Public Health
Many of you, in whatever stage of education, graduation, internship or practice, may find yourself wondering how this vast body of specialized knowledge and skills (also referred to as "your pharmacy education"!) can truly make a palpable difference. Over the past 50 years, IPSF has actively involved its members in multitudes of Public Health campaigns and initiatives, and through these projects many students have found the perfect outlet for both their growing expertise and their desire to impact the health of their local and global communities.
So, now that intrigue has sparked interest, you are saying, "HOW do I get involved, and WHAT can I do?" By being an IPSF Member you are eligible to participate in all of our Public Health projects, and receive support, advice, information and encouragement on your own public health interests, whilst all the time increasing awareness of the pharmacist as a key player in world wide public health.
There are several main campaigns that IPSF encourages throughout the year, which focus on HIV/AIDS Awareness, Tobacco Awareness, World Health Day, and World TB Day. The motivation behind concentrating on these socially significant issues comes directly from the World Health Organization, with whom IPSF has Official Relations and receives many valuable resources and opportunities to pass on to our members. That being said, we always encourage our members to initiate campaigns that are particularly relevant to their area, and are always investigating new public health topics for the Federation - Diabetes/Obesity and Healthy Ageing being just two examples.
This information, however, has still not elaborated on how YOU, the student and young professional, can take these issues, become involved, and reach the public. We at IPSF stress beyond anything, communication and active involvement in your community. This means not only speaking to students within your Faculty and encouraging them to join you on the public health bandwagon, but moving beyond the realms of institution and truly getting out into the community. Many are willing to listen to you, more so than you even know! Great exposure to the profession has come though visiting primary and high schools to discuss with young people the present and future dangers of tobacco use; seminars at community centres educating the elderly on medication management; organizing information sessions for patients and practitioners together on how pharmacists can impact the lives of those with HIV/AIDS; and activities as simple as leading a group of diabetic patients through a supermarket, advising on nutrition choices to best manage their disease.
And this is a mere sample of how you as a pharmacy student can become involved in public health. If by reading this your interest and motivation
has been sparked, please contact us for more information on how to become involved in ISPF Public Health Activities. You have the potential to truly impact the lives of others - DO IT!
Many of you, in whatever stage of education, graduation, internship or practice, may find yourself wondering how this vast body of specialized knowledge and skills (also referred to as "your pharmacy education"!) can truly make a palpable difference. Over the past 50 years, IPSF has actively involved its members in multitudes of Public Health campaigns and initiatives, and through these projects many students have found the perfect outlet for both their growing expertise and their desire to impact the health of their local and global communities.
So, now that intrigue has sparked interest, you are saying, "HOW do I get involved, and WHAT can I do?" By being an IPSF Member you are eligible to participate in all of our Public Health projects, and receive support, advice, information and encouragement on your own public health interests, whilst all the time increasing awareness of the pharmacist as a key player in world wide public health.
There are several main campaigns that IPSF encourages throughout the year, which focus on HIV/AIDS Awareness, Tobacco Awareness, World Health Day, and World TB Day. The motivation behind concentrating on these socially significant issues comes directly from the World Health Organization, with whom IPSF has Official Relations and receives many valuable resources and opportunities to pass on to our members. That being said, we always encourage our members to initiate campaigns that are particularly relevant to their area, and are always investigating new public health topics for the Federation - Diabetes/Obesity and Healthy Ageing being just two examples.
This information, however, has still not elaborated on how YOU, the student and young professional, can take these issues, become involved, and reach the public. We at IPSF stress beyond anything, communication and active involvement in your community. This means not only speaking to students within your Faculty and encouraging them to join you on the public health bandwagon, but moving beyond the realms of institution and truly getting out into the community. Many are willing to listen to you, more so than you even know! Great exposure to the profession has come though visiting primary and high schools to discuss with young people the present and future dangers of tobacco use; seminars at community centres educating the elderly on medication management; organizing information sessions for patients and practitioners together on how pharmacists can impact the lives of those with HIV/AIDS; and activities as simple as leading a group of diabetic patients through a supermarket, advising on nutrition choices to best manage their disease.
And this is a mere sample of how you as a pharmacy student can become involved in public health. If by reading this your interest and motivation
has been sparked, please contact us for more information on how to become involved in ISPF Public Health Activities. You have the potential to truly impact the lives of others - DO IT!