NDMU Pharmacy Student Appointed to National Leadership Role

​Chinyere Onyirimba, a Notre Dame of Maryland University (NDMU) School of Pharmacy student was appointed to serve as the 2019-2020 National Bridging the Gap Chair for Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA).
Chinyere Onyirimba

“We are very proud of Chinyere’s accomplishment. It is quite an honor to be recognized by your peers for your leadership abilities and commitment to the profession,” says Dean of the School of Pharmacy Anne Lin. “Our mission includes developing leaders and advancing public health and Chinyere is an excellent example of how our curriculum prepares students to leave and make a difference.”

Chinyere was named at this year’s SNPhA convention to promote unity across pharmaceutical fields through networking and relationship building.

“I have the ability to create opportunities for student pharmacists to grow and develop long-lasting networks,” says Chinyere and she looks forward to working with future pharmacists to improve the healthcare system in communities across the country.

SNPhA is an educational service association of pharmacy students who plan and execute programs geared toward the improvement of the health, educational, and social environment of minority communities.

In her new role, Chinyere will be responsible for developing programming for over 5,000 student members to encourage professional development, mentoring and solidifying a seamless transition between SNPhA and the National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA). “I have the opportunity to plan and organize the yearlong Pharmacy Student Mentorship Program (PSMP),” says Chinyere, who served as Notre Dame’s SNPHA Chapter President for two years.

As president of the School of Pharmacy Chapter, Chinyere planned numerous fundraisers, immunization clinics, health fairs, and community events.

Chinyere credits NDMU for preparing her for this new role and embraces the School of Pharmacy’s ACEI2 Values: Altruism, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, and Innovation; along with support and mentorship given by faculty and staff.

Her passion for health started at a young age while working for Teens with a Purpose, a peer-led nonprofit designed to provide teenagers with the knowledge and resources to tackle challenges facing young people. It encourages teenagers to use their power and influence to bring about positive change, and create solutions while sharing their voice and experiences with others.

“This role will serve as a reminder that engagement is a necessity for development,” says Chinyere. “The marathon will always continue, but on this path, I believe we do not have to proceed by ourselves. “As Chinyere prepares to become a pharmacist, she hopes her experiences as a mentor will have a positive impact on the future leaders of pharmacy.

NDMU is the first private institution in Maryland to offer the Pharm.D. The educational experience is both broad and deep, as students learn from caring faculty who are experts across the spectrum of clinical, administrative and pharmaceutical sciences. The NDMU School of Pharmacy is dedicated to preparing leaders in the field of pharmacy who will provide compassionate, quality care for the diverse patient populations of today and tomorrow.

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