Pharmacy Students Experience Virtual ‘Day at the Dome’

February 23, 2023

Thirty-three members of the PCOM Georgia Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) class of 2026 participated in the Georgia Pharmacy Association's Day at the Dome recently.

Held virtually this year, the day introduced PCOM Georgia students, who were paired with Mercer University students, to legislative and professional advocacy to support the needs of pharmacists and other healthcare providers and patients in Georgia, according to Michael Lee, PhD, the PCOM School of Pharmacy's assistant dean for professional and student affairs.

He said, “This day, which PCOM School of Pharmacy students have participated in annually since 2010, exposes students to the legislative process and the importance of legislative engagement and advocacy for professionals and patients.”

In addition to the virtual event, Georgia Pharmacy Association CEO Bob Coleman, addressed the PCOM Georgia students in person about the value of membership in the state association. Jonathan Marquess, PharmD, vice president of the Georgia Pharmacy Association's Academy of Independent Pharmacy, spoke in person to the Mercer University students about the historical role pharmacists have played as immunization providers in Georgia and the potential impact on pharmacists if COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency. Marquess is a Mercer School of Pharmacy graduate.

Georgia Pharmacy Association’s Melissa Reybold, vice president of public policy, highlighted this year's legislative initiatives. In addition, students heard from Rep. Michelle Au, MD, a Georgia state representative from House District 50 and a physician by training. Dr. Au spoke about her experiences as a healthcare provider and legislator, the importance of patient care legislation, and her role in crafting and sponsoring legislation that impacts public health. She also spoke about a bill that would address tax on cigarette sales in Georgia.

Dr. Lee called the annual Day at the Dome event a “highlight” on the academic calendar. He said, “Legislative advocacy is an important process to improve patient care cost and quality of care. The role that the Georgia Pharmacy Association plays in supporting the state’s pharmacists in legislative issues is a necessary and important function. All pharmacy students should develop an appreciation for proposed issues that affect patients at the legislative level and be equipped and confident to engage in advocacy when they enter practice.”

According to Dr. Lee, the Day at the Dome experience is a required co-curricular activity linked to the students' personal and professional growth components of a PharmD degree.

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