Michelle Sugden, Executive Chair, CPS Student Academy CPS Member Spotlight Michelle Sugden, Executive Chair, CPS Student Academy

Michelle Sugden

How did you get introduced to the world of pharmacy?

Luckily, many things lead me to the world of pharmacy when I was younger. I am a first generation college student and I was looking for a way to give back to the underserved community since I was fortunate enough to have the ability to do so. This passion, combined with my love of science, and the suggestion of a good friend, motivated me to pursue a job as a pharmacy technician. I worked in an independently-owned community pharmacy for two years and fell in love with the profession. Now I’m elated to say that I’ve completed 2.5 years at CU in the Skagg's School of Pharmacy.

What factors or even people have influenced your current leadership in Pharmacy?

The primary factor that led me to my current pharmacy leadership positions was my persistent desire to better myself. I saw peers that I highly respected in leadership roles and I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. Being a leader is important because I can learn how to better communicate, to empower others, to know when and how to compromise, and how to be a mentor, among other skills. I find this to be a continuously challenging and yet, rewarding experience and I find out more about myself everyday. I realize that I have a lot to learn about being a leader, and I look forward to the opportunity to continue to improve my skills.

What is your favorite thing about being a CPS member?

That question has a lot of answers for me That question has a lot of answers for me. CPS provides so many opportunities for students and pharmacists alike. I appreciate that since CPS is a close knit organization on campus, my opinions and those of my classmates will actually be heard and we can truly make a difference. CPS also provides outstanding networking experiences, since we can learn from pharmacy students from both Regis and CU campuses as well as already-practicing mentor pharmacists.

Where do you see yourself practicing upon graduation?

Pharmacy is unique and exciting in that there are many places to practice. I have enjoyed so many aspects of pharmacy that I am still looking to identify my personal niche. I am very interested in learning more about ambulatory care pharmacy since my favorite parts of my IPPE experiences have been my interactions with patients. I am looking forward to rotations as I am hoping they will help me find my true passion.

What impact will you have on CPS as this year’s Student Academy president?

CPS is a unique organization in that all student voices can be heard CPS is a unique organization in that all student voices can be heard. I have many goals for CPS Student Academy such as growing our reputation on both CU and Regis campuses, providing distinctive networking experiences to students, and growing the student membership. I hope to positively impact the Student Academy such that the next group of leaders will be excited and hopeful for the future of CPS and pharmacy as a whole and will have all the tools necessary to accomplish the goals of CPS. There is an active and passionate group of people sitting on the Executive Board at this time, and I am looking forward to all that we will accomplish together.