Kooima helps shape future of student leadership in pharmacy

This spring’s American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting in Los Angeles may have been Aubrey Kooima’s last as a student pharmacist, but it was also a culminating moment for this notable leader.

She was selected to attend as a member of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists National Nominating Committee, representing Region 5, a distinction awarded to just one student from each region of the eight regions across the United States.

It was also a very new experience.

"It was a unique perspective," Kooima said. "I've always been on the opposite side. I've always been the one getting interviewed."

Through her work on the committee, she interviewed candidates seeking national leadership positions within the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists, including president-elect, speaker of the house and national members-at-large. Ultimately, the goal was to provide recommendations to the House of Delegates to help them make good decisions about future leaders for the organization.

According to Kooima, her participation in the nominating committee helped her gain a new perspective on leadership and professional development.

"It was really cool because I learned a lot from the other students on the committee, just how they ask questions and what they were looking for, things that I had never thought about," she said.

Kooima's selection was a reflection of years of active involvement in leadership while a student in SDSU’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. During her time at SDSU, she attended the American Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting every year and served as president-elect and later president of Student Collaboration for the Advancement and Promotion of Pharmacy, the university's student pharmacy organization chapter.

“Aubrey was a standout member of her class and leader throughout her time at SDSU,” said Alex Middendorf, associate professor of pharmacy practice and co-adviser for the student organization. “When opportunities with far-reaching, statewide impact came along during her tenure as a leader, Aubrey met those challenges head-on and exceeded expectations. Most importantly, Aubrey made a concerted effort to develop future student leaders for the organization, paying dividends for years to come.”

Originally from Rock Valley, Iowa, Kooima's interest in pharmacy began during high school after experiencing an adverse reaction to medication. The experience made her wonder why people react to medication differently. She started working as a pharmacy clerk at age 16 through a family friend who was a pharmacist. She later advanced to technician and intern roles while pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy degree at SDSU.

Kooima considered several institutions to pursue her education in pharmacy but found something distinctive at SDSU.

"I really loved the people at SDSU," she said. "I'm from a small town, so it felt like a small-town feel because people were just so kind."

Now a graduate of the program, Kooima said the supportive culture of SDSU's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions played a significant role in her success.

"The professors are incredible," she said. "They will spend time with you if you have questions or if you don't understand a topic, and they just want to get to know you as a person, too."

Kooima is currently undertaking a pharmacy residency at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. After completion, she said she may explore a postgraduate Year 2 residency to specialize in oncology pharmacy.

For Kooima, that combination of academic excellence and personal support helped prepare her not only for a career in pharmacy, but also for any leadership opportunities that she may pursue.

"I am just really proud of SDSU Pharmacy,” she said. “And I am proud that I was able to be a part of it."