Two University of Iowa (UI) College of Pharmacy students have been selected for distinguished opportunities through the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), underscoring the college’s national reputation for excellence and leadership. “I’ve already met so many people who recognize the profound success and impact Iowa has had,” one student shared, reflecting the pride both honorees feel in representing Iowa among pharmacy scholars from across the country.

Goff Named to Community Pharmacy Student Scholars Program

Doctor of Pharmacy student Wiley Goff has been selected to participate in the AACP Community Pharmacy Student Scholars Program, a national initiative that develops student leaders passionate about advancing community pharmacy practice.

Goff joins student pharmacists from across the country to explore innovations and advocacy efforts shaping the future of community-based care.

“Representing Iowa makes me feel more connected to the skills I’ve learned and the community we have here,” Goff said. “I’ve already met so many people who recognize the profound success and impact Iowa has had. I’m proud to share stories of the institution I call home.”

Through the 10-month program, Goff and his peers will engage with leaders from AACP, Community-Based Pharmacy Solutions for All (CPESN), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), and Walgreens—organizations at the forefront of expanding pharmacists’ roles in patient care.

“I’m especially interested in seeing how current leaders are advocating for the expansion of the pharmacist’s standard of care,” Goff said. “With Iowa recently passing the Standard of Care Act, I’m curious to see how other states will respond to the growing impact pharmacists have on clinical services and patient access.”

Goff credits his mentors, Tracy Tran, ’24 PharmD, and Stevie Veach, associate professor, for inspiring his path in community pharmacy. “Dr. Tran showed me firsthand how advanced pharmacy services and CPESN are revolutionizing care,” he said. “And Dr. Veach is one of the most passionate community pharmacists I know. Her teachings have helped me translate classroom knowledge into real-world practice.”

He also attributes much of his preparation to the college’s culture of innovation and mentorship. “Iowa is home to some of the greatest minds and success stories in pharmacy,” Goff said. “I’ve learned what it takes to make positive change by watching the incredible community around me.”

Looking ahead, Goff hopes to use his experiences to remove barriers to health care and improve patient outcomes. “One of my most memorable moments in pharmacy was helping a patient overcome language and financial barriers to care,” he said. “That experience solidified my goal—to increase health care efficiency and expand the scope of pharmacy practice so we can better serve every patient.”

Patel Selected for Aspiring Academic Program

UI student pharmacist Pia Patel has been selected for the AACP Aspiring Academic Program, a national initiative designed to inspire students interested in pursuing careers in academic pharmacy. 

For Patel, the chance to represent Iowa alongside students from across the country is both an honor and a responsibility.

“Iowa is a nationwide leader in pharmacy, which comes with a strong sense of responsibility that I don’t take lightly,” Patel explained. “It fills me with pride when we have group discussions with other Aspiring Academics students, and they share how much they have learned about the progressiveness of Iowa pharmacy. Being selected to represent our school means carrying forward a legacy of excellence, collaboration, and patient-centered care.”

A Passion for Teaching

For Patel, the draw to academia is deeply personal. She recalls the lasting influence of a mathematics professor in Austria who believed in her even when she doubted herself. “Great teachers can make a lifelong inspirational impact on students,” Patel said. “Just as he was for me, I want to be that positive light and motivator for future pharmacists.”

Teaching has long been part of Patel’s identity. From tutoring English, German, and programming, to teaching summer classes in chemistry and engineering at Iowa’s College of Education, she has embraced opportunities to break down complex ideas into accessible lessons. “I am convinced that even the most complicated concept is teachable, learnable, and comprehensible,” she noted. 

Shaping a Career Path

Participation in the Aspiring Academic Program has already influenced Patel’s vision for her future. “Sharing ideas with students and mentors from all over the country has been very eye-opening,” she said. “Learning how to balance clinical work, teaching, research, and service helps me connect with mentors and peers with similar aspirations, as well as develop the skills and mindset needed to pursue a faculty role in the future.”

While Patel acknowledges that the future is never set in stone, she is certain it will include both clinical practice and teaching.

Mentorship Matters

Patel credits Kathryn Smith, associate professor of instruction and program mentor, with offering valuable perspective. “Dr. Smith is very open about her experiences in academia—both the rewards and the challenges,” Patel said. “Her ability to adapt her teaching to meet the needs of her students is truly inspiring.”

Patel also recognizes the strong mentoring culture within the college, which pairs students with professional, faculty, and peer mentors. She highlighted her professional mentor, Guadalupe Chavez, ’21 PharmD, a clinical pharmacy specialist at Beacon Medical Group, for her ongoing support and commitment to meeting with her regularly, even from out of state. “The diverse learning experiences and mentorship at Iowa have helped me evolve my understanding of the pharmacist’s role in health care,” Patel said.

Looking Ahead: Compassion and Impact

Patel’s vision for the future is rooted in compassion and service. Her journey, which began in Austria and includes advocacy work for survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse in Iowa and Illinois, has given her a unique perspective. “My practice of pharmacy, as well as my teaching, will always be driven by compassion for my patients and students,” Patel said. “I have seen firsthand how empowering even the smallest tidbit of knowledge can be for an individual. That is the impact I hope to make.”