming to expose new student pharmacists to industry pharmacy with its P1 Intern Program.
“Prior to starting pharmacy school, I had no idea about the different career paths one could take with a PharmD. After speaking to my aunt who works at a pharmaceutical industry company, I decided to join IPhO to learn about the organization and possible industry opportunities,” said P1 intern Dalia Alnajar, who is also a WSU Applebaum Research Scholar. “I am interested in pursuing clinical development or being a medical writer because I enjoy research. Working on the VIP Case Competition in clinical development, I helped develop clinical trials for a hypothetical new molecular entity that can treat muscle-invasive bladder cancer. IPhO is a great student organization to learn about the various and important roles pharmacists play in the industry setting.”
The WSU IPhO chapter is still looking for a P1 intern to work with its director of external PR. To apply for this intern position or to join IPhO, Interested student pharmacists can contact chapter Secretary Elizabeth Lemanske at elemanske@wayne.edu.
About us
The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins each July.
An anchor in urban health care
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels – from undergraduates to veteran faculty members – translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.
Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.
