NCPA Scholar, Chapter Honoree

UHCOP's Allison Phuc Nguyen Secures Outstanding Student Member Award, National Scholarship from NCPA 

UH College of Pharmacy Pharm.D. student Allison Phuc Nguyen secured a rare "double" at the National Community Pharmacists Association's 116th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition Oct. 16-22 in Austin. Not only was Nguyen honored among the 2014 NCPA Outstanding Student Member of the Year Award recipients at the national meeting, but she also secured a 2014 NCPA Foundation and Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship.

Nguyen took an active role in the student organizations, especially organizing several health fairs across the Houston area during her term as chair of the UH NCPA chapter's Community Outreach & Special Events committee. Nguyen also has been heavily involved in pharmacy advocacy, including meeting with state representatives and helping organize legislative workshops. 

"It is a reflection of the hard work, hardship, and passion that I dedicate to NCPA," Nguyen said. "I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this recognition without the encouragement from my mentor, (past chapter president) Tam K. Nguyen, and the support from Mr. Bruce Biundo, Dr. Lynn Simpson, and my fellow UHCOP NCPA officers.

"It is never easy for anyone to balance school, involvement and personal life together. These awards are a reminder for me that as long as I follow my passion, everything is possible and the opportunities are endless. As my father once taught me, 'It is hard to achieve something, but it is even harder to maintain it.' So I strive to better myself every day and will continue to be involved with NCPA."

Serving as a clinical associate professor and a co-advisor for UH NCPA Chapter co-advisor, Simpson praised Nguyen's leadership in promoting patient care and the role of pharmacists and pharmacy students in the legislative process.  

"Phuc will go far in helping to change the profession for the better by encouraging all pharmacists to have a voice in the way they practice," Simpson said. "Phuc is the type of person that will excel and conquer whatever challenge comes her way."