When Belmont pharmacy student Kaylee Heflin set foot on Capitol Hill for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Conference, she had one mission in mind — to promote better patient care and pharmacy services for communities across Tennessee and beyond.
The second-year Doctor of Pharmacy candidate from Indian Mound, Tennessee was among the select student pharmacists who participated in the annual meeting in Washington D.C. There, she met with congressional leaders to discuss key issues impacting the pharmacy industry from drug pricing reform and expanding pharmacists' scope of practice to the ongoing opioid crisis.
"I grew up in a rural area where access to healthcare was very limited," Heflin said. "I became intrigued in the vital roles I could play as a pharmacist to help bridge the gap between physicians and patients while providing preventive care through communication and education."
Her passion for increasing healthcare access fueled powerful conversations on Capitol Hill advocating for policies to advance pharmacy services within the healthcare system. Heflin spent time educating legislators on the real-world impacts of critical pharmacy topics like reimbursement challenges, opioid management and allowing pharmacists to practice at the top of their training.
"I was paired with pharmacists and another student from Tennessee when meeting with congressmen and senators," Heflin said. "We spoke on key issues like drug pricing and scope of practice expansion, as well as the opioid pandemic directly impacting our communities back home."
The invaluable experience deepened Heflin's understanding of the legislative process — from how bills are introduced and debated, to their enactment into law. As she gained this firsthand knowledge, Heflin became even more motivated to be an active voice for the profession she loves.
"This experience has only inspired me to find more ways I can advocate for the pharmacy industry," she said. "I would like to eventually serve on the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy and as a female pharmacist voice on Capitol Hill."
Heflin's impressive advocacy efforts don't stop there. She currently serves as a delegate for the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, through which she recently received a $1,000 scholarship. Heflin was also selected for the inaugural Student Advisory Council Board for Publix Pharmacy, a coveted national leadership role.
Belmont University supported Heflin's advocacy journey by facilitating her participation in the NACDS conference and making her aware of organizations to get involved with. Nurturing this type of experiential learning and leadership development is just one way Belmont empowers future pharmacists.
"Participating in these discussions made me realize the difference just one person's voice can make," Heflin said. "I'm determined to be that voice for my patients and community to ensure they receive the best care and healthcare resources they deserve."