MPA Annual Convention & Exposition

The 2010 MPA Annual Convention & Exposition will be held Feb. 26-28, 2010, at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The convention provides more than 50 continuing education programs; an exhibit hall to network with pharmacy professionals and learn of new products and services; and a banquet and awards ceremony to honor leaders in Michigan pharmacy. Student MPA member receive a complimentary registration through Feb. 4; after that date, a fee of $10 will apply. Those interested in attending can register online or call the MPA office at (517) 484-1466.

MPA provides special programming for student pharmacists covering a wide range of topics. This year, some program topics of interest include financial planning and the Student Pharmacist Self-care Championship. There will also be special events for those attending from the three colleges of pharmacy, including the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Student Luncheon; a Student Social, where student pharmacists will be encouraged to support their college by wearing their school’s colors; and participation in the Adopt-a-Student program where they are “adopted” by pharmacy professionals to establish an ongoing networking relationship.

Student Pharmacist Self-Care Championship
MPA is proud to present the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the Nonprescription Medicines Alliance (NMA) Student Pharmacist Self-care Championship. Up to three teams from each college can compete head-to-head, with the winning team from each college of pharmacy advancing to a final round of questions, similar to how the game show Jeopardy is played. The winning college will receive a traveling trophy to exhibit at their college of pharmacy for the year.

The schedule for the 2010 competition is:

• FSU: Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30-8:50 a.m., Nicolet Room A&B
• U-M: Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30-8:50 a.m., Richard Room A&B
• WSU: Saturday, Feb. 27, 7:30-8:50 a.m., Joliet Room A&B
• Finals for winning teams: Saturday, Feb. 27, 1:20-2:50 p.m., Ambassador Ballroom 2&3

Since 2006, the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA) and the Nonprescription Medicines Alliance (NMA) have partnered in a continuing education event which promotes interactive learning of self-care topics. MPA is now the 29th state to offer this competition to student pharmacists. To sign up your team, please contact La Vone Swanson at (517) 377-0231 or LaVone@MichiganPharmacists.org.

MSHP Student Pharmacist Luncheon
Join your classmates and future colleagues on Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon-1:20 p.m. in the Ambassador Ballroom #1 (Level 3) at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. This luncheon is sponsored by the Michigan Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP). A ticket is required, and pre-registration is necessary. Onsite registrations for this luncheon event will not be accepted. Make sure to mark this event on your registration form or online registration in order to attend. For student pharmacists that attended this event at last year’s Annual Convention, please note that the room has changed. By using the Ambassador Ballroom #1, MSHP will be able to seat all registered lunch guests in one room.

Student Social
Student pharmacists are invited to stop by this informal reception from 7-10:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 26. Enjoy drinks and appetizers, and network with fellow student pharmacists from the other Michigan colleges of pharmacy. The theme this year is “school colors,” so be sure to wear your college apparel. All registered members of Student MPA are invited to attend free of charge. A fee applies to nonmember student pharmacists. Pre-registration is necessary.

Michigan Pharmacy Foundation (MPF) Events
Adopt-a-Student Program
MPA was provided feedback from student pharmacists regarding the Adopt-a-Student program. Major changes in the process have been put in place to make the process much easier. All student pharmacists wishing to be adopted must follow an outlined process. See the post below for instructions on how to sign up to be adopted.

Continental Breakfast
Early risers, start your day off right by having breakfast provided by MPF. A continental breakfast will be available from 7-9 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Collection Drive
MPF will be holding a special “Because We Care” collection drive for personal care items to be donated to a shelter in Detroit during the Annual Convention. Watch future MPA communications for additional details. A press conference with the selected charity and others will be held during the Keynote Session on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Other Suggested Programs
Friday, Feb. 26

• Special Exhibit Hall hours for student pharmacists, 1-2 p.m., Renaissance Ballroom
• Opening Session, 4:30 p.m., Ambassador Ballroom

Saturday, Feb. 27

• Keynote Session, 9-10:20 a.m., Ambassador Ballroom

Sunday, Feb. 28

• New Delegate Briefing, 8:30-9:15 a.m., (if you are a new student delegate to the House of Delegates you should attend this meeting prior to the House of Delegates Session)
• House of Delegates Session, 9:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m.