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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) year three students marked their transition toward becoming pharmacists at the School’s Pinning Ceremony, held Thursday, April 20 in the Meridian Ballroom.

Pins were presented to 76 students, signifying their transition to Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences.

“Today’s ceremony recognizes you will no longer be learning about patients, but will be caring for patients,” said Kate Newman, SOP clinical assistant professor and director of Experiential Education. “As you transition from a traditional classroom setting to an experiential learning environment, you may find there are some unique challenges.

“You will no longer be surrounded by just fellow pharmacy students, but will be learning and working alongside other healthcare professionals as part of a team. The next 12 months will provide a strong foundation for your future career.”

SOP Dean Gireesh Gupchup emphasized the significance of this transition, sharing the words of Confucius, “You hear and you forget, you see and you remember, you do and you learn.”

“You will now be doctoral candidates,” Gupchup told the students. “This means you will be teachers when you graduate. You will teach your patients and other health professionals as a medication expert. I urge you to learn all you can in this experiential year. Learn from your experiences to be the best teacher in the future. I have no doubt that you will represent the School of Pharmacy well.”

The special ceremony was sponsored by CVS. It concluded with the students reciting the Oath of a Pharmacist, in which they promise to devote themselves to a lifetime of service through the profession of pharmacy.

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy year three students at their Pinning Ceremony.