Seun Lagbenro

Spark into pharmacy:
I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare because I grew up in a household that feared the healthcare system. I witnessed how avoiding care and deprioritizing wellness could lead to preventable, long-term consequences, which shaped my desire to work in a profession centered on trust, access, and education. My interest became more focused after taking a course that allowed students to explore different healthcare professions. I was particularly struck by the accessibility of pharmacists. Pharmacists do not require appointments or referrals and are often one of the most approachable healthcare professionals for patients seeking guidance. As I progressed in my education, I became increasingly motivated by the pharmacist’s ability to improve patient outcomes at both the individual and systems level, ultimately solidifying my decision to pursue pharmacy.

Professional Interests:
My professional interests include ambulatory care, internal medicine, pharmacy administration, and academia. In ambulatory care, I am drawn to the pharmacist’s role in building long-term relationships with patients, supporting chronic disease management, and improving access to care outside of the inpatient setting. My interest in internal medicine stems from the complexity of inpatient care and the opportunity pharmacists have to optimize therapy for medically complex patients. I am also strongly interested in pharmacy administration, particularly roles that combine clinical practice with leadership, program development, and systems improvement. Additionally, I have a growing interest in academia, particularly teaching and precepting, as I value mentoring students and contributing to the development of future pharmacists.

Journey to PSF Executive Committee:
My interest in serving on the Pharmacy Student Forum Executive Committee is shaped by my progression through national leadership within ASHP and my desire to be a strong advocate for pharmacy students. I began my involvement as a member of the Residency Preparation Advisory Group, where I contributed to student-focused initiatives and saw the direct impact of our work on students across the country. I later transitioned into the Vice Chair role, where I helped oversee multiple workgroups, supported project development, and coordinated efforts across the Advisory Group.

Why PSF Executive Committee:
After being actively involved in ASHP PSF for the past two years, I developed a strong appreciation for the organization’s impact on student pharmacists nationwide. Through my experiences, I saw opportunities to further enhance student engagement, outreach, and the accessibility of PSF initiatives. This motivated me to pursue a role on the Executive Committee, where I could help advocate for meaningful improvements and ensure that more students benefit from the resources PSF provides.

Additionally, I was drawn to this role as an opportunity to continue growing as a leader while serving an organization that has played a significant role in my own development. ASHP has given me invaluable mentorship, leadership experience, and a platform to make an impact, and I am eager to give back at the highest level. I hope to contribute by strengthening connections within the student community, supporting fellow leaders, and helping advance the mission of PSF in a way that is both impactful and sustainable.

Benefits of being involved in ASHP as a student:
Being a member of ASHP has been instrumental in my development as a student pharmacist. Through national involvement, I have strengthened my leadership, communication, and collaboration skills while working with peers and mentors from across the country. ASHP has exposed me to a wide range of pharmacy practice models and leadership pathways, helping clarify my professional goals. Equally important, it has empowered me to advocate for pharmacy students and engage in service-oriented leadership that prioritizes growth, access, and meaningful impact within the profession.

Goals for the year as a PSF Executive Committee Member:
As a PSF Executive Committee member, my goals are to improve communication and collaboration between the Executive Committee and Advisory Groups, advocate for pharmacy students at the national level, and increase awareness and accessibility of PSF resources. I hope to help bring more awareness to the many high-quality resources developed by PSF members by increasing promotion and engagement of these resources. Ultimately, my goal is to ensure that the work being done within the PSF is not only impactful but also accessible and meaningful to the broader student community.

Fun Fact:
I love traveling and am working toward visiting the 20 most populous cities in the United States. Every drum set I own has been given to me for free!