By Jeanne M. Hoban

Since beginning her journey as a pharmacy student at Northeast Ohio Medical University, Deanna Laughlin has taken on multiple leadership roles with student organizations on campus, across the state and nationally.

In August 2024, she went international, when she was elected as the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation Pan American Regional Projects Officer.

That appointment has taken her around the world as a representative voice for pharmacy students across the globe.

World Health Assembly

As an IPSF delegate to the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland, in May, Laughlin was one of a select group of pharmacy students worldwide chosen to attend the prestigious global policy forum hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The WHA convenes health ministers, policymakers and global health leaders to determine international health priorities, set policy agendas and coordinate responses to major public health challenges.

“Participating in the World Health Assembly allowed me to witness firsthand how global health policy is shaped and how the pharmacy profession can contribute to systemic change,” Laughlin shared.

Connecting with pharmacy students from across the world fostered international dialogue, promoted cultural understanding and showcased the many ways pharmacists contribute to public health around the world.

Laughlin believes her presence at the WHA helps reframe the identity of pharmacy students as more than just future dispensers of medication; they are emerging public health advocates and health systems leaders.

“I joined IPSF’s global delegation to represent the voice of over 600,000 pharmacy students worldwide. In doing so, I want to advocate for key issues, including equitable access to medicines, youth engagement in global health decision making, and the role of pharmacists in achieving universal health coverage,” she said.

United Nations Forum

In July, Laughlin attended the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York City.

“I joined passionate youth leaders to spotlight the intersection of health, gender equity, climate action and decent work all through the lens of several sustainable development goals,” Laughlin shared. “As a young woman in STEM and a future pharmacist, I was proud to contribute to dialogues that not only centered youth voices but also demanded accountability and intergenerational solidarity in policy development and implementation.”

Hearing from delegates from other parts of the world was powerful, said Laughlin, especially in the face of climate change, economic inequities and gender equality challenges.

During the forum, Laughlin joined panelists from UNICEF, the UN Youth Office and NCD Alliance, a nongovernmental agency, in a session on how youth can tackle non-communicable diseases (NCD). In another session, Laughlin presented on the importance of having a pharmacist on the care team and the need to reinforce the global commitment to HIV/AIDS.

“These conversations reinforced my commitment to championing pharmaceutical systems and strengthening anti-microbial stewardship, especially in underresourced settings,” she said.

World Congress in Kenya

In August, Laughlin traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to attend the IPSF World Congress.

“It was an experience that blended leadership, service, cultural exchange and professional growth in ways I will carry with me for years to come,” she enthused.

Side by side with students from Germany, Philippines, Liberia, Kenya, United Arab Emirates and others, Laughlin participated in an intensive leadership development program during the conference.

“It was empowering to learn alongside passionate pharmacy students from around the world who share the same vision of advancing our profession globally,” she said.

During the General Assembly, Laughlin had the opportunity to help review policies and proposals shaping the IPSF’s future.

“One of the most meaningful moments for me was presenting my plan for the Pan American Region as the nominee for Regional Chairperson,” she shared. “I am honored that my nomination was accepted, and I look forward to serving pharmacy students across the Americas in this new leadership role.”

Laughlin also had some time to experience local attractions. That included a safari and marine park visit with other delegates, some of whom she would see again at the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) World Congress.

“Outside of the IPSF Congress, I immersed myself in Kenya’s vibrant culture and pharmacy community,” Laughlin shared. Those experiences, she said, “gave me a deeper appreciation for the diversity of training models worldwide.”

FIP World Congress

In September, Laughlin traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark, to attend the FIP World Congress, thanks to a Ton Hoek Scholarship she received through APhA Foundation.

“This was the most impactful opportunity that I have received as a student, and it came at the best time in my career. I had just been elected as the IPSF Pan American Chairperson, and it allowed me to network with many individuals at the international level to unlock opportunities for our region,” Laughlin shared. “This experience was more than a professional milestone; it was a defining moment in my journey as a future pharmacist, public health advocate and global health diplomat.”

The FIP World Congress is one of the largest and most influential gatherings of pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and educators worldwide.

During the congress, Laughlin participated in leadership development, policy dialogues, scientific sessions and international networking events, advocating for student involvement in global health diplomacy and pharmacy workforce development.

Pan American Health Organization

In October, Laughlin traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the 62nd Directing Council of Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). One of the highest governing bodies of PAHO, the council brings together ministers of health and senior delegates from across the Americas to adopt regional health policies and shape the future of public health in the hemisphere.

As head of the IPSF delegation, she contributed to discussions on priority health issues, including antimicrobial resistance, digital health transformation, pandemic preparedness, equitable access to essential medicines and vaccines, and others. She collaborated with global youth leaders and regional partners to elevate the role of pharmacy professionals within PAHO’s strategies for universal health coverage and resilient health systems.

“I was able to present our position on gender equity, and to have individuals from our region resonate with that intervention made me feel that I was truly making the impact I dreamed of as a student,” Laughlin said.

She returns to NEOMED with strengthened partnerships, deeper insight into regional health governance, and a renewed commitment to preparing student pharmacists to lead in global public health arenas.

Laughlin is grateful for the many opportunities her role in IPSF and APhA Foundation has given her.

“I have connected with so many individuals with different experiences and perspectives that have truly inspired me to continue my pursuit as a global health advocate,” she said. “These experiences have truly reaffirmed my passion for global health, infectious diseases and pharmacy leadership, and they reminded me why I chose this path: to be part of a profession that not only heals but also unites communities around the world.”