Amnesty International and Pharmacists for Social Justice

By: Ebey P. Soman, Editor-In-Chief

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As a member of Amnesty International and a student pharmacist, I have an opportunity to be a force for social justice in this world. Remember the classes titled “Social and Behavioral Aspects of Pharmaceutical Care” or the “Moral Theology of Health Care” that you took as a first or second year Pharm.D. Candidate? Applying the lessons and principles learned in those classes can make a real difference in the lives of individuals around the world, be they thousands of miles away or simply right in your own neighborhood. Pharmacists have the opportunity to participate in medical mission trips to third world nations to make a real impact. Organizations like Doctors without Borders, Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI), and many others are actively seeking pharmacists with vast clinical knowledge to help make positive impacts and change some lives.

      Perhaps you may not have adequate finances to pursue such an endeavor. This is where Amnesty International USA comes into the picture. Through Amnesty International, one’s voice is heard across the world to initiate meaningful reform and to upload the Vincentian values we hold so dear at St. John’s University. Take a moment and visit Amnesty International USA at http://www.amnestyusa.org/ and consider taking action on healthcare issues by improving health in third world nations.