Participating in academic pharmacy conferences provides Pharm.D. students with impactful opportunities to explore research, network with professionals, and build their careers while completing coursework and rotations. Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP) prepares our students for these opportunities through practice presentations, faculty mentorship, and conference funding.

Building Community Through Pharmacy Conferences

For CUSP student Harvey Duong, pharmacy conferences have been a defining part of his education. “My favorite part of conferences would have to be networking with other pharmacy students and pharmacists. I especially enjoy seeing familiar faces at conferences as it creates a sense of community and makes each event feel more welcoming.”

CUSP’s conference reimbursement program ensures that all pharmacy students have an equal opportunity to advance their careers. Students apply for grant funding and receive reimbursement after presenting at a conference. “I’ve been fortunate to take advantage of CUSP’s conference reimbursement program,” says Harvey. “In my time at CUSP, I’ve been reimbursed for CPhA’s Western Pharmacy Exchange 2025, CSHP’s Seminar, the Pacific Coast Patient Safety Conference, and APhA’s Annual Meeting/CPhA’s California Pharmacy Exchange. CUSP’s support has made it much more accessible to participate in these conferences and meetings.”

Research Opportunities for Pharm.D. Students

Research is not required for Pharm.D. students, but presenting at pharmacy conferences helps students develop their professional identity, public speaking skills, and clinical knowledge. Working under the guidance of faculty mentor Sherry Wang, Ph.D., Harvey’s research focuses on Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) using real-world data to evaluate medication use, safety, patient access, and prescribing trends.

“Through these projects, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how data-driven research can inform clinical decision-making, healthcare policy, and patient access to medications.”

Exploring Pharmacy Career Paths

Beyond research, pharmacy conferences open doors to career exploration. “I really value the conversations I have throughout these conferences. I often learn about different career paths, hear different perspectives within our profession, or receive advice from pharmacists who were once in my position. These interactions help me better understand the field of pharmacy, and also give me guidance and confidence as I continue to shape my own career path.”

The Full Conference Experience

Beyond pharmacy conferences research and networking opportunities, rising healthcare graduates also feature activities like Quiz Bowl competitions, music video contests, and happy hours that build camaraderie among students and existing professionals. Harvey participated in a music video competition at CPhA’s Western Pharmacy Exchange 2025: “It was a really fun and memorable experience choreographing and singing, and it was exciting to collaborate with others toward a shared creative goal outside of a traditional classroom setting.”

Harvey has also served on the executive board of CUSP APhA, volunteered across CUSP initiatives, and participated in APhA’s Student Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C., where he connected with pharmacy students nationwide while exploring the city.

“During APhA’s Student Leadership Institute in 2025, I had the chance to connect with other students while exploring some of the fun activities that Washington, D.C. has to offer outside of the formal sessions. It was a great way to unwind after a full day.”

Why Pharmacy Conferences Matter

Pharmacy conferences create community, sharpen clinical thinking, and help students become well-rounded professionals. “Being surrounded by motivated and like-minded individuals can be inspiring and reaffirm one’s passion for the field. Conferences play a key role in shaping well-rounded and forward-thinking pharmacists.”

CUSP is committed to giving all students the tools and funding they need to succeed in whatever pharmacy career path they choose. Interested in learning more about the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Chapman University? Click here.