Jasmine Turner. Photo by Kevin Bain/Ole Miss Communications
OXFORD, Miss. – Jasmine Turner, a fourth-year student in the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has received a $1,000 grant from the 2016 EPIC Pharmacies student grant program.
EPIC Pharmacies is a national group of independent pharmacies that annually provides grants to pharmacy students who plan to practice in independent pharmacy after graduation. This is the second year in a row Turner, a native of Tippo, has received this grant.
“I feel proud to be in the midst of such an amazing, supportive and selfless group of individuals who have aimed to build stronger patient relationships and deeper communities within independent pharmacies,” Turner said.
“This scholarship recognizes the hard work that I have put into pharmacy as well as myself. It also provides me with lifelong networking opportunities with other independent pharmacists.”
Turner was chosen for the grant based on her application that detailed her pharmacy-related employment, professional service activities and honors, as well as faculty recommendations and an essay about her career goals, which include practicing in an independent, rural community pharmacy.
“Jasmine exhibits many qualities that would allow her to excel in a community pharmacy setting, including excellent leadership and teamwork skills and extensive experience working with independent pharmacies in rural areas of Mississippi,” said David Gregory, associate dean for academic affairs, who recommended Turner for the grant.
“She is truly keen about her career choice, and she looks forward to serving the profession of pharmacy in a positive manner.”
Turner said her desire to work in rural community pharmacy stems from her connection to and care for the people of her small hometown of Tippo.
“Growing up in such a small place, I want to serve those who have played a role in making me who I am today,” Turner said. “My ultimate goal is to help my patients get healthy and stay healthy not only by being their pharmacist but also by being a friend, a mentor and a leader.”